The San Francisco call., 1899-02-12

on their substantial features" He has
acted on a principle in every important
case in which he has appeared-and
the list includes almost every trial Of
national interest that has come up since
1870.
How to Handle Case
Mr. Choate threw an interesting light
on one cause of his success as a lawyer
when he said
'T have made it my rule never to
neglect case, no matter how untm-
portant 1t may seem. doctor owes
1t to the dignity of his profession to
treat cut finger successfully, just as
he would a fractured skull The same
thing is true of the lawyer, although,
unfortunately, not all attorneys appre-
ciate the fact" 1t is due to this de-
votion to the interests Of even the hum
blest clients that Mr.. Choate has won
probably a greater percentage Of the
cases he has appeared in than any other
lawyer in the country.
In spite of his love Of fun and his
free and easy manner, Mr.. Choate is a
stickler for the dignity Of his profess
sion, and he has the courage to defend
its rights, no matter by whom they are
ignored.
Rebuking Judge.
On one occasion, when Choate was.
addressing a bench on which Judge Van
3,
chair around and began talking to one
of his associates. This habit, which
other Judges have been known to in
dulge in, is annoying TO lawyers, but
they think it the part of wisdom not
to notice it. Choate, nowever, instant
ly paused in his address and stood gaz-
ing at the bench, with his arms folded.
When Judge Van Brunt, surprised by
the hush in the courtroom, looked
around Mr.. Choate said:
Your Honor. 1 have just forty min
utes in which to make my argument.
1 shall need every second Of the time,
and also the undivided attention of the
court And you shall have it." re-
piled the Judge, instantly acknowledge.
ing the justice of the appeal.
These incidents give a fairly accu-
rate view of the qualifications with
which Choate started out on his career
as a lawyer-a profound belief in his.
profession, a reliance on broad princi-
pies rather than fine technicalities, a.
keen judgment, ready wit and genial
manner. To these must be added un-
limited ambition and a studious ma
ture These advantages soon out
weighed the objections of a wealthy
family. a distinguished cousin and q
partner famous as lawyer and public
man.
There was no nonsense about Choate.
He wanted to be a successful lawyer,
and he was never led away from that
aim. He said to one of his youthful
friends:
II would rather be the leader of the
New York Bar than the President Of
the United States"
Too Busy or Society.
He kept his ideal before him. When
it was suggested that he should enter
politics, he said mo" When oppor-
tunities to go into society presented
themselves, he answered, Il am too
busy" He studied harder-not only law
books, but the masters of English writ
ing and speech.
Studying the books and fighting in
the courts soon began to tell for
Choate. BY 1870 they had made him
one of the foremost lawyers of the
country. Since then every year has
made his position as leader Of the bar
more unquestioned.
Yet Choate is not well-known man
in the sense that Depew or a dozen
others who have been no more con-
stantly before the public are To the
citizens of the country at large his
name signifies man who makes occa-
sional brilliant speeches and who re-
ceives large fees for his services to
wealthy clients. This is a singularly
erroneous view.
During the recent campaign in New
York, Richard Croker made the charge
against CHOdIe IndI ne naQ never taken
up the case of a poor man. Choate re-
torted that on one occasion he had ap-
peared for man who, by his own
sworn testimony, was poor. He al
luded to his appearing for Croker him
self, after that gentleman had declared
before an investigating committee that
he was poor. This may be hardly
convincing instance, and was inspired,
doubtless, by a desire to get the better
of Mr.. Croker. But it is a fact that
Mr.. Choates charges are very moder-
ate, considering his eminence in the
e. w. MAYO. :