The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-06-13

Permit me TO present to an audience of
admiring friends one who needs no in
PRODUCTION upon this stage.
sLNAIoB ). ". DANIELS ADDgIs.
Senator Daniel said:
The Rector and Visitors Of the Universe
ty of Virginia.:
Nations are accustomed to load with
honors and emoluments those generals
who bring 10 their capitals the captives
and the ssois of war
Much more happiness should they find
in celebrating those characters VINO in
still into society the wholesome priuci-
pies which inure 10 the establishment of
justice. and to the peaceful settlement
OF public and private controversy. such
character brings forth our need Of
praise to-day
am commissioned by the present and
former pupils Of Professor John Is. Minor
TO present to you this animated bust of
him. our beloved FrcceptOr in the law.
1t is the image of a great teacner, from
the chse Of a great artist, and in en-
b0dying his features it embodies also
the gratitude and affection which his
pupils bear for him and for their Alma
Mater.
The man and the institution stand to-
gether I'm their contemplation, and it
was natural for their attachment TO each
to seek expression in a form that would
preserve their association. How. in
deed. could they be separated? for now
is fulfilled the hftcth year of their iden-
iincation, and in the fond memories of
the law students life. John i. Minor and
the University OF Virginia are ndissO-
lubly blended in the happy companion
ship Of mutual dignity usefulness. con-
geniality. and honor. :.
For this University, the darling of JEFF
fcrsOns old age. he desired everything
that could conduce to broad enlishten-
ment. lie would have no professor here
as he said who was not "of the first
order Of science in his line" As such
in all branches were not then obiaina-
bic in om young republic, he would
bring from oxford the classical profes-
sor. from Cambridge that OF mathematics,
and from Edinburgh that OF anatomy.
But as TO the law-the science that was
taking new root and a fresh graft In
new soil-hc recommended an American,
Francis Walker Gilmer Of this State
whom he described as ''thc best educated
subject we have raised since the kcVo-
luton" This accomplished gentleman
was the first aprOintee as professor of
law in the University. but dying before
the law school was opened, he was sue
ceeded by John Tayloe LomaN, who began
mis- lectures here i'm 1875. kesgn!ng IN
a few years, to take a seat upon the
bench John 4. 9. Davis took his place,
ana in 1870. upon his death. Henry st.
George Tucker took his TO be succeed
ed. in turn, by John i. Minor, IN lni'.
For some years alone, but since l>1o' with
able associates and assistants. he mas
been here as a teacher of his profession,
an Iii. I.t 81 lf. O.
fersonian standard, he has proved himself
"of the first order of science in his
line Who can measure the vast in
nuence for good that such teacher as
he has exercised? The character ana
minds Of thousands of students nave let
his moulding and enlightening power
and forth they have gone from ms lee
,ure-room into the striving masses OF
humanity. in well-drilled annual deiach-
ments. as fresh recruits 10 the cause OF
Justice. a..
Tho heaven of his instruction upon the
most important topics that concern so
cie,v from the domestic relations 10 the
greatest questions of constitutional law,
has peTmeated through his disciples ana
his cononositions into every commonwealth
~ ,he Union. to every department or
,,,,nic,nal state. and Federal affairs. ana
ras bcen felt i'm every council chamber
oourt-room. and legislative nan LIKE
blackstone. and Kent. and S'ory, anu
cooley he has been a teacher OF ltdVh-
ers n law-maker to legislators ana
Supreme Court 10 judges
lis SUCCESS.
That Professor Minor has been emil
oently successful as a teacher OF ms pr
fession is the universal verdict ana ser.
evident fact "Exitus acta probat, inc
NJ ~ .... So
humhan workmanship. and this success
attests more than any eulogium me ehi''
nent abilities and virtues with which nc
has performed his ardu0us and cehcaN
tasks To add my testimony 10 them
would only be TO add pebble to mon
umentsl pile yet claim the privilege
OF stating what l have often SAID tha'
/ do not believe his superior as la"
teacher ever existed.
rHr LAW AID rurIic CONSCIENCE.
The great teacher must have an elevated
conception Of his mission, and charac'
Ter that furnishes a constant sanction
10 his purposes and his labors The great
LAWYERS. whether at the bar. in the lee
ture room. or on the bench. have been
the men who stood for great moral prin
cinlcs and impressed them into the spirit
If the law. The law indeed is the public
conscience uttered as the public VIII. ant
sanctioned by the public power. II deals
with rights in order 10 defend and pre-
serve them. 1t deals with wrongs In or.
der TO repair them and prevent them
IL ends In Justice. and justice means
peace and honor What is that great sys-
tenn OF equity Jurisprudence which We
sec advancing its lines and enlareins
It's Jurisdiction from generation TO gene
ration? Marching on and on, planning
away the sharp angles and rough edges