The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-02-20
Old Pennsy's Fine
NeW Law School
Special Correspondence.

Philadelphia, Feb H.
n PHILADELPHIA, the place of the
meeting of the minds OF the makers
q of the constitution, was naturally
awakened by its intimate contact
with these minds, to a keen interest in
the problem of government and the law.
SO 1t was rot strange that soon after
the foundations of the republic had be-
come firmly settled the thought of those
who had helped to so settle them should
turn to establishing n school for the
training OF men in that knowledge they
had found so absolutely essential in their
efforts to form and establish a constitu-
ton for their country. In all their la
bors they had found James Wilson a
helpful friend, IA wise adviser, a learned
expOunder Of the wisdom of others.
therefore James Wilson was called to
take the chair of Professor of Law in the
College of Philadelphia. The first lecture
was delivered Dec. 10, 1890, and the audi
ence proved how great an awakening
Philadelphia had had in an interest In
the law, since a most fashionable audi
ence of women and men awaited the
modest lecturer who seemed somewhat
startled to find himself the center of
brilliant society occasion, instead of a
mere lecture of legal learning. In his
struggle to cover the ground he himself
dissertations upon law than an attempt
to teach the law. one course of these
lectures was concluded and another be-
gun, but never finished. and until 1917
no instruction in the science Of the law,
aside from that which could be gained
in law offices, was offered In Philadel-
phia. In lSl7 the professorship Of law
was revived and Charles Willing Hare
was elected to fill the chair The plan
of his lectures was like that of the first
professor comprehensive and ambitious.
but the lectures lasted but for one sea-
son. Mr.. Hare became unable to occu-
py the position, and again the law de-
partment became bu' a name. The
mnay law students of the city were eager
for scientific Instruction. however, and IN
1892 appealed to the law academy and to
the university asking that u professor
be appointed to the chair of legal science.
No action was taken upon the applica-
tion. ana the cry for aid was unheeded; T;
II was left to the next generation to hear
and heed.
IN 1870 committee which had been ap-
pointed to report on desirable changes in
the courses of the college reported that
the board would proceed at an early day
to the election of a professor of law for
three years, At the election of tho pro-
fessor, Hon. George Sharswood was
choren. He accepted the appointment
ana his first lecture was delivered in the
University building On Ninth street. This
time the effort met with greater re-
sponse. The growth of the scnool soon
proved thai one professor could not full
Ill the dema nGs upon him, and IN 1852 q
| faculty of law was established and rules
providing for the government of the fac
ulty and students, and the giving of a
degree, We're formulated, while Judge
ShnrswoOd was chosen dean. At last,
and after many struggles, a law depart
ment worthy Of the name had come into
being, with three professors. Il dean, and
regular courses of instruction. The first
| degrees We're conferred at the public
| commencement of July .. 1852. After
that time there was no break in the con-
tinuity of the courses of inNtruction and
the institution continued to grow In honor
| and usefulness.
--:o:-
4 line of distinguished professors fol-
lowed Wilson, Sharswood and Hare.
Peter Mccall, y. Spencer Miller and Il.
Pemberton Morris were all men of dis
tinguished abilities, whose devotion to
| their duties and their profession was re-
paid by the honor and love of their
! classes and their colleagues. William