The San Francisco call., 1909-11-10

Of Oakland.
Two hundred and fifty members Of
the bar Of California gathered in San
Francisco for the purpose of forming a
state bar association at the convention
which will begin today, banqueted last
night at the st. Francis and listened
10 discussion by eminent members OF
the profession on the general subject
OF legal reform.
It was typical lawyers meeting in
that it was fraught with expressions of
the most widely differing opinions and
with arguments that followed abe most
diversified lines. Six speakers applied
themselves 10 the task Of solving the
question. What is the matter with the
law" and each of the six gave a diff
ferent answer.
Jack c. Wilson was the host last
night and Patrick c Calhoun, head Of
the United Railroads. was the guest of
honor at a gorgeous banquet in the red
room Of the Fairmont hotel.
The affair had absolutely no signifi-
canoe. according TO Wilson's private
secretary. who stood guard at the door
way.
Seated in the banquet room were the
host and SO friends. In the party were
officials Of the United Railroads, the
telephone company, the Southern Pa
cif1c and Of leading banks; attorneys
who have represented Calhoun, capi-
talists and Intimate friends.
Inquiries as to the nature of the
speeches made by Joseph Redding, at
Others remained unanswered, save that
torney for the United Railroads, and
the banquet was merely "a social gath
ering without significance"
Those present were:
Judge Lndley spoke hopefully Of the
formation of a state wide association,
declaring that such an organization
would have power and influence in the
reform OF legislation such as no num-
Der Of merely local associations could
ever achieve. He said that what was
most needed was the cultivation and
advancement Of the science of juris-
prudence. with the sole object in view
OF facilitating the administration of
Justice and upbuilding and upholding
the dignity. honesty and integrity of
the legal profession. New life he
must be given to old traditions of
the law which made for the administra-
tion Of justice.
Governor Gillett appealed for re-
forms which would assist the law to
keep pace with the growth of modern
civilization and appealed for a national
uniformity Of such laws as those per-
tanning TO divorce and commercial pa
per He dwelt upon the good that a
state bar association could accomplish
in such directions.
PLEADS FOR REFORMS
Lynn Helm. president of the Los
r
th executive committee of the Ameri-
can bar association, pleaded for re-
forms Of decided nature. He decried
the complexity of the American system
of jurisprudence and drew many point
ed comparisons between the American
and English systems. Lessons could be
learned he said, which would accom-
plish great results without violence to
any constitution provisions.
Parliament. he asserted, has been
able TO provide a system by which
crimes are punished and by which liti-
cations are speedily settled We have
not"
Helm proposed. in brief, a general
reorganization of state courts, begin
ming with justices courts Pleadinrs
in such courts should be done away
with, he said Judgment should be
given Immediately upon the conclusion
Of case and the appeal to the superior
court should be only upon points of
law. He pointed out how speed could
be obtained by trying only questions of
fact in superior courts at the time of
trial, leaving questions of law to the
more deliberate consideration of the
court. Arguments on nonsuits should
not be allowed Bills of exception
should be done away with. Appellate
courts should force a complaining liti-
giant to show afirmatively that errors
committed affected the result Re-
Versals should not necessitate a new
trial, but should stand as judgments
In criminal cases, Helm proposed.
that. in addition TO the reforms already
enumerated, the accused should be
stripped of the right TO challenge such
properly constituted authorities as
grand juries and prosecuting officers.
IN this country" he said, the ac-
cused has never stood in need of pro-
lection from improper prosecution" He
also favored elimination of heavy costs
and the reduction of reporters fees.
CAUSE OF DELAYS
Frank II. Short of Fresno took direct
exception to Helms views One great
cause Of the laws delay, he said. was
the existence Of the complex mass of
r~ouefff-lffons codes amendments and