The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-06-06

FRIDAY, JUNE 8. 1871
THE sEVENTH CHANGE

THE SEVENTH CHANOe
One Of the most illustrious public
careers in the nations history will
end July l when Charles Evans
Hughes steps out as Chief Justice
OF the United States. position he
has held since Feb. "a. 1880.
The 18th chief justice in the ISL
years OF the court, Chief Justice
Hughes. appointed by President
Hoover-'vas 70 on his last birthday,
April II.
Known as one OF the greatest law
yers in the country's history, and
ore OF the most indefatigable work
CTS in service OF :he government,
the Chief Justice refused to slow
down even on the eve Of his retire
mcnt.
He presided at the closing day Of
the courts June term even after
his letter of resignation had been
drafted. II was sent to the White
House Immediately after the court
adjourned until October, and tele-
zraphed from the White House TO
the President at Hyde Park.
The Chief Justice admittedly has
held the post during one OF the
most difficult periods in the history
o. the court-a period during which
the court gradually passed from a
so-called conservative TO so-called
liberal policy OF interpreting the
Constitution.
During this period he occupied
a middle role. He plainly sought
10 save the court from destructive
public criticism or congre ssional &C
ton by achieving an orderly transit
ton.
The Chief Justice was born at
Glens Falls, n. Y, the son OF min
lister. He attended Colgate and
Brown Universities, and took his
law degree at Columbia. A bril-
liant student, he won a prise fellow
ship.
Successfully he occupied such
high posts as governor OF New York,
associate justice of the Supreme
Court and secretary OF state. The
Republican candidate for president
In 1915. he missed election by a
hairs breadth. For two days the
country believed he had won. Then
returns from California gave the
eleet4on TO Woodrow Wilson.
Rejecting a Republican nomina-
ton for mayor OF New York, he
two terms, from 1907 to 1910. APP
pointed an associate justice OF the
high court, he served from 1910 un.
III he was nominated by a Repub-
lican convention for the presidency
June 10, 1915.
After his defeat for the presi-
dency, Hughes entered practice Of
law in New York. He reputedly COM
manded an earning power OF $780,
900 annually.
Always ready TO enter public
service, he took charge OF investiga-
ton Of the failure Of the aircraft
branch OF the Army during the
World War. He was appointed
secretary OF state in 1921. becom-
ing one OF the brains" OF the Hard
ing cabinet. He directed the Wash
ington Arms Conference in 1922
which brought about a worldwide
naval reduction. 1t was al that con
ference that the 5-5-3 ratio OF naval
power for the United States. Great
Britain and Japan was evolved.
Critics have criticized the confer
once as inaugurating a period dur
ing v hich American naval strength
was allowed TO deteriorate. but dc
tenders say it saved the country
hundreds OF millions Of dollars
which would Rave been spent for a
navX for wnich there vas no fore
seeaNe need.
Hughes was an Internationally
IN his policies. and before he Joined
Harding's cabinet advocated United
States entrance into the League OF
Nations. He also propounded the
doctrine OF Western Hemisphere
solidarity.
He was named a justice OF the
World Court in 1928, serving two
years. President Hoover named hin
Chief Justice on Feb. 3, 1880. The
Chief Justices service on the court
as associate aud chief justice, GOV
cred a span OF II years.
While the court was frequently
attacked during the first years o.
the New Deal. Hughes never exhib
tied anger. He joined with Justic,
Brandeis in denouncing the cour
reorganization plan Of Presiden
Roosevelt in 1885.
But he also swore In Mr. Roose
welt for this third term and re
manned on the friendliest termi
with the Chief Executive.
Retirement Of Mr. Hughes bring
the seventh change since Presiden
Roosevelt started his worry In 1873
about not being able to appoint new
men TO the bench. The change
have set a new record. Willis Val
Deyanter retired June 2, 1887. an,
was succeeded by Hugo l.. Black
George Sutherland retired Jan. Is
1898; succeeded by Stanley F
Reed Benjamin N. Cardozo die
July 2. 1898: succeeded by Fell,
Frankfurter. Louis d. Brandeis re
tired Feb. 10. 1899: succeeded b,
William o. Douglas. Pierce Butte
died Nov. is. 1899: succeeded b,
Frsnk Murphy. James c. McReyu
Al~a Pnftrnd Eah RIA. 4.