Coeur d'Alene evening press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1907-1929, 1910-07-19
APPOINTMENT OF
CHIEF JUSTICE
Governor Hughes Of New YoFk Is
FavOEite for the Important
Place.

OnaAtSs y. nNSues resign the COVER
norship Of New York to become chief
justice of the United States it would
prove that history, which repeats
itself. also reverses itself for John
Jay. frst chief justice Of the United
States, resigned that honorable job
in order to accept the goYernorship of
New York. That was back in 1875.
While the talk Of Hughes In con-
nectiOn with the appointment is
mostly favorable. there is also some
opposition. One objection to Hughes
is based on the claim that he lacks
experience in the supreme court, hav-
ing tried only one case before that
great tribunal. His friends, howey-
er point out that this should not bar
him from consideration in view of the
fact that Chief Justice John Marshall,
whose decisions gave life to the con-
stitution, had tried only one case in
the court before he was chosen as its
presiding Judge.
When President Taft names the
new chief justice he will create
world figure. The position will con-
fer that distinction on the man even
though he be not renowned for his
own talents. The appointment will
place him at the head of one of the
three coordinate branches OF the
government, station more exalted in
the minds of many men than the
presidency itself.
The term of office will be subject
10 the pleasure of the chief justice.
He may retire at the age of 20 years
pr continue in the service until death.
Whether active or retired he will re-
eive full salary which, under exist
ng law, is $4,000 a year.
A duty prescribed for the chief
Rstice, aside from those pertaining
the court, is that he shall preside
the impeachment of a president
hat experience came to Chief JUS
Ice Morrison R. Waite, who was
allied upon to preside at the impeach-
ment of President Andrew Johnson.
A salute of II guns is accorded to
i'm by the military regulations.
He is central figure every four
ears when, in the presence of count
less thousands of his countrymen, he
administers the oath to the incoming
president of the United States. His
presence there helps to dignity the
Inauguration ceremony but it is
lot essential. An oath taken by the
president before a notary public
would be just as binding.
Honors come to him in many ways.
e Is chosen to arbitrate controvers
les between nations and to assist
the negotiation of treaties. Great
hstitutions feel honorad by his pa
Dnage.
The oath subs, ri!icd 10 Dy cn,ef
nstice OF the United States at his
nstallation is as follows:
Il do solemn!Y swear that l Will
minister justice without respect TO
ersons, and do equal right to the
Dor and to the rich, and that | will.
Aithfully and impartiaily discharge
nd perform all the duties incumbent
me as chief justice of the United
hates according to the best of my
Dilities and understanding, agree.
bly, to the constitution and laws OF
e United States, so help me God"
1t Is an interesting coincidence
nat several OF the chief justices have
altered upon their duties at times
Nhen new questions of the grayest
Importance confronted the country.
b the time of Marshall who became
hief justice in 1901. the great prob
m was the construction of the con-
titution. and his decisions shaped
he course of the republic. 1t de-
eloped upon Marshall to place in
Rect the intentions of those who
babe the constitution. Some Of the
ben who assisted in the construction
that great instrument differed with
e Judge as to what the intention of
70 constructors had been but II
las Marshalls opinion that counted.
1t was Marshall who FIRST asserted
he right Of the supreme court to de-
are invalid acts of congress that, in
70 opinion of the court. were In con-
Jet with the Constitution. He ere
ted the American system OF iuris-
Prudence and assured the Derman-
ney Of q government that until his
line was an experiment
Roger B. fancy, Of Maryland. be-
ans chief justice in 1885. a time
Ehen the country was about to sx-
perienee q wonderful development
Railroads had begun to succeed wag-
on transportation. coal mines were
being deyeIoped on a large scale and