Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 November 1901 — A “SYMPOSIUM.” [ARTICLE]

A “SYMPOSIUM.”

In commenting on the second annual banquet to the members of the bar of the Thirtieth Judicial Circuit, to be given by Judge Thompson at the Nowels House Thanksgiving day, the Newton County Enterprise, the republican organ of Newton county, says: “Our readers will be triad to hear that a symposium will he held in the thirtieth judicial circuit Thanksgiving afternoon. In the good nIU-days when Judge Hammond, Judge Ward and Judge Wiiey measured out justice the people assembled in their homes or elsewhere and devoutly devoured their Thanksgiving turkey and called it dinner, but now, under the refined order of things, we are threatened with a symposium. “Kor fear the good people of Newton county will be apprehensive of some approaching calamity we hasten to assure them that a symposium is nottiing dangerous, the dictionary defines it as a drinking bout ora drinking festival, and the distinguished audience that will be present is a sufficient guarantee on that score. "The toasts assigned to Newton county speakers shows fine discrimination on the part of the toast master. Patrick Keefe will talk on the jury system, and under the influence of the symposium, will, we understand, advocate the 1 abolishment of the jury system. Clerk Ira Drake will talk about the clerks of Newton county, and Judge Darroch will grow misty over the former members of the Bar. Judge Cummings has a chance to grow eloquent, for to him has been assigned the pleasant task of talking about 'Newton's contribution to the Judiciary.' After describing the services of Judge Ward for six years and Judge Darroch fora short term, he will have an excellent opportunity to tell the audience how in the past forty year- - Jasper county, ably assisted by Benton county, has quietly gobbled up every nomination for Judge, and all this county had to do was to furnish a big portion of tlie majority to elect.

"Mr. Comparet has an assignment whicn will ca}l for his best efforts. There is not a man in the district who could handle it better, for Mr. Comparet always a point to smooth down his sentences until all the rough edges are worn off He will talk on The Court.’ We have, however, every faith in Mr Comparet and believe he will a<quit himself pr udiy, no matter how difficult the task. In the event Mr. • omparet is unable to attend, it lias been suggested that Daniel Eraser fill-the vacaucy."