Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-06-03
A FIELD OF WAR.
How Justice Field Sent a ChRI-
lenge, and Brought Down
an Apology.

Boston Herald.l
During MI. Fields legislative days
in the California legislature, the
members were little else than walking
arsenals. 1wo-thirds of them carried
either bowie knives or pistols. Some
lourished both weapons. When a
member entered the house he I'M
strapped his reVolvers and laid them
on his desk. It was done with as lit
tie concern as hanging up a hat, and
excited neither surprise nor comment.
There was a hot debate over the pro-
posed impeachment of Judge Turner.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Fields
argument, B. f. Incorrect Tuolumne,
arose to reply. He opened his
drawer, cooked his reyolvers, and
laid them on his desk. Then he
launched himself on a sea of vitupera-
ton. Mr.. Field was handled without
gloves. The most offensive epithets
YER used, and the speaker openly de-
clared himself responsible for his Ian.
guage at any time and place. Mr..
Field answered Mr.. Moore's argu-
ments, but made no allusion to his
personal remarks. After the adjourn
ment, however, he asked S. A. Merritt
to bear a note to Mr.. Moore, demand
ing an apology or satisfaction. Mr..
Merritt refused, through fear of being
disqualified for Office. Mr.. Richard
son, another member, also declined.
Happening into the senate chamber,
the jurist saw a stOne-cutter seated at
the desk writing. He was David @.
Broderick. president of the state
senate. They were bowling acquaint-
ances. why, judge, you don't look
we'll" said Broderick. What's the
matter?"
We'll, | don't feel WELL" Field re-
sponded. II don't seem to have q
friend in the world"
What worries your" inquired the
stone-cutter.
The jurist gave the particulars Of
Moore's assault upon his character.
and said thatat all hazards he was de-.
termined to call him to account.
We'll, III be your friend" Brod-
erick replied. Write your note; /
will deliver it,"
The jurist wrote the note at an ad-
Joining desk, and Broderick placed il
in Moore's hands. The latter gentle
man crawfshed. He said that he ex-
Dected to be a candidate for congress.
and that he could not accept a chal-
lenge because that act would disqual-
ify him. Il have no objection to a
street fight, however" he added. The
stone-cutter replied that a street fight
was not exactly the thing among gem
tlemen, but if Moore would do no
better he 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 a reply
to the note Of Field.
On the next morning the stone
cutter tested the jurist's skill in the
use Of a pistol. With a navy revolver
Field pumped a knot on a tree at a
distance OF thirty yards three times
out Of five. 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 a reply to the note.
Baldwin replied that his principal
had made up his mind to drop the
matter. Then" said the stone-cut-
ter, as soon as the house meets MIR.
Field will rise up in his seat and TT
port Moore's language as to his respon-
sibility. He will state that respect for
the dignityof the house prevented him
from replying to the attack in the
terms that it deserved when it was
made, and, after detailing Moore's
refusal to give satisfaction, he will de,
nounce him as a liar and a coward
Then" said Drury Baldwin.
Judge Field will be shot in his seat.
I'm that case" rejoined Broderick,
Others will be shot in their seats"
At the opening of the house, Mr..
Field took his seat at the desk as
usual. Broderick was seated near
him, with eight or nine personal
friends, all armed to the teeth and
ready for any emergency. When the
journal was read both Field and
Moore sprang to their feetand shouted.
Mr.. Speaker That officer recog-
nized thegentleman from Tuolumne,
and Mr.. Field resumed his seat.
Moore read a written apology, full,
ample and satisfactory.
Frederick afterward befriended Mr..
Field on many occasions. They were
standing at the bar of a hotel in San
Francisco in 1852, when Broderick
saw a mar throw back his Spanish
cloak and level a revolver at his friend.
In a twinkling he flung himself be-
tween the two men, and pushed Field
out Of the room. The prompt action
undoubfadlv aavad hte l,fo