The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-10-26
JyDss SAMUEL BLArcHroRn
The Federal Bar's Testinsenini 60 One OF
Amerten's Most Distfnsutshed Jurists.

On the retirement OF Judge Samuel Blatch-
ford from the bench OF the United States Dis
trict Court, to take his seat on the bench o. the
United States Circuit Court. many members Of
the Fedora! bar saw II fitting opportunity to tes-
tfy to his high judicial character and learning.
The testimonial took the shape Of handsome
portrait in oil. II was presented to the keeping
of tho District Court yesterday afternoon. in
tho presence Of distinguished company Of
lawyers. officials. and larkcys. Judge Choate
presided. and Judges Benedict and Shipman
sat on the bench with him.
Commissioner George F. Bcus made the
presentation on behalf Of the givcrs. He said
that no effects in art or nature could be more
marvellous than those wrought by the painters
pencil. Nothing could be morn unntcresting
or unnttractivc than the space Of coarse canvas
cloth; yet few pigments laid upon it by tho
hand Of genius transforms it into the counter
felt prescntmont Of man." instinct with life
nglow with Intelligence. 1t scarcely seemed to
nced the fire at prOmehous or even the prayer
Of pygmaliOn 10 breathe to live. to- speak. II was
such genius that had been invoked to pcrpctu-
atc The remembrance Of the Judge who. during
period OF eleven years had presided in that
court WIN honor 10 lilnsell anu oi satisfaction
10 the profession Of the law and 10 the cOmnu-
nifty. He ana his brother lawyers felt restraint
imposed upon them. by the circumstance that
jude bat hiurd was still presiding Judge of u
Federal court in the district. from uttrrnR all
that was In thcir hearts 10 say ON tho occasion
but they owed 1t To themselves and to tho occa,
sion to say that his patient application to the
laborious duties Of his ofllce. his untrinR in
dustry. his legul learning and acumen. his
rty go commended him TO the good
opinion, Of all that whom vacancy
occurred on the bench Of the Circuit Court he
was called by general reclamation to M the po-
stion. Tho years during which he presided
over the District Court were filled with met
tents To t,st tho power Of any Judge. The
IlGtif a N
ntion when he took his scat and during his
term Of scryc9 6.2OO petitions in bankruptcy
tion, that had hecn argued before him was left
undisposrd Of when he resigned. During
in Admiralty were commenced in tho
Court. Tho occasion Of the gathering
cNrresscd moro ieelngly than words could
ward thv man nnd the Judge Judge Batch
ford is the eighth Judge that has presided ov
the court since its reorganization i'm 1879 His
predecessors have been james Duane, John
Lawrence, Robert Troup, John Sloss Hobart
Matthias H. iallmadge. William T.. Van Ness
position during forty years. from 1927 TO 1867
Commissioning Belts continuing, said that the
most enduring record of tho Judges ability
anu ~" most lasting monument 10 his fam"
would always b. found IN his decisions IN the
published volumes OF the reports. These de-
cislonS Will hear the testimony OF tho learning
and ability OF the honorcd Judge long after the
color- shall have faded and the canvas have
II would he OF interest and satisfaction 10 pre-
serve rs long IA may he the likeness of the form
and features. with which tho bar had been ia
miliar during the past decade.
On ichali OF many veterans OF the bar by
whose Jealous interests, said Commissioner
Belts. the portrait Of Judge Blatchford had been
procured. h. presented IT TO the court. trusting
that II might always tlnd place on the wall. Of
tho room IN which the court held its sessions
Judge Chpaie said that the Court received the
portrait with great satisfaction and assumed
the trust OF It's safe keeping and preservation.
IL strikinsly reScmhcd the likeness If the dis
ungul-hcd Judge who had. until very recently.
presided over the court. The tribute To the
personal and official character OF Judge Batch
ford was cmncnily well deserved. and was
honorable alike To- him and To the gentlemen of
the bar who had united in the demonstra-
ton Of good will and respect. The
picture would show to endless success
sions 81 sultors and counsel the life II 10
features OF n fearless Judge who had adminis-
tered Justice in the court for eleven years dur
INK which the Hbors OF the bench. in amount
and inheritance. had been very grcat-a Judge
WHO had discharged every trust OF his great
Office with constant hdelity until called hy the
President. with the approval Of the Senate 10
that higher judicial seat which lie now fills.
Judge Choatc ordered n minute II the pro-
ceedings 81 the court TO be entered on the
records OF the court.
The portrait was hung on the wall to the left
Of the Judges bench. Ii represents Judge
Bntchiord sitting with the manuscript of q
charge IN his hHud. which lac is about TO read to
ia Jury. The picture WAS painted 10y Hunting
ton. anu cost 81 500.