hought and feeling.
[Long-continued applause.]

JOHN LOWELL

HUMORS OF THE BENCH

[Speech of Judge John Lowell at a banquet given by the Boston Merchants'
Association in Boston, May 23, 1884, in his honor, upon his retirement
from the bench of the United States Circuit Court.]

GENTLEMEN:--I hardly know why I am here. I suppose I must have
decided some case in favor of our honored chairman. But, then, if every
one in whose favor I have decided a case should give me a dinner I
should have some thousands to eat, if I could live long enough.

I observe that in your invitation to me you say very little, if
anything, about any judicial qualities which I may have displayed in
office, but you do mention my courtesy and patience. You are right.
There are better judges here to-night than I ever was; but in courtesy
and consideration, which I learned at my mother's knee, I hope I have
not been surpassed. I have received several compliments of the same
kind. I will tell you one story about that.

I was sitting one day up in court. The jury had just gone out, when a
very nice looking young man came up. His hair was a little short, I
believe, but I didn't notice it particularly. Said he, "Good-morning,
Jedge." "Good morning." "You don't remember me?" he said. "Your
countenance is familiar to me," I said, "but it does not impress itself
on my memory." Said he: "Four years ago to-day you sentenced me to four
years' imprisonment in the State prison." I suppose it ought to have
been five, I don't know. He said: "I got out to-day, and I thought I
would make my first call on you." [Laughter. A voice: "That was his
courtesy."] True; and mine then came in. Said I: "Many happy returns of
the day." [Great laughter and applause.] He took it very kindly and
went off. I haven't seen him since.

I might have resigned some time ago. I was waiting to be turned out.
[Laughter.] I got tired of waiting. I will tell you how that is now. My
great-grandfather was judge of the District Court, appointed by
Washington; then he was made circuit judge by Adams. Well, Adams made a
good many circuit judges, and they were all Federalists; and when the
Democrats--they called themselves Republicans--all the same, you know
[laughter]--when the Republicans came in they abolished the court to get
rid of the judges. They made a circuit court here about nineteen years
ago, and they appointed my friend Shepley the first judge. I told him if
the De