The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-06-24

the death of Associate Justice T.. >. West,
ex Chief Justice o. NJ. Roberts addressed
the court as follows:
May it please the court, have the
honor of presenting the following resolu-
tions to the supreme court, with the re-
quest that they be spread upon the min
utes of the court as permanent testi-
monial of the merits of one of its deceased
members, the late associate justice,
CHARLES S. WEST.
We, the undersigned committee, APP
pointed to prepare suitable resolutions
commemorative of the life, service and
character of Judge G. S. West lately de-
ceased, make the following report:
Whereas, The Great Judge, in his wisdom
and discretion, has taken from us our
brother, Charles S. West and while we
yield with dutiful resignation to the fiat
of the Most High, as well as to our own
loss, yet we sadly and reyerently bear
testimony to the great worth of our de-
ceased brother, in the following resolu-
tons:
First-That in the death of Charles S.
West, the state has lost an eminent cti-
zen; society, brilliant member; the
bench, an enlightened an upright Judge;
the bar, profound lawyer; literature and
science, a pains-taking and ardent stu
dent; and his family, kind, affectionate
and determined protector.
Second-That during his citizenship in
Texas, fully third of a century, he was,
i'll all his relations of life, public and pri
vate, the full measure of a man.
Third-As a lawyer, he was faithful to
every trust confided to him. As mem
Der of the legislature in 1856 and 1857,
he was active, watchful, prompt and use
full. As a member of the con
stitutional convention of 1875, he
was wise and farseeing, using his
best efforts to give good organic law.
AS an associate justice of the supreme
court, he erected land marks to guide the
profession. At home, by the hearthstone,
he shone as a household sun, radiating
happiness and peace and Joy to all who
approached the Threshold. He was there
genial, warm, loving, cheerful and hospit-
able.
Fourth-In the revision of the statutes
of Texas, 1877 and 1873, under which, with
amendments and additions thereto, we
now live, he was critically correct, showing
himself to be an able maker of laws.
Fifth-When the great sectional conflict
called the citizens of his state to the field
of battle, our brother promptly responded
and was Immediately appointed judge ad-
vocate general of the Trans Mississippi
department, where he discharged his duties
we'll and wisely as the legal adviser of the
commanding general; and in that position
as well as in active field service, to which
he was frequently called, he served brave.
ly, faithfully and efficiently.
Sixth-But, especially as a practicing
lawyer, in the "nisi prius" and appellate
courts, he was justly successful and was
conspicuous by reason of his alertp ess,
his dignity, his courtesy, his frmness,
vigilance and persistent devotion to the
interest of his clients and the administra-
ton of the law applicable to his cases.
He united profound knowledge of the
law with the greatest brilllancy of mind.
In his profession he had few equals, and,
in our opinion, no superiors.
Seventh-We tender to his children and
relatives our deepest heartfelt sympathies.
Eighth-That it is recommended to the
bar meeting that the following named
gentlemen be appointed to present these
resolutions to the several courts as fol-
lows, to-wit:
The district co1rt-Thos. E. Sneed, Dud-
ley e. Wooten and L. Z. Moore.
The supreme court-Ex-C Chief Justice
o. NJ. Roberts, Judge A. w. Terrell and
Hon. John Hancock.
To the court of appeals-Wm. NJ. Wal
ton, A, NJ. Jackson, ST., and N. G, Shelley
To the United States courts-A. j. Peeler
John B. Rector and S. r. Fisher.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT S. GOULD, L. S. Nancy,
n. G.. SHELLEY, A. w. TERRELL,
w. NJ. WALTON, THos. E. SNEED,
JOHN B. RECTOR, DUDLEY q. WooTEN
A. j. PEELER.
"These resolutions, SAID GOV. Roberts
''are expressive of the feelings and sen
timents of those amongst whom he lived
aud acted, from early manhood to the
time of his decease. From an acquain-
lance and friendship OF nearly
thirty years, 1 may add my per
sonal esteem of his worth, As man he
had a kind, good heart and vigorous, we'll
trained mind; as a citizen he was ever re-
sponsive to duty; as a lawyer, he was un-
firing in investigation, ingenious and
able in argument, and courteous and re-
spectful to the bench and bar.
He appeared to equal advantage ii
court, whether his subject was one of civil
or criminal law, common law or equity
statutory or constitutional law, the law
merchant or the law of reality. No mar
row circle confined the progress of his at
tainments in ascending to distinguished
eminence in his profession.
Il will take occasion to relate a part OF
his services not so generally known tt
members of the bar. He was judge-ad
vocate of the trans Mississippi depart.
ment, and was prosecutor in very impOr
tant trial before a court martial in Louis
lana in 1868, which l witnessed. In thai
position he had the power to make the
trial partake of persecution in the man
ner of conducting the prosecution.
lasted three weeks. His courtesy, lib
crafty and ability in the discharge of hi
duty challenged the admiration of the
court and of all who witnessed the trial.
Having been a member of this cour
four times, and having served with tel
others, and with some of them severa
times, may be allowed here and now Il
refer to some matters pertaining to it. es
pecially as | may never again be called OF
to perform a similar duty. Its labors anC