Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-29
GEORGE R. FARNUM
+ RENDERED DINNER
Former Brakeman Who Rose
to Be Assistant Attorney
General ReSigning.

The man who rose from brakeman
on the Boston & Maine Railroad to
become Assistant Attorney General of
the United States, George r. Farnum
of Boston, was rendered testimonial
dinner of farewell last night at the
Cosmos Club. by distinguished gather
ing of his associates in the Department
of Justice and the Federal Bar Associ-
alton. Farnum has resigned to resume
the practice of law February /, with
Offices at Boston and Washington
High praise came from several speak
ers in the presence of q distinguished
group of attorneys which filled the
large assembly hall Of the club, and
Farnum was presented with a hand
some chair by his associates in the de-
partment.
Farnum's unusual rise to high po-
sition was discussed by both Proctor L.
Dougherty, formerly of Massachusetts,,
chairman of the Board of Commission
erS of the District, and Representative
Joseph w. Martin. jr., speaking on be-
half of the Massachusetts, delegation in
Congress.
DOugherty Tells of Rise.
It was while working as a brakeman,
Commissioner Dougherty declared, that
Farnum took his degree at Boston Uni
versity, became lawyer, and soon won
his way to become "one Of the leading
advocates of the bar in the younger
generation" in his State. The Commits
Sioner referred to his success in Mass
achusetts as acting United States dis
trict attorney, and said that before the
United States Supreme Court here he
had represented the Government re-
Gently in 10 cases, and had won every
case. The Commissioner referred to
Farnum as a genius" and praised
highly his work for the Massachusetts
Society, of which Farnum had been
president three successive terms.
Representative Martin predicted for
his friend Every brilliant future ca
reer," and paid tribute to his rise from
an humble" beginning, tracing the
steps leading up to his position here.
Martin praised the retiring Assistant
Attorney General at a loyal Republic
an" and said he was glad he was re-
turning to Massachusetts,, as the party
needed reinforcementS there.
For the Federal Bar Association,
William r. Valance, assistant solicitor
Of the State Department and president
of the association, told of Farnum's ac-
Invites on behalf of lawyers in the Gov
eminent service, how he had been help
full in retaining for all attorneys in the
service the benefits of the WEIGH act,
and how active he had been as a men,
Der of the executive council of the
association, and as chairman Of its
committee on personnel.
In presenting the chair, and tribute
Of associates in the Department Of
Justice, Harry H. Classic, special assist
ant to the Attorney General and Q
member of Farnum's stan, praised the
guest Of the evening not only for his
Cooperation and coordination" abil-
fly, but for his natural gift Of human
sympathy. and understanding"
Judge Fenton w. Booth Of the
United States Court Of Claims, toast
master Of the evening, declared the
guest of the evening had a personality
which "radiates the touch of human
ity."
Farnum Praises Aides.
In expressing appreciation for the
tribute of the evening, Farnum praised
his two chiefs. Attorney General Sar-
gent, and Attorney General Mitchell.
He declared that "if have accom-
pliShed anything during the three years
have been here, tt has been due TO
the loyalty, industry, ability and fine
esprit de corps Of those men over whom
I was given an exiguous authority.
Their devotion to the public service is
the best answer to those who are prone
to criticize those who toll in the public
service"
Touching on his philosophy Of life,
the retiring Assistant Attorney General
declared that success was not 50 much
In material advancement, but said that
"the man who makes the greatest
success In life Is the man who makes
the most real friends" He held up as
an ideal the principle that each should
strive ito make existence more livable
for our fellow beings"
For himself, Farnum said, the In
dications of good will reminded him Of
these words Of Emerson, 'T have not
made my friends, the great God gave
them to me-"
Musical entertainment of the eve
ming was furnished by George O'Connor
and Matt Horn and Earl Carbauh,
accompanied by Mrs. Carbauh.
The joint committee in charge Of ar
rangements consisted of: Valance,
Maj. Horace T. Jones of the Federal
Bar Association, j. Frank Staley and
G. NJ. Hester Of the Department Of
Justice.
Diplomatic Corps Represented.
At the head table were several mem
bers Of Congress from Massachusetts,,
the Assistant Attorney General. and
members of the diplomatic corps.