Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-03-24
A SCRAP OF HISTORY.
Summers Intellectual Opposition to the
appointment of Waite.


WASHINGTON, March 23d.-The circum-
stances of Judge Waites appointment and
confirmation are still fresh in the public
mind, and formed a striking episode of the
time. President Grant had nominated sue
cessively Attorney-General Williams and
Caleb Cushing, both of whom encountered
much opposition, and after q time their
names were withdrawn and Mr.. Waite was
nominated. He had been an Independent
Republican candidate for Congress against
one of Mr. Summers warm personal friends
and had incurred the enmity of Mr.. Sum-
ner, who at that time also entertained no
very friendly relations toward the Grant
Administration.
The proceedings of the Senate, though
more than a dozen years have since
elapsed, are still covered by the veil of
| executive secrecy. Yet it was well known
that Summers s speech in opposition to Mr..
| Waite was one of the strongest of that re-
| markable mans life. He dwelt histori-
| cally upon the eminent services and attain
| ments of each one in the long line of in
cumbents of the Office of Chief Justice, and
| spoke in
BITTER TERMS OF DISPLACEMENT
| OF Mr.. Waite's qualifications. Sixty-three
| Senators were present, and listened for two
| hours with respectful attention to the Sen.
ator from Massachusetts,. No voice was
raised in defense of the nominee, and yet
when the question of confirmation came to
a vote 60 Senators voted in the affirmative,
and Sumner did not vote at all.
OPINIONS OF MR.. wAITE's ABILITIES.
How far astray Mr.. Waites opponents
were in their estimate of his character and
attainments is strikingly displayed in the
| sentiments expressed by public men who
| have known him. Senator Vest says
He was one of the best men l ever knew
"a most excellent lawyer and very just
man. He possessed an eminent judicial
mind, and was peculiarly fitted for his po
sition. 1 knew him well, and deeply de-
plore his death"
! Senator Evarts said =" was greatly sur
prised, as we'll as grieved, to learn of the
| fatal result of his illness. There is an uni
versal agreement in personal atfiiction for
the late Chief Justice and grief at his loss.
! His death will be regarded by the judiciary
and profession of the country as a great
calamity"
Senator Hawley said: Fully sharing
in their own sorrow, the people Of Connect
icut have their own reasons for an added
grief. The families of the late Chief j US
! tice and his wife are among the oldest of
our State. He was born and educated
tHere. ne WAS d JuIlst Vi sOuHu leaTnlus5
and spotless character"
Senator George said: "I think it is a
very great loss to the country. | regard
him as very able Judge, holding the
scales of justice very equally-not only
between suitors before his Court, but be-
tween all sections of the Union
Senator Cockrell said: a hold him in
| the very highest esteem as an honorable,
pure and able jurist."
Senator Stanford said " He was man
! OF perfect integrity and great ability. His
loss will be felt by the entire country, and
/ it will be difficult to fill his place"
Senator Hiscock said: " He was a jurist
careful and painstaking. His private life
was unblemished, and his social qualities
very charming. His appointment was a
surprise to the country, but his services
| have fully justified the confidence reposed
in him by President rant and the Senate" "
Many other Senators and Cabinet officials
were interviewed on the subject, and all
spoke in the highest terms of the character
and ability of the deceased jurist.
The Southern Senators were particularly
kindly in their expressions of regard for
Justice Waite, in all respects.
Among the members of the House ey-
pressions of regard were general. There
was disinclination to say anything upon
the subject of his successor.