Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1889-12-14

taking the case of q prisoner, even
though he may think him criminal.
Evidence!msy be developed of which
he knew not, establishing the prison
er's innocence.
/ do not believe.lawyers encourage
unjust litigation. Irather incline to
the belief, strengthened as it is by
experience and observation, that they
more often counsel compromise and
peace. know people are in earnest
when they want lawyer; that they
come to him with distorted tales
and imaginary wrongs-yea, often
with prejudices and shattered con-
sciences. Revenge promps two-thirds
of our lawsuits. The lawyer may,
generally does counsel moderation,
and advises arbitration and GOODNESS.
The average client will hear of moth
ing but restitution and revenge.
Though advised that the case is
weak, he angrily insists that it pro-
coed. The lawyer finally acquiesces.
He fights every inch Of ground, con-
tends for every principle, but loses.
Grit and knowledge are not equiva-
lent to evidence and law. Then, up
on his shoulders, falls the burthen.
He is held responsible for defeat,
charged with lukewarmness, de-
nounced and belittled by his client,
though he is himself alone blamable
for it. The public stops not to ex-
anime, but joins with the client, and
proceeds with even greater yehe-
mence to upbraid and criticise law
yers in general, and the unfortunate
one in particular.
No man is paid less for the amount
and nature of the work done by him
than the lawyer. What IS his stock
in trade? Did you ever endeavor to
discover it 1t is life of applica-
ton, perseverance. buffets, reverses,
midnight study and mental labor.
| It is the result of ceaseless industry,
of long vigils and denials. 1t is not
alone for advice, it is not that he
must stand before the public and be
subjected to criticism, that the law
yer charges. Before him are the sac
! rifices and tolls of years gone by, of
hopes deferred, of unexpected rever-
ses-all experienced that advice may
be given, and the public benefited.
Follow. a lawyer through a case.
Principles are to be applied, SMILES
drawn, records searched, evidence
sifted, witnesses examined, the unex-
pected met, objections removed, ar
| guments made, and verdicts won and
set aside. Hours of patient study
are to be employed, and disappoint-
ments experimental that clients
may have justice done them. Ro-
nance and adventure checkers his
daily life. He is more than a frothy
speaker to tickle and set agape the
ropulace, and more than the lucky
drawer of great prizes in his fees.
He is wise, patient toiler, living in
his cases and hanging over them as
affectionately as mother over her
children. He fights as many battles
in year as general in a lifetime,
and frequently expends on some tri-
vial controversy, where his only fee
is "the thanks of the poor or the
blessings of the widow and orphan"
more invention, labor, thought, and
skill of conduct than often fill long
campaign that ends in an ever-mem-
orable defeat of over-counting thou
sands. Yet men accredit all to a
love of money, never considering that
ambition, honor, learning and worth
are more natural motives. The same
argument may be applied to doctors
and ministers with greater relevan-
cy. The former take advantage of
the ills to which the flesh is heir, the
latter thrive off the mortality and
fear of the world.