The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-11-10
GOWNS For THE JUDGES.

GOWNS FOR THE JUDGES.
One of the most impressive spec
tacles In the United States is the full
Bench of Justices sitting in the United
States Supreme Courtroom at WASH
ington. each clad In black SILK gown
and all giving to the proceedings Oh
this great tribunal a dignity consistent
with the majesty of the country inc
men wearing this livery look very
much outside the courtroom like ordi-
harry men, but clothed upon the Bench
In habiliment consistent with the
dignity Of their Office they at once
compel the respect of both attorneys
appealing to them and the audiences
looking on.
In the higher courts of nearly all
the states in the Union the Judges
put on their habit when they are
exercising their office. In the Church
it. is largely the same way. II is the
uniform which distinguishes the min
lister in nearly all the Christian
churches The officers of the army and
navy and the soldiers and the sailors,
! the policemen in the street. the motor
men and conductors on the street cars
all wear some distinguishing dress,
at once apprisDng the public OF their
place and authority Why should not
| the Judges of the higher courts in Nir-
| GINA be required, while in the dis
/ charge of their duties, to wear some
dress distinguishing their order and
authority? We wish 1t might be done.
i 1t is done in other states as Demo-
| cratic as Virginia and as old in re-
spect of settlement and civilization as
| this Commonwealth. Why. should It
mot be done here?
| Two years ago the House of Dele
gates of Virginia. by vote of 40 to
20. adopted resolution requesting the
| President and Judges of the Supreme
/ Court of Appeals of Virginia TO wear
official gowns while on the Bench. The
resolution went in due course to the
Senate where it was defeated by
vote of 25 to II, upon the ftmsy plea
that the adoption of this custom IN
volved an 'innoyatioln on the Demo-
cratic principles of this grand old Com
monwealth"
The Bar Association of Virginia has
more than once adopted resolutions
favoring the wearing of the gown by
t the members of the Appellate Court.
: We do not know that any legislative
t action is required in the matter, put
that the Judges themselves could ADOPT
y the habit If they pleased, and "1llte
o we would not counsel them to DO SO,
e without some request from the lew
G makers of the Commonwealth we
!, would say that If they should adopt
s the black silk gown, which is not
# SNOWY garment, to be sure Tue
!; majesty and greatness OF the state o.
!: Virginia would not thereby be oftend
q ed or desecrated, nor would the course
d of justice be impeded. st. Panl's adVlce
r to the Corinthians. Let all Things -
II done decently and in order, mlsh'
Very well be commended in this matter
! to Virginians.
!, II the Judges in the Court shoule
sit in their shirt sleeves or keep thel'
- hats on while the Court Is IN session
or 20 bare footed While on duty our
!, ing the summer time. the chances
:. that some Jealous exponent Of Democ
racy, so-called, would protest agaihs
their undisnifed appearance, ana se 's
by Legislative authority to8compel t Hei
respect for their office and work, an
we should not blame them for lhu
seeking to protect the reputation
" the state for decent conduct ~ y
:" public service. No one would qGsstio
e' the right of the General Assembly :
~ request the Judges to keep their hea
uncovered while administering "
~ duties of their Office, and II the l.esis
ne ature would be justified In REQ uesl ~
wv them not to take any part Of flell
W clothing Off while on duty, u ce'
va tainlY would have tho right TO reaues
90 them TO put little something ( fno'
a. on while engaged In the same serves
In Our opinion not only should ~
Judges Of tho Supreme Court WE
gowns on the Bench, but tho jug ses
all the other higher courts OF y
~ State should do the same thing, ana
=" Is hoped that the true peniocf'ts
" sense OF the State, which ~ AWE
- loyal TO tho state, will Impress y
=. members Of The General Assembly Y
y tic Judges themselves With the Y
W. portancc Of the sorcalled innop'at'l :
w ,hat,Woula advance the dignity o. J.
ON courts
cen -5=.-..==--s+.s=-==s
mn Several nlghts ago. accoYdlps - \
The yprapious New York sun, Mrs -
ayt. binger. q suffraglst. Went up INTO !