The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-12-09
BIOGRAPHY THAT WAS TOO ACCU.
RATE.

Judge Rice is one of the ablest lawyers and
most eccentric men Of this State. He has been
q Republican since 1868, but not candidate for
any Of the offices in the gift Of the Radical party
here, and has retained the respect OF the bar and
Of the people generally, Notwithstanding he has
with honor as Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court Of this State, and his appointment to the
place made vacant by Busteed's resignation is
asked tor by hundreds OF the most respectable
the President or the Attorney General desires to
learn something OF Judge kice's character, some
complimentary passages may be found in the re-
port of the Ku-klux Committee. His testimony
given before that Committee is also interesting
reading.
l know that shall be pardoned if digress
here for moment to relate an amusing anec-
dote concerning Judge Rice, told me by Col.
Titcomb, of this city. During Gov. Parsons adj
ministration in this State. a great number of the
don from Andrew johnson for their participation
in the rebellion. Such applications had to be
countersgned by the Governor. Judge Rice was
urged to make an application, and at length told
Mr.. Samuel Dixon, who WIS Gov: PARSONS pr
vate secretary, and an inveterate joker, that he
might write out an application for him, and that
ne would call and sign it the next day. When he
appeared to affix his name to the document, Mr..
Dixon read him the following:
To His Excellency Andrew Johnson, President oi
the United States
.Vr-My name is Samuel F. Rice. was born
in the State Of South Carolina, and imbibed the
principles of secession at the feet of that illus
trious statesman, John c. Calhoun. Iemigrated
to Alabama, and probably did more, Mr.. Presi-
dent, than any other man to cause the secession
of that State, and to bring on the late horrid
war which covered the ground with dead men's
bones from the Rio Grande to the Potomac, and
less to bring it to successful termination. Place
that to my credit. Mr.. President.
The people Of Montgomery, the capital city Of
our State, prompted by that patriotic feeling
which caused every one to buckle on his armor
and go to the front, raised regiment Of soldiers,
elected me their colonel, and presented me with
horse saddle and bride. Indignantly refused
the commission, but kept the horse, saddle and
bride. Place that to Ivy credit, Mr.. President.
During my even1ful life I have belonged to
every political party that ever had an existence
in this country, and, of course, at some one time
must have been correct in my political opinions
I have also belonged to every religious denomi-
off than on-and L am very fond Of cards, un-
Outstanding every game invented by the I'M
mortal Hoyle, but must confess that at the
present time l am completely enchred, having no
jack in my hand and therefore respectfully ask
for new dea'.
''There, it is all ready for your name, sad
Dixon.
''Great God, would you guin me.' exclaimed
'Rum you? Why isn't It true?''
"True!" cried the judge, lit is too true,
that's what's thu matter
The document did, in fact, give a remarkably
accurate summary of the judges life, and yet, in
lawyer in Alabama who would command so much
the respect and confidence Of the bar and of the
people as Judge Rice.-N. \. Tribune Cores
pOndence.