The Wichita daily eagle., 1895-09-21
JUDGES 70 PUT ON GOWNS.
Common Pleas Court I'm Philadelphia to
Become Very Swa-ger.

Philadelphia. Pa, Sept 20.-Folowing
the example of the supreme court. the
Judges of the common pleas court, of
this city, have practically decided to
wear gowns while sitting on the bench.
For number of years the advisability
of adopting the custom and costume OF
English Judges has been discussed by
the common pleas judges here, but they
were slow to break away from the estab
Eshed custom, and no action was ever
agreed upon.
The adoption of gowns by the supreme
court however, has satisfied the COM
mon pleas judges of the desira bility of
wearing judicial garb, as it is every
where admitted that it adds dignity and
solemnity to the appearance of the court
The matter was practically settled yes
terday al a meeting of the board or
judges. at which eight judges, quo
rum of the board. We're present. The
matter was fully and freely discussed,
and all those present were agreed that
the adoption of the gowns would be a
coed thing While it is understood
that the question will not be officially
decided until Judges F'inletter. Allison.
Thayer and Reed VINO were absent
been officially notified. ii is understood
that they are all in favor of the inna-
vasion.
The gowns will probably be donned
early next month. IT is explained that
they will be similar to the gowns worn
by the common pleas judges of Great
Britain, a sort of shoulder gown or sur
plice of black alpaca. dropping gaTce-
f,,lly over the shoulders but not cover
ing the bosom.
The magnificent court rooms in the
city hail are TO great extent reSpon-
sible for the action of the judges. and
the gowns will be in keeping with the
rich surroundings 1t has been mat
ter of surprise to many lawyers that
the Judges did not decide long ago TO
adopt the garment which distinguishes
them from their surrounding in most
foreign courts of justice. For many
years IL was regar rded as to undemocrat-
ic, but now it Is argued that il viii be
as democratic as need be, and viii simp
ly he in keeping with the customs long
since adopted in other professions and
governments tai service.
In speaking of the matter last night
an old and Wefl-known member of the
bar said: 1t is thoroughly democratic.
and in keeping with customs long ago
established in this country. University
professors. many cleEgyHen and SUI
dents wear professional gowns. and
don't sea why judges should not. l
know that il has always required per-
sUasion TO make innovations of that
character, hut after they have been
adopted they have proven benefit.
Il can remember when the late May
or Robert 7. Conrad wanted to uniform
the police. There was consiiera hle op-
position 10 the change. bat Mayor Con
rad himself donned police hat. then
a half stoSepipe arrangement with a
broad leather hand on K. and wore il
uRtl the police had become accustomed
- it, Then the letter carriers were put
in uniforms. car conductors We're induc-
ed 10 adopt a distinctive >e.form and
hnally the supreme court adopted the
gowns There mas e little Ceod-natt,r-
ed badinage AZ first. but now the su-
pre'ne court would 10; appear half 50
attractive - the members - ke bar
were the justices te dispense With their
seSnS'