Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-03-23
SENATOR'S EULOGIES.
His Former CoIIengue on the Many Admir-.
able Traits In the Dead Jurist's
Character-Words of Praise
From Members of

Both Parties.
WASHINGTON, March 22.-The death of
Justice Matthews was the subject ofconver-
sation among Senators to-day, many of
whom had served with him during his term
in the Senate, and on every hand words of
regret and eulogy were said. Some of them
are given:
Senator Sherman-The death of Mr.. Justice
Matthews comes with shock to me. Though
he has been sick for long time, yet he was
hopeful of recovery, and did not suppose his
death imminent. He was a man thoroughly
lifted for the position he occupied, a trained
lawyer, with judicial mind of the highest or
der. 1t is no disparagement to his associates
to say that he was their equal in point of abil-
1ty. His love of justice was intuitive, and his
decisions were mathematical demonstrations.
He attained the position for which his mind
was best fitted. Most of his friends conceded
that he was not wise politician, but no one
doubted his being great Judge. His death
will be sincerely mourned by multitude of
friends, and his place will be hard to fill. Per-
sonally, had the strongest attachment for
him, though on some questions he differed
widely from me, but never doubted the sin
cerity Of his convictions. His loss will be great
to his family, to his State, but, more than all,
to the great profession of which he was dis
tinguiShed ornament.
Senator Platt-I believe he made an admira-
BILE Judge. and was an ornam ent to the bench,
supported his nomination, and have never had
occasion to change my mind. He was a man Of
ability and integrity, and the fact that he had
been an attorney for corporations never
weighed in my mind against him. 1 was salts
fed that he would decide fairly and honestly
any question submitted to him.
BOTH STATESMAN AND LAWYER.
Senator Teller-Justice Matthews appoint.
ment was an excellent one, and he did not dis
appoint his friends. He was a man af com.
manding talent, as shown by his services at the
bar and in the Senate as well az on the Bench.
served with him in the Senate, became quite
intimate with him, and had high regard for
him. AS man and lawyer he occupied
high position in public estimation.
Senator Harris-1 had known Justice Mat
thews personally for many years. He was
man of absolute purity and integrity, and
lawyer of great ability.
Senator Mitchell-It was with sincere regret
learned of the death of Justice Matthews. I
became acquainted with him IL years ago when
he entered the Senate, and served with him two
years on the Committee on Railroads. There
had every opportunity to become intimately
acquainted with him, and have known him ever
since as Senator and Justice of the Supreme
Court of the United States. He was eminent in
his profession, man of great learning and pro-
nounced ability, kind of heart generous in
nature and sincere friend. His death is
Senator Spooner-Justice Matthews was a
lawyer Of eminent ability. and his death is a
great loss
Mr.. Hoar-There was some difference of
opinion as to the expediency of Judge
Matthews appointment when he went upon
the bench. This was due to a fear that his
judicial opinions might be biased in favor OF
the great railroad interests which he had so
largely represented as counsel. never, myself,
shared this fear for moment. 1 thought the
Judgment of President Hayes and President
Garfield, both members OF the Ohio bar. who
successfully nominated him, of his professional
associates in Ohio without distinction of party
of such Democrats as Mr.. Pendleton and Mr..
Thurman, and his eminent service upon the
bench of the Superior Court of Cincinnati well
warranted his appointment
NOBODY DISAPPOINTED.
The result has more than justified the most
sanguine expectations. Judge Matthews has
taken his place in the highest rank of magis-
trates who have sat upon the bench of the Su
preme Court of the United States from the be
ginning of the Government. 1t has never oc-
CURED to anybody since his appointment, to
question his absolute impartiality He has
shown the simplicity which has characterized
some of the greatest judges, and which belongs
in special degree to Marshall. He excelled
in lucid and orderly statement. His mind was
solved. He solved it as problem of jurispru-
dence, unconscious of the persons or interests
to be affected by the result. Every intelligent
man will now agree that he was in his rightful
and appropriate place in that tribunal to whose
arbitration all the interests of the country are
submitted, and which keeps the forces of
State and nation alike within their appointed
bounds.
Senator Payne-I have known Justice Mat
thews from boyhood, and from the first was
impressed with his ability in whatever direc-
tion he was called upon to exercise it. His ap-
pointment to the bench OF the Supreme Court |
placed him where, by nature, he was best fitted
to be, and am firmly convinced that, had he |
lived, he would have become the foremost |
iurist of the land. He was a growing man.
He read widely both in legal and general liter |
ature, and his Information and culture were of |
the highest and best type. His death regard |
as great loss to the country and to the pro
fession he so highly adorned.
A large number of messages of coincidence |
were received durin g the afternoon.