The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-09-01
Some Famous LAWYERS.

AT recent meeting of the Georgetown
Law Association of the District of Columbia,
Mr. Charles r Abel read very interesting
paps. on the early struggles of some famous
lawyers In the preparation OF the paper,
Mr.. Abel showed much research into the
lives and pecuiarities of his Subjects which
joined to methodical arrangement and live
ly manner Of presenting the hardships to
which aspirants for legal honors are exposed
made the lecture one Of the most interesting
that has ever been given before the associa-
ton.
Of the great lawyers of the past, Mr.. Abel
related some new and amusing Incidents
one of Clay, who was engaged in defense of a
man charged with murder. There had been
previous trial, but Clay had managed to
bring about disagreement Of the jury. On
the new trial he had the audacity to argue
that the principle of the law that no man
could be twice placed in jeopardy of life for
the same ofense applied to the case of the
rupted him. forbidding the use of that argu-
ment, which, it is easy to see, could not
operate in the case.
Mr.. Clay, in dignifed and respectful man
ner, declared that he could not proceed un-
less he was permitted to take that course,
gathered up his books and papers and with
drew. The judge, overawed and fearful Of
taking the responsibility, not being as firm in
his opinion as he certainly had reason to be,
sent messenger after MI. Clay informing
him that he could manage the defense in his
own way. He returned, and by pursuing the
line of argument which he commenced when
stopped actually succeeded in winning a YER
dict of acquittal, Notwithstanding the fact
that there had been an atrocious murder COM
mitted.
The following anecdote of Marshall is also
not generally known: Marshall nearly lost
one of his clients by his unbusiness-like ways.
An old gentleman with a 500 fee in his
pocket came to Richmond in search of a law
yer. Marshall was recommended to him as a
young lawyer of great talent and promise,
and the old gentleman went in search of him.
Marshall was careless of his dress and per-
sonal appearance, and on the occasion in
question came lounging up the street eating
cherries out of his hat, which he held under
his arm.
He stopped in front of the piazza OF the
tavern where his future client was sitting
and began to handy words Familiarity with an
acqaintsnce, eating cherries meanwhile, and
told that this careless, languid parsonage was
the rising young lawyer he instantly decided
not to employ him. He attended court next
day. A fine, venerable looking gentleman,
with legal air and wearing powdered wig
and black coat, came in, and his vast dignity
SO impressed the old gentleman that he i'm
mediately engaged him, paying him the 500.
But before long the powerful wig and black
coat addressed the Court, and soon after was
followed by Marshall, when the superiority of
the latter was so evident that the old gentle
man went to Marshall. frankly mentioning
his first prejudces and how much he regretted
them. The foolish old fellow went ON to say that
he had paid away most OF his money by so i'm
plicitly relying on appearances, but would give
him five, all he had left, if Marshall would as
sist him in the case. With sly joke at the
of a powdered wig and black
coat, Marshall accepted the offer, pleased with
the incident. Washington Republican.
Ralston, President of the California Bank,
committed suicide last week. His career has
been characterized by brevity as well as
briliiancy. He was, few years ago, freight
agent at Panama. Removing to San Fran
cisco he became cashier AMI then President
of the bank which exploded few days ago.
once turned to gold in his hands.
He became imam of destiny" in his own
opinion-and was a spoiled child of fortune
He was allowed by the bank 1000 year
to entertain his friends and the friends of the
bank. He lived twenty miles away from the
city, and kept seventy five horses. When he |
drove in there were relays of horses ready for
him, and the drive would occupy less than |
two hours 1t was his delight to be princely |
and to dazzle all beholders. In his personal |
apparel and habits he was neat but plain
joy Gould rather than Jim Fisk. He had |
grown dizzy and could not endure the fall.
The programme at the Eau Claire meeting