The age-herald., 1902-02-05
"In Public Station l Have H. ways Tried to Do Right J
 ---Judge Jones
ONE HUNDRED GUESTS ATTEND
Many Tributes Paid Judge Jones and the Evening Is Enlivened With Many Bright and Witty
 Speeches.

Over one hundred members of the bar of Birmingham and their guests attended the banquet which was given at the Hill man last evening in honor of United States Judge Thomas G. Jones of Mont gomery. This is the first occasion on which Judge Jones has been in Birming- ham since his appointment and the event was greatly enjoyed by all present.
 MT. Alex T. London acted as toastmas- ter. He was introduced by MT. John W. Tomlnson, chairman of the commit tee on arrangements and he in turn in troduced Judge Jones in a brief but well expressed speech.
 Judge Jones was given an ovation as he arose to reply to N-r. Londons well coming speech. It was several minutes before he was abe to proceed.
 JUDGE JONES SPEAKS.
 Brethren" said Judge Jones, "lt has been my good fortune to be often in Birmingham. I have watched it's rise from the time when its foundations, as it then seemed to many of us, were lald on prophecy and hopes alone, until this good hour, when achievement has dis tanced prophecy, and all those hopes are sweeter in the glow of happy realization.
 "On whatever mission it has been my fortune to come among you in the past I have always found brave hearts and strong arms to lend me aid and strength Coming again on a new mission, l ind here the same brave spirit, the same generous kindness, and the same ennob- ling influences, which were round about me in the past, ready to welcome and sustain me in another field of duty Deep down in my heart, thrilling there with an intensity no words can convey, is gratitude for your kindness in the past made all the deeper and stronger by your kindness to me this night.
 HAVE TRIED TO DO RIGHT.
 "No one knows better than l that this assemblage is here to welcome the officer rather than the man. Still may l not take what is said and done here tonight, as in some measure intended also to tes- tify that you, who have so long walked with me in the same pathways, believe that in public station I have always tried to do right and have followed convictions of duty unswerved by fear of personal consequence. (Applause).
 ''No thoughtful man can fail to realize, though their spheres of duty are sep arate, how great and powerful is the in fuence of the bar in uplifting and sus- taining the bench. A diligent, learned and high-minded bar cannot fail to elevate and enlighten the judge. With out their hearty and cordial co-opera- ton, no judge can make his court what it ought to be. I feel quite sure that with the aid of the bar of Jefferson county will give in the administration of justice we will be able not only to win the es- teem, but the affection of the people, for the United States court which, though deriving its authority from another source than that creating the state trib- unals, is yet but a sister with them in the judgment seats of the people, and striving alike with them for the secur- ity and advancem ent of life, liberty and prosperity for every being who owes al legiance to our flag or is entitled to its protection. Applause.)
 JUDGE VIM. S. MUDD.
 Memory carries me back on its track tonight to the forms and faces of the many men and women I have known since the foundation of this great city Time will not permit if it were otherwise appropriate, for me to attempt to portray their characters or even to mention their names There is one, however, whom may mention without invidious dstine- tion. His name and fame in judicial sta tion are still dear to you and here he lived out his beautiful manhood. Who can forget Judge William s. Mudd of Jefferson. He was a fearless, able and industrious judge; but his great fame was to be known and deserved to be known among men as ''the peacemaker judge" Many were the law suits which William s. Mudd settled to the satisfac- tion of his neighbors outside his court. God keep his memory green. Applause)
 The administration of justice Is the noblest function which can be commit ted to man. I know you are worthy high priest at the altar of justice. rely upon your aid kindness and forbearance to enable me fully to discharge the high duties which have been intrusted to me-" (Applause.)
 MANY OTHER SPEECHES.
 Following Judge Jones, Mir. John B. Knox of Anniston was coiled on for a speech. MT. Knox was greeted with much applause, and he paid a tribute to Judge Jones and spoke of the respective duties of the bench and bar He told sev- eral interesting anecdotes concerning Lord Coke and Lord Erskine. and hu- morously described law suit he had had before Judge Bruce when Mir London was the attorney on the other side.
 "As usual, was on the right side" said MT. Knox, and MT. London on the wrong side"
 MT. Knox was followed by MT. James