Making the Most of His Opportunities Wins a Coveted Embassy.
“YOU may say what you will,” said a young lawyer in a conversation
wherein Joseph H. Choate and his ability were the topics of
conversation; “a man cannot hope to distinguish himself without special
opportunities.”
“Not even in law?” questioned one.
“There least of all,” was the answer.
“Well,” said another, “the period in which Mr. Choate began his
career in New York is commonly referred to as the golden age of the
metropolitan bar. James T. Brady was a conspicuous figure in the
popular eye. Charles O’Connor had already made a lasting impression.
Mr. Evarts was in the front rank in politics as well as in law.
Mr. Hoffman was equally prominent on the Democratic side, and Mr.
Stanford’s brilliancy in cross-examination had given him an enviable
reputation. The legal heavens were studded with stars of such lustre as
to make any newcomer feel doubtful about his ability to compete. But
Choate displayed no anxiety. He hung out his shingle and began to look
for clients, and they came.”