The Washington times., 1913-04-20
MARSHALL TALKS ON +
DUTIES OF LAWYERS
Vice President Raps Ambulance
Chaser, and Urges Changes
in Pleading and Practice.

Taking a decided rap at the am
bulance chasing lawyer, indorsing
sweeping changes in the pleading and
practice of American law, and extolling
the high standards of the profession.
Vice President Marshall was the chief
speaker and guest of honor at the an
nual banquet of the George Washington
University law school last night
Other speakers We're the president of
the university, Rear Admiral Charles
III. Stockton: John B. Larner. and
Charles c. Tucker, for the alumni;
Everett Fraser and Walter c. Clephane,
for the faculty: and John A. Diener. Tor
the student body. Chief Justice Stanton
]. Peelle was also a guest of honor.
The big banquet room at Rauscher's
was packed to capacity, and the under
graduates made the welkin ring with
college songs and cheers. Dean Charles
n. Gregory, of the law school, was
toastmaster.
The prime duty of a lawyer is that
of peacemaker." said Vice President
Marshall. His highest duty is not to
seek fees. nor tp provoke litigation, but
TO apply the law of common sense, as
well as that written on the statute
books. . .... -
The divorce court is a matter of
temptation in the way OF a young
lawyer. When the system of allowing
attorneys fees in advance in divorce
cases has been abolished, We shall have.
stopped one-half the divorces in the
United States. In many cases the ap-
pncant for a divorce consults the
lawyer in the heat of anger, and ne,
seeing the opportunity to pocket about
$50 In advance fees. encourages the suit.
Attorney Furnished BY State.
Every poor man should have an al
torney furnished by the State. when
he has a just claim for damages
against corporation. That would dis
courage the paying of fees on a coll
ungency. and would purify a great deal
OF the business of the courts. The
weSsh of the client should have moth
ing to do with his ability to get a good
attorney, when his claim for damages
is just
Vice President Marshall also advanced
the belief that alleged criminals should
be compelled 10 testify in their own be-
half at trials
Presirnt Stockton spoke OF the
growth OF the law school. and Of the
success in raising the funds desired to
complete payments on the home of the
university in @ street He said that al
ready $4,000 had been subscribed. and
that more was in sight President Stock
ton pleaded for greater civic interest
in the university, which is, he said. the
peoples school, being non-sectarian
John Bell Larner told of the history
Of the institution. which, he pointed
out, dated back to 1871 He told of
prominent judges. including the late
Chief Justice Harlan, who have taught
IN the law school. and the high stan
dards of scholarship that have been
maintained in the institution in spite
Of difficulties. -.E. 49,
The activities and aims of the Co.
School Association. composed of alum
Mt OF the school, We're set forth by
Charles C. Tucker, president of the
law school association.
Speaks of Case System.
A marked ovation was rendered Ever
lit Fraser, one of the resident instruc-
tors OF law, when he arose to speak.
Mr.. Fraser described in detail the
organization Of studies in vogue in the
school, with special reference to the
case system. He brought forth great
applause when he spoke of the diff
culties of the course OF study at the
school and the reasons for them.
Walter &. Clephane, of the law fac
ulty, remarked that needed reforms in
the systems Of Jurisprudence in the
United States were largely in the
hands of the lawyers. He expressed
the hope that within short time a
marked simplification OF the rules OF
pleading and practice would he
brought about
John ~ Diener. of the third year
class, remarked on the absence OF
athletics in the university, saying that, |
like Scipio's statue in Rome, a foot ,
ball team in George Washington Uni |
versity was conspicuous by its absence. |
On motion by Mr.. Diener, a resolution |
Of thanks to II. c. Jones, of the law |
facultE. for hard work in making the |
banquet possible, was rendered.
More than 800 We're present at the |
banquet. Many Of the songs sung
were written by students of the law
school. Arthur II. Diebcrt, OF the |
senior class, led the singing.