The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-24

upon the matter came from q few Southern
members who suggested that Speaker Carlisle
is emineutly fitted for position on the Supreme
Bench, and that it would not oe unacceptable to
him. They do not care to say this publicly.
however. at this time.
Mr. Reed said: s,The death OF the Chef-iust-
ice is great loss to the country. He was
lawyer of wide experience, sound, sensible and
studious. His personal character of the
highest and his bearing the bench had in it
singular dignity and directness. Whatever he
did commanded that respect which is rightfully
due 70 learning and character. His place will
not easily be worthily filed"
Mr. Grosvenor said: 1.-THE loss of Chief
justice Waite would be very great under
binary circumstances, for no was man who
filed every position he ever held with distin-
guished honor TO himself and the country. But,
in tho present circumstances. it is peculiarly
embarrassing. The appointment OF chief
Justice of the Supreme Court OF the United
States il one of the most critical events that
happen In the history OF the civil government OF
the country. When you reflect that we have
had but six Chief-justices, you will see how
stable and permanent this Office has been IN this
country. 1t is these long terms that lift the
Office generally out OF the mise OF politics, and
it is particularly unfortunate that the vacancy
should happen just in the midst OF the excite
ment of political campaign. Mr.. Lincoln, in
the great crisis Of the war, appointed as justices
Mr. fields distinguished Democrat-snd Mr..
Miller. who has become great judge. II the
present executive would emu ate that virtue of
his predecessor and appoint Justice Miller Chief
justice it would relieve the situation of much
that is unpleasant
Mr. Mckinley said: His dsath is avery great
loss. He WAS of wonderful saving sense
and very highly cultured lawyer. 1t seemed to
me that he was just the kind Of man to be in
the Judicial apartment of the government-fair.
impartial and learned.
Representative Cannon, of Illinois, said: HE
was universally known and respected for his in
dustry and ability, and above ALL for his high
character"
Judge Kelley. the father o: the House, said
II have known Chief-iustice Waite from the day
when he first came to this city to fill the honor
able position he occupied, and had been terms
of easy and familiar friendship with him from
that day to this He was unassuminely great
man His temper never saw ruffied by any
circumstance matter how annoying. He was
a man whose learning and judgment I have
never suspected Of being at fault
Shortly after Adjournment of the House, to-
day, the Ohio delegation held meeting in the
room of the committee on banking and cur
rency, TO take appropriate action the death
of Chief-justice Waite. There were also present
at the meeting Hon. s. S. Cox. of New York.
and Judge Jones. of Delaware. o., an old friend
of the Chief-iustice, both of whom made addresses
on the sad event which had brought shem to-
Gether. A committee, to prepare suitable reso-
lutions, commemorativeof the Chief justice, was
appointed.
Judge Edgerton president of the Civilservice
Commission, an old friend of the Chief Justices
family, has usually dined on Sunday Chief
Justice Waite's, since the former became resi-
deot here He was there last Sunday. but the
Chiefjustice was not able to be at the table.
Judge Edgerton, however, saw him in his room.
He begged Judge Edeerton to keep the fact of
his illness a secret, fearing il might be pub
lished and his wife see it, and it would destroy
the pleasure of her visit. He also remarked
that unless his doctors forbade it he would go
TO the court next day. Judge Edgerton tried TO
dissuade him from the venture. but the
Chief-justice replied that he not seriously
I'll, and that if he should be absent from the
court when the telephone opinion was delivered,
bis absence would at once be construed to mean
that he was Ill.
The sudden death of the Chsef-justice was q
sad blow to the members of the court. by all of
whom he regarded with a warmth of affec-
ton that has constantly increased with years.
The even temper, genial and sunny disposition
of the dead Chief-ju had given him place
in the hearts of bis associates only equaled by
the respect in which they held his abilities and
learning a lawyer and presiding officer of the
highest tribunal in the country. The justices
were deeply moved by the announcement of
the death of their colleague that they asked to
be excused from making any statements with
respect to the high estimation in which they held
him. Justice Miller. to whom the other Justices
referred the reporters of the Associated Press,
was reluctant to speak at this time for puDlica-
ton, but finally said: ''Chief- Justice Waite was
dearly loved by all the court. and they had the
highest estimate of his ability and fitness as
presiding officer. They were all warmly devoted
to him. He died in the midst of his duty. One
of the ablest opinions he ever delivered was that
rendered in the telephone Monday.
Immediately thereafter he went homs and went
to bed, never to get out of it."