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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 bv 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

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,