The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-11-09

whether the wife of of a senator oalfanks
the better half of supreme court Judge,
and whether the wife of cabinet officer
does not outrank them both MIS-. Dahi- |
green's book on etiquette does not settle |
the matter, and in all probability 1t VIII
remain a social controversy to the end OF
time-or of the republic. To many, all
this may seem trivial, yet 1t should oe
remembered that the social requirements
of those high in office. can scarcely be
imagined by those not familiar with
Washington society. The 1amilies OF
cabinet members declare that they are
the executive branch of the government
and, therefore, the equal, If not the
superiors of the legislative and judicial
branches. The social families OF the
senators, when their turn comes, say they
should have precedence, for, does not the
senate decide, after all, whether man
shall be Judge upon the supreme pench
or a member of the cabinetf Lam not
much of an authority on these suolects,
but in my opinion the supreme court
should have social precedence. The
position and work of the Judges Is OF
great Importance A law in this country
| IS not law if it is questioned unthat shall
have been passed upon by the supreme
court. The house may pass bull which
the senate may pass. The senate has
| right to reject the house bill, and the
president has the power to veto lhe Dill.
From the action of the house there IS an
| appeal; from the action of both houses
there is an appeal, but when the supreme
court has decided upon law there is no
appeal. It is final and absolute.
The present court is composed, gener-
ally, of men past the meridian OF life,
Some of the Judges are on the three score
and ten roster. There families are, like
themselves, to old to devote their lives tc
hollow society. The family of the ehiei
Justice in Washington consists OF his wife
and daughter. His wife met with an ac-
cident about three years or more ago ant
broke her leg. She is now happily recov
cred, bIt she cannot wear herself IN look
| ing after people she does not know, hal
of whom make themselves consplcuou
out of curiosity. The daughter is brigh
and amiable and does what she is obllge'
to do in very gentle way. The famil
3 of Judge Miller the Oldest judge on tn
, bench in the term Of service, consist
while in Washington, of his wife an
young daughter. His age is about sizt
|. five. His wife is much younger, but
i much of the time an invalid The daugf
ter, educated in Germany and France, an
a most brilliant musician and linquis
cannot be expected to throw her life ava
in social mockery and neglect and forgt
) her accomplishments. Judge Fields fam
ily consists of bis beautiful wife and sue
relatives as they may happen to have
: Justice Gray bachelor, and, therefor'
!: has nothing to do but to accept or declir
t, invitations. Judge Blatchford, the late
N appointed member of the court. has Gel
tainly handsome house, but kno
- nothing of his family. Judge Harlan
1t family are in mourning. and therefore e.
Id empt from social obligations. Jud
"A Stanley Matthews. who built beautit
house on Connecticut avenne after he W
IL appointed to the bench, cannot enterta
&c because of the death OF a son. The WI
tn of Judge Bradley is old and feeble. al
h. not equal to winter in society.
Dom PEDRO.