New-York tribune., 1901-10-15
SUPREME COURT MEETS.
DECISION FOR THE GOVERNMENT IN
THE. PHILIPPINE TEST SUIT EX-
PECTED SOON
GBY-rELEGnAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.

GBV-TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
Washington, Oct. 14.-The Supreme Court met
under unusual circumstances to-day for the
term OF 1901 It's historic chamber is still in
the hands of carpenters. and the court had TO
assemble in the room of the Judiciary Commit
tee OF the Senate, in the southwest corner of the
basement of the Capitol For the first time in
the history of the court all newspaper repre-
sentatives Were barred from witnessing its pro-
ceedings, as the room is too small TO admit any
spectators, the space being reserved exclusively
for lawyers and officials OF the court. All the
members OF the court were present except JUS
tice Gray, who is unavoidaby detained at his
summer home, in Massachusetts,. The court
met at noon. and, after a session OF only seven
minutes in which all that done the
enrolment OF the names OF attorneys newly au-
thorized TO practise before the court. adjourn
ment was taken. so that the Justices following
the ancient custom that characterizes the assem-
bling OF the tribunal for a new term, could go
to the White House and pay their respects TO
the President. In their carriages. and accom-
panied by Attorney-General Knox. Solicitor
General Richards. Clerk McKenny, Marshal
Wright and Reporter Davis. the justices were
driven TO the White House. where they were re-
ceived by Presidnt Roosevelt in the Blue Room
In announcing to-day's adjournment Chief Jus
tice Fuller said that all motions set for hearing
to-day would go over until Monday
Now that the court has resumed it's sessions
after nearly five months of vacation, 1t is
pected that a decision in the last important
insular test suit VIII soon be handed down.
This is known as the fourteen diamond rings
case" involving the right TO collect duties
goods brought from the Philippines. II the
court should not sustain the contention Of the
government in this there might have TO be
a radical revision in the administration Of the
affairs OF the Philippines. There is no fear.
however in well informed circles here that the
government will lose. In fact. IL was said to-
day by a high official that 10 the best OF his
understanding, the government is certain to
win.
There is no telling when the court can meet
again in it's own chamber. The repair work
that has been going for six months seems TO
be making remarkably slow progress. The rooI
that had sheltered the court for nearly nun
sacked by British troops in the War or 1olZ,
was ripped of few weeks ago. and IN Its
place a modern roof OF sand, slate and mortar
is being constructed. 10 stand for all time
Then too the old floor, which was laid by the
men who built the Capitol and withstood the
siege by the British. has been torn up 10 make
yyav for a new one with modern ventilating ap-
pances beneath II. The old windows and the
skvlights have been removed. The entire cham
her is torn up so be uninhabitable. Other
parts of the Capitol also. under repair
There is much work to be done on the hall or
the House Of Representatives before the law
makers meet the first week in December. Be
tween the House and-the Supreme Court room IN
tervenes Statuary Hall. which also has recently
been divested Of its ancient roof 10 make way
for a new one. Old Capitol employees predict
that unless the present rate of progress is in
creased the fine statuary IN the hall Will De
exposed 10 storms.