The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-08-21

besides which wero the old-fashioned brazen
~-fers ready Ia the polished tray for instant
The dips mentioned were not the store
but homemade. In fact young Harrison
b.. ness.
"In front Of the fireplace the mother took seat
with her knitting; and while listening to the
conversation or the reading that went on
amongst the younger folks. reeled off her need
les the socks with which the boys could encouut-:
er the SHOWS without. In their most animated
moments those around were always reesrdful of
her presence; respect for her tempered their
voices and forbade passion in dispute. She was
. Presbyterian. and one OF Beniamins earliest
recollections, that 10 which at this late day he
refers with profoundest reverence OF feeling. is
the habit she persisted In to her death of rising
when the hour of retirement came, folding up
her work, whatever it might be. saying Good
night and going aside for prayer. The practice
was q mystery to him then, as WAS the PRAYER
she silently made. He did not understand what
it meant; and for that reason possibly the i'm
preston < made upon him LAS been more last
ing. 1t certainly was not without influence.
For We find that while he WAS q student 10 the
University ne became himself n member of the
Presbyterian Church and is now a Presbyterian.
He is also a man OF prayer
There are many such passages which rise
quite above the levelsof ordinary biographical
narrative, and in which one sees both the sub
ject and the writer of the biography. OF Gen.
Harrisons coming to Indianapolis and his ap-
pearance at that time, the suthor says:
"As we have seen. his father was not in con-
dition to assist him pecuuiarily. The good man
had strained his remaining resources IN educat-
lug HIM and his brother. A fortunate circum-
stance now interviewed. James Finley, q sol
der of the war of 1872. had married an aunt of
young Morrison, leaving her q widow. From
her he had inherited q lot in Cincinnati, which
he turned to present account. A purchaser was
found willing to advance $500 on the property;
on account of the minority Of young Harrison,
the transaction was perfected by a bond for a
deed upon bis arrival at majority. The sum
constituted the entire fortune with which he
sestled down In India nepolis. = A more unaristo-
cratic beginning of life can scarcely beIconceived.
He was not able to buy him q house or rent a
separate Office. He had but one acquaintance In
the city. Mr.. John a. Rea. who was clerk of the
United States District Court. and as such was
domiciled In the State Bank building situated in
the triangular corner opposite the Bates House.
MIR. Rea kindly offered him a desk, and shortly
Q single was nailed at the side Of the door,
notifying the world that Benjamin Harrison, at
torney-stlaw. might be found within.
"Shortnsss Of means and lack of acquaintance
ship were not the only disadvantages with
which the young aspirant for legal nonors had
to contend. The writer became acquainted with
him by introduction from Mr.. Rea, and well re-
members his persona. appearance. He was
small in stature. of slender physique, and what
might be called a blonde. His eyes were gray,
tinged with blue, his hair light. reminding one Of
what in ancient days along the Wabash was
more truly than POLITICALLY described as q tow
head He was plainly dressed. and. in that re-
spect, gave tokens Of indifference to the canons
OF fashion. He was modest in manner, even
~difident; but he had q pleasant voice and look,
and did not lack for words to express himself"
His first notable appearance at the bar is well
described, and his early struggles aud slow but
sure success are portrayed In due order. Many
OF these passages are worth quoting, but we pass
them. OF General Harrison asa lawyer, the
author. himself q competent judge. says:
General Harrison is a lawyer by natural
gifts. Probably no contemporary exceeds him
In quickness OF comprehension and breadth or
reach of Judgment. Analysis with him is an in
~stinctive mental operation. He does not 60 to
the books to find principles; with the principles
already in mind it is his custom to ask for
the authorities. That which ought to be the
law, as he sees It, almost invariably turns out
to be the law. These qualities make him easily
a master of all classes of questions. and equip
him for practice in the highest courts as well as
in the lower, ia criminal cases not less than
in civil. In matters probate and in matters
chancery. They make him also equally formi
dable before q jury or . judge. His examiua-
ton and cross-examination Of witnesses are
never-failiue sources Of amusement and study
to the bystander. When he has finished with q
witness and notified him to stand aside. il is
seldom that he has not wrung from him all the
person knows of the least pertinency TO the is
sues. On such occasions he is scrupulously
kind and courteous. The witness steps down
and out and goes his way without bitterness;
il he has crossed himself, very often he is un-
aware OF il. In after reflection he remembers
chiefly the pleasant voice and countenance IF
his interrogation.
$50. in argument, in the heat of conflicts. Gen
eral Harrison is scrupulously observant of the
the presiding judge. His department. to the lat
ter 10 so respectful. that. while wrestling against
an adverse opinion, be WAS never known To have
been the occasion of a scene 10 court. He is
earnest where what he thinks his rights are in
volved, but never insolent, Bringing or angry.
In course Of speech. speaking of the facts ELECTED,
he keeps himself carefully within the record.
In the closing the opposing counsel
finds no necessity TO interrupt him; neither has
he trouble with him in preparing a record for
an appeal Tricks, traps. surprises and small
advantages are foreign 10 General Harrison's
idea of professional honor. He may not always
be eloquent, but he Is always logical; if the oc-
cssion demands it. however, be can be grsndly
eloquent. His indignation, like his pathos, 10
natural. He despises attempts at dramatic eff
feet: he is Enthusiastically straightforw ward,
and his comparisons are never far-fetched; his
figures of speech are always clothed in the sim
plest words, 30 that he lie entertaining TO every
body who hears him. and easily understood by
everybody. The secret Of his power, whether
In court or on the stump, lies In the fact that
he never fails to make himself perfectly under
stood"
AS samples OF General Harrison's style Of
legal argument and oratory two of his speeches
are printed in full-the one in the United States
Court in defense of Gen. A. p. Hovsy 10 the
Milligan case, and the other before the Supreme
Court IN the Green Smith case. Both are great
speeches.
General Harrison's military career is pre-
scented in o manner at once clear and interesting.
and the narrative is verified by personal state
ments and "reminiscences from q number OF those
who served with or under him..
Under tho head Of 1.-THE Politician" We have
his political and public career. with interesting
references to his campaign services and nu-
merous apt quotations from some OF his speeches,
including utterances on the tariff. the labor
| question, pensions, prohibition, home rule. and
other topics Of current interest. His record on
the Chinese question. and bis connection with
the labor troubles in 1877 are fully presented.
The author concludes:
clear in mind, vigorous in body. His character.
He loves his family. his ~fellow-men, his coun-
try, and bis God. Such a man cannot be infattd
By euccess or imbittered by cisappointmen /.
By acceptance of the nomination Of his party
be has signifed that be holds himself subject 10
the ponular will Whether he Is chossn NJ saf