The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1880-06-12
IN EARLY DAYS.
IBoston Hersld.l

During Mr.. Fields legislative days
in the California Legislature, the men,
berswere little ehe aian walking arsen-
ais Two-thirds of them carried either
bowie-knives or pistols. Some fiourished
both weapons. When member entered
the House he unstrapped his revolvers
and laid them ON his desk 1t was 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.. Fields
argument, B. Moore, of Tuolumne, arose
to reply. He opened his drawer, cooked
his revolvers, and laid them on his desk.
Then he launched himself on o sea of
vituperation. 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 and place. Mr..
Field answered Mr.. Moore's arguments,
but made no allusion to his personal re-.
marks. After the adjournment, how.
ever, he asked L. A. Merritt to bear q
note to Mr.. Moore, demanding an apol.
ogy or satisfaction. Mr.. Merritt refused,
through fear Of being disqualified for of.
flee. Mr.. Richardson, another member,
also declined. Happening into the SEN
ate Chamber, the jurist saw a stone.
cutter seated at desk, writing. He
was David c. Broderick, President of the
State Senate. They were bowling &C.
quaintances. "Why, Judge, you don't
look WE'LL" said Brodcricl. "What's the
matter?'
"Well, don't feel well," Field re.
sponded. 81 don't seem to have friend
in the world" #
"What worries your" inquired the
ne-cutter.
The jurist 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, I'll be your FRIEND" Broderick
replied. "Write your note; l will
deliver it,"
The jurist wrote the note at the ad
joining desk, and Broderick placed it il
Moore's hands. The latter gentleman
crawfshed. He said that he expected
to be a candidate for Congress, and tha
he could not accept challenge, because
that act would disqualify him. 81 hav'
no objection to a street fight however,
he added. The stone. cutter replied tina
street fight was not exactly the thin
among gentleman, but if Moore would d.
no better he should be accommodated
He forthwith named the time and place
and Moore promised to be on hand
Within an hour, however, he changed
his mind. He informed Broderick tina
the Hon. Drury Baldwin would act a
his friend, and deliver a reply to tn
note Of Mr.. Field.
On the next morning the stone cutie
tested the jurist's skill in the use of
pistol. With navy revolver Fiel
pumped knot on tree a distance {
thirty yards three times out of fiv,
brooerlck expressed his satisfaction, an
urged the necessity of bringing the ma
ter to speedy close. bring it to o
issue at once" Mr.. Field responde,
Broderick quickly called upon Dru,
Baldwin and asked for reply to Il
note. Baldwin replied that his princip
had made up his mind to drop the ma
ter. "Then," said the stone. cutter q;
soon as the House meets, Mr.. Field wi
rise in his seat and repeat Moore's la,
guage as to his responsibility. He wi
state that respect for the dignity Of Il
House prevented him from replying
the attack in the terms that it deserv,
when it was made, and after detaili,
Moore's refusal to give him satisfaction
he will denounce him as a liar and
coward"
"Then, said Drury Baldwin, "Jud,
Field will be shot in his seat"
"In that CASE" rejoined Broderic
Others will be shot in their seats.
At the opening Of the House, M
Field took his seat at the desk as usu,