Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1843-08-25
No. 45--WHOLE No. 4eI

am living lteraly among my pos'
terily as we'll in professional as in do
mesjc hie My contemporaries have
nearly ell departed, and although during
nv official career was familiar with
the Ba. and with the Courts N every
par. Of this State, now perceive that I
have no pc fsonsl acquaintance with most
of the gentlemen who have done me the
honor 10 unite 10 this invitation. When
first entered into public life as mem-
Der Of Assembly in 1890, there were but
sixteen counties in this State, and now
the invitation comes from members OF
the Bar who are distributed throughout
fly eight Of them.
am conscious Of the high character
and dignity Of the Bar of this State.
rejoice 10 their prosperity, and symPa-
thize with them in every thing that con-
Germs their interest and honor; and tits
with unfeiEned embarrassment and re-
aret that feel myself constrained 10
/ decline the acceptance Of the distinguish
ed mark OF respect which they haSePrO
posed.
The personal details you have so
kindly given in your address, eotlIIe ma
to plead an apology, and beg leave TO
mention that in June last had The hon
or 10 receive q similar invitation from
the Philadelphia Bar stated in my
answer TO their respectful and affection
ate address, that was then on the verge
of eighty. and that it appeared TO me Tor
some time past to be proper and expe--
dent, considering the gentle admoui-
tioUs suggested by that period OF life, 10
Withdraw, as much as possible. from
public duties and festivities Of every
kind; and that so long as my life and
health were permitted TO continue, To
confne myself to domestic retirement,
and TO the studies end pursuits to which
: had been accustomed. and which were
. suitable 10 that tranquil position.
The ground Of thar apology not only
n exists, and you will perceive that the
# very fact OF its having been then assign
!, ed, has given TO it additional and cOnclu.
sive force.
s am unwilling 10 take my leave OF my
$ brethren Of the Bar, without respectful
d Iy suggesting that the protection, cultt-
If vation and influence Of the JurisprudeDce
:. OF our country, is confined 10 the proles-
= sion of the law. The security Of our
d civil and political privileges greatly De-
10 pends upon an enlightened, ImPafhal'
ol honest prompt, and independent admin
istraton OF Justice; and this lnesllmable
=; blessing depends essentially on the cha
ID rac,er Of The Bar, and they oug ht, and
"a trust they generally DO. feel all the re-
sponsbiliies which such an elevated
trust imposes
10 Perm, me finally 10 add. that iH my
Ie apprehension the best way to be useful
IT and happy IN this life, IS 10 cultivate the
ed domestic affections; to love home, and al
a the same time TO exercise a benevoleN'
ry disposition towards others; to be temper
ce ale and just; to pursue lawful business
ry whatever il may be, with diligence
-ul firmnsss and integrity Of purpose, ant
to in the perfect belief that honesty y
n equally binding in The discharge OF pub
ry lie as OF private trusts; for when Publi'
sh morals are destroyed, public liberty can
il: not survive. II we are aspiring, W
AN ought not to lose our dlffidence, nor
nv ardent for reforms, we ought not to los
of our discretion. We ought to listen t
Ike the msxims Of experience, and respst
,pe the advice and institutions of our ancs'
tors; and above all we ought TO have
rts constan, & grateful sense of the surPs
,ap intending goodness Of that Almight
i,h Being whose wisdom shines equally
,di his works and in bis word, and who's
ers presence Is every where sustaining an
On governing the Universe.
~ have the honor to be, gentleme
lsy with perfect respect, your otedIen' &c
yes want.
II JAMES KENT.