The Indianapolis journal., 1890-02-05
BANQUET TO THE JUSTICES.
An EIaborately- Decorated Hall-Speeches of
Mr.. Harlan and Others.

An EIaborately-Decorated HaII-speeches of
MIR. Harlan and Others.
NEW YORK, Feb. 4.-The dinner in cele-
bration of the Supreme Court centennial
was held tonight, at the Lenox Lyceum.
The banquet hall was mass of flowers and
vines. and presented beautiful picture.
A dozen large tables were arranged in vari-
Gus positions about the hall, and
each was decorated with handsome
Japanese vases, filled with fragrant
flowers. Covers were laid for $50
guests and nearly every seat was occupied.
A Japanese village scene painted on can
vass was on the stage at the end of the
hall, and was curtained at each side with
smilax. On one of the boxes over the,
Madison-avenue entrance was perched a
arge eagle. which held in it's beak a
handsome silk flag, the folds of which were
draped about the boxes. Some of the
flowers. fruits and ice pieces on the
table were most unique. The form OF
Justice" was of course prominent, and
beside this subject appeared miniature
Washingtons, Franklins, LincOlns and
other distinguished Americans. The plat
form table was set for twenty-six persons.
1t was presided over by James T.. Carter,
chairman of the entertainment committee.
and among his guests were Chief-iustice
Melville Fuller and his associate justices,
ex-President Cleveland and many prom
inent lawyers from all parts of the country.
Inspector Byrnes was present with a force
of detectives to look after the valuables of
the dinner.
The dinner was opened with q prayer
from Rev. DR.. Taylor, of New York. The
menu was a most elaborate one. Before 1t
was concluded the ladies began to take
their places in the boxes, and when, shortly
after 10 o'clock, the chairman arose and
raped for order every box was occupied.
In the box the third from the right of the
stage was Mrs. Cleveland. She was ac-
comDanied by party of ladies and gentle
The toast of President of the United
States was drank standing. after Mr. Car
ter had made brief address.
Mr.. Justice Harlan, in response to the
toast, The Supreme Court of the United
States" paid graceful tribute to the
lawyers of the country, their learning, in
tegrlty and courage. and then said:
In the addresses to-day much was said Of the
Supreme Court of the United States that was
gratifying as well to those now members of that
tribunal as to all who take pride In its history
But, Mr. President: whatever of honor has como
charged the momentous trust committed 10 1t by
the Constitution must be shared by the Bar OF
America. "Justice, sir" Il use the words Of
earth. 1t is the hgament which holds civilized
beings and civilized nations together. Wherever
her temple stands, and so long asit is duly
social security. general ipSn SaPpiness, and Sa
the improvement and progress of
our race: And whoever labors on this edifice
with usefulness and distinction; whoever clears
Its foundations, strengthens its pillars adorns
its entablatures. or contributes TO raise its august
dome still higher in the skies, connects himself,
In name. and fame and character with that which
is and must be as durable as the frame of human
society" The temple OF justice which has been
reared in this fair land is largely the work of our
lawyers II there be security for life, liberty and
property, Ii Is because the lawyers of America
have not been nnmindful of their obligations as
ministers OF justice. Search the history OF every
State In the Union, and it will be found that they
have been foremost in all movements having for
their object the maintenance OF the law against
violence and anarchy; the preservation Of the
just rights both or the government and of the
people.
Bat. sir, while the Supreme Court OF the United
States 10 indebted 10 the bar of the country for
its invaluable aid in the administration of JUS
tice. it is stillmo indebted 70 the highest courts
OF the several states. Many distinguished men,
bers of those courts have hOnored this occasion
by their presence. We have with MS, believe,
the full bench of the New York Court OF Appeals,
OF whose bar we are gnests upon this occasion.
Who can adequately estimate. who can overstate,
the influence for good upon American juris-
prudence which has been exerted by the learned
judgments delivered by those who have graced
the bench OF this proud statel Kent, Living
ston. Thompson, Spencer, Jones, Nelson, Oakley,
Savage, WalwOrth. Marcy, Bronson, DEMO and
Selden. not 20 mention others, will be remem-
bered as long as the science OF law has votaries.
III Wnat tlcy wrote were 0DllteTated altogether
from our judicial history q void would he left in
American jurisprudence that could not be filled.
Indeed, the history OF American law could not
well be written without referring 10 the judg-
ments and writings of those eminent iurists.
.
All now admit that the fathers did not err
when they made provision In the fundamen tai
law. for lone supreme Court" with authority TO
determine, for the whole country, the true
meaning and scope of that law. The American
people, after the lapse OF a century. have a firm
conviction that the elimination of that court
from constitutional system would
be the destruction of the government ITSELF upon
which depends the success of the experiment OF
free institutions resting upon the consent of the
governed. That those Institutions which have
answered ''the true ends OF government beyond
all precedent in human history" may be pre-
served In their integrity; that our country may,
under all circumstances be an object of supreme
affection by those enjoying the blessings OF our
republican government, and that the court
whose organization yen have assembled 10 COM
memorate may. in jis membership as wen in
its judgments, always meet the just expectations
of the people, is the earnest wish OF those 10
whom you have, on this occasion. done so much
honor.
Hon. VIM. NJ. Evarts next spoke. Said
he: The average lawyer Of the American