New-York tribune., 1884-11-15
GIVING ADVICE 10 Law STUDENTS
JAMES W. GERARD on THE LEGAL Profession
WHY ITS STANDARD HAS BEEN LOWERED.

JAMES W. GERARD on THE LEGAL Profession
WHY ITS STANDARD HAS BEEN LOWERED.
James w. Gerard delivered an address last
evening the students OF the Law School OF the Univer
sty of the City Of New York, in the chapel, formal
opening of the autumn term The Rev. DR.. John Han
presided Mr.. Gcrards subject Practical Success
In tho Law" In the course of the address Mr. Gerard
said
To qualify yourselves for this profession aboroue
study is necessary study as well OF much technical
daons Of social life, and the acquisitions Of an ever
discouraged looking down the list OF lawyers this
city and BroOhyn-about 1000. But comfort yourself
by looking down the list again. What do you find Ia it
Why, that nearly. il every one of the successful
the bench or at the bar have been self-inado
men so-callrd. coming from other States Teaad,
or the western part OF this state They have fought
from the ranks; their own determination has carried
by efforts unaded by friends fortune. There Is
an impression among wise observers in our state thas
bo and to which 1t formerly attained. If this be so.
two supposed causes may be looked at IN tbe s hrss
regime or ring, in this city, it was desired by many
Of the followers that fraternity that they shoud be
certain spois TO result from references rcceyershTs
and judicial honors. The bar still suffers from the
blight brought about in those days OF terrorism
Wisely and court rules now more stringent
Another ascrbed for the alleged deterioration OF
the Professions character IA thececyc system or to
judiciary. Before the constitution OF ls46, which made
State Judges elective they were appointed by the GOV
ernors to hold offices during good behavior. Inc 1o
felt 10 OF their honorable office to appons
those whose record indicated that they were nt iCr o
place. Consequently judges were appointed from the
highest ranks OF the profession regardless OF political
affiliations. Their high character prevented them rom
being the tools OF the appointing power, ana the
they held ONCE during their good behavior nao
them Independent OF H. Under the present system
party ORGANIZATIONS nominate candidates for Judicial
reward for their party zeal than for
judicial qualifications the Oce Is often made the result
OF the OF the highest bidder aud the successful
candidate feels himself under continual bias In favor
OF the party organization that has elected him. or TO
ta friends who have pecunarily assisted Linn TO tho
place.
Much as we may respect many OF the present holders
OF judicial honos every way worthy OF the place heics
no doubt that the history Of the elective system for tne
past twenty years gives record that presenis cases
OF deplOraDle character Certainly, under tue present.
system fewer lawyers OF high professional attannient
aspire to the ermne.
It Will be part of your duty. gentlemen TO keep watch
and ward over your noble Irofession and rs judicial
heads to keep the paths OF Justice pure and c.ean ana
feaes " and vigorously necessary tolashOut wrong
dOers from the sacred temple Of the Law.
Tho term opens with fifty students In attendance
Among the visitors last night Professor Jaqucs
Professor McCracken Professor Russell, OF the unyer
sity william r. Martin secretary Of the council; Dr.
Parlee Of the Medical Department DR.. A. l.. Mac
donald, Aaron j. vanderpoel and Charles Butler