The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-03-05
UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT.
The Justices Robes and Their Cost
The Conference Room.
Harpers Weekly.


In entering the robing room passed
through a small ante-chamber with presses
around the walls, where the tudgeSS gowns
are kept, and mirror hung conveniently
for them to put the finishing touches to
their toilets. An old darby stood bowling
and smiling at the door, and the marshal
you show US one of the judges gowns?"
In few minutes he appeared with a rust
ling mass of black silk, which he proceeded
to show off like a shop girl shows a jacket
by putting her hands in the armholes and
presenting the back of the garment for your
inspection. How long have you been talk
ing care of the robing room, ARCHER" /
asked, looking at his gray head and wrink
led face. Ever since the 10th day Of Oc-
and another fiourishing bow. This here
is Jedge Shirasfs gown, presented to him
by his clubmat IS when he was appointed.
Feel how soft and rich the silk Is. But ii
count of the jedges twistfn' round so in
their cheers. Yes, it takes heap o. silk
Saturday is conference day at the court.
The judges meet in large room on the
floor below the court to discuss the bus
mess of the tribunal. 1t is q bright, cheer
full library, lined with law books from floor
to ceiling, and looks very coy and attrac-
tive Like the robing room, 1t is entered
through an ante-chamber, which is also
piled with law books, for they are very
was surprised to see one entire wall sacri-
feed to wash stand, with an old-fash-
toned mirror hanging over IL why don't
you move those and use that space for
more shelvesg' l asked the marshal What
is the use of that when you have such a
nice lavatory adjoining?' We'll, we are
very conservative in the Supreme Court"
he said. II thought myself what a pity IL
was not to utilize all that space, so one
day / 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
raf p6 in 10 as
instantly, he stopped short and demanded
of the servant why IL had been taken away
When the reason was explained to him he
made further comment, except to say
to himself, half aloud: I've looked at my
self in that mirror for more than twenty
five years, and now ii is gone He really
seemed to feel as if an old friend had de-
going on / had everything put back just
as 1t was before, and when the judge again
passed through on his way out and turned
to look at the vacant WALL he stared hard
for moment and then said in a dazed
sort of way: We'll! / would have sworn
that mirror wasn't there this morning"
Judge Lamar, who died last winter, was
one of the characters of the court. gem
tleman of the old school, he was always
making fine speeches to women, and there
are no end of stories told about him. On
| one occasion he was taken to task by a
| lady at Bar Harbor who thought he did
not recognize her. "Ah, Judge she said,
| II am afraid you don't remember me;
| met you here two years ago" Remember
| one of his courtly bows; why. I've been
| trying ever since to forget you" And she
laughngly said: "Oh, go away, you dear,
| delightful old Southern humbug."