Wichita eagle., 1890-02-23

pIactlce 90 not come IN contact WITH d
certain line OF decisions. which have en-
federal bench, but l think may
safely say that no lawyer can be
said to be thoroughly equipped in
his profession who has not read and
| mastered those admirable decisions upon
| which rest the solidity of our national
fabric, and which direct and control with
strong but pleasant hand our interstate
| relations.
How wisely our fathers marked the
boundaries of this judicial power has ex-
cited the admiration of the profound and
learned throughout the world, but none
the less is that admiration, which rises ir-
| resistibly. when we peruse those mar
velous decisions, which wisely interpreted
| the fundamental law of the land and
breathed into the fundamental coustitu-
tion that breath OF strong, healthy, har-
mOnious national life.
The value of these decisions do not de-
pend wholly upon knowledge of the con-
clusiops reached by the court, but they
are valuable likewise to the lawyer as the
highest type of that pure style of argu-
ment and Of that clean, plain, strong,
philosophical reasoning which has justly
made the supreme court of the United
States the strongest. as it IS the most I'M
portant legal tribunal in the world.
And here let me say that the history of
the personnel of this court, court which
for Il century has shed an imperishable
glory upon the annals Of American Juris-
prudence, will Indicate that it has been
composed Of men who did not spend their
lives in small jealousies, nor in studying
the methods of how to add one cent to
another, nor yet how to make their pro-
fession like q beast of burden bear their
ingots of gain, nor yet how to succeed by
little tricks and not by merit, but they
uara man who y,JrrS,1ed thar ppafaSSipn ac
science with a yea. and love born of con-
Secration.
Let the young and ambitious lawyer learn
from this that he who would ascend the
ladder of professional fame must first pay
toll at its base; that he who would attain
to emioence and lasting reputation must
first consecrate himself to his profession,
even as the priest doth consecrate himself
to his religion.
But this, Mr.. Chairman, is presenta-
tion of my subject that chiefly concerns
lawyers. There Is another side to this
toast and one that pertains to the public.
| The public understand and fully appre-
ciate the important part the supreme fed
eral court has played in the history of the
republic. The public do not need to be
told how by wise Interpretation OF the
organic law of the land, the government
has been greatly aided in weathering the
gales of adversely and the periis which
have beset it. The people do not need to
be told that if the federal constitution has
been the boat in which has safely hoated
the destiny of the American people, the
supreme federal court has been the chart
and compass that has directed its course
and Steered it clear of the SandbarS OF
national destruction; the public do not
need to be told that in times of peace it
has been fuel and breeze TO the ship of
state; in times of darkness and storm it
has been light house and harbor.
My time does not permit me to point
out those notable decisions which make
confirmation of what have said strong
Gas proof of Holy writ" it is enough to
know, in the language of the courts, that
the records affirmatively shows these facts.
And SO l am persuaded to say: Long live
the supreme court of the United States as
a part of our national system"
AT this point Mr.. Eckstein in neatly
worded resolution moved that the floral
design contributed by Mrs. Carter be pre-
sented to Judge Reed at the close of the
banquet. The resolution was adopted
unanimously aud the judge rendered his
thanks in IL graceful manner.
Toast Master Sluss then called
upon Justice B. L. keenan, to
respond to THE Lesser Judiciary" !"
Mr. Keenan, responded briefly and
TO the point..and as it was rapidly nearing
12 the remaining addresses had to be cut
short. Judge Martin spoke briefly on the
subject of divorce and is it success%
reviewing the subject in quite legal
light. He was followed by Mr. Montague
on 1.-The young barrister." Mr.. Vermilllon
referred pointedly to the Western judici-
ary' and excused himself for being brief
on account of the lateness of the hour.
Mr.. w. L. Sturdevant spoke pleasantly
on professional courtesy"and was followed
py Judge Wall who had the subject dear
to every lawyers heart viz. his fees" The
speaker made comparison between the
ices in the west and east much in favor of
the west, j. G., from the clients standpoint
and argued that the fee was really the
least important consideration and yet the
most dearly earned.
As a very fitting wind up the
toast Get there Eli" was
proposed and eX- Bailif Douglas
V. Donnelly was called upon to respond
Perhaps the bar has no better friend than
Douglas V. Donneily and no social
gathering of attorneys is complete with
out his presence. He took the floor and
told them plainly that he could always be
relied upon TO befriend them. both his
services and pocket book were at their
command. He closed by paying the bar
a high compliment and sat down amid
general applause.
1t was the end of the week and a good
ending. and as agreed upon the hour Of
going home had arrived. The jovial party
broke up we'll pleased with the world.
with themselves, and the world well