The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-03-08
MGstelIaneous.
MY FIRST CLIENT.


received my diploma and took my oatl
of Office, as an attorney and consellor at Law
at general tcrm Of the Supreme court, il
October. In the month following, bu
three weeks later, there WAS term Of Oyei
and renniner, at which l was present, al
idle spectator.
The criminal calendar contained. in the
following order, the charges here mentioned
-manslaughtcr, burglary, riot, and several
minor oilenccs-aSsaults, batteries, petit lar
cenics, and the like. OF course the princi
pal interest attached 10 the accusations o
the greatest magnitude---the first two (; but
as neither Of these two was ready for tria
the curious spectators were Obliged to con
tent themselves with forgery.
The People against John Smith, contin
ued the Judge, reading from the calendar.
The People are ready said the District
Attorney.
Is the prisoner in COurt'
lie is.
Then arraign him.
A young man, about two-and-twenty
years of age, ofmedium size, slight in per,
son, with lair complexion, light hair, blue
eyes, soft white hands. and stylishly dressed,
rose to hIs feet, and instantly became the
centre OF observation.
Have you counsel p inquired the judge.
Il have not replied the prisoner.
You should have COUNSEL continued the
Court
The prisoner made no reply, but seemed
10 be absorbed in meditation. The truth is,
be knew not what To answer.
You had better select some member oI
the bar to conduct the defence, suggested
the judge.
1T would be Of no avail, replied the
prisoner, with an air of dependency.
:. 1t would insure you fair trial, persist.
cd the Court.
/ shall expect that at your hands in any
event. said the prisoner. But ii the evil
dence taken before the committing magis-
trate is to be reproduced upon this trial, the
abI.st counsel in this city could not secur'
NV acquittal.
III there be sufficient reason, it may b
excluded. said the Court,
But there is not replied the youth
frankly. Ii is every word true
Then you wish to plead guilty. said
the Judge.
.Oh, no, sir. exclaimed the young man
earnestly. Ii would lessen my punishment
perhaIs, but would not stain my soul with
a illsehoOd, il knew it would insure my
liberty. am innocent
The Judge seemed good deal perplcxed
Perceiying his difficulty, the man uttered /
word Of explanation There was no in
tent to do wrong
Here was language that indicated great
er knowledge Oi law than usually ialls L
the lot of those who have not studied IL
Evidently such was the thought uppermOs
| in the mind of the Court at that moment
But he let il pass without remark. Turning
to the District Attorney ho inquired.
What arv the Giets!'
They are few, your honor, said the pros
ecutor. The prisoner passed bank not
m payment OF his hotel bill, aud another IL
purchase OF some goods, receiving change il
both instances, when he had small mon
ey of quite sufficient amount to have coveret
both expenditures. When arrested, seyeri
other bills Oi the same sort were found II
his possession. These bills are all counter
| ieit'
The Judge unused a moment and then siiC
suddenly, what is your name =
But the prisoner was not 10 bc surprise'
into u discovery Of any tact pertaining Il
his past history.
/ am inditcd by the name Of John Smith,
he replied.
But who or what he was, or where iron
or whittier going, none had been able to as
. certain. lie seemed to be Impressed will
the belief that he should certainly be con
yictcd, AMI his most earnest desire was 4
conceal his identity.
An tho gentlemen within the bar, salt
the Court presently, are counsellors ut law
and YOU may select from among them, some
, one to conduct the defence
lie cast his bright blue ewes around tn
E bar, letting them rcst for u twinkling d
! each member, until they reached u grey
haired old gentleman, familiarity known .
Father Miles, who years before had been a
advocate Of distinction, and even then wa
, regardt q rs the Nestor of the bar. Her
they fingered for moment with look {
indccisiOn.
lie then resumed his survey, glanciug Q
each eountenance Us he prOccded, until b
. eyes fell upon u young man Ot brilliant al
; psarancc who has since risen to n high p,
sitiOn. Here he paused again. reflected an
hcsitated.
An are alike strangers TO me, he said, q
. length, addressing the Court. We cauno
always safely judge from Appearances.
shall be grateful 1t your honor will assig
me counsel
/ observed Father Mills busily engaged
writing something ON u strip OF paper, whic
in his haste he had torn irOm the ay-le'
. of a volume at his elbow. Now fath'
. Miles had been one Of the examiners at Il
; time my legal requirements were suejcct'
! to the inquisitorial ordeal Of the court, NJ
= |, felt intuitiyely as il that scrap OF pap
!, was intended to have some connection vii
m myself.
d AT the time Of my examination he ha
g asked but single question. IL may NJ
~ SEEN OF much importance in testing the
gal qualifications Of an applicant for admi
sion to the bar yet can assert truthful
l. IRON experience, that il Is an essential rrou
Ii site Of successful practice,
e What is the first duty Of lawyer VIII,
- a client seeks his services p
:, :, The question was put to the elass.
m which. as the members were arrang