St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1881-12-17
Kings fitness for the other public posi-

klnS'S nCneSS Tor the OCnef puDuC pOSl'
lions he filled during his life, and We
believe he filled all he.ever held will
entire satisfaction, of one thing we are
certain, and that is, that he was at home
on the bench. He not only possessed
clear, logical, analytical mind, com
bined with a profound knowledge OF
law and practice, but was with all
good listener and the most urbane and
courteous of men. This courtesy and
urbanity were not peculiar to him as
Judge only. 1t was part OF his very
nature. Whether in the private walks
of life, amongst his family and friends,
in the forum at the bar, or on the bench
it was always distinguishing trait OF
his character. In the most excited
political debate, in the management OF
the most intricate and delicate question
before the court or jury, it never for
sock him for moment, nor did he ever
loose his presence of mind or self-con-
troll. When interrupted in the midst OF
an argument, by opposing counsel, III
order to throw him off his guard, with
out losing his temper for an instant,
there would come keen thrust OF
satire, which while it never wounded,
always stung, and produced the. desired
effect. In 1872 Judge King was defeated
for reelection to the Office he had filled
with such satisfaction to the bar of the
District.
Anticipating an appointment on the
Supreme bench he did not resume the
immediate practice of his profession,
but became an intense student Of law,
reading and re-reading principally the
elementary books Of the profession.
In December, 1876, just before the
downfall of the Republican party in
Louisiana, Gov. Kellogg appointed
Judge King Associate Justice of the
Supreme Court. The appointment was
regarded by all unprejudiced minds as
one of the very best made in Louisiana
since reconstruction, and was received
favorably by all parties. Before taking
any part in the decisions of the Court,
the State passed into the hands of the
Democratic party, and we were given
another Supreme Court. On the Su-
preme bench Judge King would have
no doubt sustained himself with the
same ability, the same dignity, the same
firmness and impartiality he had evin-
ced as District Judge.
Subsequently in May, 1877 he was
appointed by President Hayes, Collec-
tor of the Port of New Orleans. This
position lie held only few months,
ong enough, .however, to show what
reforms he would have brought about,
n civil service in Louisiana, had he
retained the position. The time how
ever had not arrived for such man as
Judge King to be at the head of the
in this State. He had his
,wn views and rather than submit to
he dictation of others he preferred to
'esign, which he accordingly did in
Der, 1877.
He returned to Opelousas Immediately
lfter resigning, and began practicing
aw. He had long been sufferer from
neuralgia. His health was undermined
md his once vigorous strength almost
,aralyzed. He soon acquired a practice
however, which had it not been for his
,hysical infirmities would have grown
nto a large and remunerative one. His
mind still retained all its native vigor.
n the eases he was engaged since
s7S, he lost scarcely any, and on the
cry day of his death a smile spread
'ver his features, almost rigid in death,
When informed that a telegram received
rom New Orleans announced his gain
ng an important case long pending
,efore the Supreme Court.
The closing days Of his life were
marked by intense suffering, borne al
most without murmur or complaint, and
With that equanimity which always
distinguished him. Two days before
lis death only, he declared to minister
rho had called to see him, that he
Wished him to bear testimony that he
led at peace with his God and with
That Judge King was an able lawyer
nd jurist, an accomplished public
peaker, and an easy and fluent writer,
o one who knew him will deny.
But his accomplishments did not stop
here. His literary attachments were of
very high order. He had received a
lassical education, and during his
7hole life was constant reader of the
cry best English and French literature.
He was possessed of a singularly quick
nd retentive memory, and his mind
roc storahnnsn nf knnw1a1pa uo