Retirement

One day last week, the nine members of the U. S. Supreme Court filed into their sombre round room in the Capitol, took their places, came to order, began reading opinions. After 21 opinions had been read, Chief Justice Taft arose.

"Gentlemen of the bar," said he. "Mr. Justice McKenna has announced to us, his colleagues of the Court, his purpose to retire from the bench. He has presented his resignation to the President, who has accepted it. As his associates, we have expressed our feelings toward him in a personal letter which I shall now read."

The letter marvelled, with affectionate respect, at the "extended and varied experience" of Joseph McKenna--born 1833, taken at 12 by gold-seeking parents to California; lawyer, Congressman, at the last Senior Justice of the Supreme Court these dozen years.

Justice McKenna replied in kind: "I thank you for your expressions of esteem. . . . They mitigate the regret--indeed, sorrow--that I feel. . . ."

As he finished, Frank Key Green, Mlarshal of the Court, laid a basket of red roses on the table in front of Justice McKenna, The Marshal tapped his gavel. The Court stood. Justice McKenna shook hands with Mr. Justice Taft, bowed right, bowed left, slowly descended from the bench, slowly left the room.