Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-16
Remarkable octogenarian

Mr.. Choate was IS years old, n1e-
time during which he was one OF the
most distinguished practitioners OF
law in the United States, ambassador
to England with signal success,
speaker applauded on innumerable
public occasions, and, finally, re-
markable octogenarian.
He came from an old New England
family. noted for strength of character
and mental vigor. His father was a
cousin of the famous Rufus Choate.
He was graduated from Harvard in
1852, a college mate Of Phillips Brooks
He established himself in New York in
1856, soon after finishing his law stud
les, and as 4 member of the firm Of
Evarts, Southmayd and Choate he
rose to leadership OF the New York
Bar.
He appeared in all the celebrated
cases,-it was said case was not a
case unless Choate appeared in it
where his 1uency and wit and search
ing cross-examination brought him
considerable success. He figured in
the prosecution Of BOSS" Tweed and
his followers who looted the New York
City treasury: he so successfully de-
Tended General Fitz-John Porter. that
by reversal ola court martial that Of
ficer was re-instated; he appeared in
the Tildcn will case. the contest over
Commodore Nanderbilt's millions, and
the Chinese exclusion case, arguing
against the validity of the act These
are but a few Of the famous litigations
in which he figured. his presence in
variafAy making any case IAN INTEL
lectual treat for the public. and a pro-
fessional education for junior members
Of the Bar
His professional income during the
height Of his career was believed to be
the largest Of any practitioner in the
American courts, though it may oc-
casionally have been surpassed by
some Of the huge fees paid for special
services by some of the great corpora
tons. He won his way through
combination Of good humor which
gave him the power to hold the atten-
ton Of the iuries in the dullest cases.
and legal skill.
1t is on record that during his
Younger days. he had the daring to
rebuke a judge, who had turned to
converse with someone behind him,
while Choatc was addressing the
court ChCate stopped short in his ad-
dress. The judge remarked the 81
lence, and as His Honor turned to face
the room the lawyer began anew:
Your Honor I shall need all the
time allotted me for summing up; and
I shall need your Honor's undivided
attention"
And you shall have IT.. the Court
apologized.
Mr.. Choate was Republican but
had never held public Office. beyond a
brief term as member Of state Con-
stitutional Convention. when he was
invited by President Mckinley in 1899
to go to London as the American am
bassador At a farewell dinner at the
Union League Club. Mr.. Choate re-
marked upon his inexperience in pol
itical or diplomatic life. IT shall re-
ly'. lie said, "uron happy tempera-
ment.''
After his six years in England he
was lauded on both sides Of the At
lantic for the remarkable success he
had had in strengthening the ties be-
tween the English speaking peoples.
His range Of sociability made him
know as ambassador to the people as
well as to the Court. Nnmberless
times he appeared as a lecturer on
American institutions and American
statesmen.
A mark Of respect never before con-
ferred upon a foreigner in England
since the middle Of the 18th century
was paid him when he was adopted by