The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-24


In a series Of interesting contributions TO
the New York Herald of Sunday number Of
very distinguished lawyers point ont what
they consider to be the secrets of eminent
success in the legal profession. The general
impression left upon the mind after a careful
examination Of their views is that Blackstone
understood the character Of the law pretty
thoroughly wnen he described it as jealous
mistress Al .he moral qualities and very
nearly all the intellectual seem. in the opinion
Of these gentlemen. TO be essential 10 the
highest distinction in their profession with
one notable exception-po of orltory.
FX-Prcsdent Cleveland. in speaking of legal
oratory. expresses himself with his usual em-
phasis. IF were to tender my advice to
young men in the legal profession OF coutem-
plating such o career" he writes Il think
could not refrain from asking them 90 diemi-.
from their minds the idea that the practice of
law is made up in an important degree Of ora
tory and eloquent addresses before courts and
juries"
Ex-Attorncy-General Garland is equally as
explicit In all instances" lac remarks.
short, close. tcr~c arguments should be
made, and this done, submit the matter To the
court without further talk"
Oscar :. Suaus, late Minister 10 Turkey. de-
clares that it Is popular error that the law
is a profession dependent chiefly upon ora
tory. In primitive communities oratory at
the bar was of much more consequences "
Among the many contributors to the
Heralds symposium. the three whom We
have named are the only ones who make any
reference To manner Of expression at the bar,
and these three speak of legal oratory in terms
Of depreciation
All unite in declaring integrity to be essen
tial. with the single exception of Thomas q.
Sherman. The essential qualities Tor a sue
ccssful lawyer. remarks Mr.. Sherman, are
brains, good health, and powers of reasoning;
quick perception, sound Judgment. logical
habit Of mind. and unwearying diligence.
have left out honesty and integrity because
unfortunately considerable number of law
yers achieve success without these qualities.
But the truth is that it takes three times the
amount Of the other qualities 10 compensate
the want Of these"
Drudgery, in the opinion Of all the Herald
contributors. is rs necessary as integrity in
the legal profession, few being disposed 10
admit that there is such a thing as genius
for the law, as the highest form Of aptitude.
Industry is only compatible with fair
constitution. For that reason. Mr. Sherman
advises that no one shall adopt this profession
who suffers from a bad digestion. Mr.. Straus
declares that "a good. strong. healthy frame
is the first condition Of legal success. John
c. Black places ability Of body" before
ability Of mind" and Edwards Pierrepont
eleyates poverty at the start above either
The most admirable summary Of the essen
tais Of success in law seems to be that of
Everett Z. Wheeler. "'1o specify these essen
tials,' he wrote, is difficult Some men have
achieved success by force of genius. others by
persistent industry. But there are very few
eeniuses. The law student needs courage.
industry, and all the accurate information he
can acquire. He needs to master the
principles Of legal science He needs patience
10 carry him well through the drud.ory
Of the early years of his profession.
He ought 10 study the reports Of the highest
courts Of the State in which he lives. and 10
read the volumes. as they appear from time
10 time, with special reference to the extern
sion and development Of the law which they
affect. The successful LAWYER must be loyal