The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-12-21
THE LAWYERS,
Reasons For and Against Harder Exam
nations.

AT our meeting last evening we discussed
TO some extent this question which Is be-
ing agitated in regard to raising tne
standard of qualifications for admission
TO the bar Here are some comments
from the various members:
The merchant: 81 believe most heartily
in raising the standard When man IL
admitted to practice in the courts OF thls
state his certificate of admission Is no.
tice 70 all the world that he has been ex-
aroirod az 10 his qualifications and has
heen adiudged capable by the supreme
court of properly conducting any legal
business which his clients may give 70
his charge. Now, If man Is 10 pe s,.eh
such a certificate setting forth MS aDliity,
n is no more than right and for the Dest
interest of those who employ attorneys
that such a man should really POSSESS
that ability as represented Many Juss
cause has been lost by the employment VI
an Incompetent attorney, ana ior one
advocate requiring more thoi oush
knowledge of law before admission 10 the
| bar" Ia.
The laborer: "But there is another side
% the question. A lawyers side-and the
oS,,ats, too for that matter. Our best
Ia wvers have been poor, hardworking Ten
u,bo have gained their legal educatlon uh-
der great disadvantages and II higher
oualidcations were required, many men
who will now complete their study ana pc
admitted. would be prevented py w
iongthened course of study and thus the
hest talent OF the country perhaps WouIu
| belost to the profession. we can aIIolu
IN keep out the incompetent lawyers a.
the sacrifice Of our best ~,
The real estate agent: II can't see any
t,e,Ice In raising up an exclusive lorrnee
class who are given monopoly OF cel,
tain nrofession. why not open the door'
20 ali and let the law Of the surVl- a. o.
Tho attest regulate such matters reopi'
soon and out who are capable and trust
worthy and who are not The protectloi
the law gives TO lawyers encourages 'Nei'
in being non-progressive'
The teacher That would apply y
well to our profession, too, woulun u, ~, /,
your reasoning is goodY why nave 's''''
ers' examinationsY ,o,,
the teachers but individuals emp oy IN
lawyers" -. a,
go does the government employ IN
LAWYERS. They constitute the greate
number OF our legislators, judicial ana e'
ecutive officials. We must have COCO iaN
vers or we will not have good, wei
oreanlzed and well conducted govern
ment." 80
The doctor: Il am In favor OF raslr
the standard. The course OF study n y
law department OF the state universi
is a disgrace TO the state II the commi
sloners report is correct could cor
plete that course in twelve months al
study less than three hours DAY.
: takes us doctors four years Of hard wo
y 10 gain admission to practice medicir
+ There are other law schools IN this sta
that have a better course OF study I'M
I the state university law school and u
y ought not 70 be-"
The lawyer: "well. iii Just tell y
how II is, gentlemen all this tax abo
. raIslng the standard OF qualihcation
n admission 10 the bar has peen brone
r about BY inferior lawyers. You neV
hear a capable and hardworking la~s
Complaining because there are 700 Ma
10 iawvers. II IA only those who navel
y. srcrgy and determination enough 70 c'ii
y 10 he TOP that want others kept out
feas they VIII be passing them IN me n'