The state journal., 1884-01-19
Overrated Greatness.

We admire talent IN whatever shape
it is presented and those who possess
unusual requirements should be ac-
corded the most exalted recognition
because Of their superior intellectual
endowments. When such master
spirits are discovered among US we
are ever ready and willing to do all
we possibly can to bring them in
juxtaposition with the acknowledged
lights Of the more favored race, that
their lustre may be seen and right
fully accredited That men are often
greatly overrated in their supposed
special fields Of brig tness is an un-
questionable fact, which all must ad-
nit. We might by way Of example
refer to the Andrews case and the
counsel thereon engaged. Now this
case is familiar to all hereabout, and
was docketed several years since. de
was charged with having killed and
afterward burning his wife by setting
fire to his house at or near Hlghspire,
Pa. The alleged murderer being i'm,
pecunious and friendless, was fur
nished co ,nsel by the court. His
first trial resulted in conviction but
through skilllul maneuvering bis
counsel secured for him a new or
second trial, but before it could be
heard the counsel for some reason
left the case. About this time there
loomed up in our midst "GeD." T.
Morris Chester, whom it will be re
membered went abroad several years
since, and after prolonged absence
returned robed in the reputation Of
successful barrister Of the English
courts. So brilliantly did this re-
puted barrister shine, and being the
first colored lawyer admitted to the
Dauphin county courts, the presiding
Judge (being in need Of counsel for
Andrews) concluded to give Mr..
Chester an opportunity to show his
oratorial and legal attainments, and
accordingly he was assigned to the
case. The case may have been diff
fcult one, SO much better then was
the counsels opportunity for showing
to the world that he had not spent
fifty years in idleness an excellent
chance for a man to make record Of
which his children would feel proud.
The case in its turn came up. Mr.
Chester was seen and heard, and in
such a forcible manner that the jury
a second time at once found the pris-
oner guilty Of murder in the first de.
gree.
Now instead Of Mr.. @ at that time
making his crowning effort to secure
a new lease Of life for his client, by a
new trial, he quietly hied himself from
those troubled scenes to the more
quiet of his aged mothers room,
where he has since remained applying
his great legal mind to the practice Of
photography, which will certainly be
beneficial to one Of bis age. Now
this community is not at all pleased
when the prospect of a hanging is
apparent. We are virtuous liberty
loving people, and to give the crimi
nal fair chance for life we at once
saw the need of change or additional
counsel, and as new evidence had
been adduced our wishes were made
manifest, and the presiding Judge ap
pointed Mr.. Eias Hollinger, and
through his indetatigable efforts the
condemned man is to have another
trial. Mr.. Chester upon being ques
toned few days since regarding th,.
case, replied that he might be here
when the trial comes off or he might
be in the South, showing not only
lack Of interest but more But
for Mr.. Holingtr we think Andrews
case would BE- a hopeless one.
thus misrepresentation works mis-
chief alike to the person or persons
selling under ovelrated greatness and
the public at large.
How many delegates will 90 to
the State Convention through the in.
defetigable efforts Of the League ?