New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-09-16
OBITUARY.
THE HON. BENJAMIN ROBBINS CURTIS.

Inc lion. benjamin hODDluS Cuitl5 vi Dos-
ton the gushed juris died yesterday afternoon
at his late Summer residence in Newport r. l. He bad
been sick ten weeks suffering from hemorrage OF the
brain. Mr. Curtis born at Waterfowl, Mass Nov 4.
1909, and was graduated In 1870 at Harvard
College. where he studied law under Justice
Story. Admitted TO the bar in 1882. he began
the practice of law at Northheld. Mass. but
moved to Boston, where he attained eminence In hs
profession and acquired extensive business in early
life he was member OF the Whig party. and through
out Mr.. Webster's career he devoted follower Of
that statesman.
In September 1851, Justice Woodbury. being dead Mr..
Curtis was appointed by President Fillmore 10 dill his
place on the Bench Of the United States Supreme Court
In the case of bred Scott he dssened from the decision
OF the Court and made powerful argument In support
OF hts conclusions He upheld the night OF 10
prohibit Slavery, and declared his dissent from that
part opinion OF the majority OF the Court In winch
it Is held that person of African descent cannot be
citizen OF the United States" He showed further
his moral courage By intimating respectfully
but clearly that the judgment OF the Court
was not only both to law and to fac put tna'
It's authors well kreD such to be the case On THIS
memorable occasion only other justice OF the seven
concided with the enlightened opinion OF Judge Gurus
Finding his salary insufficient. Judge Curtis retlrea
from the Supreme Court In the Autumn OF 1901 anu To
sumed the prcctice OF his profession In Boston,
In 1854 Judge Curtis published Reports OF Cases In
the Circuit Courts OF United States" This was foi
lowed by a more important work containing the de-
cisons of the Supreme Court OF the United States.
with Notes and Digest comprising the cases
reported by Dallas. Cranch. Peters and Howard
The plan of this valuable compilation the o'o
series Of which filled 50 volumes. was approved
by Chef Justice fancy and the other
Justices Of the Supreme Court This book was succeeded
by another entitled "ADgest Of the Decisions OF the
Supreme Court OF the United States from the orin OF
the Court to the Close Of the December Term 1854 As
the title indicates this work OF the first import
ance, requiring great patience well as ability for It's
completion.
The impeachment Of President johnson brought Judge
Curtis again National prominence Assocatdwlth
Messrs. stanbery. Evarts, Nelson, and Groesoecz.
be defended the President with great ability ana
zeal The answer TO the articles OF impeachment,
a document of nearly six columns was read
by him, and was largely his work He opened
the case In mastery speech Of ten columns which occu
pied two days In delivery. Although bis voice was
feeble and his delivery uumpressive he received the
homage OF respectful attention from the Ben
ators as well from the public VINO
thronged the galleries. His forcible argument con
Guided with able summary OF the whole case, ana
calm appeal to the OF equity Of the Senatorial
Court reminding IL OF the great responsibility devoiv
iug upon 1t. Since that OCCASION the name OF Judge
Curtis has been prominently before the public er'
cept when he was recommended as qualified by hls
abilities and purity OF character TO succeed Chief
Justice Chase. As jurist he remark.
able for the readiness OF his legal attainments'
the cearness accuracy Of his statements and the
vigorous grasp or his logic. Justly proud OF his proe
sion resisted every inducement to engage In party
strife and member for one or two terms OF the
Massachusetts House Of Representatives he never held
legislative political office.
Boston dispatch gives the following additlonai de-
tails OF the jurists career
Judge Curtis of the highest scholars in that
famous class Of 1922 whose achieyement have SO often
haan fnlh Uaraa nv lines md
remarkable for maturity OF character ana rnes:
Of case was Of singular force and perspcSy wai
hardly necessary TO argue question IN college de
ns ss sr al ne Sa
the Law School, where his hgh talents Al
Of Harvard College from 1916 to 1881, when he ap
pointed to the Supreme Bench Mr. Curtis resigned bis
provide for his family His law practice has Deen
one Of the %0t 0s rom was s
Democratic candidate in the proractdd Senatorial con
%sye S support He was also member Of toe
Commission the New Charter. His name was
frequently mentioned in connection with the Chief
before the appointment Of Judge Waite He
thrice married aud leaves children by each wife,
THE REV. EBENEzER KSowLToN.
The Rev. Ebenezer Knowlton, who died
recently Belfast, Me-, prominent member Of the
Baptist and for many years active
politician He was an early supporter of the Anti
Slavery cause and became Republican at the oTgaDiEa
ton of thar party In 1916 he Speaker OF the Maine
House OF Representatives, and In 1884 ne was eeceda
member OF the XXXIVth Congress. Mr.. knowlton Mas
one founders OF the MaIDe State Seminary, which
has since been converted into Bates College, He wass
man of good ability and highly respected, especially
by his co-relgionissI
OBITUARY NOTES.
The Hon. H. G.. Pines, member of the
Legislative Council Of Nova Scotia, died Wednesday
night in Pugwash.
The Hon. John s. Kerr, a member Of the
Tennessee Legislature Memphis, died suddenly In
that city yesterday.
David Barker of Maine, who had attained
some celebrity poet, died at Bangor. Me- on Mon
day evening. He was about SO years OF age.
A dispatch has been received at the Navy
Department announcing that Surgeon John p. Ackiey
died Of yellow fever at the Pensacola Navy-Yard on
Friday. Surgeon Ackley a resident OF NewJersey
and had previously been stationed ut the Brooklyn
Navy-Yard.
Capt Henry King of the British Navy, the
last survivor the victory OF Cape st. Vincent In iIT
died at New Plymouth New Zealand IN June last Tho
decea officer. who % OF age held the once
of resident magistrate OF the district was second lieu
OF the Seahorse at the capture OF Aexsndria,
and served in the operations on the Potomac In 1914