The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-11-17


above the ears of some of the members
of the court whose Intellectual attempts
to Keep them in place are Mt times as
ludicrous MS they are cooperating. One
heaves sigh Of real pity for Judge
Miller, who would uuquestionably yield
a years salary for the privilege OF shed
ding this gownish, and we might say
clownish, heritage from the English law.
1t is unbecomirg in our peculiar system
of government, and is decidedly obiec-
tionable 10 all who have business with
the court.
The aristocracy Of money may have
had something to do with the perpetua-
ton of the custom of robing the judges
in this country, inasmuch as most of
them have been men of large wealth.
The present bench is composed of men
Of business who have always had a wealth
er eye to the main chance. The chief
justice is said to be good for n half
million, while his associates, Matthews
and Blatchford, are equally endowed
with worldly goods. Justice Gray is one
of the Beacon Hill stock of Grays, all Of
whom featbered their nests comfortably
in the early days of Boston-men who
knew how to gather in and keep what
they gathered. Justice Bradley is what
might be called well-heeled, and so is
Justice Harlan and Justice Woods.
Justice Miller, however, is the one ex-
ception on the bench who is not rich, and
who, perhaps, has been unable to ao-
cumulate owing to the impecuniosity OF
his Iowa clientage, to whom his profess
sional services have been rendered for
many years in the interests of charity.
The judge has always been generous to
Others without being exactly just to his
own household. Judge Field possesses
immense wealth, and has an income am
ply sufficient every year to add fine
block to his already large possessions in
San Francisco.
The social status of the ladies of the
court families as compared with that of
the "cabiuet ladies" and the families of
senators, is sutject that often agitates
tie society circles of Washington, and l
do not believe il has ever been authori.
tatively settled. 1t is still an open ques-
ton whether the wife of a Senator out
ranks the better-half of a Supreme Court
judge, and whether the wife of cabinet
officer does not outrank them both.
Mrs. Dahlgreen's book on etiquette does
not settle the matter, and in all proba-
biliiy it will remain subject of social
controversy to the end of time-of the re-
public. To many, all this may seem
trivial, yet 1t should be remembered that
the social requirements of those high in
Office can scarcely be imagined by those
not familiar with Washington society.
The families of cabinet members declare
that they are the executive branch of the
government, and, therefore, quite the
equal, if not the superiors, of the legis-
lalve and judicial branches. The social
families of the senators, when their turn
comes, say they should bave precedence
for does not the Senate decide, after ALL
whether man shall be jud 5e upon the
Supreme bench or a member of the cab
iuet. 1 am not much of an authority on
these subjects, but in my opinion the
Supreme Court should have social pre-
cedence. The position and work of the
judges is OF great importance. A law in
this country is not law if it is ques-
toned until it shall have been passed
L II
House may pass bill which the Senate
may pass. The Senate has a right to re-
ject the House bill, and the Pre- sident
has the power to veto the bill. From
the action OF the House there is an APP
peal; from the action of both houses
there is an appeal but when the Supreme
Court has decided upon law there is
no appeal. 1t is ii al and absolute.
The present court is composed, gener-
ally, OF men past the meridian of life.
Some of the judges are now on the thrt e
score and ten roster. Their families are,
like themselves, too old to devote their
lives 10 hollow society. The family of
the chief justice in Washington consists
of his vile and daughter. His wife met
with an accident about three years or
more ago and broke her leg She is now
happily recovered, but size cannot wear
herself out in looking after people she
does not know, half of whom make
themselves conspicuous out Of curiosity.
The daughter is bright and amiable and
does what she is obliged to do in very
gentle way. The family of Judge Miller,
the oldest judge on the bench in term OF
service, consists, while In Washington,
Of his wife and young daughter. His
age is about sxty-fve, His wife is much
younger, but is much of the time an in
Valid The daughter, educated in Ger.
many and France, and m St brilliant
musician and liuguist, cannot be expect
ed to throw her life away in cial mock.
cry and neglect and forget her accom-
plishments. Judge Fields family con-
sists of his beautiful wife and such rela-
tives as they may happen to have. Jns-
tice Gray is bachelor, and. therefore,
has nothing to do but to accept or de.
cline invitations. Judge Blatchford, the
latest appointed member of the court,
has certainly hand ,ome house, but 1
know nothing of lis family. Judge
Harlan's family are in mourning. and
therefore. exempt from social obligations.
Judge Stanley Matthews. who built
beautiful ho1se on Connecticut avenue
after lie was appointed TO the bench, can
not entertain because of the death of a
son. The wife Of Judge Bradley is old
and feeble, and not equal to winter in
society" Dom PEDRO.