itself. That his surroundings were favorable to the cultivation
of a high degree of sociability goes without saying. Story-telling
helped often on the circuit to while away the long evenings at
country taverns. At times, perchance,

"the night drave on wi' sangs and clatter."

Oratory counted for much more then than now. When an important
case was on trial all other pursuits were for the time suspended, and
the people for miles around were in prompt attendance. This was
especially the case when it was known that one or more of the
leading advocates were to speak. The litigation, too, was to a
large extent different from that of to-day. The country was
new, population sparse; the luxuries and many of the comforts of
life yet in the future; post-offices, schools, and churches many
miles away. In every cabin were to be found the powder-horn,
bullet-pouch, and rifle. The restraints and amenities of modern
society were in large measure unknown; and altogether much was to
be, and was, "pardoned to the spirit of liberty." There were no
great corporations to be chosen defendants, but much of the time
of the courts was taken up by suits in ejectment, actions for
assault and battery, breach of promise, and slander. One, not
infrequent, was replevin, involving the ownership of hogs, when by
unquestioned usage all stock was permitted to run at large. But
criminal trials of all grades, and in all their details, aroused
the deepest interest. To these the people came from all directions,
as if summoned to a general muster. This was especially true if
a murder case was upon trial. Excitement then ran high, and the
arguments of counsel, from beginning to close, were listened to
with breathless interest. It will readily be seen that such
occasions furnished rare opportunity to the gifted advocate. In
very truth the general acquaintance thus formed, and the popularity
achieved, have marked the beginning of more than one successful
and brilliant political career. Moreover, the thorough knowledge of
the people thus acquired by actual contact--the knowledge of their
condition, necessities, and wishes--resulted often in legislation of
enduring benefit to the new country. The Homestead law, the law
setting apart a moiety of the public domain for the maintenance of
free schools, and judicious provision for the establishment of the
various charities, will readily be recalled.

Politics, in the modern sense--too often mer