Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 09.pdf/559

 Rh

liar incidents. Probably no legal treatise ever combined so much of the substance with so little of the show of learning, or so happily avoided pedantic formalism without forfeiting precision of statement" (Nat. Diet. Biog.). The book is to some slight extent based upon, or perhaps to speak more ac curately, suggested by a short tract existing in Littleton's time, entitled " Olde Tenures," and another ancient document, " The Cus toms of Kent," may have been used in the compilation of the treatise. Mr. Tomlins adds these two ancient tracts at the end of

his authoritative text of Littleton's work. Coke's " Commentary on Littleton " was published in 1628, and has since then passed through many editions, the most noteworthy being the thirteenth edition by Mr. Hargrave and Mr. Butler. The seven teenth edition was produced, in 1817, by Mr. Butler. Coke's is not the earliest com mentary on the work. Mr. Henry Gary, in 1829, published a commentary, the author of which is unknown, but which was cer tainly produced before that of Sir Edward Coke. — Laiv Times.

THE HISTORIC CASE OF COKE V. BACON. THERE is an odd similarity between the volume by that diffusive but painstaking rivalship of Aaron Burr and Alexan author. As the letters В and С are alphabetical der Hamilton and that of Bacon and Coke. Both with regard to American and English companions, Bacon and Coke were ever history, a legal reader cannot, when con pari passn in life. They began the world ning the life of Burr, separate him in memo together; the two vere rivals; together ry from Hamilton; nor in reading about they fought for distinction, and were even Coke can he differentiate remembrances as youths competitors in love. Both were of him from those of Bacon. Burr was a devoured with insatiate lust for wealth and Coke in chicanery, and Hamilton a Bacon honors. Both gained the objects of their in wisdom, as well as an author. Burr's fall, fiery desires; and neither, it may be accurate like that of Coke, was fatal and ignominious. ly stated, found happiness in the acquisition. Bacon lives most through his " Novum- Both lives warningly teach the legal profes Organum," and his essays; and Hamilton's sion how much there may co-exist of intel fame rests greatly upon his contribution to lectual grandeur with the most glaring; the Federal Constitution — the Novunt Or- moral turpitude. And, oh, how both paid gannm of the Republic — as well as his es homage to virtue by, when in disgrace, seek says collected in the volume entitled " The ing refuge in tranquil pursuits which unex Federalist." pectedly to themselves gave an immortality But let us rest with consideration of the which they did not seek. rivalship between Bacon and Coke, and their How dramatically meet the brutality of companion careers; for the closer these are Coke and the baseness of Bacon in the trial placed in juxtaposition the greater interest and fate of the gallant and unfortunate attaches to the shortcomings of both as Essex. There was in public view the cruel well as to their beneficial achievements. arrogance and atrocious bearing toward the All which the legal reader will discover who Earl from Coke; while behind the scenes shall put Lord Campbell's sketches of Chief- Bacon was endeavoring to secure the con Justice Coke in his one volume, and those viction of that Essex who had used his best of Lord Chancellor Bacon in the companion efforts towards obtaining for Bacon the very