The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-02-05
WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 8, 1880.
CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
SUPREME COURT.

YIN I. MI - - ahtfrfH
SUPREME COURT.
The celebration Of the centennial an
niversary Of tho first meeting OF the
Supreme Court Of the United States
which began in New York ON yestsr-
dav and will be concluded in r,cep-
ton to the Justices to-day, IS second IN
importance only to the celebrations OF
the anniversaries Of the Declaration Of
Independence and the first Inaugural
ton Of Washington as President
The judicial department Of eur frame
work Of government has played, IN
some respects, a more notable part than
even the executive and legislative. IN
the history Of our country, and has
exercised a more extensive and pro
found influence than either in shaping
aud giving expression to the spirit OF
our National institutions, independently
Of the passing popular voice. Taken as
a whole. the annals Of the Supreme
Court have reflected more distinguished
honor on the greatness Of the American
people than the annals OF either
tho Presidency or Congress. There
have been men OF remarkable ability
and the most incorruptible and disin-
terested patriotism among our CHIEF
magistrates, but, with the exception
of Washington, our Presidents have
been elected as leaders Of parties, and
have been biased TO large degree by
the narrow views Of their partisan back
ing. A number OF them have been men
OF ordinary talents and capacities, hav'
ing been advanced to their high official
position by reason Of their possession
OF negative rather than positive quail
ties Of character.
The Legislative branch, the IL ouse Of
Representatives, and, to a lesser sx-
tent. the Senate also have reflected all
the changes in popular sentiment from
decade to decade, and, in consequence.
have been only too frequently mere ex-
poDents Unpopular feelings and passions
which have brought the highest dis
credit upon the reputation Of the coun-
try, both abroad and among its own
citizens.
On the other hand, the record Of the
Supreme Court has been far higher.
Up TO the opening of the civil war, we
doubt whether the history Of the
whole civilized world could furnish .
tribunal Of greater dignity, of more
unsulhed reputation for character, OF
of more distinguished standing foI
ability and learning, than the Supreme
Court Of the United States. Take the
roll of Chief Justices. Where can it be
matched in names as illustrisus foI
all that virtue, talents and attachments
can bestow upon the individuals OF
mankind. Jay, Rutledge, Ellsworth,
Marshall, fancy Venerable names
Names ever to be honored In that
noble group the tall figure and serene
face of the Virginian, Marshall, rises
prc-eminent. greatest Of American
judges, and by many considered the
greatest Of all who have been produced
by the English speaking race. His ju-
dicial glory only waxes brighter with
the expansion of the Union in wealth
and population and its rapid advsnc,
IN the respect Of the world at large
The reputation of the Supreme Court
has undoubtedly suffered since the al.
vent Of the Republican party to power
for il has been unscrupulously used by
that party to give, as far rs possible
legality TO many OF its important meas
ures. By some Of the appointments to
il. that have been.made, the court has
been brought down into the arena OF
contemporary politics, but there ha'
been in the last few years tendency
In il TO revert 10 its earlier traditions,
both 10 the personality of the judges
and the character Of it's decisions.
All the additions to the court. from
the beginning Of Arthurs administra-
tion to the present hour, have been
such as to restore i. to its old position
in the public consideration. Gray
Blatchford. Lamar, Brewer and Fuller
are names worthy Of the very best DAYS
Of this great tribunal. and It is TO be
hoped that the principle Of selection
that governed their choice will not
again be departed from at any time in
the future. IL it is not, the American
people will have no reason to regret the
respective periods when Marshall and
Teney presided as chief justices, and
Livingston, Duval, Story, Mclean. Bar
bour, Curtis. CAMPBELL, Daniel and Cliff
ford sat beside them on the bench as
their great associates.