The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-03-28


Judge Putnam by largo number of the
leading citizens of Portland, old clients,
members of the Bar and personal friends,
took place at Gilbert's hall. The tables
were arranged in the form of letter E,
the long table at the head of the room
being reserved for the use of the guest
of the evening, the president of the Bar
Association, Mr.. S. G. Strout and other
prominent gentlemen. The tables
presented very handsome appearance
with their handsome china and cut glass,
banks of flowers, tropical plants and sill
yer candelabra. The electric lights and
wax candles united in imparting great
brilliancy to the scene. Gilbert's orches-
ira was stationed in the gallery and fur
mis- he'd choice music throughout the
evening.
One hundred and forty plates were
laid and at each plate beautiful bonton-
Mere was placed. The menu was print
ed on Bristol board, with covers of cellu-
loid, bearing the inscription Judge
Putnam, Portland, 1892" Robinson was
the caterer, and Cook of Boston furn-
ished the service of 20 walters, mar
shalled by headed waiter johnson.
After cigars were lighted, Mr.. Strout
raped for order and made the following
speech, which was received with much
applause:
Mr.. Strout's Speech.
The preparations for this elaborate
dinner, and the calling together of so
large number of representative men,
which have been so successfully accom-
plished, have been in other, and judging
by the result, thoroughly competent
hands. The honor and responsibility
now devolves upon me to preside and aid
in yoicing the purpose ofJthis gathering.
We are assembled this evening to ex-
press our appreciation of the character
and attainments of our distinguished
guest, who has recently been elevated to
the Bench of the Circuit Court of tho
United States for the first circuit, Hon.
William L. Putnam. This appointment
is. one eminently fit to be made. Presi-
dent Harrison has usually been fortu-
nate in his selection for judges of the
Federal Judiciary, and in no case has he
been more so than in this.
Civilized society rests upon law. That
is its bulwark and shield. But the law
cannot enforce itself. That must be
done through the machinery of the
courts, and the aid of judges, whose pro-
vince is to declare the law and see to it's
enforcement. The great bulk of human
affairs in this country is regulated by the
common law, and that law consists of
decisions of Judges of courts, sometimes
called Judge made law as distinguished
from statute law. The character of the
Judiciary in this and the mother country
for the last two centuries has been so
high that the law declared by the courts
during that period has, in the main,
commanded and still commands the re-
spect of intelligent men, and Is recog-
nized law today.
Much of the law as to real and person
al property and the rights of persons to-
day is based upon decisions of courts,
and has no foundation in legislative en-
actment. Of course as the years pass,
and new relations arise, the law has been
moulded by the courts to meet the new
requirements, and this process should
continue as occasion shall arise. 1t fol-
lows that Judge of court of large jul
risdiction should be a broad man, an, able
man, an honest man, firm man and q
learned man; broad enough and able
enough to comprehend the principles
which have and should govern human
rights and affairs; learned in the law as
heretofore declared by the courts, and
firm enough to express and enforce the
conclusions arrived at, even if popular
clamor. and prejudice, for the time,
should oppose. With very few excep-
lions in this country our judiciary has
done this, and the result is that we all
feel safe in the security and stability thus
afford
When the qualities of our judges shall
be deteriorated, and the popular conf
dence in them weakened and destroyed,
our institutions will be very near
wrecked.
In the great strain upon the principles
of this government, involved in our civil
war, and its issue, and the passions nat
TCoNTINJrEn oN EIcIITH pAcE1