I ought to mention that there are advocates selected by the State from
amongst the most eloquent and able men, charged specially to bring
before the proper tribunals every case where any persons, men or women,
think themselves wronged. There are also able men, advocates to
represent the interests of society. The former, or people's advocate, if
he thinks right, advises his client by the gentlest means to desist from
her cause; but if his efforts prove ineffectual, which seldom happens if
he is right, he is bound to proceed with the case, and if necessary to
bring the question before the kings. Did there prove to be any real
doubt or serious difficulty, the case would be referred even to me. The
advocates of society, like the people's advocates, are disciplined in
the practice of truth and justice, and if they think that there is
anything in the case in favour of the appellant they are honourably
bound to state it to the tribunal. This is done in the interest both of
justice and of society itself, which might otherwise be injured in the
person of one of its members.
Both classes of advocates occupy very high positions, and would not
condescend to take fees of their clients. They are wholly remunerated by
the State. They have no interest in the issue, and are equally honoured
whatever the result may be, for society always gains by a just decision.
* * * * *
I may here mention a privilege belonging to every woman of every rank
and of every age, viz., that, when a man meets a woman in the street, he
is expected to bow, and, unless accompanied by a lady, he must step off
the principal path till she has passed. Any one omitting either of these
marks of respect would be considered vulgar and ill-bred. He would be
severely censured, and a repetition of the offence would render him
amenable to more decided punishment.