The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-25
Justice Lanar's Tribute.

Special to Louisville Courier Journal.
In response to an urgent request for his i'm
pressions. Justice Lamar said:
II will give you my Impressions, though it is
difficult thing to DO just at this moment when
the features of his face yet before eyes,
and the sound of his strong and energetic voice
fingers in our ears. His death has SO I'M
expectedly and with such little note of prepare
ton broken upon his family and upon the pub
lie that anything like adequate analysis of
his character or even what good affection would
say of him, cannot 0e expected.
up to few days since he seemed to have
unusual health and vigor. He could easily
have been mistaken for a of much less than
sixty years of age. His form was erect. his step
quick, and his eye bright and full of expression
and his intellect quick and undimmed.
struck particularly by the strength of voice and
the energy of manner with which he read on last
Saturday to the associate justices bis great and
powerful decision on the telephone case, which
occupied nearly two hours Seldom if ever have
/ known in this city such simultaneous ex pres
sions of grief testified more touchingly to the
worth of departed man than those which you
hear everywhere to-day upon that of this model
Chief Justice. Every face bears lines of mourn
full detection and of deep grief strongly marked
And all feel the the irreparable loss our country
has sustained.
and profound the confidence has been in him
whilst living, only when we come to realize that
he no longer walks among the living, will the
people fully appreciate the trueA value of his
character and services.
sit has been very recently that have como
into close contact with the Chiefjustice. His
kindness to has been such to fill my
heart with gratitude that will continue as
long as / live. His fame jurist will rest
upon recorded decisions. But they will not
veal all the qualities which rendered him
peculiarly useful in HIS high Office. His talent
for orderly and prompt dispatch of business mis-
unerring discernment of propriety, his facility
in reaching desired results. his dignity mingled
with kindness and courtesy, rendered his pres
presiding officer always delightful, and
attracted to him the love and confidence and CO.
operation of his associates on the bench and his
brethren of the bar.
Il was also impressed with the genuine sim
certify and freedom from prejudice with which
he approached the questions that came before
mutual confidence and earnestness which find
to prevail in the deliberations of she court was
due largely to his influence From the more i'm
innate acquaintance have had with him as
man OF learning and thought. [ think one of his
most distinguished characteristics was quick
ness of perception, activity of mind and prompt
ness OF decision, and uncommon rapdity of
it. His view of a subject seemed to be taken
at glance though l have him. even
during my short official connection with him.
more than once cheerfully and gracefully yield
opinions which he had formed, when convinced
by the argument of others that he was mistaken.
I'm his oral discussions he was eminently
practical indicating strong sense in every
sentence and sometimes rising into that
eloquence which intense mental action often
gives.
HE was lovely character at home, tender
and devoted husband and a kind and proud
father, seeking always the happiness Of those he
loved