The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-03-22
BAR MEETING.

OF judge Lewis-KeseisIions asd speeches.
To-day at IL o'clock noon, a meeting of mem
bers of the Philadelphia bar was held in the
Supreme Court room for the purpose OF taking
action on the death of the late Ellis Lewis, ex-
Chief Justice OF the Supreme Court of Pennsyl-
vania.
On motion of Judge Parsons Chief Justice
Thompson was called to the chair. Colonel j.
Ross Snowden and Henry NJ Phillips acted as
secretaries.
paid tribute to the memory OF the deceased and
recounted several incidents connected with his
life which had come within the speakers personal
knowledge. His services to the law and the State
were incalculabie. Judge Thompson and Judge
Of the great excitement the subject OF the inter-
nal improvements in the State. The two were
placed on the special committee on that subject.
They were also on committee TO visit the prisons
Of Philadelphia during the recess of the Legislature.
They then visited the debtors department Of the
County Prison, and found many there who were
Imprisoned for debts less than Ave dollars Judge
Lewis framed fepolt on this subject, and drew up
BILL which was passed, concerning imprisonment
for small debts, and this was the first step towards
the abolishment of the then very popular custom OF
debtors Imprisonment. The speaker then men
toned the several offices which had been held at
different times by the deceased. He was on the
bench at the time that Judge Thompson was elected
his successor. His judicial knowledge Is an in
valuable legacy to the legal profession. His dec-
sions were always supported by reason, and they
came as quick as lightning.
among all the distinguished gentlemen VINO have
occupied seat on the Supreme Bench, 1t is no dis
| credft to any to say that Ellis Lewis was pre-
eminent His name and fame will live as long as
our reports are in print became acquainted with
where / then resided In 1925 he had a serious Ill
ness which it feared would result in aoss Of
Of his limbs This Sc catastrophe was ~ however S msr,
| me, who had just entered the bar, to
take charge OF the prosecutions OF which he had the
care as the District Attorney OF the county. This
! was great help to me- He was always ready TO
help every Young lawyer. The Legislature of which
| he became member held more distinguished men
than have been in that body at any time during the
last fortyfve years. Yet his tants were such that
Pg fs d%e of the Of tancas s
! he wrote his celebrated Treatise on Criminal Law.
Judge Parsons then submitted the following reso-
| lutions-
Whereas At the advanced age Of nearly seventythree
the Hon ELLIS Lewis late 0hie Justice ice Of the Su
many prominent poltica, official and judicial stations in
With singular satisf. ctont all as man ofu1bemsh
% 5 ed % & % reGence
rhis city on the 18TH 1n o. years and honGrs is
has resided for many years should in public meeting
in trg manner their appreciation of his excel
esored That in the death of the estmable citizen and
W6C by the P Els adca e
the admnistration OF justice in the various tri6unan
legal learning which he has exhibted in all those various
| justice in all the numerous causes which have been
brought before him for adudicatonwe say great man
ResoSod That deplore the death of Judge Lewis
tribued largely tho medic al ursprudence Of the pro
esson general literature, poetry, and science,
who at all times had heart filed with benevolence
kindness for the suffering and afflicted, which
| open for their relief
ResolUed That believe the bar OF this State will eve
recognize bis kind, urbane and gentlemanly depotmen
to ali who years that passed. have had opportu
nifty of practising in their profession before him. and
ready in this sad hour their high appreciation
his character as judge, of his moral worth, and
| Christian gentlemen.
Resolred, That a committee of be appointed by
chairman of this meeting to the family
the deceased deep sympathy with them in the los
they have sustained and that copy of these resolution
| be presented at the same time.
| ReSolUed, That in testimony of respect for tn
memory of our distinguished friend will attend hi
| funeral this afternoon.
The resolutions were seconded by George W. Bid
| die in a shert speech.
| Judge Porter followed with some personal recol
| lections of the late Chief Justice.
David Webster, sEsq., also paid tribute to tn
| memory Of the deceased.
| The resolutions were then unanimously adopted
The Chair appointed on the committee Messrs
| Parsons, Bidddle, Porter, and Webster, Il. Carol
| Brewster, Mr.. Green, of Northampton county, anC
| Theodore Cuyler.
The onicers of the meeeing were added to th
| committee.