San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-20

argued that ! was unfit fol-
the presidency because
had never enjoyed a larger
income from my profession.
I will not attempt to urge in my
behalf the argument that turned
Disraeli from the law to politics
THE hour of adventure had arrived,
but think I owe it to my friends to
give them glimpse Of my career as
lawyer. From this they can form
an estimate as to whether ! would
have succeeded had / continued in the
profession.
After graduating from the law
school and admission to the bar, / re-
turned to my home at Salem to pre-
pare for change in the residence of
Jacksonville, Ill. During the preced-
ing vacation (1SS2) / had made a
trip to Kansas City, which l con-
sidered as a possible location.
was deeply impressed with the
size and hustle of the city, and was
disturbed by the fear that might not
bare money enough to support me IN
Ill / could become self-supporting.
OyERESTIMATED FAME.
The more / pondered over the
problem, the stronger I was inclined
to start in Jacksonville. where l
thought the beginning would be easier.
reasoned thus: / had spent six
years as a student at Jacksonville,
was acquainted with many of the
literary and business people there. j
had graduated as the valedictorian Of
my class, and was also class orator.
! do not know whether others were
ever guilty Of the same error, but i
am satisfied that ] over-estimated the
impression that my college successes
had made on the general public.
But mistake or no mistake, / de-
cided to hang out my single in the
charming little city which had come
to seem like home TO me after six
yeau Of student life there. 1 have
been rather inclined TO observe an
nirersaries and 30 / chose the Fourth
of July for the date Of my entering
into Jacksonville. 1t was an easy
day TO remember, and gave me an
anniversary that was sure to be gen
orally observed.
HAS GOOD FORTUNE.
Here again good fortune attended
me. The law firm of Brown. Kirby
and Russell, one Of the most prom
inent in the city, was made up of
three splendid men. William Brown
was one Of the ablest lawyers / have
ever known. He was not only a most
delightful companion, but his way Of
addressing a judge or a jury came
nearer being ideal than that of any
other person ] have known. ] think
he had more influence upon my style
Of speaking than any other person
from whom l have taken lessons.
The friendship that. grew up be-
tween US continued until he died, and
my admiration for the man grew
until be became so heroic a figure
that ] would have offered him a
place in my. cabinet if 1 had been
elected.
Judge Edward P. Kirby was an adj
mirable partner for a lawyer like
Brown. The latter was a trial law
yer without a superior and few
equals.
The former was an office lawyer,
man acquainted with pleadings, prec-
edents and authorities, a man whom
everybody trusted He was especially
consulted in any matters of probate
snd settlement Of estates.
Robert d. Russell, the third mem
Der OF the firm, was younger than
either of the others, and ore Of the
most loyable men it has been my lot
TO know. He was what is often called
The rising young lawyer
diligent and the friend Of all who
needed a friend.
They were all closely identified with
Illinois College, and within the circle
Of DR.. Joaes' friends. and it was pos
sibly for that reason that received
the welcome they accorded me. Some
six months after entering the firm.
Mr.. Russell, who was a brother Of
the great actor, Saul Smith Russell,
moved TO Minneapolis, which led 70
the turning over Of much Of the col
lection business Of the office 10 me.
WAITS FOR CLIENTS.
] remember with what anxious ex-
pectations / nailed up my modest sign
Nv. ]. Bryan, Lawyer" on the door
post and awaited the rush of clients.
use the word waited adyisedly,
secause waiting was what ] did. II
was then that experienced my first