Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-01-17

pected to have an orchestra of about Ien
Instruments TO assist. and the COMMITTEES
extend an invitation to all musicians who
desire to give their services to send their
names to Mr.. Foster.
THE LAWYER IN POLITICS.
Vice President Stevenson Aadr~....
the New York Bar Association.
The seventeenth annual meeting of the
New York Bar Association was called ,o
order In the senate chamber at Albany ycs-
terday afternoon by President ]. New,on
Fiero Many prominent members of the
bar. members of the legislature and suecta-
tors were present.
President Ffero delivered an address talk
ing for his subject. "A Practical View of
Law Reform I'm New York"
Several committee reports were then re-
ceived, followed by papers and addresses
on rs a Uniform System Of EXAMINE ton
Tor Admission to the Bar Desirable"
After the transaction of miscellaneous
business, recess was taken until O'Clock.
The evening session was held in the as
sembly chamber. which was crowded to the
doors in anticipation of the presence of
Vice President Stevenson and United States
Senator Dolph. The galleries were also
including ladies, were present as were also
the leading lights of the state bar and MEM
bers of the legislature.
In the hail sat judges of the court of ap-
peals, United States Senator HIN and ST.
preme Court judges.
President Fiero presided. He introduced
VICE President Stevenson. who delivered a
brief address. which was generously ap-
Plaudcd. his subject was The Lawyer
In his speech he said:
Politics has been defined the science of
government: in its highest sense il is the
science in action of human affairs 1 dis
sSnt from what l conceive to be pernicious
teaching that the lawyer must hold him.
self aloof from politics-which means 10
hands other than his own must be COM
mltted his dearest interests. Such teaching
can be justified only upon the supposition
that money getting is the highest aim OF
those who enter this noble profession.
But II II be true that the lawyer has
higher aims. then upon his shoulders must
or necessity rest no small part of the re-
sponsibilities which attach to citizenship in
a free government. The teaching that ne
who would attain the greatest need of sue
cess In calling which has for its chief cor
rer stone Character and intelligence must
cast to the winds all responsibilities of gov
eminent, take no concern as to what con-
trolls the primaries or the caucus-in a
word. practically abdicates the citizenship
must bear pernicious fruit in government
Of the people. Can II be doubted that many
OF the abuses in the practical administration
Of public affairs have sprung from the
teachings / have mentioned?
II there be no foundation for complaint
that politics. especially in our large cities,
has reached a low ebb. may not its origin
be traced to the causes indicated? Is II Of
rare occurrence that those who make most
vehement complaint OF extravaganza and
corruption In public administration espec-
tally OF municipal government are those
who pride themselves upon the fact that
they have no lot or part in the matter
and whose dignity would be offended by the
suggestion that they attend in person q
caucus or a conventionf As between such
be they ever so well equipped for the dis
cussion Of public questions or the admins
tration of public affairs-and the practical
politician, though he stand upon ever so
low q plane. the latter will always control
1T cannot be doubted that the last third
OF century has measurably lessened the
influence Of the lawyer in the politics of
the state and of the nation. This may be
accounted for, in part. by the marvellous
growth of the country and the development
or its resources, the necessary outgrowth of
wnlch mas been the creation Of great cor
porations. Within the period mentioned
much OF the talent has been diverted from
general practice. and from actice participa-
ton in public affairs. to the less latorious
ana more remunerative service of legal ad-
visers to these great Industrial ENTERPRISES
THE future danger is not from a foreign
foe as during the first two decades. nor
along the sectional lines, as at a later peri III
OF our history. But. with the multiplied
ton and increase of Individual fortunes
thus emphasizing the distance that separ-
ates their possessors from the toiling mill
lions: with the rapidly augmenting power of
aggregated wealth and the murmurings ami
rest that follow as the night the day. w. q
the influx and the growth of an element
whose principal inaction is the destruction
OF the safeguards of laws and constitutions.
with the rapid increase in every field of en-
deavor. of appliances which mercilessly dis
pense with the labor OF human hands and
with population pressing upon the means of
subsistence-who can doubt that from ALI
these may spring dangers to society," to the
state. unknown to the first century of the
republic?
THE all-important inquiry, then. is where
In will lie our safety? Who can doubt that
History Will but repeat itself. and that she
lawyer will be found In the forefront of
those who stand as the bulwark of what 81
has cost our race the struggle of centuries
to achieve? As in the past, the lawyer will
stand for the existing order OF things-for
liberty regulated by law. II will be his to
conserve, to strengthen, not to destroy, the
foundation Of our social fabric In n de-
gree that words cannot measure our pro-
lection VIII De IN our courts Of Justice. An
prove indeed our city of refuge.
1T needs no prophet to foretell that the
coming century will witness a general diffu-
sion of information among all classes of our
people, and an advancement along all lines
OF useful and polite learning, unknown to
the century now closing. Along the path
way that leads into new fields of thought
and OF endeavor. whether in the sciences. or
arts. or affairs. the lawyer who would MAIN
tain the prestige Of his profession must
tread
United States Senator Joseph ~ Dolph of
Oregon was then presented, and he deliv-
cred the annual address. taking for his sub
tect Law Reform"
A vote Of thanks was given both of the
speakers by the members of the associa-
ton. and an adjournment was taken to the
governors reception, which was held at the
executive mansion last night
Among those In attendance were Associate
Justices Brewer, Brown and Shiras OF the
United States Supreme Court. Postmaster
General Bissell. Senators Hawley of Con-
necticut, Stewart of Nevada. Higgins Of
Delaware and Dubois OF Idaho Represent
atives Dalzell of Pennsylvania, Piggott of
Connecticut and Joy OF st. Louis, Second
Assistant Secretary of State Adee. First AS
sistsnt Postmaster General Jones, Assistant
Attorney General Jones and Commissioner
Of Patents Seymour.
Sergt. Hodge the Victor.
The Ordway Rifles company ID, fourth
battalion, ID. c. n. c.. gave their semi-an-
nual individual competition drill in the
second regiment armory last night, and
Sergt. Hodges carrier of the honors by
winning the handsome gold medal offered