Recollections of Chief justice Fuller W. Fuller's fondness for literature was truly inherited. "After leaving college he entered into the practice of the law at Augusta. Early in his career he distinguished himself, as I well remember, by a speech he made as the presiding ofiioer of a great Democratic mass meeting which was held on the grounds of the state house at Augusta. Had he remained in Maine he would early have attained prominence, but the West called strongly to him, as it did at that time to many Bowdoin men. "He went to the new city of Chicago, where he entered on the practice of law. Outside of those who knew him at Bowdoin and those at Augusta who were intimate with him, and his family, he was for many years lost sight of by Maine people; but there were others who appreciated his worth and who followed his career in Chicago with interest. At the Illinois bar Melville W. Fuller soon won for himself a position of respect and influence. He was a good advocate and a good lawyer. There were some lawyers in Chicago who might have been regarded as his superiors both as advocates and as learned in the law, but there were none who enjoyed the respect and confidence of men of all political beliefs more than be. "He was diligent, painstaking and reliable, with great fidelity to the truth, a clearness of style and vision, and a keen sense of
justice; and he possessed in a remarkable degree the quality which won for him as
Chief Justice of the United States the respect and appreciation of his associates on the bench; and that was executive ability. "His appointment as Chief Justice of the United States by President Cleveland was not a surprise to me at the time it was made; though, no doubt, earlier the President leaned to Mr. Phelps. “Being frequently in Washington, Mr. Fuller came in contact with President Cleve land. He was a friend of Vice-President Hendricks, whom he nominated in 1886. Grover Cleveland especially desired to have about him men of refinement; and Mr. Fuller possessed this characteristic. I sent him newspaper clippings and comments on the subject of his possible appointment, and, as I now recall it, a letter. I received from him a characteristic reply, which I have preserved." This letter was as follows:—
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Law Orrrcn or Inuit.“ W. FuLLln.
152 Dearborn street. Chicago. April 19, 1888. Dear Putnam: Thanks for the newspaper and complimentary notice. I have not thought and do not think that the President would tender me the appointment, and have been greatly surprised at the expressions out here of a belief of that kind. I assume that his choice would fall upon somebody already in the public eye through present or recent public service. I did think you might get it, and the President knows my opinion of you; but still l could not tell, of course. — told me last week at Fortress Monroe that you would probably receive it if it went East. and that I should if it came West. but I am sure he was mistaken as to myself. Of course, 1 will be glad of whatever comes to you. The world is not so very large, is it? We rub up against each other occasionally Very truly, I. W. FULLER.
“This is an illustration of his true sim
plicity and unafi'ectedness of character," said Judge Putnam. I knew the reference to myself was not based upon good authority. When the appointment was made there was much discussion concerning it, and no little
opposition to the confirmation of the Presi~ dent's choice.
But Mr. Fuller was confirmed,
and by a very good majority, as I remember it. Among the Republican Senators who voted for him were Senator Hale and Senator William P. Frye of Maine. The Republican Senators from Illinois were among his most stanch supporters and advocates. Senators Farwell and Cullom told President Cleveland that if Melville W. Fuller were named he would be confirmed, and he was. Not only these Senators, but the people generally throughout Illinois, where he had lived for many years, entertained great respect for his character and ability; and the years which have passed since then and his service as Chief Justice have gone to show that their estimation of him was correct. We who knew him well were not surprised at his subsequent record in this high office. "He won the respect of all the Senators and the entire country by his superb address on Washington in the House of Representa tives soon after his appointment as Chief Justice. For literary style, cleamess of thought and simple eloquence I know of few addresses which could be said to be superior to this. "As Chief Justice, Melville W. Fuller ranks well among the great men who have held this position. I do not claim that he was the peer of the great Marshall, but he ranks with Waite, and with others. His clearness of
