Evening journal., 1912-10-19
LAUD The
MEMORY OF
MAI. SMITH
Federal Court Adopts ReSOlu-
ton Of Sympathy on Death
Of Former Clerk
COL. NIELDS PAYS
TRIBUTE TO MEMORY

Before Federal Judges Gray and
Bradford in the United States Court
today, the committee appointed by
Judge Bradford several day ago to
draft suitable resolutions on the
death of the late Major Redmond
Smith, presented their report There
were a number Of lawyers and friends
of Mr. Smith In the court room when
the resolutions which follow were Of
fered by Colonel Benjamin Nields:
May it please the court:
Pursuant to the action taken by
this court and at the request Of the
members of the bar of this district, /
present the following resolutions, and
move their adoption
Resolved: That the members of
the Bar of the Federal Courts Of this
district deeply deplore the death Of
the late S. Redmond Smith and de-
sire to place upon record an express
sion of respect and esteem in which
he was held by the court and MEM
bers of the bar.
He studied law under the direction
of the late judge Edward G. Brad
ford, was admitted a member of the
Delaware Bar in 1866.
"He was appointed Clerk of the
Courts of this district, June "a, 1873.
His career as Clerk, Commissioner,
Master and Examiner therein, cover
ing a period of thirty years, was
marked with distinction and success
On June 30. 1903, he resigned his Of
fee by reason of the impaired condi-
tion of his health.
"In the care and ability he dis
played in all that pertained to his Of
fetal duties; in his fidelity to the
Courts and members of the Bar will
be found his fitting eulogy.
He was answering in his fidelity
to the Union and the fixed principles
upon which our Government rests. In
the Civil War he volunteered as a
first lieutenant in the Union Army
He was promoted. on the field, a cap
tain in the Fourth Delaware Volun-
teers. He was commissioned Brevet
Major of the United States Volunteers
for gallantry on the field in the ad-
vance on Richmond and also received
a special medal of honor for bravery
at the battle of Rowanty Crossing
His strong, positive character won
for him the esteem and confidence Of
his men and superior officers. At
one of the battles. as captain, he COM
manded his regiment, and in a later
battle, he commanded a brigade. He
was brave, upright and fearless. He
remained in the army until the sur
render at AppOmattoX. No one ever
doubted his patriotism. integrity and
purely of life All who knew him
bear testimony to his gentle. tender
and considerate nature
Resolved. That these resolutions
be presented 10 the Court with the
request that they be entered upon
the records and that the chairman,
by your Honor. he directed to send
TO the family of the late S. Redmond
Smith a copy of the resolutions and
an expression OF our sympathy for
them in the loss which they have
sustained.
Judge Bradford Adds Compliment.
Judge Bradford in accepting the
resolutions said:
Il can add but little to the glowing
and deserving tributes that have been
paid to the memory of the departed.
From the time,-and, indeed prior to
the time,--of his appointment as Fed
eral Court Clerk, nearly forty years
ago. by my father, then United States
District Judge for Delaware ! have
always held Mr.. Smith in high es-
teen. He was conspicuous for the
fidelity. zeal and efficiency which
characterized the discharge of his Of
fetal duties. He was absolutely loyal
TO the court having at heart its dig
nifty and just authority. He possess
ed in largest measure my confidence
and that Of my judicial predecessors
in this district.-a confidence prop
erly reposed and never abused He
was uniformly courteous and digni-
fed considerate and obliging. He was
charitable and though possessed Of a
strong sense of justice leaned toward
the side of mercy. His benevolence
toward worthy objects is attested by
his munificent beQuests to various re-
1igious and philanthropic organiza-
tions. OF an active and well-informed
mind. of elevated views, Of manly
qualities and bearing. vivacious, tact
ful. sympathetic, 1incere, modest,
warmhearted, attractive in conversa-
tion. of strong social attachments
and employing a choice and accurate
diction, he was a true and devoted
friend and a charming companion.
Enterprising in business, he always
was upright in his dealings and OBJ
served the strictest integrity. He rem
dered gallant and patriotic service
to his country in the dark days of
the Civil War of the rebellion. His
official, public and private life COM
manded the approval. respect and ad-
miration of his fellowman. His de-
parture hence has taken with it some
thing out OF my life. But he leaves
TO his surviving relatives. to his
friends and to the community at large
the fragrant memory of a virtuous,
useful. honorable and well-spent life.
Let the resolutions which have been
presented, be spread upon the records
Of this court"
The court appointed on the COM
mittee to prepare the resolutions. the
Hon. Benjamin Nields. the Hon Igna-
cius c. Grubb, the Hon. William H.
Cooper the Hon. William c. Spru-
ance and the Hon. Herbert II. Ward.
Except Judge Spruance, all those
present was unable to attend because
of illness. but sent a letter. All tn
members Of the committee made re-
marks.