in which the matter in dispute exceeded $1,000, and in criminal cases in which the penalty was death or hard labor, on questions of law only. It was also vested with original jurisdiction for the removal of judges of the inferior courts, and with a supervisory control over them in all cases, civil and criminal, whether appealed or not, never previously possessed. There were to be five judges with a salary of $5,000 each, the Chief-Justice to be appointed for twelve years and the other justices respectively for four, six, eight, and ten years, the appointment after the expiration of first terms to be for twelve years. The Justices were to be taken from different parts or sections of the State. The Justices appointed were the Hon. Edward Bermudez, Chief-Justice, twelve years, Felix P. Poché for ten years, Robert B. Todd for eight years, William M. Levy for six years, and Charles E. Fenner for four years. The court was organized and the justices took their seats April 5, 1880, under Art. 264.
In 1882, Mr. Justice Levy having died, the Hon. Thomas C. Manning was appointed to succeed him for his unexpired term. In 1884, the term of Mr. Justice Fenner having expired, he was reappointed for twelve years. In 1886, the term of office of Mr. Justice Manning having expired, Mr. Justice Lynn B. Watkins was appointed to replace him for twelve years. In 1888, the term of office of Mr. Justice Todd having expired, the Hon. Samuel Douglas McEnery was appointed to take his place for twelve years.
In 1890, the term of office of Mr. Justice Poche having expired, Mr. Justice Joseph Arsene Breaux was appointed to succeed him for twelve years.
Chief-Justice Bermudez was appointed to office by Governor Wiltz, the first Governor elected under the Constitution of 1879.
The court was brand new; none of the members of the preceding court, who had gone into office under the administration of Governor Nicholls, were retained, and none of the Justices appointed by Governor Wiltz had ever occupied a judicial station.
Before the appointments of the Justices of the Supreme Court were made by Governor Wiltz, the eyes of the public were fixed on Mr. Edward Bermudez, as a lawyer eminently fit to fill the distinguished office of Chief-Justice; and much satisfaction was felt when it was ascertained that the Governor had not disappointed public expectation.
Mr. Bermudez is a Creole,—that is, a native-born Louisianian,—of ancient and distinguished Spanish descent. He had received a thorough classical education at Spring Hill College, Alabama, where he graduated in the year 1851. While a student of law he manifested those mental qualities which are premonitory of professional success. He came to the bar at the early age of twenty-one years, and in 1876 received the degree of LL.D. In a very
