Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-04-27
SIR JAMES BRYCE CONTRASTS
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LAW
ENFORCEMENT.
SPEAKS BEFORE AUDIENCE OF
1000 PEOPLE AT GRiNNELL
Demonstrates His Diplo-
4 matte Accomplishments by critieiz-
ing America Without Offending
English Judicial System Exee!s That
of America-Goes to Des Moines.
special to Times-Republican.

Special to Times-Republican.
Grinnell, April e7.-Sir James Bryce.
English ambassador to the United
States, addressed large and appreci-
alive audience at the Congregational
church last evening. A more flattering
public speaker in Grinnel. The lecture,
which was rather technical in nature.
attracted fully 1000 hearers, many
coming in from adjacent towns. The
character of the audience and the close
attention accorded to speaker of not
altogether pleasing address was an
other bit Of evidence that no British
subject stands higher in the affections
of Americans today than Mr.. Bryce.
He was introduced by his intimate
friend of many years. Prof. Jesse Macy,
who appropriately eulogized Mr..
Bryce's American Commonwealth" as
a work of the greatest inspiration to
present day statesmen in all civilized
countries.
ExceIs as Diplomat.
That Mr.. Bryce is entitled to diplo-
matte responsibility was generously at
tributed by the fact that he, in fact
and by influence. contrasted certain
English and American governmental
institutions to our detriment, without
leaving a sen1blance Of the sting of
criticism.
Mr. Bryce was accorded a reception
at Professor 'Steiner's home in the
afternoon Hs addressed the students
at chapel this morning and in the
afternoon proceeded to Des Moines, un-
der escort Of a large party made up or
state officials and prominent citizens
of Des MoineS.
Mr.. Bryce's Lecture.
Mr.. Bryce's subject as announced
was 1.-THE English Experience in Legls-
lative and judicial Methods" Since
1889 the English and American consti-
tutions have developed along certain
lines, diverging much in some respects
and little in others. Much Of the oil
vergence on this side has been due not
so much to the desire Of our forefathers
to avoid English practices as to the
fact that they did not properly con-
strue the written phases Of the English
constitution The latter has evolved
along different lines than they antici-
pated. In England the legislative and
executive branches have been drawn
even more closely together since 1883;
in America they have been widely sep
arated. The people of England can
quickly come into Overwhelming power
whenever they choose; to do so IN
America they must first change their
constitution.
Contest Judicial System.
Probably the most interesting
phases of Mr.. Bryce's remarks con-
cerned the English judicial system.
First, salaries are paid which will at
tract the finest judicial timber, the
judges Of the higher courts receiving
$25, 900 a year or the equivalent of at
least $4,000 in Washington or New
York. All judges, high and low, are
appointed, serve for life, and with very
rare exceptions are lawyers of great
ability. They are clothed with power
to crowd cases in the docket and to
avoid delays due to technical objec-
tions. Judges may instruct the jury
on both the law and the facts of case
If they so choose, but their liberties
are exceptionally abused.
Mr.. Bryce expressed himself as fav-
orable to a jury Of seven men and
spoke strongly for the English prac-
tice Of engaging juries of more than
average tllCe1llSSASc.- Wfeii S<Aeie' NOAAA
pensation for important cases. Civil
procedure lis prompt in England, but
very costly.
English Take Laws Seriously.
While making no effort to eulogize
English practices, the speaker clearly
showed that the English take their
laws very seriously, both in the max
ing and Subsequent observance. Under
the cabinet system the administration
is held responsible for all legislation
passed, whether from executive sources
or from commoners, and must commit
itself to an opinion on the same. There
is lack of the haphazard methods OF
drawing bills found in America, those
issuing from the ministry being pre-
pared by parliamentary counsel. Such
a system is in vogue, in fact. in a few
American states, notably Wisconsin.
Lobbying 10 Unknown.
Not only is lobbying in the Ameri-
can sense, wholly unknown. but
members Of parliamentary committee
may not be approached even by one
of the commons with the view OF in
fuencing his position on any bill.
In conclusion Mr. Bryce voiced the
onlv words expressly intended for the
students present, when he said Anat no
finer opportunity for patriotic services
could be found for young men IN
America than that afforded in our state
legislatures.
Iowa Athlete to Grow Fruit.
Special to Times-Republican.