Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1892-08-25
excelled it,

Justice Freeman in speaking OF this
matter, said the cool and pleasant sum-
mer climate of Santa Fe was in meas
ure accountable for the good results of
the term as tho justices were enabled to
dispatch public business without in
terruption by those climatic inconvenlen-
ces which generally prevail the country
over at this period of the year.
CHIEF JUSTICE o'BRIEN's RESIGNATION.
Just prior to adjournment of court yes
terday evening Hon. T. B. Catron, in a
few well chosen and impressive remarks
in his own behalf and by way of preface,
presented the following in obedience to a
request by members of the bar:
"Whereas, The members of the bar
have learned with regret that the Hon.
James O'Brien has rendered his resigna-
ton as chief justice of this territory, and
they feel that some expression OF the
regard and esteem of the bar of this ter
ritory is proper to be expressed toward
the retiring chief justice; therefore, he
it
Resolved, BY the the members of the
bar in attendance, that we have learned
with regret the determination of chief
Justice James O'Brien to retire from the
bench of this territory. That We recognize
in him conscientious, able, efficient,
energetic and courageous judge, one whose
learning is most highly esteemed in this
territory, and we do most earnestly COM
mend him to the good Offices and favorable
consideration of all peoples and COM
munities with whom it may be his fortune
to cast his lot"
In compliance with Mr.. Catron's re-
quest the resolution was ordered spread
upon the record.
JUSTICE FREEMAN's TRIBUTE.
While the above was being read, Asso
ciate Justice freeman left his place or
the bench and came down among mem
bers of the bar, and when opportunity
offered he arose and spoke as follows:
"May it please your honors, | can not
refrain from adding my personal tribute tt
the high merit named in the resolutions
| When | came to the territory OF New
Mexico few years ago James O'Briei
was the first man whom | met. He wa
the chief justice of the territory, AM
might we'll have waited at his chamber
to receive my call but he met me at tn
depot, and my heart feels yet the warmth
OF that genial Irish greeting.
~ have studied him that | might know
him; l have enjoyed his native wit; hav
at times, perchsnce, grown FESTIVE unde
his impetuous temper but have learne
to admire him for his learning, and t
love him with an affection that none bu
a brave, generous and honest man Ca
inspire And | shall not permit hi
presence to deprive me of the pleasure {
saving that, if all honest man is tn
noblest work OF God, he exemplities in hi
character type OF highest and true'
nobility.
Ellis virtues are too angular to be il
offensive; but we must confess an adm
ration in him of those very qualities this
too often make enemies, spotless int
gritty, fearless and thougthless candor.
"Sir, when time shall have cast il
mellow shade over the fraities of US al
and recollection shall develop whatevt
Of good we may possess, the stalwa
virtues of James O'Brien as traditio
will remain an enduring monument to tt
iurist whom neither fear nor favor coul
diver, from the straight and narrow pat
of conscious duty.
"These words of mine are no form
. tribute paid to retiring chief; they al
the offerings of genuine affection, an
are prompted by sense OF sppreciatio
far beyond my power of expression.
"In retiring from the bench OF Ne
Mexico our chief justice will carry wit
him the respect of every man who know
, him, the love and affection Of the humb
and poor who have found in his cou
house of refuge; and, better still,
conscious sense of having done his dut
and his whole duty"
Hon. E. A. Fiske, U. s. attorney, mac
a short address in which he eulogized Il
retiring chief justice, and W. B. Slos
also made some appropriate remarks.
In reply Chief Justice O'Brien spoil
very feelinely, praislng the coming sta
OF New Mexico and its people, and cor
: plimenting the members of the Ne
Mexico bar in the highest terms. t
said his only consideration in retiril
, and departing from New Mexico was Il
,,olf,,o opI oonoforf of hic family ar