The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-06-10
edge even of the rudiments of law. He put
to him the simplest questions, only to re-
ceive the most


the room. Then they themselves examined
Thurman. With single exception he an
swered promptly all their questions, many
OF them very difficult ones. When his own
ordeal was thus successfully passed, Thur
man began to plead for his unsuccessful col
league Moved by his appeals the examin-
ers sent for the other young man, and the
chairman, with due gravity, informed him
that he was admitted as matter of grace on
account OF the earnest plea male in his be-
hall, but only on condition that he would
not attempt TO practice law "until you learn
something of questions in regard 10 which
you now know next TO nothing The
young man went into some other business
and thereafter carefully avoided the law and
awyers all the rest of his life.
Young Thurman went back to Chillicothe
and was at once taken into partnership with
his uncle, William Allen, who had now be-
come prominent in national as well as in
State affairs. Through this association Thur
man Mt one step entered upon one of the
best legal practices in Ohio.
From the first he was most successful in
his professional work. Within a short time
after he had entered upon IL his uncle be-
came so absorbed in politics that he
ABANDONED HIS PROFESSION
entirely and left the work of the office to be
done by Thurman. The young man proved
equal TO the great responsibility thus laid
upon him, winning the warmest approba-
ton from distinguished men In his own pro-
fession and out of IL. His circuit included
four counties, and for ten years he never
missed term of court In one of them, and
in all this time he did not ride 100 miles on
wheels. All his journeys, like those
OF his fellow practitioners, were made
on horseback over the dirt roads,
which than ka all, Il.
of travel in that part of the State. II was n
strong bar that did the law business of the
circuit, and Thurman was the youngest
member, but he held his own with the best
of his associates. To do this he was Obliged
10 work most industriously, and il is said
that during all this portion Of his life lac
rarely slept more than six hours a day. the
remainder of the twenty-four hours being
devoted TO professional work or TO study al
home
From his early boyhood Thurman had
taken an interest in public affairs. Even in
the busiest years Of his professional career he
always fully performed his political duty MS
an American citizen, even taking promi-
nent part in the canvasses Of his county
Though frequently solicited TO become a
candidate for the Legislature, he
ALWAYS DECLINED,
as he did also a proposal 10 accept nomi-
ton for judicial position. lie declared
that he could not afford 10 run for Office and
that no poor man should accept honprs
which lac had not the means adequately 10
support. lie worked on untiringly at his
profession. In 1889 he found rest aud recrea-
ton an imperative necessity. BY the ad-
vice Of his Uncle William Allen, who was
then one OF the great men In Washington,
he decided 10 make trip 10 that city. The
iDuF nuna In a rfsL.gNs a11 80
coach from Cfillicothe 20 Frederick City.
Mo, and thence by the primitive fiat rallied
road 10 the capital.
During this, his first visit, Mr. Thurman
spent six weeks In Washington, forming
agreeable acquaintance with many prom.
incnt men Of the time. His uncle took him
TO see Calhoun, for whom he had always
felt the livelicst admiration. The young
man noticed that Calhoun's figure was tall
and, though slight almost 60 sparcncss, yet
exceedingly we'll formed and graceful As
Senator Allen and Mr.. Thurman entered
Calhoun's chamber the famous South Caro-
lnian, with quiet dignity but none the less
warmth, extended his hand to the young
man and invited him 20 be seated.
PAYING LITTLE ATTENTION
TO Mr. Allen, and addressing himself to the
younger Of his visitors Calhoun said: II mn
denstand that IL y not long, sir, since you
have finished your studicsy'
mo, sir" replied Thurman, at is not 40
long ago that can claim 10 have more than
just begun my career"
"well, them quickly and abruptly re-
Joined Calhoun n do sincerely hope that
you have not neglected the study OF the his
tory Of the Greek republic"
Then, without giving his visitor time 10 re.
ply, Calhoun went ON for nearly an hour In
the most eloquent fashion, dcscanting upon
ancient history, and the part In II that was
played by the republics Of Greece. His
ready flow Of language, together with his
oordiality Of manner, completely Won the
heart Of young Thurman.
Ills next visit 10 Washington was In 1912,
when he went 10 attend 10 professional bust.
ness before the supreme court Of the United
States, aitcrward making trip through the
south.
As SUPREME IUDGE-iIIs CAREER on TiiR
BENCH AID ~ ooNOREss.
Two years later while In Kentucky on legal
business. the Democratic convention Of his
district nominated him for Congress Learn.
ing on his return 30 Chillicothc what had
been done lac was with difficulty dissuhdod
from declining 10 serve but after
AocErTISo THE NOMINATION.
he entered with all his energy into the con.
test. lie made close canvass Of the whole
district, spoke everywhere after taking part
In joint discussions against his Wing OPP
ponenL and was triumphantly elected. Dur.
Ing this, his only term In the lower house Of
Congress, Mr. Thurman was n prominent
member Of the judiciary committee, and
made able speeches on the Oregon question
and the Mexican troubles.
II was during this, his first service IN Con.
gross that Mr.. Thurman resumed the pmc-
| lice Of snuh.taking which be had acquired In
youth, along with the rudimcnts Of French,
| from old Prof Grcgoric, and which has ever
sincs chung 30 him-making use Of the ban.
| dana handkerchief, which In later years was
recognized ~ the battle-iag Of the Dcm0c'
| racy u the Senate.
a. the time In question-that Il, when Mr..
| Thurman first went 30 Congress--yery many
| Of his associates were invctcptc snuii.iakcr.
| TO provide for their wants In this direction
| the sorgeant.at-arms Of the House was
charged with the duty Of regularly filling
TWO HuaE BOXES,
/ which stood on either side Of the clerks
desk, with a fine brand Of the pungont pow.
/ der known ~ congressional snuff. and paid
/ for by the government. The senators how.
ators. however, paid for their own snuff.
During Mr.. Humans first service In Con.
gress Il was the fashion for members aud
high officials 10 appear IN full dress suits
Of black, brown, blue or green. They were
q courily sot and q remarkably handsome
body Of men. With most Of these men Mr..
Thurman enjoyed the most agreeable rcla.
tons The lifc suited him, but the pay was
20 small that he declined n denomination
after his first term IN Congress, aud returned
TO the practice Of his profession.
JUDGE or THE SUPREME COURT.
This work he continued until he wa,