Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 17.pdf/598

 THE SUPREME COURT-ROOM setting is a Grecian garden and the stage a semi-circular marble seat. The artist suggests that could a moment be chosen for this painting it were when Socrates explained to Thrasymachus that "the true artist in proceeding according to his art does not do the best for himself nor consider his own interest, but that of his subject." These decorations in their placing, evi dence a most striking thought — one which cannot fail to influence those gathered in session in the court-room. Back of the justices, on the wall which the counsel face

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might wield an influence for a just and deliberate decision. One seldom sees deco ration so consistently applied with such powerful thought behind it. It is not pic ture-writing as is so much mural decoration, but art moved by the finest of art purposes. To this perfect room the court in session brings one flaw. In this setting — a typification of the majesty of the law, against a background made by the four perfect columns — themselves symbolic of the law's severity and inexorableness, sit the five judges of the State Supreme Court in busi ness suits. Did they but wear the black

THE ADJUSTMENT OF CONFLICTING INTERESTS (Copyright, I 904, by John La Farge)

in addressing the court, is "Moral and Di vine Law, "full of contention and struggle — the engagement of mightiest forces — the birth of law in its primal simplicity. The grandeur of that moment so impres sively depicted should be an inspiration — an influence uplifting beyond trivial and ignoble affairs. Directly opposite the judges lies "The Relation of the Individual to the State," appealing to the quieter judicious attitude of mind. The peaceful, rational atmosphere

robes of their office, such as are worn by the federal courts, they too would seem to be symbols of that great power, not mere men with man's frailties and imperfections. In such a room — a room which awes in its solemnity, sounding as it does a grave harmony of noble thought, anything trivial or selfish should never come, but all should be uplifted beyond petty strife and should put forth the best and strongest effort for justice. ST. PAUL, Minn., Scptimber, 1905.