St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-10-04

the fundamental law, and I, of
course, was always governed by that
rule in my decisions; but, gentlemen, l
now assure you that were L similarly
placed today, with my accumulated ex-
perlence of nearly half century, l
would prove the oft said proverb that
1.-THE law is not an exact science" by
deciding in diametric opposition to that
rule, and holding that when there is any
reasonable doubt about the constitu-
tlonality of law kill the law, and save
the Integrity of the constitution. The
administration of the law must keep
pace with the growth and accumulated
wisdom of the country.
don't mean to say that lawyers are
better class of men than those of other
branches OF business and life, nor do |
mean to suggest that they are not sus-
ceptible to the allnrements that entice
many man from the narrow path of
legal and political principles into the
untrled fields OF popular quackery, with
the hope of preferment in worldly ways;
and, especially, L am cogniZant that
young lawyers are likely to be so mis-
led; but better things are to be looked
for from the bar at large and as body.
do not believe that the bar of any
state, and especially the sterling aud
conservative state of Minnesota, can,
as whole, be seduced into any great
departure from
THE SAFE AND SURE PATH
of constitutional government, and it is
for these reasons that | have convinced
myself that the association of this bar
into body that can be called upon to
act as unit in times of danger and
emergency is good thing, and ought
to be sustained. In a purely popular
unheard of, untried and unknown meas
ure may at any time be sprung upon
the country, and it is we'll to have re-
sIstant body which can meet the assault
with force and Intelligence.
While L advocate the maintenance of
the association, l will take the liberty
to suggest that little more interest be
maintained in its success by the mem
berS, SO that the next president Will
meet with better success in procuring
an orator than | have had
There is very little to report for the
past year in the way of legal movements
III the country. L think of nothing of
Importance, except meeting of the bar
of all the states at Milwaukee on the
3lSt of August last, at the call of the
American Bar association. Gentlemen
were commissioned by the governors of
the several states TO attend and take
part in the proceedings. The object of
the convention was to promote unifor-
nifty in the laws Of states upon subjects
OF common interest to all American
cltlZenS. There are many subjects
where such uniformity would be OF
great advantage: such as marriage and
divorce laws; the execution and
acknowledgement OF conveyances; i'll
soivency and many kindred topics which
will occur to all engaged in the admin
istration of the law. Our state was ably
represented, but it was my misfortune
to be unable 10 attend. although the
governor honored me with commlS-
sion. 1 learn that much of interest to
the profession TRANSFERRED, which will be
published with the proceedings.
Now. gentlemen, the association is
ready for business; Oblige HE by mani
Testing your desires.
1t was resolved that at the next meet
ing there should be made such a re-
vision of the constitution as shall place
the association on a more practical
working basis.
GeorgeP. Flannery and j. A Kellogg,
OF Minneapolis, were elected members
of the association. and the meeting then
adjourned to meet in April, during the
spring term of court.