Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 02.pdf/179

 Rh

step into the class being examined by a committee of the court, — thus eluding the test of qualifica tions insisted upon by the school." From another sketch I derive the follow ing:— "For the first three years but one term of six teen weeks was held per annum. In 1864 it was thought advisable to hold two terms of twelve weeks each; and this arrangement continued until 1859, since which time three terms of twelve weeks each have been held yearly.

"The first class grad uated but twenty-three men,1 the second class fifty, and after that a regular increase until the breaking out of the Civil War. "The class of 1856 graduated eighty-five, the class of 1858 one hun dred and eight, and the class of 1860 one hun dred and twenty-nine. At the close of the war the classes were larger than ever before, one class numbering one hundred and fifty mem bers. At one time every rank in the army, from AMASA J. private up to brigadiergeneral, was represented among the students. "Many there were minus limbs and otherwise disfigured as the result of their service in the army. The Law School is justly proud of her roll of honor, for thereon are inscribed the names of many of her sons who went forth to battle for their country at the expense of personal ambition." The first President of the Faculty was Chancellor Walworth, one of the most bril liant and distinguished lawyers that ever graced the magistracy of this country. Suc1 An error. The first class consisted of twentythree, and graduated but seven.

ceeding Presidents have been Orlando Meads and William L. Learned. The first corps of instructors consisted of only three, but they were men of national reputation and profound learning, and gave the school its early and well-deserved repu tation. They were Ira Harris, Amos Dean, and Amasa J. Parker. For seventeen years they continued to hold their position to gether. The course was divided into three hundred and sixty an nual lectures, of which Professor Dean gave one hundred and eighty, and Professors Harris and Parker ninety each. Professor Harris lec tured on Practice, Pleading, and Evi dence; Professor Par ker on Real Estate, Wills, Criminal Law, Personal Rights, and Domestic Relations; and Professor Dean on Personal Property, Contracts, and Com mercial Law. I can speak of these three eminent and use ful men from having PARKER. heard their lectures and from a long sub sequent acquaintance with them. Ira Harris was born at Charleston, Mont gomery Co., N. Y., in 1802. He graduated from Union College in the class of 1824; studied law at Albany, and there commenced his practice. He rapidly rose to a position of eminence in the profession, and in 1844 be came a member of the Legislature. In 1847 he became a Justice of the Supreme Court, which position he held until 1860. He was a member of the constitutional conventions of 1845 and l867- In 1862 ne was elected to the United States Senate, which position he