The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1894-03-09
The United States Supreme Court.
From Harpers Weekly.

From Harpcr's Weekly.
In entering the robing-room passed
through a small antechamber, with
presses around the walls, where the
judges gowns are kept, and mirror
hung conveniently for them to put the
finishing touches to their toilets. An
old darky stood bowing and smiling
at the door, and the marshal presently
called out to him, "Archie, can't you
show US one of the judges gowns1' In
few minutes he appeared with
rustling mass of black silk, which he
proceeded to show off like shop-girl
shows a jacket-by putting her hands
in the armholes and presenting the
back of the garment for your inspec-
tion. "How long have you been taking
care of the robing-room, Archie ?
l asked, looking at his gray head and
wrinkled face. "Ever since the 10th
day of October, I84o," he answered,
with much pride and another flourish
ing bow. "This here is ledge Shiras's
gown, presented to him by his club
mates when he was appointed. Feel
how soft and rich the silk is. But it
won't last long. They never does, on
account of the jedges twistin' round so
in their cheers. Yes, it takes heap O.
silk to make 'em. Fifteen yards, and
they cost from 500 to 500, accordln'
to the quality"
Saturday is conference day at the
court. The judges meet in a large
room on the floor below the court to
discuss the business of the tribunal.
1t is bright, cheerful library, lined
with law-books from floor to ceiling,
and looks very cosy and attractive.
Like the robing room, it is entered
through an antechamber, which is also
piled with law-books, for they are very
much pressed for space. Noticing this,
was surprised to see one entire wall
sacrificed to a washstand, with an old
fashioned mirror hanging over it.
"Why don't you move those and use
that space for more shelves1" asked
the marshal. "What is the use Of that
wash.stand when you have such nice
lavatory adjoining?"
"Well, we are very conservative in the
Supreme Court" he said. 81 thought
myself what pity it was not to utilize
all that space, SO one day l had the
wash-stand and mirror moved away.
Presently Judge Field came in and
walked slowly through to the con-
ference.room. From force of habit he
raised his eyes, expecting to see his
face reflected in the mirror as usual.
Missing it instantly, he stopped short
and demanded Of the servant why it
had been taken away. When the
reason was explained to him he made
no fu urther comment, except to say to
himself, half aloud, Pve looked at
myself in that mirror for more than
twenty-five years, and now it is gone.
He really seemed to feel as if an old
friend had deserted him, so while the
conference was going on l had every
thing put back just as it was before.
and when the judge again passed
thiOuSh on Ills way OUT anu luiuSu
to look at the vacant wall, he stared
hard for moment, and then said,
in dazed sort of way, 'Welll would
have sworn that mirror wasn't there
this morning."
Judge Lamar, who died last winter,
was one of the characters Of the court.
A gentleman of the old school, he
was always making fine speeches to
women, and there are no end ofstories
told about him. On one occasion he
was tax en- to task by lady at Bar
Harbor who thought he did not re-
cognize her. "Ah, Judge, 'she said, 81
am afraid you don't remember me; l
met you here two years ago.
Remember you, madaml" was his
quick reply, with one of his courtly
bows; "why, I've been trying ever
since to forget YOU" And she laugh
ingly exclaimed, "Oh go away, you
dear, delightful old Southern hum
bugP