Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1901 — August Jurists Not Above a Joke. [ARTICLE]

August Jurists Not Above a Joke.

The term “jolly good fellows” is not the first one that would be chosen in characterizing the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States. In fact, one would say that they are a very solemn set. As a matter of fact, these august magistrates, when off duty, are possessed of an exceptional love of fun. Few men In public life are jollier. This is very evident at the lunch they take together every day at 1 o’clock. The table is set in a room adjoining the court chambers. As they eat they crack jokes and tell many funny stories at each other’s expense. Justice Brewer is the wittiest member of the party, while Justice Peckham is the most sarcastic. Chief Justice Fuller is the best story teller, while Justice Harlan would monopolize the conversation if the others would let him, by telling how he drove hls golf ball 183 yards by actual measurement Sometimes the good humor of the hour is so infectious and lasting that when the Justices return'to the bench the recollection of a funny story makes them laugh out in the midst of an argument And sometimes—say it whlsperingly—they even joke with each other while on the bench.—New York Journal.