Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 05.pdf/432

 Jasper Yeates. Judge Yeates's private library was large and comprehensive; chosen not for amuse ment or for pastime, but carefully put together, — showing the touch of a masterhand in letters; it was just such a library as a large-minded litterateur would revel in. Going on to the other cases, what do we find his legal library to be, — for it is still in existence? An almost complete collec tion of the then existing works on legal subjects, numbering one thousand and forty-three volumes. Do we need a further insight into his character? Studious, methodical, indeed, must be he who would spend so much time and money on his library, and what is more, spend so well. Further : while on the bench Judge Yeates made copious notes of all cases brought to his notice; these he has embodied in the well-known series of Reports bearing his name. These cover the period from 1791

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to 1808, and are models of style and diction. Personally of impressive stature and bear ing, all who knew Jasper Yeates at once admired and respected the genial host, the wise counsellor, the earnest advocate, the learned judge. His was a large share of the honors of his country; but seldom, since his day, have those honors been borne so well. He did not, it is true, wield the sabre or carry the musket; but his heart was his nation's, and whether in public or in private life, he ever gave himself for the good of his countrymen. Judge Yeates's remains were interred at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. On his tombstone may be read — and passing years but cut each letter clearer — this well-won tribute : " He left behind him a name which will perish only with the judicial records of his country."