The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1913-11-06
RAPID FIRE SKETCHES
OF FAMOUS PEOPLE
Second Paper by Blackstone

and career of General Benjamin
Butler, lawyer, statesmen and sol
dier, one naturally turns to his po-
litlcal opponent. famous as the man
who beat Ben Butler, the Honor
able William Thompson. or as he
was Familiarity known in Essex
county, Billy Thompson. For many
years General Butler had been
somewhat of political car in his
congressional district and falling to
secure the nomination from the
regular district, of which Lowell,
his home, was the chief city. He
was nominated from the sixth dis
trict, claiming residence on Cape
Ann. where his summer home was
located. This was the Democrats
opportunity and placing Judge
Thompson on their ticket he was
triumphantly elected
At Washington the judge was an
object of curiosity as the man who
beat Ben Butler, and consequently
was greatly embarrassed in his eff
fort to gain recognition for himself
IN the political arena. His own
ability was above the average and
he had a most winning personality.
1t was all in vain. Buffers in
tlueuce was still dominant in official
circles and at the end of his term
the Judge was glad to retire
When President Prichett, of the
Massachusetts, Institute of Tech
nology, resigned to assume charge
of Carnegie's great institute at
Washington, there came into the
lime light famous and learned
professor of chemistry as the tenn
porary head of this famous school
Professor Arthur A. Noyes. Pro-
lessor Noyes is one of the worlds
famous chemists, and is so modest
and retiring that he puts aside the
honors and titles of distinction
that are literally thrust upon him
in order that he may be permitted
to pursue original research work.
Professor Noyes is a student p
hours in the day and finds his hap
piness in his work. In vain did the
institute faculty offer him the presi-
dency. In vain did the alumni be-
seech him to consider it. Chemistry,
that fascinating mistress of our So
cial and commercial world, called
him to her and he was content to
obey.
In all rural districts some one
has concerned himself as being
called to the bar and after few
winters reading with the village
squire has, through political in
tluence, secured an appointment as
justice of the peace. Shakespeare
has placed the crown of fame on
the brows of these ignoramuses
and the village dogberry has livened
what would otherwise have been
tedious hour. One of these j. Prs
crossed the writer's orbit once and
then sank into abysmal darkness
and obscurity. Here Is specimen
OF his rulings as lawyer: Pat
came into Police court after beat
ing up his family while entranced
with Johnny Barleycorn, J. P.
roars: This hard hearted william!
this drunken wretch! Spending his
falnily's money while his poor wife
is starving! Ten dollars and costs!''
Next week Pat comes in again but
is wiser and slips five spot to his
honor, so now its this poor, horny
handed son of toll in a moment of
relaxation takes drop too much.
Who shall condemn him, or say
him nay TO the real comfort of OBJ
llvion? Discharged!''
The undoing of this village dog
berry came about when he issued
warrant for the editor Of the Week
ly Gazette, charging the aforesaid
editor with assault and battery,
done in the melee of dog fight.
In the excitement of the occasion
caused by SO noted an individual as
an editor being in trouble, the J. p.
put his notary public seal on the
warrant instead of his court seal.
The editor being wise, as all editors
are and must be, secured the war
rant and sent it to the governor.
Result-exit the J. p.
History tells of a few instances
Of Americans who could rightfully
claim possession of titles of nobility.