The National tribune., 1907-06-27
THE WORLD AT 70.
Justice Brewer Is Sure That II is Far
Better Than II Ever Was, and the
Standard of Character Is Steadily
~ -
Rising.
~
Rising.

ory, he ffieeds only look at the Supreme
Court of'tfle United States. Another oi
its members, Justice David Josiah
Brewers passed the age of three-score
and ten last Thursday. Hale and hearty
as clear mentally as ever. the Justice
was the recipient of many, many con.
gratulationS
The three ranking members of the
Court are now past 40 years of age. As
each has served more than 10 years
all Of the distinguished trio could re-
tire from active service If they wished
and draw their official salary the re-
Elainder of their days Chief Justice
Fuller is the oldest member of the
Court of nine, being "A: Justice Harlan
is only three months younger than the
Chief. Then comes Justice Brewer.
In recent years the Judges of this
high Court have generality preferred to
remain in active service as long as pos
sible. They like the work. which, al
though exacting, does not bear as heav-
lily upon the shoulders of the veteran
Judges who have become accustomed to
it, as many might think. Justice Brown
retired last May, when he reached the
age of 20. but that was probably due
to the fact that his eyesight was very
poor and at times he has been threat
ened with blindness. He came from
Michigan, but continues to reside in this
city. The only other surviving retired
member of the Supreme Court is JUS
tice Shiras, who comes from Pennsyl-
vania. He went off the bench soon
after he was 20, and pays an occa-
sional visit to this city. Both these
judges draw $12,500 annually-the off,
cial salar;' of Judge of the Supreme
Court 1t has happened that one Judge
of the Court has reached retiring age
every year for several years. Justice
Peckham. who comes from New York.
and is one of the three Democrats on
the bench. will be 20 year from next
Justice Brewer was asked soon after
his birthday to, describe how the world
seemed to a man of 20. ITO me- he
replied, cit looks brighter and better
than ever before. Among many reasons
let me note two or three.
First. there is a higher standard of
character, and this is true not only of
those in public, but also of those in
private life. / do. not mean that there
is a universal living up to this higher
but it is recognized as some
thing which ought to be. attained and
for which muItitudes are striving. Not
the disclosures of the last
few years of wrong-1oipg in public life
the great majority of those in that life
are trying to do the best they can for
the public they serve. Considering the
immense amount Of money which is
passing through their hands, the in
opportunities for misuse of
their positions, it is perfectly evident
that the per cent of official dishOnOr and
isl steadily decreasing.
Second. education in it's best sense
Is more universal and along better lines.
The educational work done in this coun-
try is Pher9menal and reaches all.
the generosity Of the wealthy
;v,,- aE-fior Of ttt,nT ct
value are being carried on in all parts
Of the county. The Patent Office at
tests not tmeTely the number. but also
the wonderful character of our inven-
,ions. AN the forces of nature are be-
ing brought into service to add to the
joy and comfort of existence.
Third, and better than these. are the
rich development of a genuine human
The Good Samaritan is with
US. We are not content to toss few
dollars to the unfortunate in the, hope
to be rid of a nuisance, but we
are striving to iuplift and help all the
needy ones, And we are studying how
TO do it in the most effective way. We
are teaching, the deaf to hear, the
dumb to- speak. and the blind to see
We are caring for those afflicted men
tally and physically. We are seeking
10 purify the sluIns and put into the
dwellers therein. by means
Of cleaner homes. pure water. fresh air
and association with those who are
themselves pure and good. life and
hope for the future. Giving
full weight to al 1.-The selfishness and
that we see and hear of.
and discounting largely the claim of
those who are engaged in the helpful
work, it is. clear that humanity is striv-
ing to bring in a better day.
$50 I look out upon the world this
June lay, after 20 years of wide and
varied experience. with firm faith that
the Infinite Power outside ourselves
which makes for Righteousness still
holds US il. loving care"
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