The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-06-28

point the pathway OF progress. but. in
the march to grandeur or decline. the
courts OF law. In adjusting its dfdicul-
ties. preserving its order. uniting it in
harmony. and saving IL from entangle-
q private and public, and in in
icaung and prescribing the limit and
extent OF its action are indeed the real
builders OF its destiny"
After h soldier had achieved the in
dependence Of this great nation. after
the statesman had constructed its or
ganizauo came the work OF the
courts both state and national. in pre-
serving its underlying principles and
adjusting them to every dag individual
and public life. When We realize that
the law Is indeed a science which Is
designed to cover the entire scope and
the area of the intercourse OF man with
man, when We gaze upon the great
fabric OF our government in its SYM
metrical and yet majestic proportions,
we are In some enabled to APP
preciate its great votaries and ~jurists,
who. having climbed rung by rung the
ladder which leads to the pinnacle OF
our profession. have cast the light OF
their learning and experience upon all
after ages.
The nineteenth century, in which law
has blossomed and borne rich fruitage.
is closed, and the work Of the courts OF
this country challenges the admiration
of statesmen. publicists and students
Of history.
Now may We gather the fruits of the
labors Of h masters. All peoples, of
every cline and condition, may today
enjoy the benefits of the labors of the
lawyers of the past. The right of free
dom Of speech, freedom Of the press, and
freedom to worship God according to
the dictates Of Dur own consciences are
all legacies of the law of the past. Law
enters into every part Of human life
n human activity.
From the time man rises from his
couch Of repose to receive the first
benson of the rising sun until he again
closes his y in slumber, with his
family safely and happily gathered
aroun him. he and his are under the
bnef1cent and powerful protection OF
the law"
On the threshold of the new century,
our profession is confronted with great
responsibilities and great opportuni-
ties. Again, the soldier has achieved
great victories for this nation extend
ing its influence n territory, and
again the statesman is engaged in con-
structing political organizations and
civil government for new conditions,
and. again, the courts are called to de-
eide great questions, which are to af-
feet the policies Of our government and
influence GU diplomatic relations with
the world. Only recently, within the
last few weeks, do we find an interest
ing and instructive example. Our fed
eral supreme court has had under con-
S~ideration and has now determined far
reaching and all-important questions
involved in what are generally known
as the 'Insular Cases" Its decision
l~- ~ LII L. 49,
effect remains to be seen. 1t may be
lat the wisdom and experience, which
will come with the onward march of
time. will but serve to convince u that
it has determined these questions
Alright. 1t may be that it's decision will
be found to be wrong. But whatever
the result, the practical application Of
the great principles therein declared
must of necessity be entrusted to the
bench and bar of our country. With
the inspiration of the teachings Of the
past and the duties which great events
have cast upon the bench and bar of
our country. in the solution of the new
and all-impOrtant questions presented
by our extending and worldwide rela-
tons, I feel that the new century has
dawned most a~uspiciously for the young
lawyer, at least. 1t opens a field of en-
deavor upon which he may achieve hon
or, distinction and success.
Success as a lawyer requires two great
qualifications, unimpeachable honesty
and untiring industry No man a Eel
become great in any walk in life with
out first possessing these cardinal vir-
tues and foundation stones. Add to
these determination, if you please, like
that of Napoleon, who said Il always
do what 1 undertake." and there is no
power to prevent u rising to the
highest rank in our profession.
Standing a. a young lawyer, sur
rounded as / am by men who have
achieved success and distinction in the
law, I feel the inspiration Of a high re-
solve to put forth every honorable eff
fort to follow in the footsteps Of the
honorable members of this body, who
have achieved so much in the develop
ment Of the law, and now merit the
honor and distinction which is accord
ed them by their fellow citizens.
We. the members Of our local bar,
have looked forward with pleasant an
~ticipation to your assembling among
us: we expect to derive great and last
ing beneit from thus mingling with
you. our brothers. from all parts OF
our state, and we entertain the hope
tina you, too, may receive some ad-
vantage and benefit. and go away bet
ter fitted for the arduous duties which
await you, and with an ever increasing
regard and affection for the honorable
calling which we have chosen.
While among us. use us as to you
may seem best, put us on trial for hav-
ing attempted to make your stay with
us most pleasant and enjoyable, and,
unlike defendants ordinarily desire, We
trust that your verdict may be
Guilty"
And now. I am sure, you will pardon
me while I extend a personal welcome
to him who is your honored president.
To you. Mr.. President. / feel like say
ing: You need no welcomeshere. You,
who lived and moved for so many years
among our people, who, coming into
our midst in the days of your young
manhood and in the strength OF your
manly vigor. employed your best ener-
gies and talents for the upbuilding or
our city and the ennobling OF u
people. who, until the day Of your going
out from among us served US and U
hest interests faithfully and well, will
ever be regarded as one OF us n