Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-04-06
JUDGE PETERS DEAD.
Continued from page S.

hts opinions: "By his rare tact In con-
Quoting a trial. his adverse rulings are
made more satisfactory to the losing
party than the favorable ones OF anybody
else to the winning party"
In his addresses to juries he always OBJ
served the same clear ness as characterized
him in his judicial work in other direc-
lions. At the close of the arguments Of
counsel be was always prepared to rise
and deliver TO the jury the law as appli-
cable to the case aud to present case for
their consideration in master way. He
always held the closest attention of a
Jury during the time he was delivering
his charge. He had the ability to present
case for their consideration in a brief
and clear way which better enabled them
to Judge OF the facts OF the case before
them.
AS AN AFTER-DINNER SPEAKER
As an after dinner SPEAKER he was al
ways very popular. HIS great fund of
anecdotes and good stories for ali &C.
easions served to make him popular with
all classes OF people. No banquet of law
yers was complete without q word from
"the good judge.
He was able to throw Of the heavy cares
Of his official position as II by magic.
One meeting him outside of the court
would hardly suspect that he was judge
Of the hig hest court OF the State, SO thor
oughly democratic was he and different
from what is generally supposed to con-
stitute a judicial character.
He had a manner of greeting his friends
which was simplicity and earRestness it
self, but never was there the least trace of
any affectstion.
At Bowdoin or Yale alumni gatherings
his presence was always a forerunner of
good time. In his speec hes he used bis
brilliant wit TO good advantage, bat never
to wound any person In the least. The
presence of dignified persons and even his
associates, when off the bench never
served in the least to repress his natural
flow OF wit. His presence at any gather
ing was like ray OF sunshine after a
shower.
He served as trustee of Bowdoin col
iege, being elected In 1898. The degree of
LIZ. d. was conferred on him by Colby
college in 1884, and by Bowdoin college
the year following.
GEN. HAMLIN's TRIBUTE.
Gen. Charles Hsmlin, reporter of de-
cisions for the Maine supreme court and
editor of the Maine reports, from whose
samira Bile sketch In The Green Bag OF
Boston In 1895, the foregoing sketch Is
compiled In the 93d volume, issued In the
from the chief justiceship, paid him this
tribute:
Mr.. Chief Justice Peters retired from
the bench LOT his court on the first Gay OF
January, 1900. on which day his resigDa
tion previously rendered to the governor
took effect
Governor Powers In accepting the res
ignation, said: "You will have, on retir-
ing, the coasolstion of knowing that you
have ably and faithfully performed every
duty OF the Office, ana that you have
earned and will carry with You the sim
eere love and gratitude of the whole
State"
Thus closes a public career of great
eminence and exceptional usefulness,
twenty seven years OF which we're given
to the Static as a justice OF the supreme |
tuuicidl COURT. OF winch n6 WIS It's nom |
ored head for more than sixteen years.
His retirement is an event long to be re- |
mem beredj, not only on account OF the |
ending Of an eminent public service, SO |
clear In it's great Office, but also for the
SPONTANEOUS and wonderful outpouring
of love land atection-coming from all
parts OF the eountry-that greeted him |
on the occasion.
Whether as an advocate, legislator or
jurist, eit is given to but few to enjoy such
an enNiabie character and distinction as
beionRs to Judge Peters. Aii,fhese places
he has filed with great honor and useful
nessi yet it is as a jurist that be will be
reneud bered, end for which the State will
ever mold him In grateful memory. For
it IT, In this station that his best qualities
OF head and heart have wrought an
enduring monument-The Good Judge.
/. And to make him such, Judge Peters Ia
endowed with alertness of intellect. grasp
Of mind, hfmness, moral rectitude, per-
feet poise Of judgment. and integrity of
decision. That he never respects persons
in judgment, that be Is honest in bis
opinions, Is the universal knowledge of
him; but 1t is of equal Importance that he
should be believed to be such-and herein,
too, he is equally fortunate.
A0d to these sunny nature that, with
its large, warm and generous impulses,
''pours Itself out into the social world
around him like food OF cheering sun
lfght"-loving justice tempered with
mercy-spresdiDg the mantle of charity
far and wide-and as a kindly, great
hearted, noble man--it is such that Judge
Peters will ever be respected by the State
he has served SO long and SO we'll in his
exalted office.
The habits of gravity, poise and dignity
fostered by the Judicial Office, and its
cold intellectual requirements naturally
tend to discourage be social side of life.
But the retiring chief justice has shown
the people how seemingly easy thing it
is "to exercise the fruitful and beneficent
gifts of his heart and mind", and in re-
turn win from the world happy need of
honor, affection and admiration, and the
large, warm and generous tribute of re-
gard which the world pays to those whose
sympathies and feelings reach out into
the social life of the community around
them, and who become an intimate
sharer in that life; how high honors and
great success have not destroyed his
Embellishments.