Morris tribune., 1880-07-08
Justice 4. J. Field as a Dueiisi


the California Legislature the members
were little less than walking arsenals.
Two thirds of them carried bowie knives
or pistols. Some fourished both weap-
ons. When a member entered the House
he unstrapped his revolvers and land them
on his desk. It was done with as little
conceln as hanging up hat, and it ex-
clted neither surprise ror comment.
There was not debate over the proposed
impeachment of Judge Turner. AS the
conclusion of Mr.. Fields argument, B.
F. Moore, of Tuolumne, arose to reply,
He opened his drawer, cooked his revol-
vers, and laid them On his desk. Then
he launched himself on sea of vituper-
a,ion. Mr.. Field was handled without
gloves. The most offensive epithets were
used, and the speaker openly declared
himself responsible for his language at
any time or place. Mr. Field answered
Mr.. Moore's argument, but made no al
lusion to his personal remarks. After the
adjournment. however, he asked S. A.
Merritt to bear a note to Mr.. Moore, de-
manding an apology or satisfaction. Mr..
Merritt refused, through fear of being dis
qualified for Office. Mr.. Richardson, an
other member, also declined. Happen
ing into the chamber, the jur1st
saw one-cutter seated at desk writ
ing. Fe was David G. Broderick, Presi-
dent of the State Senate. They were
bow1ng acquaintance. 'sWhy, Judge, you
don't look we'll; said Broderic, "What
is the matter?'
swell, don't feel well; don't seem
TO have friend in the world, +" responded
Field.
What worries youG" inquired the
stone cutter.
The jur1st gave the particulars of Mr..
Moore's assault on his character, and said
that at all hazards, he was determined to
call him to account.
We'll, I'll be your friend, write your
note; I will deliver it," Broderick an
swered.
The jurist wrote note at an adjoining
desk and Broderick placed it in Moore's
hands. The latter gentleman crawfshed.
He said that he expected to be candidate
for Congress, and that he could not ac-
cept challenge because that act would
disqualify him. ~ have no objection to
street fight, however, he added.
The stone cutter replied that street
fight was not exactly the thing among
gentlemen, but If Mr.. Moore would DO
no better ne should be accommodated.
He forthwith named time and place, and
Mr.. Moore promised to be on hand. Eut
an hsur, however, he had changed his
m'rd. Ee informed Broderick that the
Hon. D1ury Baldwin would act as his
iI.end. and delivered reply to the note
of Mr.. Field.
On the next morning the stonecutter
tested the ju1ist's skill in the use of pis-
tol. With a navy revolver Field plump
ed knot on a tree at distance of thirty
yards three times out of i've. Broderick
expressed his satisfaction, and urged the
necessity of bringing the matter to a
speedy issue. "Bring it to an issue at
once" Mr.. Field responded. Broderick
quickly called upon Drury Baldwin and
asked for reply to the note. Baldwin
replied that his principal had made up
his mind to drop the matter. "Then,"
said the stonecutter, ''as soon as the
House meets, Mr.. Field VIII rise in his
seat and repeat Moore's language as to
his responsibility. He will lie that re-
spect for the dignity of Inc House pre-
vented him for replying to the attack in
the terms that it deserved when il was
made. aid after detailing Moore refusal
to give him satisfaction, he will denounce
him as liar and coward
''Ther." said Drury Baldwin, "Judge
Field will be shot in his seat"
SIN that csse,'' rejoined Bro6erick,
otnels will be shot in their seats."
At the ouer:1g of the House, M. Field
took his sect at his desk as usual. Brod
erick was seated near him, with eight OF
nire personal ficnds, all armed to TIE
teeth and ready for an eme ,ercv. When
the journal was read bolh Field and
Moore sprang . their feet, and shou led
"Mr. SpsaEell.' THAI officer recognized
"the gentleman from Tuolumne," and
Mr.. Field resumed his seat. Moore read
written apology, full, ample end salts
factory.
BroGelicS atterward befriended Mr.
Field on many occss. ons. They wer,
standing at ire bar of hotel in Sa.
Francisco IN 1862, wen Broderick ssv
man throw back his Spanish cloak ani
level revolver az his friend. In twink
ling he flung himself between the tw,
men, and pushed Field out of the room
The prompt action undoubtedly saved
| his life,-BOston Herald.