The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-05-01
CHOSEN CHIEF JUSTICE.
MELVILLE w. FULLER NOMIN ATED
BY THE PRESIDENT.

ADlllLY Va GIl0 DIl04
Sketch of His Life.
WASHINGTON, April 30.-The President
sent to the Senate this afternoon the nomi-
nation of Melville W. Fuller, the leader of
the Chicago bar, for Chief Justice of the
limited States. Judge Fuller was the Presi-
dents first choice for the place. He thought
of him as soon as Chief Justice Waite died.
He at once began to inquire as to the
chances for his confirmation by the Senate.
He has simply waited to satisfy himself that
Judge Fuller would unquestionably be con-
frmed before nominating him to the SEN
ate. He made up his mind as soon as
Chief Justice Waite died that
his successor ought to come from
the Seventh judicial circuit, com
prising the States of Illinois, Indiana
and Wisconsin, which has had no represen-
tative on the Supreme bench since David
Davis retired He also determined that the
appointee should be about so, liberal and
learned lawyer, good scholar, and a man
of executive ability. He knew Judge Fuller
well, and knew that he met these require
ments more, he knew that he was the
recognized leader of the Chicago bar, a
Democratic reformer in politics, an eloquent
had four times offered high offices only to
have them declined.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
His quiet inquiries as to the possibility of
Judge Fuller's confirmation came to the
knowledge of Senators Cullom and Far
well, of Illinois. They promptly called on
the President and recommended Judge
Fuller's appointment in terms of high
praise, with an assurance that he could be
confirmed. About the same time came
similar recommendations from Gen.
Gresham, ex-Secretary Lincoln and other
prominent men in Chicago, Republicans as
well as Democrats. Since then some of the
best men in Congress on 10th sides of both
houses have quietly commended the Presl-
dents purpose to appoint him.
Meanwhile, however, many Senators,
friends of Senator Gray, of Della
ware, called on the President
to urge his appointment, while many repre-
s3ntatives called to urge the appointment of
Speaker Carlisle. Apparently to create
diversion the President asked these gentle
men what they thought of Minister Phelps
for the place. He never had the intention
of appointing Minister Phelps or any one
else but Judge Fuller, but these questions
were enough to start the reports that he
had determined to appoint Minister Phelps
or Senator Gray or some one else. Having
satisfied himself that Judge Fuller would
be confirmed, he sent in his name to-day.
Judge Fuller has not signlfied his intention
TO accept, but no doubt is entertained that
he will accept when confirmed, which will
probably be this week.
HIS SOCIAL LIFE.
He has accumulated a comfortable for
tune, and, with his wife and seven children,
will be a notable addition to Washington
society. He is well known here having
i more cases before the Supreme Court than
any other Chicago lawyer, and having
often been here on political errands His
last visit here was to present Chicago's
claims for the convention to the Demo
cratic National Committee He is short
and thin, weighing about 125 pounds, and
active, but dignified. His head is large, his
face fine, and his heavy moustache silvery
white His appointment is universally COM
\ mended Minister Phelps came into the
Senate Chamber shortly before the nomina-
ton came in, shook hands with Senator
Gray and led him to sofa, where they sat
chatting about the nomination, which they
knew was coming. Both spoke highly of it
during the general conversation on the floor
which followed its arrival, and which made
50 loud noise that Senators who were de-
batting had to ask the President pro tenn. to
restore order before they could be heard.
MR.. SPRINGER PLEASED.
Representative Springer said the ap-
pointment Of Judge Fuller as Chief Justice
was the very best one that the President
could have made. Judge Fuller is pre-
Fl eminent in his profession is of unmpeach-
& able integrity, and his private character is
= exemplary in every respect. He is about
54 years of age, is i'll good health and gives
q promise of long and brilliant career on
q the bench. He is exceedingly courteous
q IN his manner, but firm and unvielding in
& his convictions ofright. He is not partisan
but is Democrat in the enlarged and better
81 sense-a Democrat from principle. His
|z appointment will give great satisfaction
M TO the people of Illinois and the northwest,
a Without regard to party, and to the entire
# country as soon as his character and great
# abilities are known.
3 SENATOR cULLoM's ESTIMATE.
Senator Cullom says: 81 have known
Judge Fuller for twenty-five years or more.
DE is scholar, and is possessed of more
E 'han ordinary literary at6ainments. | re-
gard him as an excellent lawyer, and am
zsf.nre he will make an excellent Chief Justice
- Is about So years of age"
|H senator Farwell is not in the city. 1t IS
tated that Senators Cullom and Farwell
nave assured the President that they will
vote for the confirmation of Judge Fuller
AN ACCOMPLISHED GENTLEMAN.
Representative Townsheud, of Illinois, a
"arm friend, and who urged the appoint
tent OF Judge Fuller, says that he is one
the ablest lawyers and most accomplished
gentlemen in the United States. His man.
lers are very agreeable. He is popular
'ltn all who know him. His private and
uDlc Is free from any stain whatever.
le has been lifelong Democrat. He was
member of the Illinois Legislature twenty
We years ago, and was a member of
ne constitutional convention of 1870
pc distinguished himself in both of those
osltlons. Mr.. Townshend thinks that the
resident has made as good selection for
nleI Justice as the country affords, aud
nat Judge Fuller will not disappoint the
expectations of any of his friends. He feels
cry confident that Judge Fuller's appoint
lent Will be confirmed.
Judge Cooley, chairman of the Interstate
onmerce Commission, said that the ap-
ointment was most excellent one. He
legraphed Judge Fuller his congratula-
ons
cHICAGos GRATIFICATIoN.
CHICAGO, April 30.-The nomination Of
elvlle w. Fuller, of Chicago, as Chief
istlce is regarded here with unbounded
nstaction by the leading men of both
~ tles. Judge Fuller is in every respect
Cved to fill the high Office to which he has
Pen nominated.
melville Weston Fuller was born in Au-
lsVal Me-, on Feb. II, 1888 His father
AZ Frederick A. Fuller; his mother,
Hdtherine Martin dauphfar oS Chiaf Tustica