And so it came to pass when the place of Mr. Justice Clifford
became vacant that by the almost universal consent of the
New England Circuit, with the general approval of the profession
throughout the whole country, Mr. Justice Gray became his
successor. Of his service here there are men better qualified
to speak than I am. He took his place easily among the great
Judges of the world. He has borne himself in his great office
so, I believe, as to command the approbation of his countrymen
of all sections and of all parties. He has been every inch
a Judge. He has maintained the dignity of his office everywhere.
He has endeared himself to a large circle of friends here
at the National Capital by his elegant and gracious hospitality.
His life certainly has been fortunate. The desire of his
youth has been fulfilled. From the time, more than fifty
years ago, when he devoted himself to his profession, there
has been, I suppose, no moment when he did not regard the
office of a Justice of the Supreme Court as not only the most
attractive but also the loftiest of human occupations.
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