The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-12-05

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were so quick in dlsposing OF cases the gen
eral assembly might get together and con-
slider reducing the size OF the bench and
adding TO their own per diem. GAughter.)
lie referred humorously 10 the equanim-
ity with which he submitted TO delays OF
their cases against the city brought by
Mr.. Hogan and other prosecutors or
prosecutors, Of the municipality. more
laughter).
In prefacing former Chief Justice
Stiness' paper on Chief Justice Ames he
said he did not see a half dozen who knew
Judge Ames. when 1 was a young man
| practiced what / call law before him.
he said rather ruefully. But there are
many Of you who have appeared before
Chief Justice Stlness and IL is with a great
deal OF satisfaction that l announce the
appearance OF Chief Justice Stiness before
you"
AN ABLE JURIST.
Ex Chief Justice Stiness said his paper
was prepared for another gathering, but
went on TO give the history OF the "Chief
justice OF Rhode Island, whose name
stands out beyond all others" He entered
Brown at the age OF 13 and graduated at
the age Of 20. He went into partnership
with Mr.. Angel. who was the first re-
porter Of the court. written opinions being
very infrequent. The records show that
Judge Ames was then in the most import
ant litigation OF the country.
Gov. Mcdowell said OF Mr. Ames that
he knew all the laws from doomsday to
the present time and could talk like a
Virginian. He was associated with or
against such jurists as Webster, Curtis
and others and he was strongly conscien-
tious and industrious and with all his
true instinct as lawyer was a success
as a Judge.
Samuel Adams said he did not desire TO
remain at the bar all his life and strive
10 make the worse appear the better rea-
son. but that he wished to pursue the
better reason.
He was elevated to the bench on Aug
IL. 1856 and remained until removed by
death Dec. 20. 1856.
A FAR REACHING DECISION.
The speaker told OF the scope of the
work OF the early courts and told OF the
discharge OF the judge for ruling that IT
was not a crime for citizens to refuse TO
take the paper money OF the colony. The
general assembly then and for sometime
continued TO act as an appellate court but
as time went on IL was decided that the
legislature had not the right TO exercise
the judicial function
In 1874 there was an attempt TO have a
constitutional convention and then came
the peoples constitution under which
Thomas w. Dorr tried 10 act as govern
or and was sentenced 10 life imprison-
ment The general assembly then annul-
led this sentence and declared II as II II
never had appeared.
The court decided that the assembly
usurped the court function and n contro-
versy resulted which made in problem
which JudgeAmes distinguished himself
by settling. His opinion covers 81 pages in
the Rhode Island report.
OPINION WAS ACCEPTED.
The opinion caused a great deal OF talk
| among the people with whom the general
assembly was q popular idol being an ac-
| commodating body when a little bill was
desired TO get over a difficulty while the
court was regarded as unaccommodating
! and unapproachable.
Slowly Judge Ames' position over
came the popular idea and won its place
! defining the scope OF the Legislative and
judiciary bodies and II was an unique rec
ord in the judicial history Of the country.
while this was his most notable SER
vice. IL was not his only one for under
the betterment act he pointed out that the
| measure was not discrimination but
simply a new form OF taxation and his
argument was so persuasive that II ST.
lienced all opposiation.
''rhe case Just came up on the widen
Ing OF Dorrance street.
HIS OTHER SERVICES.
The lucid opinion OF Judge Ames. show
| ing that wife may have a domicile apart
from her husband gave new light upon d.
| vorce.
His elevation to the chief justiceship
marked the more orderly proceeding OF
the high court and the chancery and
equity proceedings were remodeled then
After the advent OF Judge Ames there
were fewer cases in the Federal court
and an increase In the State court because
OF the confidence which was felt I'm him
The participation OF General Ames in
the work OF the general assembly. the
state troops and he was n member OF the
peace congress with desire to prevent n
fratricidal struggle. When the war was
on he was too old TO participate, but he
gave a son 10 the navy and another. Gen
eral Williams Ames, your guest tonight
to the army"
There was applause for General Ames.
to which he silently acknowledged his
thanks.
The social side Of Chief Justice Ames'
life was referred to- he being a delight
ful speaker. a brilliant conversatIonallst
and an enthusiastic whist player, as we'll
as "A worker I'm ST. Stephens church.
| Later he was one OF "A commission which
revised and conihed the laws In an Ell
Client manner
In closing he paid a glowing tribute
to Chief Justice Durfec. but he said the
occasions and results had determined the
precedence.
In styling chief Justice Ames as the
great chief Justice OF Rhode Island, his