The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1872-07-28


BUREN.-Nearly quarter of century ago the
Legislature of New York enacted q law impos-
ing o captation tax upon immigrants arriving
from Europe and landing at Quarantine. A
question was raised in respect to the conssitu-
tionality of this law, and the case was uiti-
mately taken to the Supreme Court OF the
on one side, and John Van Buren, on the other.
The trial attracted considerable interest. not
so much from the Importance OF the question
involved as frem the reputation anu Hplitioai
position of the opposing counsel. Mr. Steward
was Senator in Congress, and the great wing
leader of the State, while Van Buren, was tho
most brilliant orator and most popular man
on the Democratic side. They were rivals at
the bar, having then recently been engaged in
the trial Of the negro murderer Freeman, at
Auburn. during which there had been much
| in Congress evarmly sympathized with Stew
ard, while the Democrats were equally active
! and Jealous in encouraging Van SoTen The
Ing impression being that the Senator was
| more of q statesman than lawyer, put that
Van Buren, was one Of the most entertaining,
impressive, effective advocates that had ever
been heard in the Court. Jadge Faney pre-,
sided-one of the purest, most learned and
able judges that eversat on the bench. He was
| the representation of ones idea OF the genius
manner, ascetic in his habits. gloomy, forbid
ding looking man, resembling monk OF the
middle ages; but under this cold and repulsive
exterior there beat warm and sympathetlc
| a Joke was never satirical or iron1caI. ana de-
tested pun or quip as much as Or. John
son. The day tue argument wac closed, Van
Buren, contrived to fall in company with the
Chief Justice in coming down the avenue from
the Capitol. John had degree of GOODNESS
and self.pessession under all circumstances.
that nothing e'er disturbed. With gay,
jiaunty manner, that would have offended in
Eanybody else, but which be made winning and
attractive, he addressed the aged jurist I"
was very much fsttsred, Mr.. Chief Justice, st
tho graclous attention with which you listened
to my poor effort In behalf Of the suffering
immigrants ut Quarantine" Mr.. Teney made
fitting response. snd Van Buren cody pro-
respecting the decision Of the Court The
Judge started with o gestufe Of depreciation,
as If he epprehended IA indiecretiou on the
part Of the lawyer. am quite aware Of the
s6ould look like an attempt to infuence the
action OF the Court" Here the Judge Rave q
dissatis6ed shrug of his shoulders, intended ab
| q rebuke Of what he regarded As an infperti-
went on with his remarke, as though he was
saying the most natural and appropriate thing
imaginable. "Nor would presume to init
mate that an early decision of the case h de-
sirable" The Judge opened bis eyes In amaze
your Honor" continued John, the poor
devils at Quarantine are perishing daily, and
1t is Of the utmost Importance that they
should learn whether they are dying constttu-
tionally" ApprecatIng Johns waggery at
last, the Chief Justice, mach relieved, gave
way to a hearty laugh, aud the conversation
came to AN end. John Van Buren had in him
the making of grea5lawyer and IA STATESMAN
of commanding power. lie lacked nothing
Quick of perception, with fine faculties, un-
| cOmu1ou logical powers, and abundant 'msS-
4 tion, he never failed to cvmmau nd ths admitting
attention of his audItory.-GGIoSJ.