Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-03-24

bringing many sucn expreehonS HVm III
parts of the country.
SENATOR SUMMERS SPEECH AGAINST HIS
CONFIRMATION.
Justice Waite was the first occupant
of the position of Chief Justice to die
during session Of Congress, and there
is consequently no precedent 10y which
TO Judge what further proceedings the
two houses are likely to take to manifest
their respect to the memory OF the dead.
The circumstances of Judge Waite's
appointment and confirmation are still
fresh in the memory of observant men
of this generation, and formed a striking
episode of the time. President Grant
had nominated successfully Attorney
General Williams and Caleb Gushing.
both Of whose nominations encountered
much opposition. and, after hanging
some time in the Senate, they were with
drawn, and Judge Waite, then not very
well known 10 the world at large, was
nominated. He had been an Independent
Republican candidate forCongress against
one of Summers warm personal friends,
and had incurred the enmity OF Sumner,
who at that time also entertained no
friendly relations toward the Grant Adj
ministration. The proceedings of the
Senate, though more than a dozen years
have since elapsed. are still covered by
the veil Of executive secrecy, vet 1t was
we'll known that Summers speech in OPP
position 10 Judge Waite was one Of the
great Efforts OF that remarkable man S
life. He dwelt historically upon the
eminent services and attainments OF
each one in the long line of incum-
bents Of the Office Of Chief Justice
nnd spoke in bitter terms Of disparage-
mcut Of Judge Wsitcs qualifications.
Sixtv-three senator's were present, and
listened for two hours with absorbed at
ten;lon to the Senator from Massschu-
sets. No voice was raised in defence OF
tine nominee, yet when the question OF
confirmation came to vote, winch was
Immediately upon the conclusion Of
Mr.. Summers speech, sixty-two senators
voted in the affirmative, aud sumner did
not vote AT all.
THE OPINION or PUBLIC McS
How far astray Judge Yates oppo-
nents were in their estimate Of his char
actcr and attaiuments Is strikingly dis
played IN sentiments expressed by public
men who have known hun.
Senator Vest says 81 had very high
opinion of Chief-Justice Waite. lie
was one of the best men ! ever know--a
most excellent lawyer ond n very just
man. He possessed IN emneDtly Judi
cial mind ami was peculiarly fitted for
his position. | knew him well and
deeply deplore his death.
senator Lvorts said : 81 was greatly
surprised as well as grieved this morn
ing to learn OF the fatal result Of an Ill
ness which oil his friends had hoped
wonld not prove serious. There IS an
universal agreement il personal affection
and respect for the Chief Justice and
grief at his loss. His death will be ra-
garded by the Judiciary and the proies-
sion of the country rs a great calamity. "
Senator Hawley said "Fully sharing
ia .he general sorrow, the people of Con-
necticut have their own reasons for an
added grief. The families Of the late
Chief Justice and his wife are among the
oldest in our State. He was born and
educated there. Ills father Was tSenty-
two years our Chief Justice, and both
father and son were jurists Of sound
learning and spotless character, and had
strength. symmetry, and balance Of IN
telIectual and moral qualities which gave
them the success that so-called genius
often fails to reach.
Acknowledgement Garland said: 81
never knew Chiet-Justice Waite before
he came 70 the bench IN January, 1874 /;
but since that time 1 have known him
very we'll practiced before the codrt
at intervals soon after he took his seat,
aud while ] was in the Senate we We're
thrown together good deal. OF course,
however. since | became Attorney-Gene-
raj have known him more closely, and
have had better opportunities Of
knowing his real character re-
card him as most excellent
lawyer fair-minded, and just, and al
most unequalled in the discharge of
what NAV be called the executive duties
of the presiding officer OF the court. In
fact. he was one of the best administrd-
tive Judges ever saw. He was always
emiable and disposed to be indulgent,
b1t he was also rigid at the proper time.
IL will be very difficult to fill his place,
and / could not pay his successor a higher
compliment than to express the hope
that he will wear gracefully the mantle
If the Chief Justice"
Senator Blackburn said /: 81 enter
tanned for him the kindliest personal
sentiments. | met him going up the
steps of Senator Hearst's dwelling last
Saturday night as | was coming down.
and | was very sincere IN telling hun
how glad WAS to note that he WAS look
ing better than for q long while. lie
told ne he was better. | should very
much regret to think any man in the
country could give utterance to any
other feelings or sentiments than those
of profound regret and sorrow at his
death, for think every man liked him
Just in proportion to the intimacy OF his
acquaintance with him.
Senator George said; 81 think 1t Is
very great loss to the country. | re-
parded him as very able judge, hold
inc the scales of justice very equally,
not only between sultors before his
court but between sections of the Union.
HIS place will be difficult to supply
Senator Cockrell said 81 hold him
in the very highest esteem as an honor
able. pure, and able iurist. | have
Known him FOR quite long time and
can say that he has demeaned himself
without any ground for reproach or
censure."
Senator Pugh said 81 have always
had the highest opinion of him as man
and Judge. lie was a man OF great
purity of character and had all the Judi
cial qualities for the position he filed so
ably and SO acceptabiy to the whole
country"
Senator Edmunds, chairman of the
Judiciary Committee, aud II warm per-
sonal friend OF the late Chief Justice,
said: "My first acquaintance with
Judge Waite WIS when he was named rs
one of the Geneva arbitrator, about the
wear lS7l-'72. he came on to Washing
ton practiciDg lawyer, of no national
reputation, but of fair State reputation,
rs man Of solid strength, solid though
not ornamental law learning, and Of the
hiehes. personal honor and rectitude OF
l.o4nr That evqrvhadv apkDDW-