Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1883-03-23
AARON B( RR.
The Great Advocate and fallen Statesman in
Court at Utica.
HIS DEADLY AIM EXHIBITED BY
one SHOT At \ TARGET.

oNf $hol u n
In the autumn of 1918 term OF
the Supreme Court held its sitting at
Utica. y. u. which was largely at
tended by legal gentlemen from all
parts of the State As the second
day of the term was drawing to a
close. a gentleman whose appearance
indicated that he had just arrived
III town. entered the Court room, and.
walking directly to the bar. seated
himself among the lawyers. There
was something in his appearance
that attracted attention. The most
casual observer could not fail to
detect in his bearing a natural ease,
an undesirable superiority. which so
silently and yet truthfully evinces
familiarity with refined society and
gives indubtable evidence of genteel
breeding, He had apparently mum.
bered fifty years, and yet time had
lightly pressed its signet seal" upon
him. for much of the vivacitv Of
youth still fingered on his visage.
His hair had begun to turn gray. and
at the sides of his head was slightly
bushy, but worn back from his face
and temples it left his broad, white
forehead quite bare, giving a classl
cal cast to his features. His cheek
was pale and thin. his brow thought
full and tinged with the shadows of
care. perhaps of sorrow, while his
black, brilliant and singularly fasci
mating eye lighted up face once
seen could never be forgotten. He
was below the ordinary stature.
though well knit and finely proper
toned. Finally, the tout ensemble
was that Of a gentleman a man of
intellect. acquainted with the world,
with men. and. withal, a penetrating
Judge of character.
As he entered the bar Martin Van
Buren, was in the act of closing an
argument that had occupied the
attention of the Court for several
hours Turning to take his seat, he
recognized the stranger who sat near
him.
Col. Burr. said Van Buren,. in a
low voice. extending his hand, Il am
very glad to see you. Our cause was
reached this morning, but, as would
not think Of defaulting you in your
absence. which | believe to be I'M
avoidable. l exchanged our cause for
the one first argued. hope, Colonel,
You are well"
quite well, | thank you. l am
obliged to you for your courtesy.
did not leave New York ms soon as
expected, and it is long way here
Madame Justice is getting mercurial,
l fancy. since she is establishing her
temples SO far in the interior of the
State. But | suppose ours is the
next case to be heard"
No. Colonel. / am sorry to say
that there is a preferred case of some
kind that is to be disposed of next "
At this period Of the conversation
the crier announced an adjournment
of Court until the next morning, and
the two lawyers left the Court to
gether.
Col. Burr was at:this time unknown
in the politics of the nation. though
he had occupied a seat in the Senate
Of the United States; had contendcd
with jefferson for the Presidential
chair, missing the great prize by one
vote, and gaining the Vice Presidency
with little opposition. He was now
merely a lawyer. but. as we have
said, one of the ablest in the profes
sion, and the rival of Alexander
Hamilton. 1t has been said that
each of these great men had high
if not exalted, opinion of the other
talents.
Burr Invested the reason and
philosophy of the law of that brill
fancy with which Hamilton, by daz
zling the senses, carried them captive
at his will. The former valued him
self little upon his oratorical powers
and yet he was exceedingly eloquent
His pleading at the bar was more in
the style Of conversation than oratory
the conversation of an enlightened
we'll educated, thoroughly disciplined
lawyer. In replying to Hamilton's
splendid legal speeches. he would
select the vulnerable. yet vital, points
and quietly demolish them, leaving
nothing untouched. In a twenty
minute speech, he has been known tC
completely neutralize the effect of one
of Hamilton's long, elaborate and
ornate addresses.
Col. Burr was compelled to remain
at Utica for several days. During
this time he Invested himself of that
reticence and GOODNESS which usually
characterized his intercourse with
strangers, and he became Il general
favorite of the members OF the bar
present. One afternoon a number OF
yonng lawyers were amusing them
selves by shooting at mark with a
pistol. As the exercise continued
long after the adjournment of Court
for the day. many lawyers and others
were witnesses Of the sport. Amongst
the most deeply interested spectators
was Col. Burr. While keenly watch
ing the effect of each shot a young
lawyer approaching him said:
Col. Burr, we should be very
happy to witness your skill at target
shooting"
My skill at target shooting! How
came you to suppose have any skill
as marksman!" said Burr, fixing
his keen eye upon the young man.
you are an old soldier, Col. Burr,
and have always heard you spoken
of as the best shot in America" said
the young man.
1T is many years since l was n
soldier, and have had but little prac-
tice with the pistol since leaving the
army. Times of peace do not, or at
least, they should not. furnish occa
sions for It's use, since those occasions
often leave a regret. But l will
accept your invitation at least | will
shoot once at the target. That will
be sufficient for my Impractical hand
Let me see your pistols"
Several were brought him. Select
ing one of them, he balanced it care
fully moment in his hand, sighted