The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1880-08-19
Justice $. ]. Field as a Duellist.

| DuTliS MI. lclSl Legislative UayS
in the California legislature the MEM
bers were little else than walking ar
senals. Two thirds of them carried
either bowie knives or pistols. Some
fiOurished both. When member ell
tered the house he unstrapped his re-
volvers and laid them on his desk. 1t
was done with as little concern as
hanging up hat, and it excited nei-
ther surprise nor comment. There
was hot debate over the proposed
| impeachment of Judge Turner at
the conclusion of Mr.. Field s argument,
| B. +. Moore, of TuOlumne, arose to
| reply. He opened his drawer, cooked
his revolvcrs and laid them on his
| desk. Then he launched himself OH q
sea of vituperation. Mr.. Field was
handled without gloves. The most
offensive epithets were used. and the
speaker openly declared himself re-
spOnsible for his language at any time
and place. Mr.. Field answered Mr..
Moorc's arguments, but made no allu-
sions to his personal remarks. After
the adjournment, however, he asked s.
A. Merritt to bear a note to Mr.. Moore,
demanding an apology or satisfaction.
Mr.. Merritt 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-cuttcr
seated at his desk, writing. He was
David G. Broderick, president of the
state senate. They were bowling ac-
quaintances. "Why, judge, you don't
look well," said Broderick. "What's
the nlatter?" Ftsi-
"Well, don't feel WELL" Field re-
spOnded. 81 don't seem to have a friend
in the world"
"What worries you?' inquired the
stOmecutter. .,...
The jnrist gave the particulars OF
Moore's assault upon his character, and
said that, at all hazards, he was deter
mined to call him to account.
"Well, PlI be your FRIEND" Broder-
ick replied. "Write your note !; / will
deliver it." a.
The jurist wrote the note at an ad-
joining desk, and Brodcrick placed it
in MoOre's hands. The latter gentle
man crawfished. He said that he
expected to be a candidate for congress
and that he could not accept chal-
lcnge because that act would disqual-
ify him. 81 have no objection to a
street fight, however" he added. The
stomecuttcr replied that a street fight
was not the thing among gentlemen,
but III Moore could do no better he
should be Accommodated. He forthwith
named time AMI place, and Moore
promised to be on hand. Within an
hour, however. he changed his mind.
He informed Broderick that the Hon.
Drtiry Baldwin would act as his friend
and deliver a reply to the note Of Mr.
Field.
Brodcrick called upon Drury Bald
win, and asked for a reply to the
note. Baldwin replied that his prin-
had made up his mind to drop the
matter. ''Tlen," said the stonecutter,
.'.s soon as the house meets, Mr.. Field
will rise in his seat and repeat Mr..
MoOre's language as to his responsible
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,
ami, after detailing Moore's refusal to
give him satisfaction, he will denounce
him as u liar and coward"
'Then," said Drury Baldwin, "Judge
Field will be shot in his seat"
.'In that casc," rejoined Broderick,
1others will be shot in their seats"
At the opening of the house, Mr..
Field took his scat ut his desk as usual
Broderick 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 satisfactory.