Evening star., 1931-05-01


ed at the dinner and on behalf OF the
association presented Justice Stafford
with a handsome silver service. Justice
Stafford referred to the gift as "an
astonishing testimonial, which would
be proudly cherished" by him and by
his heirs. He said the favorable opin-
ion of his work which the gift indicated,
gave it its greatest value.
"A judges reputation" he said, de
pends on the opinion of his character
and ability held by the lawyers. and
this opinion is final and conclusive.
Holds to High Aim.
He told his hearers that when he
took the judicial oath for the first time
in his native State of Vermont 81 years
ago he determined to give his life to
being as good judge as his limitations
would allow and he has no regret that
his life has been devoted to the ad-
ministration of justice, which he
termed the most important business
in the world"
While not always having the approval
of the lawyers, the justice stated, he
felt that he had always their conf
dence and asked that they extend to
the new justices the same hearty sup
port and loyalty that had been dis
played to him.
The Bar Association had assembled
not only to say farewell to Justice stat
ford. but to welcome the new justices
of the Court of Appeals and OF the Dis
trict Supreme Court. Levi Cooke, the
toastmaster, introduced the new justices
and requested them to stand so that
the lawyers might not mistake you
for a bailiff when they enter the
court ROOM"
Justice Hitz Speaks.
These other homer guests were As
sociate Justices William Hitz and D.
Laurence Groner of the Court of Ap-
peals and Associate Justices Jesse G.
Adkins, Joseph w. Cox, Oscar r..
Luhring and James M. Proctor CT the
District Supreme Court
Justice Hitz spoke on behalf OF the
Appellate Court and told of the diff
ference between trial court and an
appellate tribunal. He spoke with au-
thority because he Is the first member
CT the lower bench to be elevated to
the Court of Appeals. He said in the
trial court the justice sought the
truth" but in the upper court they
seek error" He predicted that 1t
would not be long before he attained
the appellate viewpoint.
Justice Adkins spoke for those. whom
he called the Junior four" members OF
the District Supreme Court and de-
clared they would miss Justice Stafford
more even than the bar because OF
daily contact with him and because OF
the aid he had given in solving their
troubles. Stafford's resignation will be
a distinct loss to the community, Justice
q aYnrpCCpd the
hope that the retiring jurist may live
many years in continued usefulness to
this community.
Tribute for Stafford.
Stafford had seen the condition OF
the Districts penal institutions, Justice
Adkins said. shortly after being ap-
pointed to this court and Immediately
set about to ameliorate them. AS
result of his effort, the speaker said, we
have the Lorton Reformatory. which
will be a lasting memorial of him.
Justice Adkins suggested the adop-
ton of domestic relations bureau IN
the District to aid the court in diSpoS-
ing of the numerous divorce matters
croWding its docket. He suggested that
a person with flair for Cancellation"
should be placed at its head and he
should try to bring the angry parties
in the interests of the children. He
thanked the bar for the suggestion to
adopt the Cleveland system" of ex-
pediting business and invited other
suggestions.
George E. Hamilton was chairman OF
the Dinner. Committee, with Joseph A.
Burkart as vice chairman and the fol-
lowing members: Walter M. Bastian,
Alexander H. Bell, ST.; John N. Bradley,
u
Abner H. Ferguson, Richmond B. Keech,
Milton w. King Norman B. Landreau,
Michael F. Mangan Blaine Mallen,
Hugh H. Obear, Frederick Stohlman,
James A. Toomey. Lucian H. Vandoren
and Richard E. Wexford.