The Van Buren press., 1872-03-05
MISCELLANY.
A Five Dollar Capitalist

Many years ago, in the early pioneer
days Of Oregon, some very funny things
took place, which ought to be collected
together and published. They would
make volume fully as interesting as
"Flush Times in Alabama, "by Judge
Joe Baldwin or, "Scenes in the South
and West, " by Col. Smith. The follow
ing "reminiscences of the early days of
Oregon City was related few days ago
by we'll known citizen.
In those days there were no drones in
Oregon. Every man worked--and by
his labor helped 20 build up the country
and make it what it is to day. AT that
timc there resided in the town Of Oregon
City young carpenter Of more than or
dinary good sense, and although his ed
ucaton was limited he was ambitious,
tried to improve himself, and consulted a
gentleman who claimed to be an attor-
nev, as to the course he should pursue
The squire had a number of law books,
and was regarded in Oregon as one Of
smartest men in the world When the
young man asked his advice as to what
books he should read the Squire unhesl-
tatngly replied.
Read law, my boy, read law. All
great men are lawyers. "
do you think I've got the right kind
Of a head for law, Squirrel" asked the
young carpenter
Just the one; you read law and Ill
bet anything that you'll eithar come out
Judge of the Supreme Court or Sena
tor Of the United States, was the reply.
The answer, or something else, settled
the matter, aud the carpenter borro wed a
copy OF Blackstone and commenced
studying during odd hours, when he was
not showing the jack plane. The Latin
terms rather puzzled the young man, and
he finally wrote down few of them,
among which we're Verss name pro
tune, onns pro6andi, IN re, Ia rem )" and
submitted them to the Squire and asked
him what they meant.
Them words sort of got me; can't
find them in my dictionary, and | would
just like to know what they mean -
The question was puzzler to the
Squire who for the life Of him could not
answer; but it would never do to dis
play ignorance in the presence Of his
pupil, SO he rubbed his face and fore.
head with cotton bandaua, and scratch.
ed his head behind the right ear with the
point Of goose quill, and with an aus
tere manner said.
"Them's Latin; you'll find u good
many of them in the law books, but they
are all trash, and when Oregon gets to
be State we'll expel them from the law
books here, so it ain't any use for you to
bother your head about them F"
The young man comprehendcd the
situation at q glance, but was too diplo-
matte to show it. either by word or ae.
ton, but the Squire fell degree or two
in his estimation lie felt that it was
necessary for him to know something
about Latin, so he sent to ST. Louis for
some books, and received them after
waiting n couple OF years He complet.
cd his studies, and was finally admitted
to the bar.
Though in those days there were no
drones there was no money in the coun-
try, and all trade and traffic was carried
on by means of orders on those who
owed the trading posts. A man who
could show a half dozen silver dollars
was regarded as man Of money, and his
opinion deferred to.
There was, and had been for several
months, loaGng about Oregon City, n
fal1 l. h,, tb. . Ia.
who wouldn't work He was regard as
q nuisance by the community, and one
day found himself in custody, charged
with being vagrant. He was taken be
fore Justice Moore for trial, and asked
permission to send for the young lawyer.
A messenger was dispatched for the car
penter, who was found at work bnilding
a house near the court house. Upon
learning what was desired, he took Off
his apron, but on his coat, and soon pre-
sented himself to the court.
"Jack, you have sent for me to dcfcnd
you. Have you any money ?" asked the
attorney when he had drawn him aside
for consultation.
Nary red, your honor; ] haint seed
a piece Of silver tor many day"
"Then how do you expect me to de.
fend youf"
"Well, you see, yer honor. owns a
iirst-class boss, and il YOU get me ont of
the hands Of that law shark, why, I'll
give you that ar hoss, F"
That's business, and I'll do what !
can to get you OF, bnt I'm afraid you'll
have to so up. because you are lazy
fellow and havnt worked particle since
you came into the country"
1t was the young attorneys first effort
and he felt aprde in making an imprss
sion on bis fellow citizens and noighbors
b, w;nn;no his fret caao. an hc mt his