New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-05-23
JUSTICE S. j. FIELD as Il DUELLIST.
From The Boston Herald.

From Inc Boston deTQtQ.
During Mr. Fields legislative days in the CalifOr-
MIA Legislature the members were little else than
walking arsenals Twothirds Of them carried either
ons When member entered the House he UNI
strapped his revolvers and laid them on his desk 10
done with as little concern as hanging up hat,
and it excited neither surprise nor comment. There
was hot debate over the proposed impeachment OF
Judge Turner. At the conclusion OF Mr.. Fiela's
argument, B. I. Moore Of Ipolpmne, arose to reply;
laid them on his desk: Then he launched himself
on a sea of vituperation. Mr.. Field was handled
used, and the speaker openly declared himself re-
spOnslble for his language at any time and place.
Mr.. Field answered Mr. Moore's arguments, but
the dOurnment, however he asked 8. A. Merritt to
bear note to Mr.. Moore. demanding an apology or
satisfaction. NJ Merritt refused through fear OF
another member. also declined. Happening into the
Senate-chamber, the jurist stonecutter seated
PresdeSt of the State Senate they were bowling
acquaintance. why, Judge, You don't look WELL"
said Broderick. What's che matter - ar
"Well, don't feel WELL" Field responded. II
don't seem to have friend in the world"
"What worries you ~ inquired the stonecutter.
The jurst gave the particulars OF Moore's assault
upon his character, anil said that at all hazards nc
was determined to call hun to account.
"Well, I'll be your FRIEND" Brodenck replied
"Write your note; will deliver it,"
The jurist wrote the note at an adjoining desk,
and Brodenck placed itn Moore's hands. The latter
gentleman crawiished. lie said that he expected
not accept q challenge, because that act would dis
qualify HIM. 81 have no objection to street fight,
however" he added. The stonecutter replied that
street fight was net exactly the thing among gen:
tlemen, but if Moore would do no better he should
be accommodated. He forthwith named time and
place, and Moore promised to be on hand Within
an hour, however, he changed his mind. He m
formed Broderick that tho Hon. Drury Baldwin
would act as his friend, and deliver reply TO tae
note of Mr. Field
On the next morning the stonecutter tested
the jurists skill in the use of q pistol. With
navy revolver Field pumped 9 knot on on. !.
out OF FIVE Broderck expressed his satisfaction,
and urged the necessity of bringing the matter TO
speedy ISSUE " Bring it to an issue at once" MI.
Field responded. Broderlck quickly called upon
Drury Baldwin, and asked for q reply to the note.
Baldwin replied that his principal had made up his
mind to drop the matter. Theu." said the stone:
rise in his seat and repeat Moores language as 10
his responsibility. He will state that respect for tho
dignity of the House prevented him from replying
to the attack in the terms that 1t deserved when
was made, and. after detailing Moores refusal ~
give him satisfaction, he will denounce HIM as 9
liar and coward"
Then said Drury Baldwin. Judge Feldwlll =
ain that case rejOined Broderlck. "others win 81
shot In their SEATS" "a
At the opening Of the House. Mr. Field took n.
seat at his desk as usual. Broderick was seated,
near him, with eight or nine personal friends Az
armed to the teeth and ready for any emergency.S
When the journal was read both Field and Moor
sprang to their feet, and shouted, Mr.. Speaker
That officer recognized " the gentleman from Tue
lumne" and Mr.. Field resumed his seat. Moor
read written apology, full ample and satisfactcry.
Broderick afterward befrended Mr.. Field on man.
occasions. They were standing at the bar OF notol
in San francisco IN 1862, when Brodsrick sag 4
man throw back his Spanish cloak and level ~;
volyer at his friend. In q twinkilng be funR hiYs.
self between the two men, aud pushed Field ont y
tho room. The prompt action undoubtedly say