New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-01-16
LINCOLN And DOUGLAS AS LAWYERS.

The Hon " Ay1old before he Illinois Bar AsSocdtton
No two men could he found more unli ike, Dhysi-
cally and intellectually III ma nners, and III appear
ance, than they.
Lincoln was very tall, spare man, six feet four
inches in height and would he instantly recognized
as belonging to that type OF tall large-poned men,
produced IN the northern part OF the MISSISSIPPI
Valley. and exhibiting its peculiar oharaeterlstics
in the most marked ucgree IN tennessee, kentucky
and Illinois. ,c.. ,.,,
have been instantly picked out AZ Western man.
His stature figure, dress, manner. voice and accent,
indicate that lie was of the Northwest.
In manner he was always cordial anu frank, ana,
although not without dignity, he made every person
feel quite at his ease. think he first impression
stranger would get Of him. whe her IN conversation
or by hearing him speak, was, that TINS
"a a kind, frank. sincere. genuine man
of transparent truthfulness and integrity; and be,
fore Lincoln had uttered many words, ne would
ably simple, honely. but expressive saxon language,
and next By his wonderful wit and humor. Lincoln
was more familiar with tho Bible than any other
book in the language, and this was apparent, both
from his style and illustrations, so oiten taken FROM
that book He verified the max i'm that 1t 10 better
to know thoroughly lew good looks tuan W ieau
many. ga.
Donclas was little more than five feet high. with
stroug, broad chest and strongly marked features
his manners Also cordial, frank ana hearty.
The poorest and humbiest found MIN irienuiy. ne
was IN his earlier years, hale-fellow- wemet with
the rudest and poorest man IN the courtroom.
Those Of you who practised law with HIM, or tried
Der that it was not unusual to SOC him come OH the
bench or leave his chair at the BAR and take seat
on The knee of a friend, and with one arm
thrown familiarly around his friends neck, have "a
friendly talk q legal or political consultation
Such familiarity would have shocked our Engiish
cousins and disguised orr Boston brothers. ana IL
has | think, disappeared In contrast Win ms
familiarity of Douglas, remember an ahecuote
Illustrating Colonel Benton's ideas OF his own per
soua dignity distinguished menoer VI oo i a
,vbo was a great adnirer of Benton. one day APP
preached and slapped him, famlliaIly ana Tudoy' on
the shoulder The Senator haughtlly drew himself
nm and said: That is familiarity, sr never per
NIT nv friends much less q conpaiati'e su"nHoi'
Sir, 1t must not be repeateu. - ,or 18TH oa,f
aducoted and each the builder OF his own fortune
Each hecame very early the recognized Leader Oh tne
nol,tical party to which he belonged. Douglas was
hold untilnching. impetuous, denunclatOry ana ue-
tormineu He possessed, in an eminent degree, the
nnaIties which create personal popularity, ana ne
Was the idol OF his friends Both Lincoln and Doug
las were strong jury lawyers Lincoln on the whole
was the strongest jury-awyer we ever had 10 III
nois. Both were distinguished for their ability IN
real points in a case. Both were very happy IN me
examination of witnesses; i think Lincoin tne
stronger of the two in cross examinaton' ne couo
compel witness to tell re tIS. rs wnen ;u ry
laugh and, generally, weep, at his pleasure
Lincoln on the right side. and especially wnen m
nstcs or fraud were to be exposed the strongest
adyocate On the wrong side, or on the deience.
where the accused was really guilty the CLIENT WIN
Douglas for his advocate. would be moro fortunate
'" lincoln studied his cases thoroughly and ex-
baustively Douglas had wonderful facuity OF ex-
tracting from his associates from experts ana otneI
70 discuss. aud then making it 80 thoroughly his,
that all secmed 10 have originated with himsei ne
40 perfectly assnilated the ideas and knowaea9e "