Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-07-13

Samuel Bletchford was born in Now York
city March 0, 1920. He studied in the pub
lie schools of the city and was graduated
from Columbia college in the class OF 1881.
Thirty years later his Alma Mater conferred
upon him the degree of LII. d. In 1889 he
became the private secretary OF Gov. sew-
ard and held the position until he was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1912. He began the
practice of law in Now York, but removed
three years later to Auburn, where he be-
came the law partner OF Gov. Seward.
In 1862 Justice Blntchford began the
publication of the decisions of the United
States Circuit Court. Two years later he
returned to New York, where he practiced
law until be was elevated to the federal
beLch. Justice Blatchford was, it is said,
the only man in the United States who, be-
ginning his judicial career upon the United
States district bench, was promoted sue
cessIyely to the Circuit and Supreme benches
OF the United States courts.
In 1867 President Johnson made him
United States district judge for the south
ern district of New York. in which position
he served with distinguishing success until
1878. In that year President Hayes ap-
pointed him circuit judge for the second
judicial circuit, and in 1882 he was again
promoted to be an associate justice of the
United States Supreme Court to succeed
Ward Hunt by President Arthur, between
whom and Justice Blatchford there had
long existed a strong friendship.
The judicial ability which Justice Batch-
ford had shown upon the subordn ate
benches was even more marked in his career
upon the Supreme bench. He was regarded
as the highest authority in the United
States upon questions arising in admiralty
law. His long experience as judge Of the
southern district of New York had made
him intimately familiar with that difficult
branch OF the law, and many of the most
important decisions in admiralty cases rem
dered by the United States Supreme Court
In the last ~ years were written by him.
Justice Blatchford's most famous decis-
ion was rendered while he was United
States district judge. Charles A Dana had
exposed the Washington ring, whose head,
''Boss" Shepherd, and the members of the
ring undertook to punish the editor. They
brought criminal proceedings for libel in
Washington and sought to take Mr.. Dana
to the national capital. He was arrested in
New York and habeas corpus proceedings
was taken before the United States District
Court. Justice Blatohford discharged the
editor, after rendering an exhaustive opin-
ion in the case, which in its construction of
the law of libel has been a buiwark of the
liberty of the press.
Justice Batchford's personal appearance
was Notable. He had an erect and sturdy
carriage, he had a vigorous constitution
and he was fond OF openair exercise. 1t
was his invariable custom in Washing ton
to walk to and from the capitol and his
residence in X street. His head was very
large and his hat as ancient as Mr.. Evarts's !,
was always set atilt upon the back Of it.
Although he passed the age of retirement
in $780, he was 80 vigorous both in body
and mind that he refused to surrender his
life work. He was fond of society. He
entertained hands omely in Washingt ION
and he enjoyed the Relation OF a game OF
whist