Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28
Meeting of the Bar at Searcy, White
 County, Arkansas.

lOth January, lS6l; on motion, Hon. Wm. R. Cain was unanimously elected president.
 On motion, Wm. Hicks, esq.,, appointed to act as secretary.
 On motion, Col. Jas. H. Patterson was requested to explain the object of the meet Ing, which he did in an address of some length.
 Col. Patterson referred to the ancient landmarks, so to speak of the profession. Stated that the profession of law had ever been ranked among the first of the learned professions. That unlike any other, it was remarkable for the universal courtesy ex lsting among the members of the bar That 1t was unusual, in the spirit of the profession, to see two of its members en- gagged in personal anim osities. That the universal tendency of the profession was naturally to patronize each other. That the profession is distinguished from any and all other professions. He believed much good would result from an associa- tlon for the purpose of cultivating intima- cy and good feeling among its members.- lie stated that the bar was in it's infancy Tn Arkansas, composed as it was of mem- bers from all parts of the United States. whose facilities for social communion and intercourse were of the most limited charac. ter, on account of the varied and extensive field of labor attendant upon the profession here; and urged the calling of convention of the bar at Searcy for the promotion of soclal intercourse among the members for the free interchange of thoughts and views for the good of the profession, to de- wise ways and means by which the un- worthy branches that have necessarily sprung up in the profession may be lopped olf He stated that quacks had and ever would spring up in all professions. That the profession of law had to great extent maintained its dignity That he looked with pleasant anticipations to a social meeting for the interchange of sentiment and social feeling, for the benefit of the profession to be enlivened by feast suita- ble to the occasion.
 That although by many the profession were regarded as knaves, yet that any one would admit, upon reflection. that there was more virtue in the profession of law than any other, without exception. That these conclusions were the result of a care ful perusal of those great law workers of the profession, which teach it's members to drink from those pure fountains which flow from the eternal throne of justice. That only those who live upon the decayed sur roundings of the law were susceptible of promoting the profession to other than noble ends, and to render the law snare to entrap the innocent and unsuspecting. He deprecated the tendency of the profession to tritter itself away in special technicalties and commended liberal rudimental course of practice.
 He spoke of Searcy as pleasant rural district surrounded by pleasant scenery, in a healthful region, central and accessible. and paid handsome compliment to the politeness and hospitality of it's citizens.
 On motion of Samuel w. Williams, esq, committee of five was appointed by the president to draft resolutions expressive ot the objects of this meeting. The presi- dent appointed on said committee Col. Jas. Il. Patterson, of Jackson; Capt. F. w. Desha, of Independence; Sam. w. Will Hams, of Pulaski; B. D. Turner, Jesse N. Cypert and Wm. R. Coody, esqs., of White, who reported the following pream- ble and resolutions, which were adopred:
 WHEREAS, The profession of law has ever been distinguished for it's moral integrity and also for it, high social qualities and fraternal intercourse and whereas, the bench and bar of Arkansas are com posed of members of the profession from almost all parts of the world and although bound together by the common ties of legal brotherhood, yet in many Instances they are strangers to each other in their personal relations, on account of the varied field of labor and the very remote situations to each other. And whereas, it is desirable that iraternal feeling should be cultivated amongst the bar of Arkansas, in view of the time honored custom of the profession; and whereas, the town of Searcy, in White county, is desirable location for general convention of the profession throughout the State. on account of its central position, it's fine water delightful scenery and the many facilities for re- creation and also from the known hospitality of the citizens of Searcy. Therefore,
 Resolued, lst That there be convention of the bar of Arkansas, at the town of Searcv, in White county on the Sd Monday of July, 1861, to con. tinue for one week for recreation and amusement, and to consider of any matters deemed proper.
 2d. That we desire the operation of the entire legal profession of this State, and to this end we request the judges and prosecuting attorneys of the several judicial districts of Arkansas to use their influence and efforts to procure the cooperation of the several counties of this State in the object and purpose of this organization
 3d. Thet committee of five be appointed to draft and circulate address to the bar of Arkan-
 
 of the associ ation.
 4th. That a temporary committee of arrange monts and correspondence, consisting of seven, be appointed at this place, (Searcy,) who for the time shall constitute a central committee of arrange ments and correspondence.
 Whereupon, the president appointed Col James II. Patterson, of Jackson; Sam. w. Williams, esq, of Pulaski; F. w. Desha, of Independence, and B. D. Turner, esq, of White, to prepare and circulate an address to the bar of the State. Onmotion, Hon. Wm. R. Cain was added to this com mittee.
 The president then appointed J. N. Cy- pert, esq, B. D. Turner. esq, Wm. R. Coody, esq, D. McRae, esq.,, T. B. Wood ward, esq, Wm. G. Turner, esq.,, and Will Hicks, esq.,, to act as a central com mittee of correspondence and arrangements for the association.
 On motion of F. w. Cesha, esq.,,
 Resoloed, That the central committee be instruct ed to invite Capt. Albert Pike to deliver an ad- dress on the occasion, upon "professiona ethics" Also the judges of the supreme, circuit and chan cery courts of the State and such others as they may choose to invite to attend as invited guests and that they and other distinguished lawyers be invited to address the convention upon such sub. jects connected with the profession as the persons invited may choose to select; and that they part icularly invite Hon. Walker, of Fayetteville, to deiis histoTcai biog piiio5f saetoiiss o te early pioneers and distinguished members of the profession in the Territory, and now State of Ar kansas.
 On motion of Wm. R. Coody, esq,
 Resolued, That the judges and prosecuting at torneys of each judicial circuit in this State be re- uuested to call meetings of the bar in the several counties to give expression of their views, and the more thoroughly to enlist the cooperation of all the profession in the objects and purposes of this association; o form local committees to correspond with the central committee of arrangements and correspondence at Searcy.