tion, by simply looking at the printed page. He does not seem, however, to have kept up this practice in his later decisions. He is an independent thinker, a forcible writer, and an excellent judge. While a pronounced man in his political views, he never suffers any bias in that direction to warp or control his action as judge. In fact, it is the glory of the bench of New Jersey that no considera tions of a political nature ever enter into their action as judges. Of Judge Reed it may be truthfully said that he has met with undeviating respect and confidence from the citizens and from the bar of the several counties where he presides, and that his renomination in each instance was universally approved. William J. Magie is the son of the Rev. David Magie, D.D., for more than forty years the honored and beloved pastor of the leading Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, and whose fame as a divine, and as a good man, was in all the churches. Judge Magie was born at Elizabeth in December, 1832, was well prepared for college, entered Prince ton in 1852, and was graduated in 1855. In the same year he entered the office of Francis B. Chetwood, one of the best lawyers in Elizabeth; was licensed as an attorney in 1856, and as a counsellor in 1859. His preceptor, appreciating his worth, offered him a partnership, and a connection was formed, when he came to the bar, between him and Mr. Chetwood, which extended over a term of six years. He then, for a short time, practised alone, but soon formed a connection with a Mr. Cross, which con tinued until Mr. Magie became Associate Justice. For five years, from 1865 to 1870, he was Prosecutor of the Pleas for Union County, which position he filled with very marked ability. His counsel was eagerly sought by many incorporations,— Deposit and Savings banks, railroad and manufacturing companies, and municipal bodies. He was not a politician, although decided in his political views. But in 1875, against his will and despite his better judgment, he
was induced, by the strong persuasions of his friends and members of the political party to which he belonged, to accept a nomination for Senator from Union County. That county was then a doubtful one, but Mr. Magie was elected. He held this position for three years, and was a most valuable addition to the Senate, serving the interests of the State and of his constituents with scrupulous care and attention. He took a leading part in all debates of any importance, and was placed on several com mittees. His course in the Senate was marked by a jealous regard for the honor of his native State, by a constant, manly, and independent action, and by a vigilant guard over the true interests of his party. He disdained all petty devices and mean tricks by which so many politicians seek to advance themselves at the expense of decency and self-respect, and ever pursued a courageously honest conduct. In this way he commanded the respect of all, both friend and foe. In 1880 he was ap pointed Associate Justice, has been again nominated, and is now serving his second term. He took his seat on the bench at the March term, 1880, of the Court of Errors, and at the June term of the same year of the Supreme Court. His first opinion was read in the Supreme Court in the June term. It was in an important case, arising upon an application for a writ of mandamus. Some very troublesome constitutional ques tions were presented in the cause, arising upon the very peculiar provisions of the Constitution of 1844. The young judge bravely grappled with all the difficulties in the case, and mastered them with very great ability. There seemed to be very few de cisions by which the court could be aided. Judge Magie referred to one case only in New Jersey upon one of the main points raised, and to one other case for some col lateral principle. His opinion in this case is a very able one; his arguments were powerful and convincing. He read several other opinions at the same term. Since
