Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-01-18

he was az modest and retiring as any private
citizen could be. He possessed peculiar amia-
bility. He not only strictly regarded the rights
OF others, but he regarded the feelings OF others
as well, and the humblost party and tho crudest
lawyer who appeared before him were treated
with the same kindly consideration which he ac-
corded to those Of the highest rank or the greatest
ability
Judge Pierpont was not bookish lawyer
and did not excel in technical learning But he
was thoroughly grounded in the great founda-
uons OF tho law, and his great quality rs a Judge
consisted In applying general legal principles to
the varying and multiform conditions Of human
action and dealing. lie had, too an Unborn sense
and love OF justice without which no man Is
really fit for a iudge), and his administration Of
the law was always accompanied by a sincere de-
sire to produce justice in the given case. He had
great hatred Of all mere shams and devices, and
rare faculty, which seemed at times an instinct,
In discovering them, and when he did, woe to the
offender. The mild and kindly chief Justice
would deal heavy blows on his head Judge
Plerpolnt was perfectly contented with his posi-
ton on the bench. His mind was not distracted
by dreams OF political ambition, nor soured by
political disappointment like Chief Justice Chase,
and many others Of less degree. His only ambi-
ton was TO do his duty faithfully
Since Judge Plerpoint became chief Justice
have often appeared and argued many cases in
his court, and though the old intimacy OF col
leagues was gone, our most familiar friendship
has continued undated No man whom have
ever known have loved and respected more sim
cerely, and no man have ever known was more
earnest and sincere in his friendship for me- But
he is gone-gone full OF years and honors. Had
he lived to serve out his term he would have
served quarter OF a century the same length of
service with Chief Justice Royce and Chief JUS
tice Redfeld His term Of service as chief Justice
exceeds that of any other. He was the last of
those with whom served, and the court consists
now wholly OF judges who have come to the
bench since left 1t. How rapidly time changes
things, and especially men. have seen for some
years that the labor Of his office was too heavy
for the feeble health and increasing years OF the
chief justice. There was constant look Of pain
full WEAKNESS about him. At the last session OF
the legislature aided what could to have him
relieved from 1t. Had he then been relieved from
labor and carel think he might have lived for a
much longer period to enjoy the love and respect
OF his many friends, and the veneration of all the
people Of the state.
The memory Of Judge Pierpont will be very
sacred to those who knew him and his lovable
and amiable character His fame in after times
as jurist will not be correspondingly great He
was not the author of any OF those great, learned
commanding judgments which have made some
men, of less real usefulness, famous in the annals
of the law. There is not great opportunity for
such things on the bench in quiet agricultural
state like Vermont But the lamented Judge had
no ambition in that way He did his utmost to
be practical, useful judge among his feow-men.
The idea of winning any fame for himself never
entered his mind. Long will it be before we see
another so rare a man. LUKE p. POLAND