The Progress of the Law must elect judges who are worthy to be trusted, and no step can be taken more fatal to the hopes of remedying this ex
isting discredit of our judicial adminis tration than in the further subjecting of our judges to the passing waves of
popular whims and prejudice. Every effective remedy which has been suggested for the existing conges tion and inefficiency of our appellate
courts involves an increased discretion and independence in the members of our judiciary.
I would not have you conclude, how ever, that there are no encouraging signs
of progress. The fact that we have agi tation is itself a cheering sign. Indif ference in the face of these depressing conditions would be the worst possible condition. It is far better that reform
571
spect, cautious, scrutinizing principle, full of doubt, even of itself, and fearful of doing injury." We have encouraging signs in dif ferent states that the public opinion, aided and guided by men of our own pro fession, is seeking a remedy for these conditions. The Juvenile Court estab
lished in Denver has been copied in many states of the country. Chicago has estab lished a Municipal Court, which no doubt will be followed in other cities, where simplicity of procedure and sum
mary remedies have literally brought justice home to the masses of the people. Let us take courage from these exam ples and illustrate in our day and genera tion that we are the worthy followers of those members of our profession who, disregarding all personal interest,
should come from within the bar than
have been the leaders in the move
from ill-considered legislation without
ments for rescuing the law from the shackles of feudalism and barbarism,
the bar.
Our
profession
is
rightly
conservative. Burke said in his speech against Hastings: "Justice is a circum
and in making it an effective servitor of mankind.
To a B. F. P. BY HARRY R. Bum-n;
EAR b. f. p., you seem to be A very happy mortal, Most favored of unfortunates Within the legal portal. Courts never shame your honest name, They speak of you not lightly, But dwell, instead, upon your worth
And do it most politely.
Ah! that they would be half as good To us who argue cases,
