The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1880-06-11
Justice S. J. Field as Dueilist
From the Boston Herald

ddoen heglter.
Justice S. J. Field as Dueilist.
From the Boston Herald
During Nj. Field legislative days in the
California Legislature the members were
little else than walking arseLals. Two-thirds
Of them carried either bowie kniyes or pis-
tolls. some fourished both weapons
When member enUe. cd the House he uu.
strapped his revolvers AM laid them on his
desk. 1t was done with as little concern Al
hangin. up Q hat and it excited neither
surprise nor comment. There was a hot
debate over the proposed impeachment Of
Judge Turner. At the conclusion of Mr..
Fields argument, B. F. Moore, of Tou-
lumne, arose to reply. He opeued his
dr. .wsr, cooked his rsvolvers and laid them
on his desk. Then he launched into . sea
If vituperatiOn. Mr.. Field was haudled
without gloves. The most offensive cpl
thets were used, and the speaker openly de-
clared himself responsible for his language
at any time aud place. Mr.. Field answered
Mr.. Moore's arguments but made no allu'
sion to his personal remarks. After the sd-
journment, however. he asked ). A. Merritt
10 bear note to Mr.. Moore, demanding an
apology or satisfaction. Mr.. Merritt refus
cd, thrsugh fear Of being disqualified for
office. Mr.. Richardson, another member,
also declined. Happening into the Senate
Chamber the jurist saw stonecutter seated
At desk. writing. He was David q. Brod-
erick, President Of the 8 . Seuate. They
we're bowing aoqusintances.
"Why, Judge, You don't look well, 'said
Broderick. WHATS the matter P''
"Well. | don't feel well," Field respond
ed. ~ don't seem to have friend in the
world"
"Whar worries your" inquired the
stonecuttsr.
The jurist gave the particulars OF Moore's
assault upon his character aud said that, at
all hazards. he was determined TO call him
90 account.
"Well, IN be your friend" Broderick
replied. "Write your note and I'll deliver
it,"
The jurist wrote the note at an adjoin-
ing desk and Broderick placed It 10 Moore's
hands. The Ia ter gentleman orawtished.
He said that he expected to be candidate
for Congress and that he cou'd not accept
q challenge, because that would disqualify
him.
~ have no objection to streot fight"
he added.
The stonecutter replied that . street
fight was not exactly the thing among gen.
tIemen, but If Moore could do no better he
would 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 Brod-
erlck that the Aon. Drury Baldwin would
act a. his friend and deliver reply to the
note of Mr.. Field.
On the next morning the stoncutter tcst-
ed the jurist's skill 10 the use Of the pistol.
With navy revolver Field pumped knot
ON tree at distance Of thirty yards three
times out Of five. Brodsrick expressed hrs
satisfa6 tion and urged the necessity Of
bringing the matter TO speedy issue. Mr..
Field responded: 9. Bring it to an issue At
once"
Broderick quickly called upon Drury
Bald win and asked for reply 20 the note.
Baldwin replied that his principal had made
up his mind to drop the msttsr.
"Then," said the stonecuttsr, " a soon
- the House meets Mr.. Field viii rise in
b il Feat and repeat Moore's language a. to
his responsibility. he will state that re-
speot for the dignity Of the HoCse prevent
Cd him from replying TO the attack In the
t,rms that it deserved when IL was made,
and, after detailing Noore's refusal to give
him satisfaction, will denounce him - IL
ar and coward"
"Then," said Baldwin, "Judge Field
will be shot in his seat"
"In that case" rejoined Brodsrick.
IS others will be shot in their seala."
At the opening Of the House, Mr.. Field
took his scat aI bis desk - usual Brud- |
brick was seated near him with eight or
nine personal friends. Ill armed 70 the |
teeth aud ready for any emergency. When
The Journal Was read both Field aud Moore
jumped 70 their feet aid shouted Mr..
5peaxsrp That ofioer recognized the /
gentleman fron Toulumne." and Mr.. Field
resumed his seat. Moore read written !
apology, full, ample and satisfactory.
Broderick Afterwards eefriended Mr..
Field on many occasions.
They were standing 1t the bar Of hotel
10 san Francisco in 1854 whsn Broderiok
Nv > man shrov back his Spanish CLOAK
md lsvsl : revolver It his friend. In an
Itant hs 6ung himsslf between ths two
nsn and pushed Field ont Of The room.
rhs prompt sosiOn undoubtedly saved his