, 1923-05-01
LATE JUR|ST IS
EUL0GIZED,B BIG
MEMORIAL HELD
Ex-Governor B r O o k S
Pays Tribute to Judge
Riner In Address

CHEYENNE. Wye, May 1.-Ad.
miration and esteem born OF many
years friendship and mutual under
standing stood out in the splendid tri.
butte paid last night by former Cover.
nor B. B. Brooks Of Casper. to the
late John Alden Riner at Masonic
memorial services, observed here for
h late jurist. Governor Brooks
took UP the life of Judge Riner and
laid special emphasis on the exalted
nature of the man.
Historical dates and facts of
Brother John Alden Riner's birth.
life and death have been recorded
and filed in the archives of our
order" said the speaker. Mention
has been made of the long and dis
tingufshed line of Puritan ancestors
whose names on both his fathers
and mothers side of tho family were
written large in the poetry. romance
and history of the early settlement
of America I trust some loyal boy
hood companion will in due time rec
ord the interesting Incidents of his
public school and college days I
know that life long friends. who will
tell us of his sweet and beautiful
home life in this city. and hat In
innate associates of the bar will pay
proper tribute to his splendid achieve
ments as a wise and just Judge.
My brief tribute TO his beloved
memory will be based on my per-
sonsl aoqunintanceship covering a
period of over forty years. We both
came to Wyoming about the same
time, and It was my good fortune
10 number Judge Riner among my
earliest and most intimate friends. He
was always simple and direct in
thought and action. always frank and
truthful, always sincere in his be-
liefs. faithful to his word, steadfast
in his friendship and loyal to every
cause hat he espoused. Els life
made men happier. his example is
making men better and his service
will endur If the fabric of our in
stitutions.
In 1854 he was appointed United
States district attorney for Wyoming
and 1856 he was chosen by the people
of Laramie county to represent them
in the Territorial Legislature. When
the legislature convened. he was duly
elected as presiding officer of the
Wyoming Territorial council. In
1889. Judge Riner served as one of
the most active and influential mem
bers of our Constitutional convention
and aided materially in framing the
splendid State Constitution under
which we live today.
He was then elected to the State
Senate. but resigned this position to
receipt an appointment from the
president of the United States as dis
trict Judge for Wyoming. To this
high office of responsibility, Judge
Riner devoted the thirty best years of
his long and useful life; and his
family and friends have every reas-
on to be justly proud of the record
he made. Judge Riner loved his
work on the bench and gave to 1t
the very best that was in him.
Naturally of a judicial temperament
and tranquil mind. he added prompt
ness. energy. wisdom and an un-
n'nching honesty, which made his
decisions clear n concise. fair and
correct. His judicial record will en-
dure for all time.
The precodents and principles he
established will prove OF everlasting
benefit to this commonwealth. His
high example of integrity, fairness
and efficiency will always be recalled
with inspiring satisfaction. As
judge he was ever attentive. vigilant.
just and able. and IN his rulings
rare'y erred. No one ever doubted