The Colorado statesman., 1911-05-13
Story of a Chief Justice

ticket in a perfunctory manner, and
the next moment l observed that the
chief justice was in some embarrass-
ment He felt first in one pocket and
then in another. Even to the inside
pocket of his waistcoat he dived, and
at last. in a voice which betrayed his
concern and a certain modesty, even
timidity, of manner. he explained to
the ticket agent:
81 find that have come from home
without a cent of money; must have
left my pocketbook upon the table or
my desk. I walked from the house
TO the station because the evening
was pleasant, or l should have dis
covered before that l had no money
with me-"
The ticket agent made no response,
and the chief justice, in a manner
even ~more hesitating. and with his
embarrassment yisihly increased,
asked:
ut is very important that l go to
New York tonight; is there any way
in which | can secure my passage?
Before the ticket agent had time to
reply a man who stood beyond the
ticket window rail stepped forward.
and as pulled out my pocketbook and
held 1t before Chief Justice Waite the
stranger did the same, both he and l
saving almost simultaneously: Judge
Waite. should be glad If you would
accept what you need from my own
purse"
Never did a man appear more great
ly embarrassed over or more keenly
appreciative of, the kindness then
tice could accept either offer the tick
ct agent thrust his head through the
window and waved the stranger and
myself aside.
Gentlemen" he said. this is my
privilege" Then turning to Chief JUS
tice Waite-of whose identity he had
been in ignorance a moment before
the agent smilingly continued: THE
rules of the railroad company do not
permit me to sell ticket upon credit,
Judge Waite or | should be very glad
to do that But there is no rule of the
company which prevents me buying a
ticket"
He took out his pocketbook, with
drew from it S5 and placed the bill in
the money drawer. Then he handed a
ticket to the chief justice, and before
the latter could say anything a $5
bill followed the bit of pasteboard into
his hands. You will want sleeping
car ticket, and you shouldn't go to
New York without a cent in your
pocket" explained the agent. so
please let me offer you this money
The chief justice of the United
States looked gratefully at the rail-
road man. 81 thank you most sincere
ly for your very great courtesy" he
said. "And as you know who l am.
you may be assured that upon my re-
turn to Washington you will be re-
paid"
Thereupon, Justice Waite passed on
and | ventured to remark to the ticket
agent: THAT was a very handsome
thing you did"
ooh. no." was the reply; Il was
proud to be able to be of some service
to Chief Justice Waite. would
cheerfully have assisted him, or any
other member of the Supreme court,
even though I knew | would never get
NV money back. | consider 1t great
honor for any man to be able to do
ANYTHING for a member of the Su-
preme court. And I have been more
than repaid for what l have done by
the manner in which Justice Waite
received the little courtesy"
Then it was that | realized as |
never had before the respect and ven
Grafton that the average American
holds for the Supreme court of the
republic.
Copyright, 1910, by E. J. Edwards. All
Rights Resarved)