The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-15
CHARACTERISTIC ANECDOTES.

CHARACTERISTIC
In the book which has just been printed
about him, which contains nothing in the
foregoing article, are some new stories about
Lane illustrating his strange character
strange now, because there is no longer any
conditions in this country to create such
men. Here are some of the new stories:
Governor Osborn, late minister to Chilli,
etc.. was once the law partner of Jim Lane.
Lane happened at Elwood, where Osborn,
then a young lawyer, had just opened an
office. and had just secured a case of con-
siderable Importance. Lane proffered his as
thankfully accepted. They won the case. Ii
there was any selfishness about the offer
of assistance it was most adroitly concealed.
1t appeared to be simply a desire to secure
a young and rising man as his friend. He
asked no part of the fee, and when Osborn
handed him half Of the fee Lanes surprise
looked at that SO with as great wonder as
If he had never seen such an amount OF
Shortly afterward Lane proposed to Os-
born the formation of a law partnership, to
business to make even him a living, and
asked Lane what the result would be ii that
little should be divided. Lane replied that
he wanted no part in the fees unless there
was a case of enough importance to war
rant Osborn in sending for him-they living
seventy miles apart. Soon he was sent for
in an important case. He made the opening
argument, mildly and calmly discussing the
merits of the case, in which he had occa-
sion to ridicule the claims and position OF
the opposing party rather sarcastically, but
without personality. His argument seemed
to greatly excite the counsel on the opposite
side Of the case, who was one OF the strong
est proslavery leaders of Lecompton.
The opposing counsel, in his reply, de-
nounced Lane as an interloper who had left
his home to interfere with the affairs of
another county, with which he had no BUSH
ness. Throughout his address he was ex-
tremely severe and insulting; In his reply
viewing the merits OF the case, but. soon
warming up, he began to repay in kind the
ceeded Osborn noticed the opposing lawyer
slip out, and as he returned TO his seat the
handle of a large bowie slightly projected
slipped out and soon returned with a loaded
revolver in his pocket. Lane, apparently
address and with increased sarcasm soon
reached a height of crushing denunciation
which could no longersbe borne. and his OPP
ponent. drawing his knife as ne sprang TO his
Wi5h such force as to turn him Completely
around, giving Lane an opportunity, which
he auickiy embraced, to give him a funda-
mental kick of such force as to send him
%sprawling under a table ten feet away. Just
hand. and as sherifr Jamison, a fearless
man, jumped in TO preserve the peace, Lane,
with his revolver cooked. covered mis- furi-
Gus antagonist, e~xclaiming, Let him come,
I'm ready for him."
But the lawyer, who is now a very re-
spectacle and well-known citizen of Kan
sas. was completely cowed. and with a
sheepish look took his seat. while that court
room remained. during the rest of the trial
as quiet as a kindergarten.
Lanes first election TO the United States
Senate was the most remarkable incident of
the kind in all the history of this country.
He left Lawrence in a wagon, with but $40 in
money, and the landlord threatened to eject
him from the hotel for want of funds. when
he coolly reminded the hotel keeper that
Him Lane can move into a store box on
Kansas avenue and beat them ALL" Before
leaving Lawrence he had actually been re-
fused credit for a loaf of bread.