Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 19.pdf/257

 THE GREEN BAG esting figure about the dais was the Lord Chief Justice of England wearing his scarlet and ermine robes and chain of gold. After the King and Queen were seated, a short address was read by the Recorder, expres sing the loyalty and devotion of the city of London, and pointing out the age and importance of the court. The King then read in reply an address indicating the ideals to be maintained in the new building. Its closing sentences indicate the high pur pose for which the building was planned. "This noble edifice, will, I am sure, amply fulfill its high purpose by giving convenience and dignity to the administra tion of justice in the interests, not only of the inhabitants of its immediate district, but of the vast urban population that has accumulated in the adjacent counties. The old buildings which were replaced were, however, of high historical interest, for they witnessed during the century of their exis tence a change in the administration of criminal justice far greater than has taken place in any preceding century. The bar barous penal code, which was deemed neces sary one hundred years ago, has gradually been replaced in the progress towards a higher civilization, by laws breathing a more humane spirit and aiming at a nobler purpose. It is well that crime should be punished, but it is better that criminals should be reformed. Under the present laws the mercy shown to first offenders is, I am well assured, often the means of re shaping their lives; and many persons, especially children and young offenders, who, under the old system might have be come hardened criminals, are now saved from a life of crime and converted into use ful citizens. Still more remains to be accomplished in the direction of reclaiming those who have fallen into crime, and I look with confidence to those who will administer justice in this building to have continual regard to the hope of reform in the crimi nal, and to maintain and strengthen in their new home those noble traditions which

have gathered round the high position they occupy. I am well assured that the inde pendence and learning of the judges, sup ported by the integrity and ability of the other members of the profession of the law, will prove in the future as they have in the past, the safeguard of order, right conduct, and true humanity." At the conclusion of the King's address the Lord Mayor advanced and asked the King's acceptance of a gold key to the build ing; then, after a prayer by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the King declared the build ing open, and the trumpeters sounded a royal salute. After the presentation to the King of certain distinguished personages, the Common Sergeant was summoned by the Lord Chamberlain to receive the honor of knighthood, — a very picturesque cere mony. As Mr. Bosanquet advanced he knelt before the King, who, taking a sword from one of the members of his suite, touched him lightly on each shoulder. The Lord Chamberlain then announced, "Mr. Charles Williams to receive the honor of knighthood," but no one responded; and after a slight and rather embarrassing pause it was discovered that a mistake had been made, and that Mr. Charles W. Mathews, the leader of the Old Bailey Bar, had been intended for the honor. The procession, however, immediately formed and left the hall; later, after returning from the cere mony in the upper court room, the knight hood was duly conferred upon Mr. Mathews. . From the lower hall the King and Queen ascended to the principal court, where were gathered judges, barristers, and solicitors, the judges in their full judicial costume of scarlet and ermine, and the barristers in their gowns and wigs. As the King and Queen entered the court room they were received by the Lord Chief Justice, who, in the absence of the Lord Chancellor, deliv ered a short address of welcome. The King and Queen then rose, bowed to the judges and the Bar, and escorted by the Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Mayor left the build