The times., 1899-03-24
Sincere Tribut.s From Former
Bench Associates.
A Notable Gathering of Jurists,
Diplomats. and Public Men.
Graceful Speech Of the Senator
Elcct-Rauscher's :he Scene of
Memorable Banquet.


tellect and culture was present last night
to do honor to senator-eiect Louis f. Me-
Comss at a dinner given by the members
of the District bar. who took pleasure in
showing their appreciation OF the sterling
character and worth of a man with whom
they had been associated since 1892, when
Mr.. McComas became associate justice on
the bench Of the Supreme Court OF the
District of Columbia One hundred and
fifty friends, including members Of the
District bar. Washington's foremost bust
ness men, iurists, diplomatists. and mem
bers of the press. representing the highest
ability not only Of the Capital City, but
OF the entire nation, sat down to ban
quet which eclipsed all previous efforts of
Rauscher, in whose spacious dining rooms
the successful dinner was held. An appro-
pirate reminder of the State from which
Mr.. McComas will enter the Senate was
given in the fancy Ices, which were served
in perfect imitation of the vegetables
raised on the soil of Maryland.
With lighted cigars the guests then
turned their attention to Associate Justice
Harlan, of the Supreme Court of the
United States. who presided. He arose,
and in happy speech introduced the guest
of honor, who was seated at his right. 1T
Harlan. that the people of Washington
should express formally their appreciation
of the efforts of our distinguished guest 10
help on the upbuilding and uplifting OF our
beautiful city. We all recognize the fact
that during his four years CT service in the
House of Representatives he acquitted
himself of the duties of his Office so credi-
tabiy that he could leave the House with
out stain or discredit. Maryland, always
foremost among the States, will have in all
her history no Senator who would or could
surpass the record which Mr.. MoComas
will have made when he retires from public
life"
Mr.. Justice Harlan then proposed the
toast, Senator McComas" Mr.. McComas
responded as follows:
The Honored Guests Response.
I am grateful for your confidence, for
your good Will. / appreciate the attend
ance OF the great jurist who presides over
and adorns this banquet Who for two
and twenty years. in the highest court
known among nations. has grandly devel-
oped our constitutional law and American
Jurisprudence.
Il am honored by this good attendance.
so representative Of the men of influence.
OF business. of affairs, and makers of
modern Washington. l am grateful for the
presence Of the Justices of the Court of
Appeals. and of our cwn Supreme Court:
for the presence of my friends. the mem
bers OF the bar. Their arguments long en-
lightsned my mind; their faces VIII long
fllumine my memory.
Il dc not feel that I have deserved this
occasion at your hands, and therefore /
appreciate it all the more. Such impos-
ing numbers l cannot attribute all to my
self: an incident will explain:
After Rraddor1t'e Inflated exnadifina IN,
the terrible panic on the border the Penn
syiFania authorities. catching at the hope
that as Ben Franklin knew everything else
he must understand how to fight called him
10 command the troops on the border And
50 Franklin. before the discovery of Ken
tucky even, accepted the highest title of
a true American by becoming a colonel of
militia. There were few military posts in
the regiment with regard to which Ben
Franklin, if he was not competent to fill
them himself, could not give a useful hint
10 the holder. The chaplain of his regi-
meut complained that the men would not
attend public worship. The commanding
officer accordingly suggested that the chap
lain should himself serve out the rum
when prayers were over, and never, said
Franklin. were prayers more punctually
and generally attended As Colonel
Franklin's rum helped the chapIafn's con-
quent, these meats and wines. must divide
with me the compliment of your presence
In Cougress.
Sixteen years ago 1 came here as a
member of Congress, and for eight years
tried TO be useful TO my country. But
whether ] was right or wrong on national
politics men may divide. | know that first,
as a member OF the Committee on the Dis
trict OF Columbia, and later after six years
as member of the Committee On Appro-
priations, | know / helped much good leg
lslation for the District of Columbia. The
early struggle for good street paving, your
schools and school buildings, your sewers.
the new plan OF sewerage, your police
force, your public debt, and sinking fund,
your fire and water departments. With all
OF these l must not worry you. The pro-
gressive men of your Board OF Trade do
not tarTy over what was done long ago or
Yesterday: they press on to what is to be
done tomorrow
One day in the great blizzard ten years
ago came from Baltimore on the last
train before the snow blockade. when the
wires were down everywhere. and | sue
ceeded In riding into an appropriation bill
tnat hereafter no electric wires Should be
strung IN the air. and an underground sys-
tenn devised: and we followed up this nro-
hibition with the law for an Electric Com
mission to provide system OF UNDER
ground conduits to be owned by the CITY
and leased for public revenue My idea
was new then; 1t viii soon be fulfilled.
Meanwhile during all these years, as in
other cities, our sky has not been darkened
with wires and a forest of poles.
On the Bench.
4 left Congress in 1891. and returned to
my Maryland home. Eighteen months aft
erward President Harrison-and we have
had no Chief Magistrate more able, wise,
and brave than he-tendered me the office
OF Associate Justice OF the Supreme Court
Oh this District. Among civilized men I
SHOW OF no higher or serious an Office than
mat OF Judge, and / expected TO give my
ife to the duties OF that Office For six
years and four months in the courts. |
lried 10 do everything to the best of my
iniilty | learned 10 appreciate the devo-
ION OF my brethren on the bench 10 their
important charge and their varied and
weighty cares; and learned to lean on the
brilliant and able gentlemen of this bar
more AID more. for a strong bar helps to
make good judge
fou are all too busy citizens of Wash
ihstoh 10 know or remember how much
your lives, your homes. your business.
your property depend on good judges. You
nave now In the court which ! left Judges
VINO are able, honest. self-respecting God
Tearing men, TO whose labors and fidelity
you owe much And to the lawyers them
selves you owe much. II is the best-na-
tnred guild among men. No other profess
SION could. with such good humor, endure
the JESUS and criticisms you are accustom-
ca 10 bestow on the lawyers. During nv
service on the bench have witnessed the
lnhnence of the able and brilliant leaders