Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-12-04
THEY HAVE A JOLLY TIME.
The Eight COntented Justices of the
United States Supreme Court.
Prom the Boston Daily kdoertiser.

Prom the Boston Daily Ldoertiser.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26.-At the capitol
the other day / dropped into the Supreme
Court room. The nine Judges were on
the bench, three LAWYERS inside the rail,
and five spectators on the benches. 1t
was as quiet as could be, ana the chief
interest centred in a very lively debate
between one of the attorneys and old
Judge Miller. After Congress conyenes
and the capitol is thronged with visitors
the court will be hOnOred with more
spectators, but the scene OF its labOrs is
always drOwsy and filed with a heavi-
ness born of decorum and stiffness. The
Judges are Rllin remarkably good health,
and daily congratulate themselves and
indulge in jokes based on that fact. Chief
Justice Waite has returned from Europe
with very pleasant remembrances Of hos
pitable entertainments and in better
physical condition than he has been for
years. He tells his friends that he Is
about resolved to 90 on the retired list at
the opening of the next century. AS fOY
Mr. Bradley, whose retirement has formed
the theme OF gOssips for several years, be
is drying up gradually, and is hardly
more than a shadow. but he laughs at the
idea of giving up active work, and really
does more real service than almost any
considerably from the attacks made upon
him in connection with the Electoral
Commission. but as Judge he ranks
very high with the lawyers who practise
at that bar. AS for the other JUICES, II
would be hard to IND a better preserved
set OF men with stronger faces. or who re-
fleet more unctuOusly the effects OF good
living than they.
1t is generally believed that the Presi-
dent will give Attorney General Garland
the first vacant Judgeship. just how
much that has TO do with the desire of
the court not 10 encourage any with
drawals do not know. Garland is not
especially the kind of man that is well
come in that select and pleasure-lOving
circle. By outsiders the chief qualiiica-
tons for this office are supposed to be
great legal attachments. In addition, the
Judges themselves always do consider
able quiet work to make sure that any
prospective newcomer into their ranks
is good story-teller, bon ulrdTlt, and an
expert at whist. Otherwise he does not
reach the standard set down in these
days. However digniied and austere the
Judges appear in court, they are exceed
ingiy Jolly in their social gatherings, and
they form a combination whist and law
club that meets every week 10 crack jokes
and study HOyle over the best Burgundy
that can be had. Ihave heard some good
stories about the initiation into that
charmed circle of one of the Justices. well
known in Boston, but they might be MIS-
understood, and tend TO impair the public
appreciation OF the courts dignity, and
so had better go unwritten.
Now, Mr.. Garland is not just the kind
of a man that would keep up the time
honOred traditions OF the court. He has
no frills nor furbelOws, and would look
about as natural in his silk gown as
bear. He despises society, absolutely
never goes to dinner, has never worn
dress coat, and lives in absolute contempt
Of the little niceties which the supreme
Court holds so dear. He likes 20 study
law. to hunt and fish, but he never looks
particularly well, nor cares how he looks.
On the bench he would break down all
the absurd little punctiliOusness that the
court bias established for itself, and be
simply, as now. man whose only charms
are those which come from naturally
big head and heart. But the Judges de-
mand something more, and, without say
ing anything, they are known TO all the
lawyers who are on intimate terms with
them to hope that IL VIII never come 10
pass that Mr.. Garland Will sit in their
number. IL is rather remarkable that for
many years the Supreme Court has not
lad a member who was not TO a degree,
ociety man. Judge Grler of Pennsylvan-
a WAS the nearest 10 an exception. He
tas very blunt and rough in his manners,
lat never withdrew himself from social
atheripgs, as does Mr.. Garland. In fact
| cldness is not encouraged, and Is some
ines rebuked, as was the case with John
= Campbell, who resigned when bis
/ safe seeded. He used 70 have on his
/ fDnt door big brass plate, lSXl2 inches,
| Nth the words in large letters, John "A.
! Cmpbell OF Alabama" The other men,
| bts held solemn conclave, and asked
hn 70 take 1t down, AS II caused unfaYor-
ale comment. But he never did, and II
relained until be carried IL with him into
reeldom.
tut though Mr.. Cleveland is not likely
son 90 have the naming Of supreme
/ curt Justice, be came very near this
/ On being called upon to select Judge;
/ nd In that case Mr.. Garland would have
cached tue object Of his ambition. Inc
story mas not been printed and here II Is;
Judge Harlan was put upon the bench
from Kentucky In 1877, by Mr.. HAYES. HE
was not rich, az Judges generally are,
aud was Obliged 70 live on bis salary IN
modest way. But be never attempted 70
conceal the fact, and bis manliness about
it made him friends. His sons grew mp,
and his daughter married well. he TOOK
a pleasant house here four years ago, ana
lived well, though not OF al layishly. But
some months ago be endorsed paper iori