Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-04-20
DECADE THE BENCH.

James y. GOOds from the Bench.
Judge Goode having announced his inten-
ton of finally adjorrning court this morning,
the members of the bar OF the county assem-
bled at 10 o'clock at the Office OF Bowman
h Bowman, for the purpose of taking such
action as might be deemed appropriate to the
occasion OF Judge Goodies retirement from
the bench.
Mr.. George Spence was elected chairman OF
the meeting, and Mr.. A. N. Summers secre-
tary. After some consultation, s. A. Bow
man, j. X. Mower, F. NJ. Hagan, Oscar T.
Martin and A. H. Gillett were appointed a
committee to prepare resolutions expressive
of the sentiments of the bar on the occasion,
to be reported to subsequent meeting
II was also determined that the bsr should
assemble at the court house, and Mr.. Bowman
was designated to express to his Honor the
appreciation of his long service upon the
bench. At the opening of the court the bar
reassembled at the court house, and after the
business of the morning was disposed OF aud
il was evident the court was about finally to
adjourn, Mr.. Bowman, addressing the court,
said;
May 1t please your Honor: At a meeting
Of the bar OF the county, held this morning,
committee was appointed to prepare an ex-
preston, for a future occasion, of the senti-
men,s of your brethren upon the event Of
your retirement from the bench OF the court
over which you have so long and ably pre-
sided. Yet they felt that they could not al
low the court finally to adjourn this morn
ing without some expression OF their
feelings; and they have, therefore, directed
me on their behalf to return thanks to your
Honor for the uniform courtesy and kindness
you have always practiced towards us, and to
express our appreciation OF the industry, i'm
partiality and ability with which you have
administered the law during your long term
of service.
You are the oldest member Of this bar, and
have presided over the court during the past
ten years.
There was a large accumulation OF old busi-
ness upon the docket when you entered upon
your first term.
The discharge of the duties OF position so
onerous must frequently have been trying and
difficult. feel that am authorized, to expires
in behalf OF all the members Of the bar our
hearty acknowledgements for the patience
with which you have borne with our imper-
iections, and the industry, ability aud integ-
ri,y with which you have devoted yourself to
the decision OF our clients causes.
We wish to assure you that you leave the
bench with the good will and gratitude OF the
bar and that our best wishes for your happi-
ness and welfare will continue TO follow you
always.
Judge Goode was visibly affected by these
opaninu sautepcea of lis
remarks in response and acknowledgement
showed. He spoke OF the pleasant relations
which have and do exist between himself and
members OF the bar of this county and district.
He could say he was CONSCIOUS of some short
comings on his own part and was aware he
had made some mistakes, as most men do, but
he was not conscious of rendering any judg-
ments upon full consideration Of cases sub
mtted which he would now set aside. He
had endeavored TO discharge his duties with
the utmost fidelity. At times, in the haste of
business and antagonizing opinions Of coun-
sci, valiant for their causes, be may have said
things which had tendency to wound the
feelings OF members OF the bar; many things
which in cooler moments afterward he could
wish unsaid and uDdone.
He was not conscious that the rights of any
OF the parties had been thus interfered with,
however, and he could now say that he re-
tired with no feeling of prejudice or unkind-
ness toward any member of the bar of this
county or of the district. He was thankful
for these kindly expressions and appreciated
81 t,,1, IL
practice of the law in this court who were
here when he went upon the bench; the
members are mostly young men who have
made their way up in the profession. He
knew Of no bar in the district characterized
by higher tone and esprit du corps; having
better impression or fuller sense Of dignity,
and conduct to be expected, resting upon
them. In retiring he wished to express to
one and all the obligation he felt himself
under tor their kindness and consideration in
the conduct Of cases in court. He did
not know at this time what might be his fu-
ture relations to the bar, but thought he
might practice to some extent. If so he
hoped no opinion he had rendered would be
that raised ripple OF laughter among the
members of the bar seated around. In closing
Judge Goode said; 81 again return thanks
for the kindness and consideration shown
me, and this court will now adj jlurn without
day."
Before stepping down from the bench
Judge Goode took by the hand each member
of the bar present, beginning with Mr.. Bow
man and including his successor, Judge Chas
r. White, deputy sheriff A. j. Baker having
made the usual announcement: "Hear ye
Hear ye The Court of Common Pleas in
aud for the county of Clark is now ad-
journed without day."
Judge Goodies term of ten years marks an
important era in the annals of Jurisprudence
in Clark county. When it began the docket
was burdened with between 500 and 900
cases, making his duties, as he stated in bis
opening remarks today, oIerous and heavy
for several years. The county had not then
risen to the dignity of temple Of justice with
modern appointments, such as it has today,
and many other features were decidedly
primitive. The resolutions provided for as
above indicated will be presented in open
court on the opening day of the next regular
term, aud by proper action then taken spread
in full upon the journal of proceedings OF
court.
About IL 80 Saturday night Boyd and