The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-02-05
Celebration Of the Close Of the First
Hundred Years of the Su-
preme Court.
h.
Gre 'Ng at New York OF
the "'a,. I've Lawyers
Addresses by EN-Prcsidcnt Veland, jus
tice Field and Other Notables The
Banquet in the Evening.

last few days al Washington have dimmed
considerable the celebration of the centep-
NAL Of the federal Judiciary inaugurated
this morning. The weather too was very
unfavorable, a heavy rain falling. The at
tendance nj the exercises in the Metropoli-
tan opera house was the most noted that
ever filled that magnificent building. Dis
tributed among the galleries were banners
and shields bearing the coats Of arms of
the various states. The interior of the
building was otherwise elaborately deco
rated On the right Of the stage, in the
front row were seated the members of the
supreme court. Ex-President Grover
Cleveland presided. The Others were seated
on the singe. including ex-Justice William
Strong, Senator Evaris. 4. j. Semmes, Of
New Orleans. Gen. Wm. 4. Sherman.
Chnuncey M, Depew and David Dudley
Field.
While the distinguished gathering were
leaving their carriages AT the door and nj
ing into their seats until there WAS only
standing room. n grand symphony orchestra
played the coronation march overture TO
"Zampa" and the American "Fantasie."
When the last air had been played, ek.
President Cleveland stepped forward. lie
was cheered TO the echo, and IL was some
minutes before he could speak. Rowing
his acknowledgements and expressing his
appreciation Of the generous welcome ac-
corded him, Mr.. Cleveland began his ad-
dress.
Among other things he said: "ln the
work of creating our nation the elements OF
free government were supplied by the con-
of -
der of accustomed rights, and by the inspir-
alton of pure and disinterested patriotism.
If from these elements there had been
evolved that feature of our federal sys-
tenn. which is our theme to-day, the
structure might have been fair to look up
on. and might have presented a semblance
of strength, but II would have been only
semblance. md the completed edifice would
have had within its foundation an iniirmity
of decay and ruin.
Rev. Morgan Dix then led in prayer. Ex-
Judge Arnoux, of the New York State Bar
association, next delivered Il brief address
of welcome.
The next address was on "The Origin of
the Supreme Court of the United States ana
it, Place in the Constitution 10y the vet
eran lawyer. William Alien Butler. Hon.
| Henry Hitchcock then spoke Oh the powers
Of the supreme court and those of the con-
|
Thomas Semmes. Of Louisiana. who spoke
Oh the personal character of the chief JUS
tice. Then Hon. Ed. j. Phelps, of Yer
ment, delivered an address on the supreme
court and the sovereignty of the people.
/ Chief Justice Fuller then introduced Jus
tice Field, who responded ON behalf of the
supreme court.
Justice Field said: I'm every age and
with every people there have been celebra-
t,.ss.
ON land and sea. and for trlumrhs of peace,
but never until now has there b cn III any
country celebration like this. to commem-
ornte the establishment Of a judicial trl-
bnnal as coordinate and permanent
branch of its government. This celebration
had its inspiration in profound reverence
for the constitution of the United States.
the sure and only means of preserving the
union. with its inesiinabe blessings and
the conviction that this tribunal has mater
ially contributed to- lis preservation and h.
ready obedience to its authority. Expert
ence has shown that IN n country of great
territorial extent and varied interests.
peace and lasting prosperity can rest
with civilized people only when local
affairs are controlled 10y local authorities.
and nj the SAME time there are lodged in the
general government of the country such
sovereign powers as will enable It 10 pro-
tect the interests of the people agains,
foreign nations, aud between Communities,
protect them in all their rights in such III
terosts; defend tho country against lnva-
sion and domestic violence. and maintain
the supremacy of the laws throughout the
whole dominion. This is the principle the
trainers of the constitution acted upon IN
establishing government Of the uuion by
giving. unimpaired. 10 states the right TO
control matters of local interest. and crent-
ing a new government of sovereign powers
for matters general and national. We thus
succeeded in recOnciling local self-gOyern-
ment. or home rule. as II is termed, With
the exercise of national sovereignty for na-
tional powers.
Under this dual policy the government of
each state may pursue that best suited 20 its
people and resources, though unlike that of
another state. And now. with its history
IN the century past, what il needed tnat the
supreme court of tue nited States should
sustain It's character and be ms useful in the
century 10 Gomez ! answer AS matter of
first consideration that il should not be
overborne with work, and that | mean IT
should have some relief from tie immenst
burden now Gust on il, This can only be
done by legislative action. and In detern-
ming what measure shall be adopted for
that purpose congress will undoubtedly re-
ceiye with favor the suggestions from
the bar associations OF the country.
In view of the condition of
the court, its crowded docket. surely il has
n right 10 call upon the country to give IL
assistance and relief. Something must be
done ia that direction and should bo done
speedily, 10 prevent the DELAYS TO suits now
existing. 10 delay Justice is as perniciuus
AZ IN deny il. One of the most precious ar
tces of magma charta was that IN which
the king declared he would not deny OF de-
Law 10 any man, justice or right. and Gs-
suredly what the barons OF England wrung
from their monarch. the people of the
United States will not refuse to any suitor
for Justice in their tribunals
Rev. Talbot w. Chambers pronounced the
benedictiou.
The dinner in honor of the supreme court
centennial was held tonight M the LennOx
Lyceum. The banquet hall was mass of
flowers and vines. and presented a beauti-
ful picture. A dozen large tables were AZ
ranged .n various positions about the hall,
and ench was beautifully decorated. Cow
ers were laid for so guests, and nearly
every seat wns occupied. The platform
table was set for twenty-six persona.
II was presided over by President Carter. OF
the entertainment committee, and among
his guests werc Chiaf Justice Fuller
eX-President Cleveland, Mathew Hale, pres
idcnt of the New York State Bar ass0cia,
tion; Justices Miller Bradley, Harlan,
Field. Blatchford, Gray, Lamar and
Brewer Chauncey NJ. Depew. Rev. William
X. Huntington. President Coudert. Of the
bar OF the city of New York; Senator
Eyarts, Chief Justice Payson, of Pennsyl-
vanis; Mayor Grant and President Low, OF
Columbia college.
The menu was En elaborate one. Before
il was concluded the ladies began 10 take
their places in the boxes, and shortly after