The Sun.
London, England, 1846-10-28 00:00:00

THE NEW JUDGE.

Yesterday the ceremony was witnessed of Mr.
Vaughan Williams, the new judge, taking leave of the
Society of Lincoln's Inn, of which he was a member.
At ten o'clock there was a large assemblage of benchers,
barristers, and students, in the New-hall, when the ex-
pectant Justice of the Common Pleas was introduced
with great solemnity, and was thus addressed by Lord
Campbell:—
" Mr. Vaughan Williams,—On account of the absence
of the treasurer, I am unexpectedly called upon, as the
senior bencher present, to address you on your taking
leave of this society, with the view of your being created
a judge. The task is easy and agreeable, for I have
marked your career from your early youth, and I am
well acquainted with your extraordinary merit. Having
received a sound classical education, which ought al-
ways to be the foundation of professional emi-
nence, you began the study of the law, and
you pursued it diligently, liberally, and syste-
matically, having before your eyes the example
of your revered father, who was one of the most
deeply learned common lawyers of modern
times ; and who, if it had pleased Providence
to prolong his life, must have reached the highest pro-
fessional honours. Soon after you were called to the
bar you afforded proofs of your proficiency, by giving
to the world—along with an associate who was worthy
to join you in such an undertaking, and who has long
adorned the judgment-seat (Mr. Justice Patteson)—an
edition of your father's works, enriching and elucidating
them with annotations of the highest value. You after-
' wards published a work of your own, upon a very im-
portant branch of the law, most scientifically arranged,
and distinguished by such accuracy, that not only prac-
titioners, but judges, are ready to appeal to its autho-
rity. Your progress at the bar has been most creditable.
Despising the arts by which some seek to force them-
selves into notoriety, you have only striven to qualify
yourself as an advocate, and zealously and honourably
to conduct the causes of the clients who have solicited
your patronage. Thus you have gradually risen to be
the head of your circuit, and to occupy an enviable
position in Westminster Hall. For some time every
man there has been of opinion that, next to him-
self, you were the fittest person to be raised to
the bench duly estimating your integrity, your
temper, and your manners, as well as your
learning and ability. On this ground you have been
selected on the vacancy caused by the death of
my lamented friend, Mr. Justice Williams. I have the
means of knowing that the Lord Chancellor, the consti-
tutional adviser of the Crown on such an occasion, un-
influenced by any party or personal considerations, was
only solicitous to find the man who, from his accom-
plishments and his character, was best qualified to per-
form the duties of the office, and that he acted upon the
maxim Detur digniori. lam confident, like all who hear
me, that his anticipations will be fulfilled, and that here-
after you will be classed with Hale, and other great
judges, who have reflected so much lustre on this society.
I must say that we do not take leave of you with regret,
since such is your destiny. I have now only, according
to ancient usage, to present to you a purse containing
ten guineas, as a retaining fee to plead for us during the
fleeting moments that you are supposed to practise as a
sergeant-at•law, and earnestly to wish that you may
long, in health and happiness, enjoy the high office of a
judge, to which we know you will be an ornament."
The bell was then tolled, Mr. Vaughan Williams was
warmly congratulated on his elevation, and the company
dispersed.