The Wilmingtonian., 1882-09-30
Chancellor harrington.

furnishes slight materials for the biographer.
The record of his labors is meagre abstract.
His rounded argument is reduced to skel-
eton- sketch. The most exhaustive discus
sion of principals is condensed into brief
synopsis. Only the curious inquirer cares
TO follow his Investigations, and discover
the key that unlocks the reasons of judg-
ment.
| Those who are taken from the ranks of
the profession, and elevated to judicial sta
tions, rear more enduring monuments. Re-
ported decisions constitute authoritive prec-
edonts They are the witnesses of the law,
bearing test mony to the laborious research,
the nice discrimination and the varied
| learning requisite for the administration of
a system which regulates and governs the
complex relations of society in "a world of
erroi ard fraud.
These recorded ,iugments form the surest
testimonials of the ability of their authors;
but It may not be unacceptable to offer
brief memorial of one whose whole profess
sonal life was spent in the performance of
judicial functions.
Samuel Maxwell Harrington was born in
Dover, Delaware, February 9th, A. D. 1903.
On his fathers side he was of English des-
cent his mothers, of German extrac-
tion. His academic studies were completed
at Washington College, Maryland, of which
Dr. Francis Waters was President. He was
graduated III 1923, with the first honors of
his class. During his minority the death of
his father imposed upon him the charge of
his motherand two sisters. His first public
employment was in the office of tha clerk of
the Supreme Court of Kent county. By
the invitation of Henry NJ. Ridgely he en-
tered into his office as a student; and, sub
sequently, finished his legal studies with
Martin w. Bates. He was admitted an at
torney Of the Supreme Court at the October
Term, 1895. In 1928, upon the retirement
li"J,l ~. gaytc... as seers cary sst 3tate,
he was appointed his successor by Gov.
Polk. and was subsequently re-appointed by
Gov. Hazard. A vacancy having occurred
i'm the office of Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court, Mr.. Harrington was selected in 1880,
to fill that position; and, upon the abolition
of the Supreme Court and the Court of Com
mon Pleas, by the Constitution Of 1884, he
was appointed one of the Associate Judges
of the Superior Court Then, as now, the
popularity of the judicial system of Della
ware, rendered the position of an Associate
Judge exceptionally important, the admin
isuation Of every branch of jurisprudence
falling directly within his functions. in
this situation he continued until April Bird,
1855, when be was made Chief Justice, in
place of James Booth, and occupied that
station until May 4th. 1857, when he was
appointed Chancellor, which place he held
| until his death, on Tuesday, November 28th
of Philadelphia From 1889 to 1855, he
was the official Reporter cf the judicial de.
cisions of the State, In 1949 he was appoint
ed by the Legislature, in connection with
Joseph P. Comegys and Daniel NJ. Bates, tc
IL. Al,
with general discretion to omit such provis-
f ions as they should consider unnecessary
and to vary whatsoever they might deem
proper to render the general system consis,
tent, or more perspicuous or better adapted
to circumstances This delicate and re-
sponsible duty was faithfully performed by
| the Commissioners; and the Revised Code
: was passed by the unanimous vote Of botl
Houses of the Legislature, February 21th
1862. In 1858 the honorary degree of L. l.
: D., was conferred upon him by Delaware
S College.
Without any extraordinary advantages O
. social OF political influence, a career so re
n markable could have been accomplished
g only by the manifestation of unsual merit
!; At a time when the Bar was filled with law
= ycrs of the highest eminence, that prac
n titioner of three years standing should hav,
e been elevated to the dignity of Chief justice
. of the supreme Cour-, might reasonabl,
e have appeared wanton experiment upol
: public forbearance but that he should hav
r. maintained his position with credit, dis
], charging its duties with admitted canacity