Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1880-08-03
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 1880
THE LATE JUDGE TRIGG.

The resolutions by the Memphis Bar,
tsnching the death Of Judge Trigg,
were recently published in the News
We now lay before our readers the beau
tif,l and touching speech Of Hon. Hen
~ Craft on that occasion. 1t is one of
the 1neet specimens Of obituary elo-
auence we have seen. The compliment
paid the memory Of the lamented Judge
10 rs true as 1t is beautiful. Rarely does
the grave close over the body Of pub
bc servant whose memory is so tendery
embalmed, and the glory Of whose vir-
tnes Ia 30 unanimously testified to.
(ED. NAws)
ADDRESS OF HON. HENRY CRAFT.
Iprr PLEASE THE Court THE men,
bers of the bar held meeting in refer
cnco to the death Of Judge Trigg, and l
was appointed TO bring the action taken
at tho meeting here, and TO ask that it
be spread upon the minutes of the Dis
trict and Circuit Courts of the United
States. now perform the duty thus
assigned me. 1t is to speak of person
al friend, rs well as Of deceased Judge,
that come, and express personal feel
Ing, as well as the sentimentsof the bar,
when present these resolutions.
Judge Trigg was the fourth incumbent
OF the bench of the District Court of the
United States for Tennessee. This fact
indicates the permanency of the Federal
judiciary, and points to the conservative
influence which 1t may exert. think
that we need not despair of the stability
aud perpetuity Of our institutions so
long as the judiciary shall be true to its
Hust.
Az Judge Trlgg came to judicial posi-
ton In stormy times, and presided in
the Federal Courts of this. State IN the
.convulsion and in the reconstruction, It
was natural and proper that these bar
resolutions should direct attention TO his
bearing In those troublous days. re-
call Henry @. Smith, John A. Nooe,
and Charles Kortrecht, Of those who
were here before the war, as being at
torneys OF this Court when 1t was OPEN
Cd by Judge Trlgg In Memphis, and as
testifying their admiration Of the sterl-
Ing qualities Of head and heart which he
exhibited from the first. When those
who had been out In the Confederate
ranks returned, they became host Of
witnesses TO the equanimity, the cour-
ags, and the fine intelligence which
characterized his discharge OF duty. 1t
fell 10 his lot to be the pioneer In judi
'eial action upon many novel and impor-
tant questions growing ont of the war,
and out Of the Legislation which II en-
genderod; and II must have been highly
gratifying 10 him that the Supreme
Court OF the United States afllrmed'his
rulings. Because of his action then,
have often eaid, and the assertion IL not
TOO strong, that Tennessee owes TO
Judge Trlgg more than to any other
Jndge. ] knew him well, and In the
most intimate social relation, while these
trying questions were being presented,
and can say that never saw him when
be seemed 10 feel the slightest 'perplcxl-
fy, or doubt, or hesitation as TO his
sourse. lie seemed TO be guided by n
sort OF innate sense Of what--.was right,
and 20 70 straight forward almost with
eut need for dellberatlon. presented
the application Of the lawyers returning
from the war, for a1mlssson 20 his Court
without taking the tost oath. Some Of
them wero surprised that did not con-
cider II necessary 10 make elaborate ar
gument, or 10 adduce n great array Of
authority. told them had become
ipo familiar with HIS habits of thought
aud feeling TO entertain moments APP
prehenslon ae TO what ho would do. His
opinion In that matter virtually covered
tho very ground upon which the Su
preme Court afterwards rested similar
decision.
Az far M he was from the weakness Of
ooncessIon to tho passion and prejudice
OF one side, he was equally far from en-
eouragement Of approval Of what was
done on the other. He was loyal In his
whole being 10 tho Constitution and the
Union, and ready and anxious to exert
all his power 10 maintain them. lie
made no compromise with secession,
and looked with ntcrncst dlsnpproyal
opon tho effort 10 tear the flag In twain
but ho was utterly stranger 10 malice |
or vindlctlycneee toward those who up-
held the Confederate cause. lie earnest |
ly desired 10 see their Efforts thwartcd. !
and their military power crushed; but |
when this was done, II was not In his |
nature, nor In his construction Of the |
law, TO innlct punishment by connsca-
tlon OF their property, nor BY proceed |
Ing against them M criminals. heard |
him say from the bench In dealing with |
0onnncAtlon cnaeHj "Ihc informer doea
not commend himself to the favorable
consideration Of this Court" Situated |
~ Tennessee was, falling early under the
occupation Of the Union forces, and |
overrun by adycnturcrs who came In |
tho wake Of the army with the appetite
and character Of hyenns, she was moro
expoeed than any other State 10 the hor- |
rors which malignant Federal Judge
might have Inflicted. repeat that the |
state owcs 70 Judge Trigg debt OF |
gratitude greater than 10 any other man |
who has exercised judicial functions
within her boundaries.
Az think now of Judge Tfigg In the |
discharge Of hls official duty, ~ | re.
call hla bcnlgnanl face 10 finely pui up
on the canvass that hangs In your Hon
ore chamber, 10 remember HIN In
social Intercourse, aud "a my mind runs
rapidly over the retrospect OF the fifteen
yeap during which lac went aud came
among ue, recognize guiplcss.
straightforward simplicity as the prom.
inent trait Of his character. 10 do right. |
10 be just, 10 indulge the largest charity. |
% bc alive 10 all human sympathy, and
tn ndmlnlntcr the law ns one who could |
10 touched with the feeling Of human
lnnfmity, seemed to be 10 natural to |
him a. 10 acquire no effort. Utterly de-
void OF affection and egollsm aud sell
hshnese, he nsvet seemed 10 think that !
there was anything he could do other
Than just what be- DID. lie claimed no
credit, sought NO applause, but walked
calmly along hia judicial path. apparani