The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1897-03-05

throughout the state. and met the ex-
pectatlon OF the whole people by Its
unanimous and hearty rensmination OF
Justice Long for the supreme bench.
IN this action 1t not only carried out
the Michigan custom Of giving
second term to an official who has
proven worthy. but paid deserved
tribute to one who has been broaden
Ing in character and growing Ia popu-
lar favor for many years.
Though with several generations OF
New England blood In his veins, on
both his fathers and mothers side.
Judge Long is, perhaps, the most dis
dnctly Michigan man Of any OF the
eminent jurists who have given high
rank to our State Supreme Court. His
parents came, in 1910, from Tewks-
bury. Mass, to Grand Blanc, Genesee
county. and there he was born, June
IL. 1S41. Animated by strong desire
for thorough education, at the age
of 10 he left home for the purpose Of
obtaining in the schools at Flint better
opportunities than were offered In his
native town. He was obliged mainly
to support himself, which he did by
teaching winters, commencing this
work before he was 16 years old.
Young Long had completed his
preparatory studies and was ready
TO enter Michigan University, when,
in 1861, the breaking out of
the war presented to him as
to many other young men in the
north, the alternative of carrying out
cherished personal designs. or Of listen
ing to his country's call for patriotic
service. He did not hesitate, but, In
August of that year, enlisted as pri-
vate in Co. A, Eigth Michigan Infant
ny. His service In the army lasted
only eight months, but 1T left a$heri-
tage of pain and distress which was
to endure for the rest of his life In
the battle Of Wilmington Island, Geor-
gia, April 16, 1862, he received two
severe wounds. By the first he lost
his left arm, which was amputated
above the elbow. The second was
even more distressing in its results,
rifle bal passing through his hip and
body and lodging in the opposite
groin, where X remains embedded to
this day. The wound occasioned by
this ball has never healed, but has
now been the source of pain and care
for more THAN the average life time
of man. For nearly 30 years it has
been constant reminder of his mill
tary service, perpetual discomfort
1t has to be carefully dressed every
day, requiring the frequent services
of an attendant.
These wounds, of course, put manual
labor out Of the question for the rest
of his life, but did not daunt his spirit
On his return to Flint Mr. Long CON-
menced the study Of law. In 1864 he
was elected clerk OF Genesee county,
and in this Office hesserved four terms
of two years each. Besides giving him
a comfortable support this position
afforded a welcome. opportunity to
supplement his law studies by prac-
teal knowledge of the form of plead
ings and the methods Of court pro-
ceedure. Following this he was elect
ed prosecuting attorney for three
terms. from 1874 to 1880. In addition
to these local Offices he was, in 1880,
one Of the supervisors, for Michigan,
OF the tenth census; was appointed
judge Advocate by Governor Jerome;
was a member of the State Military
board under Governor Alger, and was
appointed by Governor Luce one Of the
commissioners for Michigan to attend
the Centennial celebration Of the adop-
ton Of the constitution Of the United
States. He has for the past six years
been president Of the Detroit College Of
Law.
While holding the Office of county
clerk Mr. Long was admitted to the
bar, formed law partnership with
George G. Gold, and entered upon a
practice which, for the next ten years,
was large and varied. 1T covered al
l.: i'll a.
admiralty practice. Tbs, with the
knowledge of criminal law, which his
service as prosecuting attorney gave,
furnished an admirable equipment in
general, and special law for the higher
position to which he was, at later
day, called.
In 1897 the Legislature increased the
number of supreme court judges from
four to five, and extended the term to
ten years. Mr.. Long was nominated
Cor the position thus created, and was
elected by a handsome majority. Not
withstaDdng his physical disability he
has for the past nine years been one
Of the most industrious members Of
very Industrious court. He has sat in /
almost all cases that have came before
the court. and his written opinions,
tbfOuSu ~ tOluultS OIL re-
ports, are fine examples of clear state
nent, sound principle and logical ar.
gumeDt.
Ever since .,e first gave serious
thought to political questions Judge |
Long has been a believer In the prin- I
ciples Of the Republican party, and
was for years among the active party
workers in 'iencsee county, but the
charge Of partisanship has never been
made agaiIsi his course on the
bench. This is perhaps best illustrated
by the decision on the Miner law for
choosing pres dental electors by con-
gressional DE- let's, instead Of on
general tickrN In this case strong
appeal WIS de to party feeling on
the ground int the .aw was unjust
and contrary all precedents. hut the
court he'd - he constitutional. and
in this decision Judge Long concurred.
This action $ recognized nv many,
even by ihe cmocratic paners. as
notable insia of non-partisanship In
the cOnsidrra'i on Of constitutional
question.
The same mess was 81 in the
opinions writ y by judge '-g In the