The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-07-17
Continued From Page one.)

THE law under which you are organ
lied imposes upon you she duty of enter
tanning motions for a new trial on the
ground that the verdict is against the
evidence. This is a Jurisdiction requiring
! great judgment. In my opinion, IL has
been wisely intrusted to the judge who
shall have presided at the trial.
"Our ancient maxims with regard TO
| jury trials were formulated in a day when
only impartial witnesses were allowed 10
give evidence before a jury. 1t is to be
feared that since parties most deeply in
| terested have been permitted To state their
claims and tell their stories in court, their
| interest as affecting their credibility is
not sufficiently considered. and sympathy
too often takes the place of sober judg-
ment
| The duty Of the court 10 scruunize
verdcts in such cases is therefore i'm
| perative and the power to set aside a
verdict manifestly against the weight Of
/ the evidence, the product OF feeling rather
than OF judgment. should be fearlessly
exercised. The sentiment is more than
! ever commendable of the judge who said
that in his court 1t took thirteen men To
rob a defendant.
GRAND AND BENEF1CENT.
But this is not the occasion for ex-
tended remarks. You have chosen a life
work, grand and benehcent. The admin
istrat ton OF justice. the discrimination be-
tween right and wrong as applied TO
human affairs Is the highest exercise OF
the human intelligence. With minds freed
from the trammels of partisan obligation
you will take delight In discovering the
truth, In enforcing the right and in ad-
ministering the law between party and
party Your decisions at times may pro-
woke hostile criticism, but you VIII have
the satisfaction Of standing for the prin-
ciples OF justice and the welfare of man
kind.
May you and your associates long or
nament this bench and at the last may
the words be applicable to each OF you
which are written on the monument OF
the great Chief Justice Samuel Ames,
Upright, Learned, Fearless, Just Sin
cere.'
II now transfer to you the presidency
Of this superior court
THE CHIEF JUSTICES REPLY.
Presiding Justice Sweetland then ac-
cepted the trust and replied briefly, but
I'm suitable language TO the trust ex-
pressed by the chief justice in the new
court.
The commissions OF Darius Baker.
George r. Brown. Willard b. Tanner.
Charles c. Mumford and Charles +
Stearns were respectively read. they in
the order named signed the book present
ed by Clerk Reynolds, and the oath was
severaly administered 10 them. All took
seats with Judge Sweetland on the bench.
Sheriff White then announced the SUI
perior court instituted, according to law.
Presiding Justice Sweetland requested
Rev. George Mcclellan Fiske to offer
prayer.
Lieut.. Gov. Jackson then said that the
governor was unable TO be present. bat a
letter would be received from him later
Gov. Jackson made some brief but
felicitous remarks.
PRESIDENT OF BAR ASSOCIATION.
City Solicitor Colwell. president OF the
Rhode Island Bar association. after
speaking of the agitation for the new
court and the necessity for a new court.
said.
IL have closely and interestedly OBJ
served IT all. and it gives me the highest
satisfaction TO here bear witness that
I'm submitting the desired constitutional
amendment TO the people for their ap-
proval, in the selection OF the dis
tingulshed commission, TO frame and re-
port the new judicial system. I'm the
adoption OF that report, and finally in the
election Of the new judges. the different
legislatures have acted with an eye single
To the best and dearest interests Of the
people whom they represent.
And may here be pardoned In the eX-
preston OF my conviction that notably
I'm the delicate and trying task OF select
ing from our bar the number Of members
required To constitute the tribunal have
the honor OF addressing. the appointing
power has won the plaudits OF ALL The
bar especially has reason TO be con-
graduated upon the prospect Of dealing
with a learned, consderate and courteous
tribunal
'Ingpiie of all that NAV be charged
upon community In the way OF hu-
man fraity IN the exciting conduct OF
political affairs, when the people OF that
community select those 10 represent them
who shall with as high purpose. as in
fependontlv. and as ably discharge their
duties as they have been discharged In
all things relating % this work Of SUI
premc importance 20 all we may, II
seems 20 me. be- encouraged with the
thought that the people may still be safe
IS trusted 90 govern themselves for them
selves. iu an mat 81 essential TO their Sc
curity and well being
GOVERNOR UTTER's LETTER.
Lieutenant Governor Jackson then an
nuunced that Governor Uttcr's let'er had
been received % was read and awong
tho recommendations 81 the governor
were the following:
First 50 seems 20 me that this new
organization should insure 90 the people
prompt consideration and decision of their
conflicting claims The laws delay has
become proverbial and many fear that
because ~ it the law itself loses some
~ rs strength Whatever tends 20 les
cen respect for tho law tends IN equal
degree 20 weaken the strength OF the gov
eminent Is 10 not right. therefore. that
the people should ask. and expect 10 re-
coive through this increase IN court IA
cilitics prompt adjudication of their dii-
fcrcnccs
In the next place tho people ask that