Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial. (Wilmington, Del.) 1878-1928, 1920-06-02
JAS, H. HUGHES NOW
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Judge Morris Administers Oath
and Commends Retiring 9th
cial, MIR. Curley.

James II. Hughes. Jr, having re-
ccived his commission Yesterday, was |
sworn in this morlng as district attorney
of the United States for the District 81
Delaware. Judge Hugh NJ. Morris Of
the United States District Court admInis-
tered the oath in brief but impressive
ceremony in the United States court room.
Charles r. Curley at the same time re-
tired from the office Of district attorney,
which he had held since March 1910
Judge Morris praised his service and ms
quality as an attorney and citizen.
After the formal opening Of court, Mr..
Curlev briefly expressed his appreciation
Of the courtesy Of the court during has
term Of office. He thanked not only
Judge Morris, but Judge Edward G.
Bradford. retired. for their cooperation
with him. mentioning especially Judge
Bradfords assistance when he first as
slIned office and was unfamiliar with lis
duties He said that he left the service Of
the United States with the most pleasant
recollections which any Of his work has
given him
Mr. Hughes then arose and stated
siruuIv. :" If the court please | have here
a commission from the President naming
me district attorney for the District OF
Delaware. The commission signed by
Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer Tor
the President, and sealed with the seal o.
the Department Of Justice. was read, and
the oath administered. Mr. Hughes re-
peating it phrase by phrase
Judge Morris then formally took leave
Of Mr. Curley as district attorney, with
the followingwords
mir. Curlev. this being the end OF
YOUR term OF Office, the court desires TO
Al b9s rpxrnFGH q DafIGG
Of time when governments. as well as
government officil as, have been upon
trial. The temptation, indeed the appar-
ent necessity. AT times during this peElod
to perform acts in the twilight zone OF
authority and even in excess OF authority
though under color of right, has been
| great The temptation not to recognize
/ the bounds and limits to the power con
+ ferred upon YOU by virtue OF your office
/ has undoubtedly been greater by reason
/ OF the fact that under the excitement and
/ conditions Of the times patriotic Americans
would not be inclined 10 inquire too
/ searchinglv for the boundary between
/ the abuse Of authority and its proper
/ exercise The ability To exercise calm
Judgment under such circumstances Is a
distinguishing personal asset. Yet have
not heard the first complaint touching the
manner in which you have performed the
duties Of your Office.
The people Of this district are to TO
congratulated upon having ~ the incunl-
bent Of the Office Of attorney of the
United States for the District OF Delaware
during the four years last past person
who knew aud recognized the difference
between proper government and opprcs
sion. a difference between powers con
fcrrcd and those not conferred by th'
commission 10 office
u congratulate you also upon th'
manner in which you have performed
your official duties both within and out o.
court. and in taking official leave iron
you wish you every success
IN attendance az the ceremony, beSide
Judge Morris and the retiring and neon
no district attorneys. were Andrew G
Grav Judge David r Marvel, Collector
of Customs. Harry Il Graham, Caleb )
LAYTON. W. G Mahalfy, and Harry {
Mahaffy, the two latter officers q tn
I