with all its disappointments and successes is un-
rolled before the busy lawyer who has such a prac-
tice. The exclusive devotion to special branches
makes men strong in their lines; it narrows them
also, and the lawyer whose work has a wider range
acquires greater breadth of view, a happy versa-
tility, and a ilcxibility of mind which enable him
to pass from one subject to an(jther without weari-
ness and without distraction. Benjamin Harri-
son has amiized his associates in professional and
oHicial life by the ease and ability with which he
despatches so much important business in a mas-
terly style. For the exigencies of high station
the discipline of his professional life was an ex-
cellent preparation. As a lawyer he was thorough
in the preparation and study of his cases, in the
preliminary statement he was clear anil exhaust-
ive, putting court and jury in full possession of
his theory of the case; as an examiner of wit-
nesses he had no rival ; and :'" un advocate his per-
formances were characterized by clearness, cogency,
and completeness which left nothing further to be
said on his side of the case. It often happened that
his colleagues who had prepared to assist in the
argument threw away their notes and rested the
case upon his single speech. As a cross-examiner
he was unsurpassed. No rascally witness escaped
him. Xo trumped-up story or false alibi could pa.ss
muster under his searching scrutiny. In a case
where Gov. Hendricks was defending a man in
the Federal Court again.st a charge of consj)iring
to violate the election laws, the governor injudi-
ciously put his client in the witness-ljox. He de-
nied his participation in the crime in the most posi-
tive manner; but little by little under Harrison's
cross-examination he was driven toatlmit fact after
fact, the cumulative force of which drove him at
last to a practical confession of his guilt. In the
celebrated Clem murder case several alibis, fabri-
cated for the principal actor in the conspiracy, were
pulverized by his cross-examination. It was not
Ills plan to confuse or persecute a witness, but to
quietlv, persistently, and courteously press for a
full disclosure of the facts. He never attempted
to browU-at a witness, never excited the sympathy
of a jury for a witness by any show of unfairness.
His skill as a ni»i priiis lawyer was surpassed by
his power before the higher and appellate courts.
He put himself on paper admirably, and his briefs
arc models of strength and concisencts. He was
deferential to the courts, courteous to his opiKi-
neiits, generous to his colleagues. He showed no
fussy fear that he would be shouldered to the rear.
It was not nec-essary. It soon Ijecame evident to
his opponents and asscwiatcs that he was the con-
spicuous flgure in the fight. Unlike many able
attornejrs, he cared more for success than tor an
exhibition of his own |>owcrs. Lawyers who had
never met him were sometimes le«l to think that
bis abilities had been overrated ; no lawyer who
ever encountered him in a forensic fight came out
of it with such an opinion. His commanding
abilities as a lawyer stood him in g(xxl stead in
his political career, which began with the organi-
zation of the liepublican partv. He became con-
spicuous in Indiana politics in 1860, when, as a
cundiilate for the olTlce of reporter of the .Supreme
(,'ourt, he iniwle a thorough canvass of the state.
His first debate with Gov. Hendricks was in that
year. Uy some mistake of the campaign commit-
tees he and Hendricks were announced to speak
the same day in l{o<'kville. Hendricks was then
the Dem<K!ratic candidate for governor, and was
in the zenith of his fame as a stump speaker. He
courteously invited Harrison to divide time with
him and made the opening speech. The local Re-
publican managers were amazed at the temerity
of a stripling who dared to measure strength with
the Goliath of the Indiana Democracy, and showed
their distrust of his ability by leaving the court-
house. Harrison, who had been seasoned and
warmed for the work by speaking every day for
weeks, assumed the aggressive, and as his few po-
litical friends began to show their appreciation by
applause, the audience increased until the court-
room was packed with enthusiastic Republicans,
who crowded about the speaker when he closed
and showered their congratulations upon him.
Mr. Voorhees was present, and. feeling the force
of the impression made by Harrison, arose when
the speech wiis finished and said he would answer
the speech that night in the same place.
Since 180U he has taken an active part in every
political canvass in Indiana. In that year he was
elected reporter of the Supreme Court, and his of-
ficial work may be found m ten volumes of the In-
diana reports. Hisollicial and professional labore
were onerous, but the tasks were lightened by the
thought that he was paying for the modest cottage
home which he had
bought on credit.
Then came the war,
and Gov. Jlorlon's
call ujioti him to raise
a regiment of volun-
teers. He enlisted,
and in a few weeks
was commissioned
colonel of the 70th
Indiana infantry. He
made arrangements
to have the duties of
his ortice of reporter
performed in his al>
sence. several of his
professional brethren
undertaking to do the
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work without cost to him, so that his home could be paid for. The Democrats put the name of a candidate for the office on their slate ticket in 180' . The Republicans, supposing that Harrison would l)e allowed to serve out his term, made no nomination. No votes were cast except for the Democrat, and in a mandamus suit brought by him to compel the clerk to give him the manu- script opinions of the judges, the Supreme Court, composed of Democrats, decided that Harrison's enlistment vacated the office, and that the Demo- crat who was elected by default should fill it for the unexpired term. At the next election, in 1864, while Harrison was still in the field, he was re- elected by an overwhelming majority, and after the close of the war assumctl the office and served out his full term of four years.
The following is a brief summary of his mili- tary record : Heiiiaiiiin Harrison was mustered into service as colonel of the 70lh regiment of Indiana infantry volunteers with the field and staff of that regiment at Indianapolis, Ind., to date fnmi 7 Aug., 1862, to serve three years. The following remarks appear opposite his name on the muster-in roll of the field and staff : " Mustered into service as 2d lieutenant, 14 July, 1862 ; as cafitain. 22 July, 1862 ; and as colonel, 7 Aug., 1862." He was in command of his regiment from date of muster in to 20 Aug., 1863; of the 2d brigade, 3d division, reserve corps, to about 20 Sept., 1863 ; of his regiment to 9 Jan., 1864; of the 1st brigade, 1st division, 11th army corps, to 18 April, 1804: of his regiment to 29 June, 1864; and of the 1st brigade, 3d division,