488
THE GREEN BAG
know that some members whose opinions I value entertain an idea of exclusiveness, and hold the Association in such esteem that they consider it derogatory to its prestige to solicit membership. The first article of our constitution declares that our object "shall be to advance the science of jurisprudence, promote the administration of justice, and uniformity of legislation throughout the Union, uphold the honor of the profession of the law, and encourage cordial intercourse among the members of the American bar." How are we to encourage cordial intercourse if we hold ourselves aloof, and do not endeavor to draw into our circle those with whom it would be agreeable to establish cordial relations? How can we put forth the strength of the profession for advancing its aims, if we do not enlist it in our ranks? We can best realize its ideals by reaching the intelligence and stimulating the activi ties of those from whom the bench which administers justice, and the legislature which alone can enact uniform laws, are recruited. If they are of us, then, whether they attend our annual meetings or not, they are imbued with the same purposes, instructed by the same teachings, and in close sympathy with all our efforts, and do not need to be appealed to and convinced, but with well-founded convictions, act upon their own initiative in promoting our just endeavors. Much has been accomplished and our record is without a blemish. The Association has brought about a higher standard in legal education and for admis sion to the bar, the enactment of uniform laws in many states has stimulated the formation and activity of state bar associa tions in states judicial districts, counties and towns, and in many other ways not necessary to recapitulate has justified its existence. The results attained would have been realized more speedily, and with greater facility, if we had evolved all the potentiality which we might have possessed. For years we have deplored in terms of
eloquence the lowering of the standard of the profession, and have arraigned with stinging rebuke those who have brought it into disrepute, and even now we have under consideration a code of ethics which has for a long time been an object of our deep solicitude. It is not intended to be exclusive and applicable only to the mem bers of this Association. It is for the pro fession at large. If adopted, we indulge the expectation that it will be accepted not only by the bar associations of the several states, but will, at least in substance, be enacted into law by many of the states. How much firmer will be the ground for such hope if we have the co-operation of members of every bar? The majority of the lawyers of every state are a credit to our profession, and are worthy of our fellow ship. If that be not true, then it is a waste of time and energy to consider any system of ethics for their guidance. It is futile to frame canons for professional conduct which do not appeal to the majority of the pro fession. They are useless alike to the impeccable and the depraved. I stand for broadening our Association and recruiting its membership by active, systematic and constant effort. We should from year to year, as they become eligible, gather into our ranks, the younger members of the bar, who constitute its hope for the future, that they may develop their professional char acter under the ideals that this Association always maintains, partake of the generous intellectual feasts which are spread, and that the Association in all of its endeavors to fulfill its high destiny, may at every time and place where a contest is to be waged, mobilize a formidable array of earnest and aggressive members, who will give it loyal support. It is desirable to establish closer relations with the bar associations of the several states. This was recommended by Mr. Manderson, Acting President in 1899, and again by him as President in 1900. At present, they are authorized to send dele
