The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1900-07-20
HIGH HONORS FOR ESTEE,
Tribute Of CALIFORNIA;
Leaders.


Union League club to Morris NJ. Estee
upon his departure for Hawaii TO as
sumo the duties of United states Dis
trict Judge was highly natterlng to the
guest by reason OF the large attend
ance, the character OF those present
and the many complimentary illusions
to the q distinguished Californian. The
bench and bar were represented by
many notables. among the jurists pres
ent being Justice Brown of the United
states Supreme Court. United States
Judge w. w. Morrow and Justice Nc
Farland of the California Supreme
Court.
President a. G. Booth of the Union
League Club presided and introduced
Judge Estee, remarking that such a
Formally was really superfluous in
California, and especially I'm the Union
League. Judge Estee spoke feelingly
of his forthcoming departure and re-
ferred In warm terms to the friendships
that have grown up during the forty
seven years of his life in California.
He said:
Il could not leave this city and the
friends see before me without saying
q few words of farewell. Yet ! bear in
mind the thought that l am not going
away from our country. / will always
be an American citizen. Whether am
in Hawaii or elsewhere, the love that l
bear for our country, and especially for
the State of California, will never grow
cold with the passing years. 1 came
here forty-seven years ago, before /
was nineteen years of age. My man
hood and much of my youth have been
passed here and cannot leave without
"a feeling of profound regret. But / am
not severing all ties, for the district 1
go to preside over is part of the Ninth
circuit. I go to Hawaii full of the be-
lief that the Hawaiians will learn that
American law and justice are based on
the broad principles Of human liberty.
Senator George c. Perkins spoke of
the pride and qualification of Califor-
mans over Judge Estees appointment
to the head of the judicial system of
Hawaii. He noted with pleasure that
the reception was a non-partisan one,
and included men of all political par
ties.
Irving NJ. Scott was called for. He
met with the cordial reception accord
ed to all the speakers and was loudly
applauded when he referred to his long
friendship with Judge Estee, extending
over thirty-seven years.
Judge Morrow, presiding over the
United States Circuit Court was noted
at this instant, as he entered. He was
accompanied by Justice Brown of the
United States Supreme Court, whom he
conducted to the platform. Judge Nor
row was first introduced. He said in
part:
1--WE have come to extend our con-
gratulations to Judge Estee upon the
distinguished honor that has been con-
ferred upon him. He is one of the ia
vored citizens and lawyers of this
state. l envy him in the work that Is
before him. He will have to organize
the laws of a new country and will
have free field, without the prece-
dents established by learned Judges be-
fore him. I knew of a member of the
Supreme Court of the United States
who said he would like to have one of
the islands acquired by the United
states, after the Generals had got
through with 1t, in order to organize
and-establlsh its laws free from the ty-
ranny of precedent. In the Federal
jurisdiction in Hawaii, Judge Estee will
have a clean slate, and we have no
doubt he will do his work well. On be-
half of the Federal judiciary I desire
to congratulate Judge Estee upon the
splendid opportunities before him, and
I have perfect confidence that he will
establish good and Just laws there
and if not, the Ninth Circuit will
straighten them out. Perhaps / should
add. In modesty, that If the Ninth Cir
cult does not straighten them out, the
United States Supreme Court will"
Justice Brown of the Supreme Court
was next introduced and was most cor
daily greeted. After u few words of
pleasantly he said:
"As to Hawaii, whatever may be said
OF Imperialism and the questions that
have recently arisen, have always
hoped that Hawaii would be territory
of the United States. have always be-
lieved that II some form of government
was to succeed the native monarchy, 1t
should be that of the Government of
the United States. 1t Is just and right
that the land civilized by us and popu-
lated and developed by our people
should be under our flag. 1t is right
that there should be free trade between
US and them. to the great advantage
Of both countries. / had occasion to
make the observation to the Chief JUS
tice some time ago that It would be my
greatest pleasure some day to write an
opinion upon appeal from the Supreme
Court of Hawaii. And II In the future,
regardless OF this talk of imperialism,
the opportunity arises whereby ! shall
he called upon to write opinions on
causes carried up from the courts of
Porto Rico, and the Philippines,
shall be ready to retire from the
bench" Others also spoke.