The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1882-04-05

subject of the discourse, but from what
We Do know We thought the Reverend
gentleman considerably IN advance Of
many Of his brother clergymen on this
subject, an advancement that to us
seemed to he in the right direction
We enjoyed the discourse very much,
and only regretted that more did not
hear it, for certainly it is a theme wor-
thy of pulpit efforts and is much need
ed among the children of men, while
its practical bearings upon their con-
duct and every day life is second to
none of the mighty and benign princi'
pies that should govern the world in
that which is honorable, upright, just
and true. A fearless and more earnest
advocacy of just such principles, more
homo thrusts, more mental surgery of
the conscience on the part of the
preacher is what is 80 much needed
to-day.
was in session, hence Alexandria was
foil Of lawyers. Having a lurking Gu
riosity to see inside of a live Court
house, We wended our way to the
Court House. Entering the gate from
the river side we slowly and with de-
ferential air approached the building.
We felt somewhat humble, for We re-
allied that We were nearing the taber-
nacle wherein was congregated the
embodied legal talent of this mighty
commonwealth. We almost felt like
doing obesiance even to the bucksters
that stared at us in the entry and along
the stairway. But soon we stood, hat
in hand, before the door leading into
the legal sanctuary. Very quietly We
passed over the sawdust- covered floor
and took scat where we could have a
good view. Now, there seemed to he
in the room almost a breath taking
silence and sageness, considered iu-
djcative Of profound wisdom. As soon,
therefore, as We could breathe freely
under this oppressiveness, we began to
look around. First we scrutinized the
auditorium. We found it very sparse
~ filed with specimens of the genus
homo, the analysis of whose racial
composition wonld have bafaed the
most expert etbnologist. This audi
tory was, however, very quiet, and
seemed very attentive. Lifting our
eyes from these, and looking over the
railing, We gazed upon the mysteries
of the legal sanctum sanctorum.-
There before Us were indeed the law
yers-men who were supposed to be
deeply versed in the science of iuris-
prudence and legal tecbnicalties; men
who bad doubtless read after such
masters as Blackstone, Coke, Story
and other legal authorities; men who
possibly understood all the ms and
outs Of the mysterious profession. We
gazed upon them with q considerable
degree Of interest. Some Of them were
seated around an oblong table, and
were engaged in reading or writing.
They seemed very busy. Others were
stro|'ing around, and some few were
Longing in windows. To US there
Appeared to be an incongr aous con-
trast III We may SO speak) between the
perfect abandon of the strollers and
loungers and the grave demeanor of
the readers and writer's. But Of course
We are not supposed to understand
these things; possibly they are part of
the profession. Still elevating our
oyesight, behold "His Honor was be-
tore Us in all bis portly dimensions.
Truly veritable and acting Judge
was before US. We gazed upon him
'ntently. he was seated upon his ju-
1icial throne with his elbow upon a
desk in front and his head resting in
lie palm of his hand, while bis eyes
we're fixed upon book which Law
open before him. We wonld like to
nave known the nature of said book, |
or it did not seem to Us to be q law
book. But, psbaw! why indulge in
'nch idle curiosity7-for certainly in |
Court a Judge would read no other |
While thus seated and seemingly en-.
jagged in reading he would occasionally
'ause to empty his mouth of the accu-
nulated narcotic juice. We might
ave had some thoughts as to the pro-
riety Of such conduct on the part of
lis Honor, but why should wei Was
e not q Judges and as such bis acts
AUST be right. Such seemed to be the
asa at any rate. So far, with the ex-
option Of the strollers, everything was