The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-07-06
Fight or Flunk.

During Justice Fields days in the Cali
fornia Legislature the members were little
else than walking arscnals. Two-thrds of
them carried either bowic-knives or pistols.
Some llourishcd both weapons. When a
member entered the House he unstrappcd
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 coclusion Of Mr.. Fields
argument, Is. +. Moore, of Tuolumne
arose to reply. Hcopcned his drawer, cock
cd his revolvers and laid them OH his desk.
Then he launched himself on a sea of vitu.
peration. MIR. Field was handled without
gloves. The most offensive epithcts were
used, and the speaker openly declared HIM
self responsible for his language at any time
and place Mr. Field answered Mr.. Mioorc's
arguments, but made no alluslon to his
personal remarks. After the adjournment.
however, he asked s. A. Merritt to bear a
note to MIR. Moore, demanding an apology
or satisfaction. Mr.. Merritt refused, through
fear Of being disqualified for olilco. Mr..
Richardson, another member, also declined.
Happening into the Senate Chamber, the
jurist saw stonccuttcr seated Mt a desk,
writing. lie was David g. Broderick,
President of the State Senate. They were
bowling acquaintanccs ''Why, Judge,
yon don't look WELL said Broderick.
"What's the matter? 7"
"Well, don't feel we'll" Field respond
Ell. "! don't scom to have friend in the
world.".
"What worries you7" inquired the stone
cutter.
The jurist gave the particulars of Moorcs
assault upon his character, and said that,
at all hazards, he was determined to cali
him to account.
"Wcll, I'll be your FRIEND" Brodcrck,
replied, "Wntc your note; l will deliver
it,"
The Jurlst wrote The note at an adjoining
desk, and Broderick placed it in Mooro's
hands. The latter gentleman crawfished.
lie said that he expected to be a candidate
Tor Congress, and that he could not accept
challenge, because that net would disquali-
fy him. 81 have no objection to a street
fight, however," he added. The stonecut-
ter replied that street fight was not cx-
actly the thing among gentlemen, but if
Sloorc would do no better he should be ac-
commodatcd. He forthwith named time
and place, and Moore promised TO bc on
hand. IIe informed Drodericl1 that the
Hon. Drury Baldwin would act as his
friend, and deliver reply to the note of
Mr.. Field
On the next morning the stonccuttcr
tested the jurist's skill in the use of pistol.
With navy revolver Field pumped
knot on tree at a distance OF thirty yards
three times out of five. Brodcrick express
ed his satisfaction, and urged the necessity
OF bringing tho matter to speedy issue.
''DiitiS IL " an Issue at onuc." MI. Field
responded. Brodcrick quickly called npon
Drury baldwin, and asked for reply to
the note. Baldwin, replied that his prln-
ctpal had made up his mind to drop tho
matter. "Thcn," said the stonecnttcr, "na
soon rs the House meets, Mr.. Field will
rise in his scat and repeat Moore's langu-
age as to his responsibility. He will state
that respect for the dignity of the House
prevented him from replying to the attack
III the terms that il deserved when it was
made, and, after detailing Moorc's refusal
to give him satisfaction, he will dcnouncc
him as liar and coward"
"Ihcn, said Drury Baldwin, "Judge
Field will be shot in his scat.
"ln that casc," reJoincd Broderick,
"othcrs will be shot in their seats"
tN'io oPchlilS vi INC llOuSc, MI. Field
took his scat at his desk as usual. Brod-
rcrlck was seated near hm, 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 feet, and shouted, "Mr.
Speaker" That officer recognized 'thc
gentleman from Tuolumc." and lIr. Field
resumed his scat. Moore read written
apology, full, ample and satisfactory.
Brodcrick aftcrward bcfriendcd Mr.
Field on many occasions. They were stand
ing at tho bar of hotel in San Francisco
IN 1902, when Frederick saw n man throw
back his Spanish cloak and level revol-
yer at his friend. In twinkling he flung
himself between the two men, and pushed
Flcid out OF the room. The prompt action
undoubtedly saved his life.