Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1885-05-07
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RICHARD HARRINGTON.
ChicR Justice COmegys' Tribute TO
His Memory.

ChieR Justice COmegys' Tribute 10
His Memory.
The remarks of Chief Justice Comegys
in memory of the late Richard Harring-
ton, Esq, referred to in the Dover letter,
were as follows:
Gentlemen of The Bar: The death, just
formally announced to us caused a very
deep regret among the entire profession, on
account of the bright promise of n distin-
guished career which was so early blighted.
The deceased member Of the bar was GER
tainly endowed intellectually in Il remark
able degree. AS viewed him l think he
exhibited as strong and brilliant mental
qualities as any young man this State has
produced for long time. What distinction
at the bar he might have attained II he had
given himself up to his profession, we can
well imagine, when we consider his rare
appreciation of legal principle and uncom-
mon qualities as II speaker and advocate.
But, although he did not devote himself to
his profession, but WIS seduced away from
it by the deceptive allurements of party
politics, he somehow contrived to read Il
great deal of law, and to assimilate il so
thoroughly that IL constituted Il stock of
knowledge from which he could, upon oc-
casion, draw with great effect. This equip
ment for his calling, and the absorption in
the subject of consideration which
was characteristic of his mind, gave him
an immense advantage over most others.
Added to a very sensitive conscientiousness
with respect to his duty to his
client which required Of him the utmost
preparation in his cases-the leaving
no stone unturned In his preparation-he
was most formidable competitor before
judge or jury. Whoever encountered him
soon felt that he had to do with an able and
most energetic antagonist. He conducted
his cases before juries with that precision
and formality Of proceeding that showed
him a master of the art of trial There
were very few mistakes ever made In his
examination of witnesses; and there was II Il
careful avoidance of irrelevant questions,
and "vain repetitions." A fairer examiner
have never known, nor one less apt to be-
betrayed into a purpose of entrapping a
witness. He dealt with him fairly and con-
siderately where he was adverse if honest,
but severely enough when the contrary.
Altogether, have not known fairer cross
examiner, and his respect for the jury as
shown by discarding all devices or schemes
to mislcad them, was most conspicuous.
His bearing towards the court was always
marked by respect and courtesy. He never
wearied by unnecessary citations and
readings, nor did he ever seem to think he
had found out something new which the
judicial mind required to be informed about;
but he acted on the contrary theory, and
contented himself with pointing the atten-
tion of the judges to the authorities which
he thought governed the case, and empha-
sizing by his comments any special points
they decided, favorable to him. In this
way he was always entertaining, generally j
instructive and never wearisome. l do not
think could express myself In terms more
strangely of the high qualifications of the
deceased as lawyer, and think they are
a just and fitting description of the late Mr..
Harrington, and tribute OF Justice to his
memory.