of religion was superadded to a deep sense of the moral obligation of all his various duties. It is not at all surprising that a young man formulating his life, and the principles by which it should be guided, on such a high moral plane, should have built up for himself a character which would com mand a nation's admiration. "How it came about that he selected the law as his profession, we are not informed. That he should have done so, however, is not surprising. Even then he was ambi tious and full of aspiration, and to young men of talent and promise, the law was per haps the most attractive of all professions, especially to those who aspired to political honors. "He was exceedingly fortunate in the se lection of Judge Cheves of Charleston as the lawyer in whose office he was to prosecute his legal studies. His preceptor was a man of high character, splendid intellect, and fine professional reputation. To be inti mately associated with such a man was indeed a privilege, and one no doubt which Hayne both appreciated and improved. "Just eight days before he became of age, he was admitted to the bar. Judge Cheves having been elected to Congress, and his partner, Mr. Northrop, having died, Hayne fell heir to most of their practice, which was large and lucrative. The consequence was that he did not have to go through the pro cess of waiting which is so common a fate for young lawyers, and which is so discour aging in its effect. He rose rapidly in his profession, and soon took a place among the leaders of the Charleston Bar. "Some of the qualities which characterized him as a lawyer are worthy of special men tion. He was remarkable for the clearness with which he stated his case. It was almost impossible for'judge or jury to fail to under stand him. Not only was he full and clear in presenting the facts and arguing the points of his case, but he was so earnest and sincere in his style and manner that
he carried conviction to the heart. He made no attempt to parade his learning or to cite a long array of authorities, but he sustained his positions by referring only to those cases that were pertinent and directly applicable to the matter at issue. He was a fine cross-examiner, and knew exactly how to get as much as possible out of an opposing witness. His style was ex ceedingly conciliatory, and in this way the witness was often disarmed and led 'to tell things which, under other circumstances and under other counsel,- could not have been obtained from him. He had fine selfcontrol and never lost his temper. Even when taken by surprise, he betrayed no embarrassment or particular concern. He had an earnest, energetic style of speaking, and was eloquent in his advocacy of a cause. While engaged in a case, he never failed to conduct himself as became a courteous, well-bred gentleman. "At the age of twenty-three he was elected a member of the legislature, where he made a fine record, and this was due not only to his speeches but also to the practical judg ment which he displayed in the various matters which were brought up for consid eration. While serving as a member of the House, he was elected speaker. Up to this time he had never looked into a book of parliamentary rules. On the day of his election he borrowed a copy of ' Jefferson's Manual,' and spent the entire night in mas tering its contents. The next day he pre sided with ease and grace, betraying neither hesitation nor embarrassment in the applica tion of the rules governing a deliberative body. His own experience on this occasion fully illustrated the opinion which he gave to a friend when urging him to accept a responsible trust. ' I have always found that good sense and a firm purpose, with compe tent general education, qualify a man for anything.' "He served for four years as attorneygeneral of the State, filling the place with
