The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1901-08-15

sion, mis- courtesy ana KINDNESS were uii
failing and his integrity of purpose and
conduct were unmistakable. AS a citizen
he was public spirited and gave his time
and means freely to the community. To
his friends he was never wanting and he
had no enemies
Judge Charles Wolcott Parker moved
the adoption of the memorial. The first
speaker was Isaac S. Taylor. He said
that it seemed as yesterday that he had
heard Mr.. McGee recalling to the associa-
tion kindly incidents of the late Isaac Ro-
maines life. He declared that he knew
no one in the community who did not re-
spect and admire Mr.. McGee. Said he:-
Mr.. MCGEE had dearly entwined him
self in our affections. He was the en-
bodiment of meritorious work and action
in his profession. The most important
cases came to him and he well 1ulniled
the tasks set before him. He was head
and foremost at the bar. He was model
lawyer in preparing a case in court. He
was pleader in the highest sense of the
word.
'aHe had the suavity of manner that
characterizes a true gentleman and he
was scholar. His last argument was
before the court of errors and appeals.
I was with him. He had risen from a
sick bed His argument, for force and
persistency, was as fine as any he ever
delivered When he had finished he leaned
over to me and said: Taylor, am dread
fully tired"
Judge Blair stated that nothing is more
impressive than the number of times the
association has been called together OF
late to NOUN departed brothers. lie
declared that if anyone of the bar de-
parts this life with record as clear ana
blameless, and a reputation as high and
enviable as Mr.. MCGEE, he will indeed be
fortunate. Said he:
'sThe death of Mr.. MCGEE is great
sorrow to us all, but particularly to me,
to whom it comes close. l knew MIN IN
timately for forty years. When boys IN
Sussex county we went to school at New
ton and roomed together. Afterward, at
Princeton, we roomed together a part OF
the time Both of us studied law in the
office of John Sherry. at Belvidere. When
Mr.. MCGEE was admitted to the bar IN
1869 he came to Jersey City and entered
the office of Stephen Ransom, where ne
remained year and then formed a part
rership with William Muirheir ana ex-
Governor Joseph D. Bedle
ST saw Mr.. MCGEE in public and pri-
vate life; 1 saw his social and domestic
relations; 1 knew mis- hopes and ambi-
tions. his successes and disappointments;
shared his principles; saw him in sun
shine and showers; it is therefore not
strange that under all these circun,-
stances 1 should feel sorrow that the long
relationship is ended. 1t touches me
acutely.'
Judge Blair, strong man that he is,
wept, and those who saw his emotion will
not forget it soon. When he had recover
ed he said
Mr. MCGEE was admitted to be one of
the first lawyers of the State. He studied
ardently. He was a man of wide reading
outside of the law. He was a persuasive
and eloquent advocate. He will be re-
membered more by his characteristics
outside of his profession.
s'It has been said that it requires 200
years to make gentleman. I was most
impressed in my acquaintance with
Flavel MCGEE by the fact that he was
above all things a gentleman. He was
product of years of cultivated ancestry.
He smacked of the old school, If the
profession had more like him it would be
better for it.
Men like Mr.. MCGEE are great moral
strength to any community. They pro-
tect with intelligent conservatism the es-
tablished condition of things. We must
look to such men to preserve public
morals and private virtues.
81 think, Mr.. President, that it can
well be said of Mr.. MoGee:-'None knew
OF praise
Jacob Weart, the dean of the Hudson
county bar, spoke of Mr.. McGees cred
liable political career. He mentioned
his ability on the stump and a presid-
ing officer of conventions. He said he
was one of the foremost workers in the
church of which he was an officer, and
devoted to the religion of his ancestors.
He said 1t was well to pause and drop
parting word in memory of so great
and distinguished man.
John w. Heck, who was office boy in
Stephen Ranscm's office when Mr.. MCGEE
entered 1T as a lawyer, told incidents Of
his early professional life. John F. Me-
Master paid beautiful tribute to Mr..
MCGEE.
Former Senator William D. Edwards
said he was not accustomed to speaking
on occasions of this kind but that he
could not refrain from adding a tribute
to Mr.. MCGEE, whom he had known in
timately in professional way for many
years. Said Mr.. Edwards
'I can speak of him as a lawyer. Mr..
MCGEE loved his profession. He gloried III
the technicaHties of it. I asked him once
whence arose his love for technicalities
and he answered that it was mooted
question whether he had absorbed it from
Stephen Ransom or inherited it from Pres
byterian ancestors. He was good fight
er, and whether he won or lost, he was
the same. He died among the leaders of
the bar of Hudson County"
Charles c. Black also spoke. Secretary
Howard Griffiths read this telegram from
Justice Gilbert Collins:-
IT cannot get away. Express my re-
grets. Mr.. McGee was a lawyer of the
first rank and man of high and lovable
character. His death is great loss to
the bar and community
CITY HALL FLAG AT HALF MAST
The City Hall flag has been at half