The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1880-06-03

How they Used todo Things In the Cali
forniR Legislature.
From the RO,tOn Herald.
During Mr. Fields legislative days in
the California Legislature the members
we're little else than walking asenAls.
Two-thirds Of them carried either bowie.
knives or pistols. Some Aourished both
weapons. When a member entered the
House he unstrapped his reyolveB and
laid them on bis desk. 1t was done with as
little concern as hanging up hat, and 1t
excited neither surprise nor comment.
There was hot debate over the proposed
impeachment Of Judge Turner. At tire
conclusion Of Mr. Fields argument, B. F.
Moore, Of Toulumne,, arose b, reply. He
opened his drawer, cooked bis Tevolyers,
aud laid them on his desk. Then he
launched himself on a sea OF vilupeFatiou.
Mr.. Field was handled without gloves.
The most oifensive epithets were used, and
the speaker openly declared himself re.
sponsible Tor bis language at any time and
place. MIR. Field answered Mr. MooTe's
arguments, but made no illusions 10 his
personal remarks. After the adjournment,
however, he asked s. A. Merritt TO bear q
note 10 Mr.. Moore, demanding an apology
or satisfaction. Mr. Merritt refused,
through fear OF being disqualified for OF.
fee. Mr.. Richardson, another member,
also declined. Happening into the Sen.
ate chamber, the iuriat saw stonecutteT
seated nj desk, writing. He was David
@. BrodariCk, President Of the State Sen.
ale. They were bowling acquaintance.
"why, Judge, you don't look well" said
Frederick. "H hats the matter"
swell, don't feel well" Field respond
ed. 81 don't seem 10 have friend In the
What worries your" inquired the
stone-cutter.
The jurist gave the particulars Of Moore's
assault upon his character, and said that,
at all hazards he was determined to call
him TO account.
"well, III be your FRIEND" Broderick
replied. Write your note; l will de-
liver IL"
The jurist wrote the note at an adjoin-
ing dehk, and Broderick placed tin Moore's
hands. The latter gentleman craW6shed.
He said that he expected TO be candidate
Tor Congress and that he could not accept
q challenge, because that act would dis
qualify him. az have no objection 10 q
street fight, however," he added. The
stoneculler replied that street fight was
not exactly the thing among gentlemen,
p9t ii Moore would DO NO better be should
be accommodated. He forthwith named
time and place, and Moore promised TO be
on hand. Within an hour, however, he
| l.. l. 4. la nfn nHnHnRtakS
that the Hon. Dfury Baldwin would act as
his friend, and deliver reply TO the note
Of MIR. Field.
On the next morning the stonecutter
tested the Iurist's skill in the use Of pis.
toll. With navy revolver Field pumped
knot on tree at distance Of thirty
yards three times out Of five. Broderick
expressed bis satisfaction, and urged the
necessity Of bringing the matter 10 q
speedy issue. ''BiDg IL TO an issue n
once,n Mr.. Field responded. BrOderiek
quickly called upon Drury Baldwin and
asked fora reply 10 the note. Baldwin
replied that his principal had made up hil
mind 10 drop the matter. "Then, said
the stonecuiter, "as soon rs the House
meets, Mr.. Field will rise 10 his seat and
repeat MUore's language as 70 his response
bliity. He will state that respect Tor the
dignity Of the House prevented him IRON
replying to the attack In the terms that Il
deserved when II was made, and alter de
falling Moore's refusal TO give him salts
faction, he will deuounce him as liar and
a coward
"Then,n said Drury Baldwin, "Judgt
Field will be Ahot In his seat.
"In that case,n rejoiDed Broderick
''others others will be shot In their seats.
At the opening OF the House, Mr.. FielC
took his seat at his desk as usual. Broder
lex was seated near him, with eight o.
nine personal friends, all armed TO TIT
teeth and ready for any emergency
When the journal was read both Fielt
and Moore sprapg TO their feet, and shout
ed, "Mr. Speakerlp That officer recog
nIEed "the gentleman from Tonlumne,
and Field resumed his seat Moore reat
q written apology full, ample and satis
factory.
Broderiek aiterward beiriended Mr.
Field on many occasions, They wert
standing at the bar Of hotel In San Fran
cisco, In 1859, when -Broderiek saw 4 mar
throw back his Spanish cloak and level
revolver at his friend. In atwinkllng b
flung himself between the two men, ant
pushed Field out Of the room. The
prompt action, undoubtedly, saved hi
lie.