The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-07-27
LAW REFORM AGAIN.
Mr.. Patteson Replies to sTr. Pettit-A
Wellington Aneodoto.


Wellington Aneodoto.
RICHMOND, VA, July &c, 1897.
Editor of The Times:
On certain occasion when the great
Duke of Wellington was sitting in the House
Of Lords he received letter from the emf
nent landscape painter. J. G. Loudon. Tho
Duke had not heard from him for such a
length Of time that he had quite forgotten
him. In the letter Loudon said 1t would
crafty me extremely if you would permit
me 10 visit Strathfeldsaye at any time con-
venent to Your Grace aud 10 inspect the
Waterloo beeches." and be subscribed him
self Your Graces faithful servant, j. G.
Loudon.n
The beeches referred to were trees which
had been planted Immediately after the pat
tie of Waterloo as memorials of the great
tight. Twice the Iron Duke perused the
note. which WAS not clearly written and
promptly replied to it. on the spot. having
read the signature as @. j. London, as fol
lows:
My Dear Bishop of London. 1t will al
ways give me great pleasure 10 see you at
Strathhedsaye. Pray, come there when
ever it suits your convenience; whether /
am at home or not. Ny servant Will receive
orders to show you so many pairs of breeches
of mine as you wish but why you should
wish TO inspect those that ] wore at the bat
tie of Waterloo Is quite beyond the cOmpre-
henson Of yours most truly
"WHLsGToN.
The Bishop of London was amazed at the
receipt OF this communication. and after
consulting with the Archbishop of Canter-
bury aud other discreet persons. came %
the melancholy conclusion that the Duke
had lost his reason. The whole bench of
bishops were puzzled. Finally explanations
followed and they all remained good friends
The report Of the special committee on
law reform was printed and circulated on
the 23d of June, 1891 but it Is evident that
Mr.. w. b. Petit has never found time 10
read 1t. or If he has. he has done 1t so
hurriedly that he is as wide of the marx as
was the Duke Of Wellington. There is
more excuse for the Dukes mistake than
this distinguished gentleman's misleading
of the report. because it Is beautifully
printed. Ii is stated IN the report on the
authority of the late Judge jeremiah :.
Black that the New York code of procedure
as prepared by Hon. David Dudley Field.
has never yet been adopted in the Empire
State. Mr.. Petit might a. we'll have read
"breeches' for beeches" 80 far as reply
ing as be has done 10 the arguments ad-
vanced in support of the report concerning
the changes recommended.
If he should find time 10 make such study
OF the subject as to be willing TO argue the
matter from real instead Of imaginary pre-
misses, perhaps his arguments might be
more 10 the point. There il no use of at
lacking Mr. Field. as he has nothing 10 40
with the proposed change except so far az
his teachings have influenced English-speak-
ing people.
Inc American Bar Association at its last
annual meeting voted two medals TO the
most distinguished law reforners of the
nineteenth century-one 10 David Dudley
Field and the other to Roundell. Earl of
Selborne, the present Lord High Chancellor
OF Great Britain, both OF whom are cham
pions OF the new procedure recommended
by the special committee.
Yours truly.
s. S. p. PArrHsoy.