The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1895-08-29
CHOICE OF PROFESSIONS.

The death of Justice Jackson of the
Supreme Court of the United States has
raised the question of his successor.
Necessarily lawyer must fill the vacancy.
1t is not necessary that he may have served
as Judge The conclusion is that the pro-
fession of the law offers the best opportuni-
ties fer occupying the highest positions that
the American people are able to offer; for no
political office can be higher than seat on
the Supreme Bench of the United States.
This is setting premium on one OF many
honorable professions. 1t has happened
now and then that person who has achiev-
ed distinction in literature (never in music,
raintinc, arch ectL tIJr sculpturel has been
rewarded by our government with consul
late. Brete Harte is conspicuous example
Comparing the rewards of literary effort
with those achevable at the bar, it is clear
that even the art of writing, which carries
with it possible element of intimidation,
cannot compete with that of the law IN
those forms Of appreciation which the peo-
pie can bestow on merit.
The subject has been made the more in.
teresting by reason Of an able article pub
lished few months ago in one OF the lead
ing magazines, in which it was shown that
on an average the writer receives better
income than the lawyer. This may be true
enough. but its misfortune is that it places
the reward of labor on a financial basis only,
and takes no account of another form OF
recompense which professional men and
artists Of the fuer sort regard above all
others-an honorable recognition of their
merits. Under the American system there
are only two classes Of professional men that
can receive Government recognition. First
come the lawyers, who may hope to be ap-
pointed to some honorable Federal position
as Judges, and next authors, very small
proportion of whom may dream OF consu
late in some remote corner of the world
In both cases. however, there must be {
strong political "pull," and as lawyers arr
closer, or make themselves closer, to politics
Lllan no ubSIuly "blh "'' ~ 'S'''NN ~
the manifest utility of their profession arr
more conspicuous and valuable in politca
sense, they have the preference owe
writer's As for sculptors, poets, painter
aud the like, they are lost and forgotten II
the scramble.
1t is different in European countries, an
this difference may be taken to measure eS
isting variations OF those evidences whlo
mark the phases of a higher development
This is not to complain that the America
standard is inferior to that Of Europe, bu
merely to show that III this country high
er reward for excellence in certain prc
fossionis offered than is observable in Europe
The close alliance of the legal profession t
politics in this country may explain I'll
situation Here where political ability
so much desired quantity, and where til
personal equation as represented by faci
use of the voice is so valuable in expount
ing politics to those with whom voice
weightier than pen, the man trained
speak, as the lawyer is, has every advan
age. He may not be so learned, able
clear as the anonymous writer for the pre-
who supplies him with all the ideas to whi'
his mellow throat gives expression, but
has the tongue and the personal impressic
and they are sufficient in this country
make man conspicuous and candida
for such honors as the Government can
stow.
These considerations are submitted
those young men who may be lowering b
tween personal inclinations and certain
wards which their excellence may CO..
mand.-S. +. Call.