Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 2.djvu/214

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

198

��IN RUINS.

��latter puzzles him somewhat. There is no room for hesitation in saying that, in eminence of ability, determination in arranging the means of success, preparation to meet and confute oppos- ing arguments, and unwavering general devotion to what he deems the just in- terests of his clients, no professional man in New England is more than his peer. To gainsay this fact would be to controvert the opinions of the best men on the bench and at the bar, and to at- tribute solely to friendly admiration what is assuredly a well recognized truth. So much for reputation ; but what can, or should, be said as to Col. George's manner as a lawyer? It is confident, agressive, bold and indepen- dent of every consideration but direct- ness ; it shows no aspect of favor for aught but the purpose in issue. Some- thing has been here recorded of the qualities of his political addresses. The same bold fearlessness of men, and of opposing opinions, the same integrity of sentiment and expression, the same disregard of what offence the truth, as he views it, may give to the opposition, are characteristic of him as a pleader at law. Here, also, what may, and does seem to sound harshly from his lips is

��materially reconciled to the listener's fa- vorable judgment by the pleader's man- ifest earnestness, honesty and unadult- erated devotion to the truth, and the interest of his client, founded on his views thereof. There is no surplusage of words in Col. George's legal prelec- tions. He is a very Gradgrind for facts, and uses them always with direct and sledge-hammer force, cultivating cata- pult pith rather than the pelting of his opposition with roses. Every energy is directed towards power and conquer- ing effect. To use the expression of one who thoroughly knows the subject of this imperfect sketch : "the man in trouble who has Col. George for his friend and advocate is lucky indeed : he who is in legal difficulty, and has him to oppose him is assuredly to be pitied."

Col. George is of robust build, about five feet ten inches in height, approxi- mates two hundred pounds weight, is of strong constitution, enjoys excellent health, has immense working power of mind and body ; and, if all reports are true, it is not likely that he will live a long and active life and go "over the hill to the poor-house" at its close.

��IN RUINS.

��BY ABBA GOOLD WOOLSON;

All through the summer's rosy hours

I built my castle fine ; And not a soul should dwell therein,

Save only mine and thine, My Love,

In loneliness divine.

��No cost of make, or wealth of hue I spared from base to dome ;

"Where lordly monarchs choose to bide They rear a kingly home ;

And so This rose like silver foam.

�� �