The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-03-24
UNIVERSALLY LIKED.
Senator Summers Bitter Fight Agains
His Confirmation.

His Confirmation.
WASHINGTON, March 23.-Justice Waite
was the first occupant of the position of
Chief Justice to die during a session of Con-
gress, and there is consequently no prece-
cedent to judge what further proceedings
the two houses are likely to take to mani
fest their respect to the memory of the
dead. The circumstances of Judge Waite 5
appointment and confirmation are still
fresh in the memory of observ-
ant men of this generation and
formed a striking episode at the time.
President Grant had nominated successively
Attorney General Williams and Caleb
Gushing, both of whose nominations en-
countered much opposition, and after hang
ing some time in the Senate, they we Q
withdrawn and Judge Waite, then not very
well known to the world at large. was
confirmed.
SUMMERS ENMITY.
He had been an Independent Republican
candidate for Congress against one of Sena-
tor Summers warm personal friends, and
had incurred the enmity of Senator Sum
ner, who at that time also entertained no
very friendly relations toward President
Grants administration. The proceedings
of the Senate, though more than dozen
years have since elapsed, are still covered
DB bl6 N6ll III bAeCuJlN6 SSCI6Sy.
vet it was well known that Senator Sum
ner's speech in opposition to Judge Waite
was one of the great efforts Of that re-
markable mans life. He dwelt on his life
historically, upon the eminent services and
attainments of each one in the long line of
incumbents of the office of Chief Justice,
and spoke in bitter terms of disparagement
of Judge Waite'5 qualifications.
FAILED TO AFFECT THE VOTE.
Sixty-three Senator's were present and
listened for two hours with absorbed atten-
ton to the Senator from Massachusetts,
No voice was raised in defense of the
nominee, yet when the question of confir-
nation came to a vote, which was imme-
dately upon the conclusion of Senator
Summers speech, sixty-,wo Senators voted
in the affirmative, and Senator Sumner did
not vote at all. How far astray Judge
Waite's opponents were in their estimate
of his character and attainments is strik-
ingly displayed in the sentiments expressed
by public men who have known him.
VEST LIKED HIM.
Senator Vest saws: Il had a very high
opinion of Chief Justice Waite. He was
one of the best men / ever knew. A most
excellent lawyer and very just man. He
pos essed an eminently judicial mind and
was peculiarly fitted for his position.
knew him well and deeply deplore his
death"
A GREAT CALAMITY.
Senator Evarts said: II was greatly sur
prised Ps well As grieved tins morning to
learn Of the fatal result of an illness which
all his friends had hoped would not prove
serious. There is am universal agreement
in the personal affection and respect for the
Chief Justice, and grief for his loss. Ills
death will be regarded by the judiciury and
profession of the country as a great
calamity"
OF AN ILLUSTRIOUs FAMILY.
Senator Hawley said: Fully sharing in
the general sorrow, the people of Connecti-
cut have their own reasons for an added
grief The families of the late Chief JUS
tice and his wife are among the oldest in
our State. He was born and educated there.
His father was twenty-five years our Chief
Justice-and both father aud son were jlr-
lists of learning and spotless character, and
had strength, symmetry and balance Of in
tellectual and moral qualities which gave
them success that so-called genius often
fails TO reach"
A GARLAND FROM GARLAND.
Attorney General Garland said "Inever
knew Chief Justice Waite efore he came 10
the Bench in January, 1874 but since that
time / have known hIm very well. / prac-
ticed before the court at interval soon after
he took his seat, and while was in the Seu-
ate we were thrown together good deal.
OF course, however, since ! became Attor-
ney General | have known him more closely