The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-30

of handful OF police at the critical mo-
ment was all that saved Chicago from de-
struction by general conAagration, and the
infinitely worse horrors Of the sack. We
can still welcome honest immigrants who
seek the protection OF our liberty. and the
opportunities open because OF The equal
and impartial operation OF our laws, but
we must no longer be the refuge for the
rascals OF the world, and the asylum for
the crimes and diseases OF mankind.
Present protection and future safety alike
demand a prohibitory tariff upon those
who come hero 10 make war upon our in
situations, to be burden upon our COM
munities, or TO endanger our peace, our
property or our lives.
DIVORCE LAWS oRITioIsED.
Steam and electricity have made us one
people, and for commercial purposes uni
fed the world. The rapid and growing
interchanges OF nations demand the adopt
ion OF the principles and the assimilation
Of the procedure OF the law all round the
globe. The development Of this reform
will be attended by more beniiicent results
than any other event Of modern times.
Nations and peoples will be brought into
those close relations where the higher JUS
tice and the nobler law will attract study
and enthusiasm, and new impetus be given
to the regenerating forces OF civization and
| liberty. But there should be no conflict
OF laws between the several States OF the
Union. The present condition OF the
divorce statutes are disgrace TO our juris-
prudence and a menace 10 the family. IL Is
contrary to the spirit OF our Federal compact
rs ii is understood today that husband and
wife may DO indiasolubly tied together in
one Commonwealth and free 10 marry
again IN another, and their children DO
legitimate in one jurisdiction and ilegiti-
mate across the boundary line. While
the different methods OF creating and
dissolving, OF controlling and taxing cor
porations, joint stock companies and
trusts, whose business is spread over
many States and the same in all, lead 10
confusion, litigation and injustice.
But other public duties press upon the
lawyer, besides discussions and actions
upon great questions Of general interest
II Ii bis special function as politician TO
protect the Court from the influence OF
politics. The revolt against the abuses Of
the appointing power in other offices
ended in the extreme of short terms and
frequent elections for judges. The result
was most unfortunate for the independ-
ence OF the judiciary. II made the judge
The servant OF the party bosses, who con-
trolled the nominating conventions and
created class OF lawyers, without learn
ing. who were retained for their influence.
Justice was indeed blind when all the
power OF the judges party was on the
side OF one litigant, and her vision often
could only be cleared by ha wing an equal
division OF political counsel. Crimes
| Al I.ll ~
trusts were unpublished. Justice Is OF
universal application, and its disponsation
ought not 10 be dependent upon tine
claims OF locality or party service. The
longer the term, and the more serious the
tenure OF tho judicial office, the higher
will the character OF tho Court the more
potent the silent power OF the law, and
the better the bar both In learning aud
integrity.
TmE CONDITIONS or SUCCESS.
II Is the special function Of the lawyer
10 actively participate in the affairs OF his
community. lie Is the spokesman for ils
patriotic observances, for the reform OF lis
abuses, aud for The enlargement OF its
functions. lie is the motive power in iis
educational, moral and charitable work.
lie Is the force In the councils OF his party.
But II he would succeed at the bar he
must decline Office Public spirit and
usefulness attract client. but service in
Congress or the Legislature closes his reg.
lister. Capitalists aud business men aro
vitality interested in legislation and in the
ability and character OF our law makers,
but they punish their attorney II he enters
upon a parliamentary career, by trans.
ferr.ng their rctainers. The most deadly
assault upon integrity aud capacityin pub.
lie life is made by those whose fortunes
and incomes are dependent upon pure
and wise cnactments. They fear and de.
spisc the professional politician. and YET
do their best. by social aud business oslra-
cism, TO drive honorable ambition from
the public service and leave 10 the pro
iessional politician the conduct Of govern
ment
Trust and confidence are the foundation
OF success Without them II Il useless Il
begin and impossible TO advance. When
clients find their secrets inviolable and
their property cafe business grows apace
and when In addition they discover the
ability which 70 fights M 10 win or descry,
yerdicls the fortune OF the counsel u A.
surcd Flooding mon who promptly pay
over thcircollections easily pass the brillian
advocates whose bank accounts reluctantly
respond TO the clients call forthcir money
Many an unpromising future has been 70
deemed by never letting the night pas
between the receipt Of the payment anc
It's transfer 10 the owner, nor permitting
the occasion 10 happen for 70
inindcr or demand The true lawye
IL FAR moro absorbed In his case thar
II II was hrs personal blsincss, and h
feels that sacred trust has beef
put In the keeping OF his integrity
ability and Judgment He rather prevent
than encourages litigation an1 finds In th'
end that his own best interests ar
, promoted thereby.
. LAwYgR's Duty.
. ATTORNEYS who add fuel TO the icuds O
] the ncighborlood, seek technical flaws Il
titles 10 compel settlements aud sccur
peace, and hunt for skeletons In the closet
, Of the living and the dead, that pride o
affection may be compelled 10 pay 10 ayoi'
exposures which arc certain 10 cause mot
tidcaiion and may leave n stain upon tn
{, character or memory, are public nuisance
aud disgrace the profession. But whel
they paciiy guarding friends, adjust IN
I disputes which threatens the partnership
and above all present In the spirit Of con
ciliaiion aud forgiveness their faults an
1 interests 10 husband aud wife. whose @,
: arrangement threaiene tho wreck OF III
y family In tho divorce court. they use thci
I unusual opportunities 10 10 the bcneiaC
: tors Of mankind.
2 That there are GO,OO0 lawyers In tn
z United States, aud that the profession
: crowded. need discourage no ono who dc