The record-union., 1897-10-16
THE RETIREMENT OF JUSTICE
FIELD

The retirement of Justice Field from
the bench of the Supreme Court of
the United States removes from the
service of the country one of the most
notable figures of it's modern history
and a member of an illustrious family
A notable man, not only because he has
served upon the Supreme bench of the
United States longer than any other
jurist in our history, but because in
that long sweep of time, comprising
the period of a generation, the court
he graced has had to pass upon the
most nomentuous questions ever pre-
senced to a judicial tribunal, and that,
too, in one period of domestic turmoil,
when the nation was shaken to its
foundations.
There have been questions Of the
most vital importance, affecting the
very life and integrity of the republic,
arising out Of the insurrectfonary times
and carried over for many subsequent
years; questions involving the chang
ing relations of capital and labor; ques-
tions relative to corporate powers and
corporate rights; questions affecting
the national financial system, the pow
ers of the Federal Government and it's
relation to the sovereign States of the
Union-au these and many others
charged with supreme Importance,
which have played a part in the mold
ing Of the Government and its poll
cies, have been before him during his
long service.
Though often, by reason of his con-
victions of justice and right, he has
been opposed to popular clamor and has
antagonized apparent public sentiment,
Justice Field has had the courage es-
sentiaI to the safe Judge. Nothing of
clamor, criticism, menace or abuse has
ever swerved him from the path that
his conception Of the law and of JUS
tice marked out for him
A man Of extraordinary vitality, of
analytical mind and immense intellect
ual grasp. of profound learning in the
law. and unfaltering courage, he has
made an impression upon our judicial
history that Will not be effaced by the
sweep Of time, nor grow dim in the
judicial annals Of the nation His
opinions, not infrequently dissenting
ones. have gone into the legal ntera-
ture of the country as mastery works
Of genius, and the product Of mind of
great vigor. breadth and profundity
Say what men will of Justice Field
In praise or in adverse criticism, they
viii never seek to affect his standing
among jurists as a fearless man, one
OF indomitable mental energy, of un-
fa1tering bravery and answering 10y
atty to his convictions. It is not nee
essary to speak now of his legal at
tainments the character Of the man
as great lawyer and analyist-the
people are well informed concerning
these matters, especially here in Cali
fornia, where he sat upon the Supreme
bench~of the State and upon the United
States Circuit bench, and was brought
for SO many years into close touch with
California communities
Though very much advanced in
years, his physical disabilities, it
is said, have not perceptibly dim
med his mind. or cIouded his
perceptions He is still a ready
and analytical interpreter of the law;
writer Of rare perspicuity of style: a
reasoaer Of wonderful power. Ad-
vanced as he is in years the hope Of
all just people viii be that he may live
yet many years to enjoy well deserved
rest from labor.