The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-03-07
ON JUDGE ERSNNE'S DEATH.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED IN THE
UNITED STATES COURT.

nent Lawyers VINO IA new Him.
Judge specr Replies to the Re
marks Made-A Copy OF the ResO-
buttons to Be Sent to Judge Frs
kine's Surviving Daughter
The committee from the bar. appointed
by Judge speer, to report suitable resolu-
lions relating 10 the death of Judge Err
skine. made its report to the court yes
terday morning. The committee, as ap-
pointed, consisted Of Col William Garrard,
Col. George A. Mercer, Hon. William d.
Harden. Hon. T. NJ. Norwood and 8Ir. ].
r. Saussy.
After reading the report Col Garrard
made an address, in which he spoke of his
personal acquaintance with Judge En-
skine, and he called attention 10 some
of his decisions, which were often quoted.
He read an extract from the lives of the
chief justices, showing what constituted
a good judge, and said that Judge Err
skne came up to all the requirements.
The report was made by the committee,
as follows:
Judge John Erskine was born in Stra-
bane, Ireland. in the county of Tyrone,
on the 18th Of September, 1873. He came
TO America with his parents in 1921, but
returned to ireland in 1928, where he re-
NAMED at school until 1892, when he came
back to the United States. He went
abroad several times, but was forced by
failing health-threatened lung trouble-in
1888 to go to Florida, where, and in lower
Georgia, he taught school for four years.
He was admitted to the bar of Florida
in 1916, and soon took a prominent place
In his profaeGion n he Cd no
daughter Of Gen. Gabriel Smith and con-
tinued to reside in Florida, practcing his
profession there and in Georgia, until his
removed to upper Georgia with his wife
and daughter in 1855. He became a citizen
of Atlanta and enjoyed a lucrative prac-
tice.
In July 1865, he was appointed by Presi-
dent Johnson United States judge for the
district of Georgia, and in 1866 entered
upon the duties Of his office, holding court
in Savannah and in Atlanta until 1852,
when he became judge of this, the south
ern district. holding court in this city
until December 1888, when, having passed
the age of 20 years, he resigned and re-
tired from the bench on full pay.
The services Of Judge Erskine upon the
bench of the federal courts Of Georgia
were arduous and well performed They
We're thoroughly appreciated by the peo>
pie of Georgia, and especially by the bar.
AAC W a. inc recipient u d uOuDie anu
perhaps unprecedented honor on his vol
untary retirement.
On the 18th of June, 1894 the bar of the
northern district presented to the I'D
eral courts in Atlanta his portrait as a
tribute to his worth, and for memorial
Of their respect and esteem for him and
his many virtues, and of their desire to
do honor to judge who, in times of trial,
revolution and change in government, had
proved himself equal to every emergency
in which he had been placed.
On May IA, 1885, the Savannah bar pre-
sented to the federal court of the south
ern district of Georgia, to be hung on the
walls of the court room in Savannah,
his portrait, as a testimonial of their
personal regard and of the profound re-
spect entertained for him by them, in COM
mon with the people of Georgia On both
these occasions, in Atlanta and in Savan-
nah, prominent members of the Georgia
bar delivered pc. tinent addresses, and their
honors, Judges McCay and Speer respect
lively, received these portraits with APP
preciative responses.
Since then Judge Erskine has lived in
quiet retirement and ease at his home in
the city of Atlanta, surrounded by his
friends and his books, revered, honorsd
and beloved.
On the 9th of January, 1895, he ended
his career on earth. His life had been
an honorable and noble one; his death
was quiet and peaceful He was a sim
pie. faithful Christian. Death had no
terrors for him
1t is fitting that the bar of this court
should take action in the premises:
Therefore, it is resolved, That the mem
bers of this bar depIore the death of this
very able and distinguished judge, and
hereby testify to their affection and ad-
miration for him as man, and to their
recognition of his ability and learning
as a lawyer, and of his fairness and i'm
partiahty as judge. He did his fun
duty, under all circumstances. He was pa
tient, painstakng. careful and profound.
He was man of great dignity of char
acter, and yet was approachable by tho
humblest citizen. When he retired from
the bench his loss was distinctly felt. not
only by the bar of Georgia, but of the
whole country, and now thats1e has passed
away from earth, his memory will ever
be cherished, and his fine Qualities of
head and heart will never be forgotten
He was an honor to his country and to
the whole brotherhood of men,
Resolved, further, That we tender to
his daughter, their heartfelt sympathy
in her deep affiiction.
When these proceedings shall have been
placed on the minutes of. this court. thew
ask that copy Thereof shall be sent to
her by the clerk.
The report and resolutions We're signed
by Col. William Garrard, Col George A
Mercer, Hon. William D. Harden and Mr.
J. r. Saussy of the committee
Col. MERGERS tribute to Judge ErslStue
was beautiful in its application, as well
as its rhetoric. Judge Harden and Gen
Lawton also made speeches, in which they
paid high tributes to the deceased Judge
Judge Speer made an eloquent and appro-
pirate response to these addresses, and in
conclusion said:
''Fhe decline of his life was as beauti-
full as its maturity was useful ana bene-
fetal to his fellow men. He approached
the grave accompanied by honor. love
obedience and troops of friends, and All
that should accompany old age and he
sank to rest with all his country's wishes
blest' "
I have but to add that the resolutions
will be adopted as the ac ton of the bar
of this court, with the entire approval Of
the court and special page or pages of
its record Will be set aside for their i'm
perishable preservation. and copies win be
sent, under the seal of this court, to his
loved ones who remain be hind"
The report and resolutions will be
spread on the minutes of the court, and