The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-10-24
TO HIS MEMORY.
Continued from page 1.

prehension, added to his other accom-
lishments, while not adequate 10 form
the basis Of a brilliant forensic career,
contributed to make solid foundation
for the successful and honorable prose-
cution Of his profession.
Most prominent, however, among his
many excellent attainments was his love
OF order. Order seemed to be his first
law, and so in every place and upon
every occasion there was the appearance
of simplicity. nestness ana appropriate
ness.
As judge, one who has mad no expert
ence with the pressing cares of judicial
responsibility, may well hesitate TO
speak, and leave it 10 others who were
associated with him in the performance OF
such duties. who can express more cor
rsctly the just estimate of his worth.
With a liability OF being regarded as
critical, ii would not seem 10 be insppro-
pirate to say that some of Judge Carpen-
ter's most excellent qualities of mental
strength at times led 10 misconception
of his real nature. His education and his
pursuits, were in a large measure
dependent upon his own unaided
efforts, and SO he always manifested a
self-dependence. In such men there Is
frequently an indisposition to rely upon
others, and in this Judge Carpenter was
no exception, and so at times he produced
the impression OF not being sufficiently
receptive and prone TO preconceptions.
While this would appear to be so at
times, in reality II was not scat least In
any disqualifying degree. His percep-
tion was exceptionally clear; and also
quick and SO he saw at its first state
ment the consequences OF fact, and the
drift of an argument. This quality was
the same which distinguished Lord Mans
field, of whom IL was said: "He appre-
hended the fact almost sooner than 1t
could be stated, took in the consequences
at glance, and perceived 1t as IL were
by intuition," and is quality
which though of unmeasursble value to a
lawyer and judge, yet may II i'm
plicitely relied upon lead to a too great
precipitency in judgment. Such rare
qualities In any judge are donbtless-are
liable-to be EN- barrassing to lawyers and
particularly to those possessing sluggish
minds or who are disposed to reiteration.
Judge Carpenter, however, whatever may
have been his limitations, was neither
superficial nor Influenced by preconcep-
tions. His mind was open, his bearing
though quick, was attentive, and above
all ne was willing to investigate with
untiring industry and to reflect. His iudg-
ments. though rapid. were never hasty
and upon the whole were the we'll con-
sidered and honest conclusions of an alert
mind, free from the influences of the
petty prejudices which often control the
judgments OF men.
Apart from the lawyer and judge,
Judge Carpenter enjoyed q distinct in
dividuality in this community, AND was
regarded as u man of rare attractiveness
and worth.
In the numerous associations with
which from time to time he be-
came connected. and as repre-
calleu upon to perform some public or
quasi pu blic duty ne was conspicuous for
the willingness with which he accepted
the labor, and for the signal capacity in
which he performed 1t.
His companiopabilitv was an aim ost
unsusr ected quality; yet he ~ owed among
men OF all degrees with ease ana frank
ness. Both before he assumed the judi
ciaI office as we'll as from time TO time
when he laid its robes aside, ne was a
much appreciated and admired COM
psnion.
In his conversation he was fresh and
suggestive as well as unrestrained ana
vivacious, and assisted by memory
elegantly stored, yet not crowded, en-
livened by certain brilliancy of wit and
playfulness of humor he had charm
which never tired. And above all though
nutured within the narrow boundaries OF
q strict sect, he was as free from religious
bigotry and as manly in his tolerstion as
any one I nave ever encountered in this
community.
Equally, by reason OF his attainments
and his readiness, he was frequently en-
gagged to contribute his time and services
to the performance Of many undertakings
and of work interesting TO the public,
which carried no other emolument than
the pleasure 1t gave to others and the
seriousness OF his generous disposition.
Much of this work had public value.
While doubtless possessing due regard
for self-advancement and compensation.
he did not, however, look upon every
thing with view Of what he could gaia
from 1t. lie recognized, fully that he
was a citizen and as such in our country,
there are many duties that a community
have the right 10 expect to be performed
without any or at least, inadequate re-
ward. 70 ne this quality Is OF great
worth, and Judge Carpenter In this re-
n 81