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and becomes unjust. Lawyers also know a certain interval between the commencement and the trial of a suit is frequently desirable; yet, on the other hand, all reasonable promptness should be exercised,and the law's delay minimized as far as practicable. The reforms proposed in this report are largely in one of these two respects. It is impossible now to discuss them severally, nor is it necessary, as they have already met your approval. Those which tend to free the courts from irksome hindrances in the performance of their functions are of especial weight. The continuance of our energetic efforts in the completion of this public service is imperatively demanded.

In closing, the chair takes the liberty of making the following special recommendations:

Under the leadership of one of our most valued members, Mr. Adolph Moses, to whom the chief glory is due, this Association organized the movement to honor the memory and to call the attention of the entire country to the incomparable services of Chief Justice Marshall upon the centennial anniversary of his elevation to the Chief Justiceship of the United States. You all know the result. In every state, and almost every considerable city, patriotism was stimulated, and meetings of the greatest benefit held.

The ether name most prominently associated with our Magna Charta and with early beginnings is that of Alexander Hamilton, the centennial of whose death will be on July twelfth of this year. It is recommended this Association do all in its power to give it a like recognition. der our country no greater service than this.

We can ren

On September 28th to 30th, the most important meeting of lawyers ever convened will take place in St. Louis. Distinguished men from all parts of the world will attend and great good may be expected to result. Our Association has been invited to participate in this, "the Universal Con

CHARLES L. CAPEN.

gress of Lawyers and Jurists." It is suggested you take such action as will provide for our proper representation at that congress.

One thing more: at our coming election, a proposed amendment to our Constitution by adding a section known as No. 34 to Article IV will be submitted to the people. The full text is on page 358 of the Laws of 1903. This has received the sanction of our Republican state convention, and it is hoped will obtain similar support from the Democratic one. The adoption will require a majority of all the votes cast, and there is danger, as heretofore, in other cases, it may be defeated through mere inattention and neglect. The scope concerns Chicago and Cook county alone, except as far as their welfare is a matter of concern to the rest of the state.

Their citizens feel it a matter of vital importance to them the amendment should prevail. Our aid is not needed as far as the metropolis is concerned, but it is hoped this meeting will give its earnest support, and our members do all in their power in their respective counties, to favor the reform.

The people look to us as leaders in our special province; the history of the Illinois bar in every good work that tends to the upbuilding and maintenance of rights, of the extension and preservation of liberty, of bringing the administration of justice and the conditions of men up to a higher plane, that all may share the benefits and enjoy a due part of the prosperity and progress of the communities in which it is their happiness to dwell, is second to none in any other state, country or age; we are the unit, the focus of that bar; it is our duty to voice its sentiments; to try to accomplish results beyond the reach of the individual; to preserve all that is good in the past, to conserve the grand inheritance given us by our fathers, and above all, to main

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tain the dignity, to assist in the arduous labors, and to provide for the removal of obstructions from, and the grant of facilities to, our courts of whatever is necessary to enable them to fulfill their great mission, to render exact and equal justice to all, and to secure the sacred rights of all to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In this, as far as our efforts deserve the approval of the public, whose sympathies are with us, we shall receive grateful recognition and our efforts be crowned with success.