The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1873-07-16
John Van Buren'S Little joke.

Nearly a quarter OF a century ago
the Legislature of New York enacted !
law imposing a capitation tax mon
immigrants arriving from Europe and
landing at Quarantine. A question
was raised in respect to the constitn.
tionality of this law, and the case wa.
subsequently taken to the Supreme
Court of the United States. Mr. Sew.
ard made the argument 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 from the rem.
utation and political position of the
opposing counsel. Mr.. Seward was a
Senator in Congress, and the great
Wing leader of the State; while Van
Buren, was the most brilliant orator
and most popular man on the Demo-
cratic side. They were rivals at tho
bar, having then recently been engag-
ed in the trial of the murderer Free.
man, at Auburn, during which there
had been much sharp alteration be-
tween them. The Wings in Congress
warmly sympathised with Seward
while the Democrats were equally ac.
tive ard Jealous in encouraging Van
Buren,. The arguments were elabo-
rate and able, the resulting impression
being that the Senator was more Of q
statesman than a lawyer, but that Van
Buren, was one of the most entertain.
ing, impressive an d effective advocates
that had ever been heard in the court
Judge fancy presided. He was the
representation of ones idea the genius
of jurisprudence. He was shy, resery-
ed in his manner, ascetic in his habits.
q gloomy, notwithstanding man..
resembling q monk Of the middle ages;
but under this cold and repulsive ex.4
terror there beat warm, sympathetic
heart. He was a literal man, with no
idea of a joke; was never satirical or
ironical, and detested pun as much
as DR.. johnson.
The day the argument was closed
Van Buren, contrived to fall in com.I
pany with the Chief Justice, in coming
down the avenue from the capitol.
John had degree of GOODNESS and self
possession under all circumstances
that nothing ever disturbed. With an
airy, jaunty manner that would have
been offensive in any body else, but
which lie made winning and attractive,
he addressed the aged juris.:
III was much fattered, Mr.. Chief
Justice, at the graceful attention with
which you listened to my poor efforts
in behalf of the suffering immigrants at
Quarantine" Mr.. fancy made a ct.
ting response, and Van Buren, cody
proceeded: "Far be it from me to cav
any thing respecting the decision Of
the Court" The Judge started, with
a gesture of depreciation, as if he APP
pretended an indiscretion on the part
of the lawyer. II am quite aware Of
the apparent indelicacy of saying any.
thing that should look like an attempt
to influence the action of the Court.n
Here the Chief Justice gave a dissat-
isfied shrug of the shoulders, intended
as rebuke to what he regarded as an
impertinence. But John was wholly;
upmoved, and he went on with his re-
marks as though he was saying the
most natural and appropriate things
imaginable. "Nor would presume to-
intimate that an early decision Of the
case is desirable" The Judge opened;
his eyes in amazement, but remained
silent, "But the truth is, your Honor
continued John, "the poor devils at
Quarantine are perisbing daily, audit
is of the utmost importance that they
shouldilearn WHETHER they are dying
c0nstitutionally.n
ADDreciatinp .Tohn,s warrerv nj lask.