The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-10-07
Justice s. j. Field as q Duellist.

During Mr.. Fields legislative days
IN the California legislature the menu
fbers were little else than walking ar
senals. Two thirds of them carried
either bowie knives or pistols. Some
fourished both. When member en-
tered the house he nnstrapped his re-
volvers and laid them on his desk. 1t
was done with as little concern as
hanging up a hat, and it excited nci-s
ther surprise nor comment. There
was a hot debate over the proposed
impeachment of Judge Turner. At
the conclusion Of Mr.. Field argument,
B. f. Moore, of Tuolumne, arose to
reply. He opened his drawer, cooked
his revolvers and laid them on his
desk. Then he launched himself on .
rsea of vituperation. Mr.. Field was
handled without gloves. The most
offensive epithets were used. and the
speaker openly declared himself re-
sponsiblc for his language at any time
and place. Mr.. Field answered Mr..
Moore's arguments, but made no allu-
;sions to his personal remarks. After
the adjournment, however, he asked S.
"A. Merit to bear note to Mr.. Moore,
demanding an apology or satisfaction.
Mr.. Merit refused, through fear of
being disqualified for Office. Mr..
Richardson, another member, also de-
clined. Happening into the senate
chamber, the jurist saw a stone-cutter
seated at his desk, writing. IIc was
David G. Brodcrick, president of the
state senate. They were bowling ac-
quaintances. "Why, judge, you don't
look wcll,"' said Broderick. .What's
the natter?"
swell, I don't feel WELL" Field re-
.spondcd. 81 don't seem to have friend
in the world"
r'What worries you?' inquired the
stonccutter. IL -. -
The jurist gave the particulars Of
Moore's assault upon his character and
said that, at all hazards, lie was deter
mined to call him to account.
swell, I'll be your FRIEND" Brodcr-
icz replied. "Write your note; Twill
deliver it, s
Thejuri wrote the note at an ad-
joining desk, and Broderick placed it
in Moore's hands. The latter GENTLE
man crawtished. He said that he
expected to be candidate for congress
and that he could not accept chal-
lenge because that act would disuual.
ify him. 81 have no objection to
street fight, however," he added. The
stonecuttcr replied that q street fight
was not the thing among gentlemen,
but if Moore could do 10 better hc
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 Informed Broderick that the Hon.
/ Drury Baldwin would act as his friend
and deliver 4 reply to the note Of Mr..
Field.
Broderick called upon Drury Bald
win, and asked for reply to the
note. Baldwin replied that lis prin-
had made up his mind to drop the
matter. "Ihcn," said the stonecutter,
'sas soon as the house meets, MI. Field
will rise in his scat and repeat MI.
Moore's language as to his res ponsibil-
ty. He will state that respect for the
dignity Of the house prevented him
from replying to the attack in terms
that it deserved when it was made,
and, after detailing Moorc's refusal to
give him satisfaction, he will denounce
him as liar and coward
either" said Drury Baldwin, "Jud go
| Field will be shot in his seat.'
DIN that casc," 1ejoined Broderick,
"others will be shot in their Seats"
! At the opening Of the house, Mr..
| Field took his scat at his desk as usual
Brodcrick was seated near him, with
eight or nine personal friends, all arm
ed to the teeth and ready for any
emergency. When the journal was
read both Field and Moore sprang to
their feet, and shouted, '.Mr. Speaker!' -
That officer recognized "the gentleman
from Tuolumne," and Field resumed
his seat. Moore read written apol-
ogy. full. ample and satisfacto tory. -.