The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-12-10
SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES

.r.a.- WEDNESDAY,, December 8, 1852.
At the opening of the Court this mornin G, the
Hon. ]. J. CRIrrESDEN, Attorney General of the
United States, rose and remarked substantially as
follows: o.. 81" f .
That since its adjournment yesterday the MEM
bers of the Bar and officers OF the Court held
meeting, and had adopted resolutions expressive
of their high Of the public and private worth
Of the Hon. JOHN MCKINLEY, lately one OF the
Justices of this Court and their deep regret at his
death. .t. r.s. a"-s.'
By the same meeting was requested to present
those resolutions to the Court, and to ask that they
might be entered on their records; and rise now
to perform that honored task.
Besides the private griefs which naturally at
tend it, the death of member OF this Court, which
is the head of great, essential and vital depart
ment Of this Government, must always DC an
event Of public interest and Importance.
had the good fortune to be acquainted with
Judge Mckinley from my earliest manhood. In
the relations of private life he was frank, hospita
BILE and affectionate. In his manners he was
simple and unaffected; and his character was uni.
formly marked with manliness, integrity and
honor. Elevation to the bench of the Supreme
Court made no change in him. His honors were
borne mcekly, without os,entaton or presumption.
He was a candid, impartial and righteous Judge.
Shrinking from responsibility, be was fearless
in the performance of his duty, seeking only to DO
right, and fearing nothing but to do wrong.
much enfecbled and afflicted by disease, and his
active usefulness interrupted and impaired, but
his devotion to his official duties remained unabated
and his death was probably hastened oy ms iast
Intellectual attempt at their performance by attend
ing the last term Of this Court.
Death has set her seal to his character,
making it Interchangeable forever; and think 1t
may be truly inscribed upon his monument that ne
private gentleman, and a public magistrate,
he was without fear and without reproach
This occasion cannot but remind US OF other
affecting losses which have recently oeiaiien US
The present indeed has been cad year for the
profession Of the law. In a few short months IT
has been bercaved Of it's brightest and greatest
ornaments. Clay. Webster, and Sergeant, have
gone to their immortal rest in quick succession.
We had scarcely returned from the grave of one
of them till we were summoned to the funeral Of
another. Like bright stars, they have sunk below
the horizon, and have left the land in widespread
gloom This Hall, that knew them 30 well, shall
know them more. Their wisdom has no utter.
ancc now, and the voice of their cloquence shall
be heard here no more forever. r.l
This Hall itself seems though was sensible
of it's lose; and even these marble pillars seem to
sympathize as they stand around us like 30 many
majestic mourpers.
But we will have consultations in the remem,
brancc of these illusrious men. Their names VIII
remain to u.s. and be like light kindled In the SKY
to chime upon us, and to guide our course We
ma hope, too that the memory OF them ana their
great examples will create a virtuous emulation
which may raise up men worthy to be their sue
cessors in the service OF their country, Its Consa
tuition and it's laws .. .
For this depression and these illusions to Clay,
be considered a sufficient excuse; and will not
trospaes by another word except only to move that
these resolutions in relation to Judge Mckinley.
when they shall have been read by the Clerk, may
be entered on the records OF this Court
The resolutions are as follows:
At a meeting of the members of the Bar and Off
GERS Of the Court, held in the Supreme Court room
on Tuesday, the 7th day Of December, 1852
The Hon. SoLoMoN u. Downs, OF Louisiana, was
called to the chair, and JOHN A. CAMPBsLL, esq
of Alabama, appointed secretary.
On motion Of RICHARD s. CoxE, esq, ii was
Resoipsd, That committee Of three gentlemen
be appointed by the Chair to prepare and report to
this meeting appropriate resolutions on the occa
sion of the lamentcd death OF the Hon. john
MCKINLEY, one of the associate justices OF the Su
preme Court Of the United Stntee.
whercupon the Chair appointed Richard s.
Coke, esq, of the District OF Columbia, Reverdy
Johns n, esq, Of Maryland, and William Rawls,
esq., Of Penney wanna, 10 constitute the committee
Mr. Coxe, on behalf Of the committee, reported
10 the meeting the following resolutions, which
we're una imously adopted:
Resoired, That among the affective dispensa-