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The Green Bag
expression, and his able administration of the affairs of the position he occupied, have never been excelled. I do not believe that there ever has been a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States who was more loved than Melville W. Fuller. His associates entertained for him great affection. The lawyers who came before this high tribunal all subscribed to the same sentiments. He was always courteous, painstaking and thoughtful. His keen sense of justice was never at fault, and above all and better than all, as Chief Justice, Melville W. Fuller had the confidence of the people of the United States. "I think that one of the most lovable things about him was the affection he had for his old home, his old friends and his native
state. Twice a year, almost without fail, he visited his old friends at Augusta. He called upon all of those who were left whom
he knew, and took delight in it. In Augusta these visits were looked forward to by many people with pleasurable anticipations. “No less did he cease to remember his classmates, and his youthful friends. I might mention instances where the Chief Justice took great pleasure in exerting his influence in the interest of these classmates and friends of his youth. In Washington he lived simply, but maintained the dignity of his high ol‘fice. As a lawyer he had acquired a modest competence. Those he entertained were always charmed by his delightful manner, and having once come to meet the
Chief Justice on the social plane they never ceased to admire the man afterwards.
increased when other members of the class, as their names were presented, were in turn black-balled. In the midst of this excitement up jumped the future Chief Justice, then barely out of college himself, and said that if his friend Putnam were not admitted he should persistently attend every meeting and black ball every name presented until Putnam was elected. Theneupon they had another ballot and I and the entire list was elected. The Chief Justice regarded this as a great joke on me, and delighted in telling the story. He said: ‘Putnam, that's the best piece of work I ever did.' “I have not attempted in this rambling talk to give expression to a just and fitting eulogy of Melville W. Fuller. I do not know that I could do him justice if I should try, but I have talked of him as I knew him and loved him. In life he met every requirement of a good citizen,—- an able lawyer, a patriotic and conscientious official and a kind, considerate and faithful friend. He did much for Bowdoin College, for his native state and city. During his lifetime he reflected great honor upon this state, and his memory will long endure." To the foregoing portrayal, on the intimate side, of the personality of the late Chief Jus tice, we are pleased to add that given in a private letter written by Mr. Justice Holmes to Judge Putnam shortly after the funeral. This letter is published with Justice Holmes' permission on request, with the omission of
such parts as are purely personal. It may be well to explain, for the benefit of some readers, that Mrs. Francis is the daughter of Chief Justice Fuller:—
“Among other things, he possessed those
qualities which are never found wanting in men who are truly great,—a thorough sense of humor and deep religious conviction. I recall especially one incident which well worked out his sense of humor. We were members of the same secret society and it happened that we had admitted to membership a man whom we later found a little 05 color. I was one of the most active in bringing about his ex pulsion from our society. A little later, when names of our class came to be presented for election to the Phi Beta Society, my name was the first, and it was black-balled.
It
required but one black ball to prevent ad mission; and, as we afterward ascertained, this black-ball was thrown by the father of the young man whom I had been instru mental in expelling from our society. There was a great hubbub, and the excitement
Beverly Farms, July 12, 1910. My dear Judge Putnam :— Many thanks for your letter and the news paper which (both of which) I read with much pleasure. . . . Poor Mrs. Francis was alone when the Chief died. . . . I think she showed all the Chief's courage, and also a cool head and executive capacity under the most trying cir cumstances. The services at Sorrento moved me through and through. It was a beautiful day, and there was no false note. The coflin, spread with a coverlet of flowers, was put on a buck board to go from the house to the church; the birds were singing; the clergyman, a fine fellow whom I dare say you know, read extremely well; a little choir of four young men sang touchingly. The church, built by
