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H. P. JACOBS, 
 W. SA/. WILLIAMS 
 PATRICK COAR, 
 
 to\^\^^s^\^J^^^■i. 
 
 ©our^'p-F^oasB. 
 
MEMORIAL 
 
 OK THE EKEOTION OF 
 
 IfACKAWANNA * BOUNTY, 
 
 STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, 
 
 COMPRISING 
 
 AN ACCOUNT OF THE PROGRESS OF THE NEW- COUNTY MOVEMENT, 
 
 THE LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE OF THE COURT-HOUSE, 
 
 AND A STENOGRAPHIC REPORT OF THE 
 
 Speeches d the |^anquet 
 
 Held at the WroMiNa House, Scranton, May 25, 1882. 
 
 COML'ILKD BY 
 
 ROBERT H. McKUI^E. 
 
 SCRANTON : 
 
 M. R. WALTER, PRINTER, 
 d 882. 
 
 lie 
 
 ' 1 ;:A 'Y 
 
/\)i;r/L^o 
 
 STENOGRAPHIC REPORT 
 
 BY 
 
 H. H. COSTON, 
 
 REPORTER FOR THE COURTS OF UACKAV\/ANNA COUN^r 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 ^HE only apology I have for offering this compila- 
 tion to the public is that the events and incidents 
 that are here narrated I believe are worthy to be 
 gathered together; so that those who shall come after 
 us may have some appreciation of how joyous we were 
 when, after nearly forty years' struggle, — when many 
 of those who were the earnest and energetic workers 
 in the commencement of the new-county agitation had 
 passed away, and some of their places filled by their 
 sons, and the number of workers augmented year by 
 year as the population of the district increased,— it was 
 our fortune to see our fondest wishes fully realized, and 
 we made happy, on the evening of August 13th, 1878. 
 
 When the result of that day's election had been 
 sufficiently ascertained to assure us that the people had 
 declared that, in accordance with the laws of the State, 
 the district set apart by the ( Commissioners, who were 
 appointed l:)y the (jrovernor, should constitute and be 
 known as Lackawanna (younty, in the Commonwealth 
 of Pennsvlvania, it was not strange that the friends of 
 
4 Lackawanna Coitnty Memorial. 
 
 the new county were happy, though there were some 
 in our midst who were full of fear and evil prognos- 
 tications for the future of the new county. But more 
 than three years have passed ; the organization of the 
 county has been made complete ; from the judges to 
 the auditors, all along the line, the officials are work- 
 ing in harmony for the public good. From the 
 organization, the (Commissioners have been prudent, 
 and the finances of the county well cared for. The 
 evil forebodings have not come to pass. 
 
 The citizens, having full confidence in the Commis- 
 siorters and all who were in authority, said, almost as 
 one man. Let us lay the corner-stone of this projected 
 temple of Justice, with pomp and ceremony befitting 
 so magnificent a structure. In accordance with the 
 public feeling, the Commissioners inaugurated the ar- 
 rangements for the corner-stone laying, and the citizens, 
 with hearty accord, acted with them ; and thus, on the 
 25th day of May, 1(S<S2, in the city of Scranton, were 
 things done and words uttered that give to me an 
 excuse for compiling and publishing this work. 
 
 ROBERT H. McKUNE. 
 iScRANTON, Pa., .June 1, 1882. 
 
Historical Review. 
 
 Synopsis op iNirpiATor^Y I^isiror^Y. 
 
 KACKAWANNA County erected from the County 
 t of Luzerne under an Act of Assembly approved 
 April 17, 1878. 
 
 Commissioners appointed by the Governor, Secretary 
 of the Commonwealth, and Secretary of Internal Affairs 
 to inquire into and make report concerning the divi- 
 sion of Luzerne and the erection of Lackawanna : 
 David Summers, of Susquehanna County ; William 
 Griffis, of Bradford County; Richard H. Saunders, 
 of Philadelphia. 
 
 Surveyors appointed by the Commissioners to sur- 
 vey the boundary-line between the old and the new 
 county : James Archbald, F. L. Faries, P. Blewitt, A. 
 Bryson, Jr. 
 
 Election held August 13, 1878 — For the new county, 
 9,615; against, 1,986; majority for new county, 7,629. 
 
 August 21, 1878, the Governor proclaimed Lacka- 
 wanna the SIXTY-SEVENTH COUNTY in the Commonwealth. 
 
 In August, 1878, the following-named gentlemen re- 
 ceived their commissions from the Governor, and entered 
 upon the duties of their office. Messrs. F. L. Hitchcock 
 and A. Miner Renshaw were, commissioned to administer 
 to them tbe oatli of office. 
 
Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 Rii^Sfp Oppigei^s op the (goUNiPY. 
 
 President JudctE, . 
 
 Prothonotary, 
 
 Sheriff, 
 
 Treasurer, 
 
 Clerk op Courts, . 
 
 Recorder, 
 
 Register, 
 
 District- Attorney, 
 
 County' Surveyor, 
 
 County CV)MM issioners, 
 
 County Auditors, . 
 
 Jury Cojimissioners, 
 Coroner, 
 
 BENJAMIN S. BENTLEY.* 
 
 F. L. HITCHCOCK. 
 
 A. B. STEVENS. 
 
 Col. WILLIAM N. MONIES. 
 
 JOSHUA R. THOMAS. 
 
 A. M. RENSHAW. 
 
 JOHN L. LEE. 
 
 F. W. GUNSTER. 
 
 P. M. WALSH. 
 
 H. L. GAIGE, 
 H. F. BARRETT, 
 DENNIS TIERNEY. 
 
 W. J. LEWIS, 
 ROBERT REEVES, 
 E. J. LYNETT. 
 
 EUGENE SYNDER, 
 J. J. LYNCH. 
 
 EDWARD TRAVERS, M. D. 
 
 ■- Tile appointment of Judge Bentley was made on the ground tliat J^ackawanua 
 County, the moment it was erected, became, under the provisions of the Constitution, a 
 separate judicial district. A mandamus was issued by the Supreme Court, wherein it 
 was decided that the Constitution did not execute itself, but that legislation was neces- 
 sary before a new district could be created, hence the appointment was illegal and void. 
 By the provisions of the New -County Act, the new county was to remain in the 
 same Judicial district with the old, hence the Judges of Luzerne organized and held 
 the courts. By Act of Assembly of Jlarch 13th, 1879, Lackawanna was made the 
 Forty-Fifth Judicial District, and JOHN Handley' assigned as President Judge and 
 Alfred Hand as Additional Law Judge thereof. 
 
County Officials. 
 
 ^I^BSENUi (9OUNTY OpPIGEI^S. 
 
 President Judge, . . Hon. JOHN HANDLEY. 
 
 Additional Law Jud&e, . Hon. ALFRED HAND. 
 
 Associate Judges, . . W. J. LEWIS, 
 
 P. M. MOFFITT. 
 
 Prothonotary, . . HENRY SOMMERS. 
 
 Chief Deputy— T. P. PENMAN. 
 
 Clbeks— THOMAS J. DUGGAN, ARTHUR C. LOGAN. 
 
 Sheriff, . . . A. B. STEVENS. 
 
 Deputies— T. E, REYNOLDS, J. H. POWELL, P. E. STEVENS. 
 
 Treasurer, . . . E. H. RIPPLE. 
 
 Deputy— GEORGE H. BIRDSALL. 
 
 Recorder, . . . THOMAS R. LATHROPE. 
 
 Deputy— E. D. JENKINS. 
 
 Clerk of Courts, . . W. G. DANIELS. 
 
 Register op Wills, . GEORGE FARBER. 
 
 Deputy— C. P. WAGNER. 
 
 District-Attorney, . . E. W. SIMRELL. 
 
 County Surveyor, . . RICHARD EVANS. 
 
 Coroner, . . . N. Y. LEET, M. D. 
 
 County Commissioners, . H. P. JACOBS, 
 
 W. W. WILLIAMS, 
 PATRICK COAR. 
 
 Cleek— D. W. POWELL. 
 
 CJouNTY Auditors, . . JOHN MORRIS, 
 
 D. M. VOYLE, 
 H. F. WARDELL. 
 
 Jury Commissioners, . P. J. PHILBIN, 
 
 H.L.HALSTEAD. 
 
8 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 I7ISJT!0I^Y OP LiAGP^AWANNA. 
 
 Fl^OM rPHE f^ON. llEWIS gUGHE'S Sl^BTGH OP "SGI^ANTON — 
 gASIl, gl^BSENT, AND FUI'LII^B." 
 
 fURSUANT to a proclamation by (iovernor Haet- 
 EANFT, an election was held August 13, 1878, in 
 the territory of the proposed new county, which resulted 
 in a vote of 9,615 for the new county, and 1,986 
 against it, the city of Scranton casting a majority of 
 over 6,000 for the new county. 
 
 The result was certified to the Governor August 15, 
 1878, b}^ David Summers, William Griffis, and Richard 
 H. Saunders, cominissioners appointed to inquire into 
 and make report concerning the division of Luzerne 
 and the erection of Lackawanna. 
 
 The Governor, on the 21st day of August, pro- 
 claimed Lackawanna the, sixty-seventh county in the 
 ( 'omraonwealth, and appointed the county officers, who 
 were sehx'ted from all the political parties in the 
 county. 
 
 The newly -appointed County ( Vmimissioners decided 
 upon the city of Sci'anton as the county seat, until tli(> 
 next general eUn'tion, to be held November 5, 1(S7<S, 
 
Historical. 9 
 
 when, according to the provisions of the New -County 
 Act, the electors of the county balloted for and selected 
 Scrauton as the county seat permanently. 
 
 Among the appointments for county officers was 
 that of Hon. Benjamin F. Bentley, of Williamsport, 
 to be President Judge of the county courts. And, by 
 virtue of his conamission, and the proclamation of the 
 Governor, Judge Bentley proceeded, on the 2d day 
 of September, to organize the several courts of Lack- 
 awanna, in what was known as the Tripp building, 
 situated on the southeast corner of Wyoming Avenue 
 and Linden Street, which was selected as the court- 
 house tenlporaril3^ ■ Here the county and court offi- 
 cers and the bar were duly sworn in, and the judicial 
 machinery supposed to be regularly started. On the 
 17th of September the Court made an order designat- 
 ing the Washington Hall, on the corner of Lackawanna 
 and Penn Avenues, as the place for holding the courts 
 until otherwise ordered. The Second National Bank 
 building was rented for county offices, and there began 
 such an influx of business as fully exemplified the 
 necessity of a new county. 
 
 Soon after the "Bentley Court" was instituted, A. A. 
 Chase, of Scranton, applied to the Supreme Court for 
 a mandamus to compel the Judges of Luzerne County 
 to meet and organize the courts of the new county, 
 basing his application on the ground that, by the 
 
lo Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 provisions of the New - County Act, Lackawanna was 
 not a separate judicial district, and, therefore, the only 
 court authorized by law was that to be established by 
 the Judges of Luzerne County, the Eleventh Judicial 
 District. The application was sustained, and notwith- 
 standing the large number of judgments, mortgages, 
 and deeds recorded, and suits begun, involving hun- 
 dreds of thousands of dollars, the Supreme Court, on 
 the 18th of October, 1878, issued a peremptory man- 
 damus to Garrick M. Harding, President Judge, and 
 John Handley and William H. Stanton, Additional 
 Law Judges of Luzerne County, to forthwith organize 
 the C'Ourts of Lackawanna County. And thereby the 
 "Bentley Court" and all proceedings thereunder were 
 annulled. 
 
 Pursuant to this mandamus, the Judges of Luzerne 
 County proceeded, on the 24th of October, 1878, to 
 organize the ( 'ourts of Lackawanna County, and the 
 county machinery was started in due form of law. 
 
 There has been a steady press of business in the 
 county offices, which can be measured by the following- 
 statement : Up to the 1st of April, 1882, the Prothon- 
 otary has filed 10,728 judgments and actions; the Re- 
 corder has recorded over 4,000 deeds and more than 
 1,000 mortgages; 2,289 executions have been issued; the 
 Sheriff has made over 600 real-estate sales ; there have 
 been more than 1,600 cases on the trial-lists, of which 
 
Historical. 1 1 
 
 more than 1,000 have been disposed of, and the trial- 
 list is now two years in arrears. 
 
 In the early part of 1879 the matter of erecting 
 county buildings began to be agitated. Nothing posi- 
 tive as to a location was determined until the 15th of 
 December, 1879, when the County of Lackawanna, by 
 the County Commissioners, accepted as a gift a deed 
 from the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company and 
 Edward F. Hodges, John B. Newman, and Isaac C. Price, 
 trustees of the Susquehanna and Wyoming Valley Rail- 
 road and Coal Company, for the block bounded by 
 Washington Avenue, Linden Street, Adams Avenue, 
 and Spruce Street. The conditions of the deed are as 
 follows : 
 
 First. The center of the block, containing two hun- 
 dred and forty feet in front on Washington Avenue, 
 the same on Adams Avenue, is to be used for the erec- 
 tion of a county building and a public park. 
 
 Second. That portion of the block on Linden Street 
 is held in trust, to be conveyed to the city of Scranton, 
 subject to be used for the erection of city buildings and 
 a public park, provided that the city will exchange 
 therefor, the land known as the "Tripp property" near 
 Providence, to be used by the county for the location 
 of a jail, if demanded by the county. 
 
 Third. That portion of the block on Spruce Street is 
 held in trust, to be conveyed to the United States of 
 
12 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 Araerica for the purpose of erecting government^build- 
 ings thereon. 
 
 Fourth. The two last-named portions revert to the 
 grantor, if not used for the purposes specified. 
 
 Notwithstanding the many doubts expressed as to 
 the possibility of secairing a substantial foundation on 
 this property, which had recently been an impassable 
 swamp, yet the Commissioners determined to take the 
 initiatory steps towards erecting ■ a court-house. And 
 on May 15, l<S<S(j, they issued a circular inviting com- 
 petition from architects in presenting plauvS for a court- 
 house, in size not to be less than 100 feet b}^ 140 feet, 
 and in cost not to exceed $100,000. 
 
 August 7, 1880, the plans of M. E. Beebe, of Buffalo, 
 N. Y., were accepted, and the Commissioners advertised 
 for proposals from builders and contractors for the con- 
 struction of the building. When the bids were opened, 
 the lowest was $204,000. Therefore the plans and bids 
 were rejected. 
 
 (Jctober 20, l'S80, another circular was issued to 
 architects for a building not to exceed $140, (JOO in cost. 
 January 6, 1S81, the plans of 1. G. Perky, of Bing- 
 hamton, N. Y., wei'e accepted, for a hrst-class fire-proof 
 buildiny-, and according to the conditions of tlie circu- 
 lar issued. 
 
 Proposals from builders were again received, and 
 on March 18, 1881, the contract was awarded to .John 
 
Historical. 1 3 
 
 Snaith, of Ithaca, N. Y., whose bid was $139,927 for 
 superstructure and foundation to a depth of twenty-four 
 feet below water-table, and $5.00 per perch for stone- 
 masonry and 60 cents per cubic yard for extra ex- 
 cavation ; the building to be made of native sand- 
 stone, the same as that in the Library Building, on 
 Wyoming Avenue, and to be trimmed with Onondaga 
 grey lime-stone. The contract calls for the completion 
 of the building on the 1st clay of April, 1883. 
 
 Ground was broken by the contractor on the 14th 
 day of April, 1881. 
 
 In excavating for the foundation, the greatest depth 
 of excavation is thirty-four feet eight inches below 
 the grade of Washington Aventie; the average depth of 
 foundation is twenty-nine feet six inches. The addi- 
 tional cost for excavation and foundation was $30,932.55 ; 
 original contract, $139,927.00; total, $170,859.55. 
 
 Mr. Snaith gave approved bonds in the sum of $75,000 
 for the faithful fulfillment of his contract. 
 
 In order that the work might be prosecuted as 
 speedily as possible, the Commissioners decided, April 
 23, 1881, to issue bonds for $150,000, pledging in pay- 
 ment therefor the taxable property of the county, which 
 amounts to more than $30,000,000, on full valuation. 
 These bonds bear five per cent, interest, and $100,000 of 
 them have already been delivered, many at a premium. 
 
14 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 ©HE (sOI^NBF^-SfPONE LiAYING. 
 
 ^HE (bounty Commissioners having designated Thurs- 
 day, May 25, 1<S82, for laying the corner-stone of 
 the new court-house, and as the feeling of the citizens 
 of the county was nearly unanimous that the ceremonies 
 should be appropriate to the occasion, upon invitation 
 of the Commissioners, on the evening of iMay 3d, E. P. 
 Kingsbury, A. B. Stevens, ( 'olonel U. G. Schoonmaker, 
 (blonel F. L. Hitchcock, Ma,jor E. H. Ripple, Thomas 
 H. Dale, and L. A. Watres met and organized for the 
 purpose of making necessary arrangements for the lay- 
 ing of tlie corner-stone. 
 
 The following-named gentlemen were appointed as 
 the Executive (Committee: E. P. Kinosbttry, Chairman ; 
 Thomas H. Dale, Secretary ; Colonel U. G. Schooxmaker, 
 Colonel H. M. Boies, Colonel F. L. Hitchcock, H. P. 
 Jacobs, \¥. M". Williams, Patrick Coar, A. B. Steaexs, 
 L. A. Watres. Marshal, Colonel F. L. Hitchcock : Aids, 
 
 Colonel r. <T. ScHOONMAKER, H. W. KlN<iSBITRY, J()}1\ 
 
 Paoe. 
 
 Cdlonel ScHooxM.VKER \vas desio-nated to receive all 
 
 invited guests, and to have full chai'gc of the seating 
 
 o 
 
 n the platform at the time of the exercises. 
 
The Corner-Stonc Laying. 15 
 
 Colonel H. M. Boies, A. B. Stevens, and Thomas FI. 
 Dale were appointed to determine what should be 
 placed in the eorner-stone. 
 
 The District Deputy Grand Master of F. ct A. M., 
 A. B. Htevens, accepted the inAutatioii to lay the corner- 
 stone with Masonic ceremonies. 
 
 The followino- is a c()])y of the invitation sent to 
 members of the Lackawanna Barf 
 
 H.P.JACOBS, ) 
 
 W. W. WILLIAMS, .-C'o:«»M.«.o./CT«. 
 
 D.W.POWELL, PATRICK COAR, I L A. WATRES, 
 
 Clerk. Solicitor. 
 
 Commissioners' Office. 
 
 LACKAWANNA COUNTY, 
 
 Scranton, Pa., May 18, 1882. 
 
 Esq. , 
 
 Dear Sir: 
 The Corner-stone of the New Court-House will be laid on Thursday, May 
 25, 1882, at 11 o'cloek A.M. 
 
 This event in the history of our county is one of peculiar interest to the 
 legal profession, and it is desired that the ceremonies of the occasion should 
 be graced by the presence of the LacJtawanna Bar. 
 
 It therefore gives us pleasure in extending to you a cordial invitation to 
 attend. 
 
 Very Respectfully, 
 
 H. P. JACOBS, 
 
 W. W. WILLIAMS, 
 PATRICK COAR, 
 
 County Commissioners. 
 
1 6 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 Invitations were extended to the judges and county 
 officers of Luzerne County, the judges and bar of Lack- 
 awanna County, the Mayor, City Councils, City Superin- 
 tendent of Schools, and Board of Control of the city 
 of Scranton, the County Superintendent, and directors 
 of the schools of the county, the military and civic 
 societies, and various organizations of the cit}^ and 
 county. The following is the form of invitation sent 
 to the friends of the new-county movement : 
 
 H.P.JACOBS, ] 
 
 W. W. WILLIAMS, > Comwissionen. 
 
 D.W.POWELL, PATRICK COAR, I L. A. WATRES, 
 
 Clfrl-. Holin.tor. 
 
 Commissioners' Office. 
 
 LACKAWANNA COUNTY. 
 
 Scranton, Pa., May 18, 1882. 
 Esq., 
 
 Dear Sir: 
 Referring to your well-known interest in the new County of Lackawanna, 
 it is with pleasure the County Commissioners extend to you a special invita- 
 tion to be present upon the occasion of laying the Corner-Stone of the New 
 Court-House, which event, with appropriate ceremonies, will tahe place Thurs- 
 day, May 25, 1882, at 11 o'clock. 
 
 Very Respectfully, 
 
 H. P. JACOBS, 
 W. W. WILLIAMS, 
 PATRICK COAR, 
 
 County Commissioners. 
 
The Corner-Stone Laying. 17 
 
 The following letters of regret were received by the 
 County Commissioners : 
 
 Wilkes-Babre, Pa., May 25, 1882. 
 Messrs. Jacobs, Williams, and Coar, Commissioners Lackawanna County : 
 Gentlemen : I regret very much that my engagements for 
 to-day prevent my acceptance of your kind invitation to be 
 present at the laying of the corner-stone of your new court- 
 house. 
 
 I am, yours very truly, 
 
 J. VAUGHN DARLING. 
 
 Washington, D. C, May 5, 1882. 
 Mr. W. W. Williams, Secretary Lackawanna County Commissioners: 
 
 My Deae Sir : Your favor of 3d inst., conveying invitation to 
 speak at the corner-stone laying, is just received. It will be im- 
 possible for me to accept, as my health is no more than sufficient 
 for my duties here. With assurances of appreciation of your 
 attention, 
 
 Vevj truly yours, 
 
 .J. A. SCRANTON. 
 
 Wilkbs-Barrb, Pa., May 22, 1882. 
 H. P. Jacobs, W. W. Williams, and Patrick Coar : 
 
 Gentlemen: Your kind letter inviting me to be present at 
 the laying of the corner-stone of your county court-house has 
 been received. I . am pleased with the invitation, and shall 
 endeavor to be present ; at all events, you have my best 
 
1 8 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 wishes, and from all that I can learn, you are entitled to, and 
 will receive, great credit for projecting such a commodious build- 
 ing. No doubt you will have a good time. 
 
 Yours, very truly, 
 
 D. L. RHONE. 
 
 W.4VERLY, Pa., May 24, 1882. 
 Hon. R. H. McKune : 
 
 Dear Sir: My father directs me to say that, on account of 
 illness during past few days, he will be unable to attend the 
 ceremony of lajdpg corner-stone of new court-house of Lack- 
 awanna County, and requests that you will present to committee 
 of arrangements his thanks for their kind invitation, and his 
 regrets that for reasons above named he cannot Vje present. 
 Tendering his best wishes for prospects of new county, 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 S. BEDFORD, 
 
 For A. BEDFORD. 
 
 Wilkek-Barke, Pa., May 18, 1882. 
 
 Messrs. H. P. Jacobs, W. W. Williams, Patrick C'dar, Connnissioiierx of 
 Lackmvanna Cotmty : 
 Gentlemen: Your esteemed favor of 17th instant, inviting me 
 to participate in the laying of the corner-stone of the new court- 
 house May 25th, is received. I regret my inability to attend, as I 
 will have to be in Massachusetts that week, and think I cannot 
 be at home in time to attend. I will be with you in spirit, how- 
 ever. Hoping that your labors will terminate in a final success, 
 I remain, with respect, yours, 
 
 D. D. O'NEILL. 
 
The Corner- Stone Laying. 19 
 
 The following general order for the formation of line 
 and route of march was issued by Chief Marshal Hitch- 
 ( 'OCK : 
 
 First. The Thirteenth Regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania, Colonel H. M. 
 Boies commanding, is assigned the right of the column, and will form on Lack- 
 awanna Avenue, right resting at Washington Avenue, facing east. 
 
 Second. The Veteran Soldiers' Association will follow the Thirteenth Regiment, 
 N. G. P., and will form on Wyoming Avenue, right resting at Lackawanna Avenue. 
 
 Third. Lieutenant Ezra S. Griffin Post, No. 139, Grand Army of the Republic, 
 will follow the Veterans, and will form on Wyoming Avenue, right resting near 
 Center Street. 
 
 Fourth. Lieutenant Ezra S. Griffin Camp, No. 8, Sons of Veterans, will follow 
 the Grand Army, and will form immediately in their rear. 
 
 Fifth. Cceur de Lion Commandery, Knights Templar, as the special escort of the 
 Masonic Lodges and R. W. Grand Lodge, F. & A. M., of Pennsylvania, will form on 
 Lackawanna Avenue, right resting at Wyoming Avenue. 
 
 Sixth. The several Lodges, F. & A. M., followed by the R. W. Grand Lodge of 
 Pennsylvania, will form on Lackawanna Avenue, immediately in rear of the Com- 
 mandery. 
 
 Route. — The procession will move promptly at 10.15 a. m., over the following 
 route: Up Lackawanna Avenue to Adams; Adams to Mulberry; Mulberry to Wy- 
 oming ; Wyoming to Spruce ; Spruce to the court-house. 
 
 Oil arriving at the court-house, the military. Veterans, Sons of Veterans, and 
 (irand Army will form line to the left, parallel with and covering the southern front 
 of the building, leaving room for the Masonic fraternity to pass. 
 
 Cojur de Lion Commandry, Knights Templar, will then escort the Masonic fra- 
 ternity to their places upon the platform, after which the military. Veterans, and 
 Grand Army will mass at the corner-stone. 
 
 The several organizations proposing to join the procession mu.st be in position, 
 ready to move, at 10:16 a. m., and will report their arrival promptly to the Chief 
 Marshal, in front of the Wyoming House. 
 
 The following appointments upon the staff of the Chief Marshal are announced : 
 Colonel U. G. Schoosmaker, Assistant Marshal ; H. W. Kingsbury, Aide-de-Camp ; 
 .John Page, Aide-de-Camp. They will be respected and obeyed accordingly. 
 
 All invited guests other than those joining the procession will report to Colonel U. 
 G. ScHOONMAKER, Assistant Marshal, at the Forest House parlors at 10 a. m., who is 
 charged with the care of the platform at the corner-stone and all seating arrangements. 
 
 F. L. HITCHCOCK, Chief Marshal. 
 
20 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 ©HE Day. 
 
 JHE morning of May 25th, the day selected for the 
 corner-stone laying, was one of great disappoint- 
 ment to all who had made preparations to take part in 
 the exercises of the day, and to the thousands who had 
 anticipated seeing the pageant and listening to the cere- 
 monies and oration. A heavy rain had commenced 
 during the night. The morning was cold, and the rain 
 gave to everything a dreary appearance. The morning 
 trains arriving in the city brought a large number of 
 persons who had hoped that the storm would cease 
 before the hour of parade. 
 
 The (Jatholic clergy of the city tendered to the Com- 
 missioners the use of the large tent which they use at 
 their school-commencement exercises. The tent was 
 erected upon the |)latform, and was a protection from 
 the storm to those who took part in the exercises. 
 Eleven o'clock, and still raining. The Committee of 
 Arrangements, upon consultation, decided that the pro- 
 
The Corner-Stone Laying. 21 
 
 ceedings should take place. Chief Marshal Hitchcock 
 ordered into line, in the following order — 
 
 The Veteran Soldiers' Association. 
 
 Ringold Band. 
 
 Lieutenant Ezra S. Griffin Post, G. A. R. 
 
 Sons of Veterans. 
 
 Bauer's Band. 
 
 The Masonic Lodges. 
 
 Knights Templar, as escort of the acting Officers of the Grand 
 
 Lodge of F. & A. M. of the State of Pennsylvania. 
 
 Owing to the weather, the Thirteenth Regiment, 
 with its band, was not in line. 
 
 After arriving at the court-house, the Veterans, Grand 
 Army, and Sons of Veterans opened ranks to the right 
 and left, at the side of the building facing Spruce Street. 
 Right Worshipful Grand Master Asa B. Stevens, preceded 
 by the Grand Sword-Bearer, and followed by the officers 
 of the Grand Lodge, the proper authorities, and the mem- 
 bers of the Grand Lodge, then advanced to the platform, 
 the Veterans and Post taking their places near the corner- 
 stone. As the procession entered, Bauer's Band rendered 
 a march, after which Right Worshipful Asa B. Stevens 
 directed the grand officers to take their appropriate 
 places and stations. Commisssioner Jacobs then pre- 
 sided. After the proper positions were taken, Grand 
 Marshal Buck proclaimed: 
 
 "Silence! Silence! Silence!" 
 
22 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master E. P. Kings- 
 bury addressed the Grand Master : 
 
 " Eight Worshipful Sir: The duly-eonstituted authorities for the erection of the 
 court-house of Lackawanna County, at Scranton, have requested you to perform the 
 ceremonies of laying the corner-stone. The necessary arrangements have been made 
 by tlie committee, and I have now the pleasure to present to you their chairman." 
 
 (^onimissioner Jacobs, chairman of the committee, 
 then addressed the Grand Master, as follows : 
 
 "Right Worshipful Sir: The committee charged with the duty of prepai-ing the 
 corner-stone have completed their labors, and it is now ready to be laid." 
 
 The Right Worthy Grand JMaster replied : 
 
 " Mr. Chairman : Thanlcing tlie authorities represented by you for the honor paid 
 to the Craft, in tlie invitation to the Right Worshipful Grand Loilge of Pennsylvania to 
 lay the corner-stone of Lackawanna County court-liouse, we shall now proceed to per- 
 form that duty according to our ancient usages and customs, and landmarks of Free 
 Masons." 
 
 Grand Chaplain R. W. Van Schoick then delivered 
 very impressively the following invocation : 
 
 O, Thou Supreme Architect of the Universe, in Thy name we assemble upon this 
 day, and we lift our hands and our hearts unto Thee, O ("reator anil Fatlier. Deign to 
 look upon us frinn the throne of Thy Majesty, even upon us, the unworthy suppliants 
 of Thy favor. Thou hast taught us to look unto thee in all the undertakings of life: 
 to count upon Thy lielp in every laudable enterprise. We invoke Thy presence, we 
 invoke Tliy blessing upon the work of our hands to-day. 
 
 We beseech Tliee, our God, let thy blessing continue upon our nation and Common- 
 wealth. Bless tlie President of the United States, the Governor of this great State, the 
 legislative and judicial officers of the land and nation, and all who are united with 
 them in authority. May they all be men of God, in whom Thou canst find delight, ami 
 by whom Thou wilt bi'ing upon the people great prosperity. 
 
 And now, great Architect of the Universe, remember Thy servants who have been 
 called to the performance of tlie important duries now devolving upon them. Lend 
 Thine aid and bestow Thy benediction as they shall prepare and lay the corner-stone of 
 the edifice liere to t)e erected, foi- "except the Lord build the house, thev lalio)- in vain 
 that build it." May the structure knit together liy this stone, in the heautv and gran- 
 deur of its material parts, typify the abiding presriiee of that righteousness which alone 
 exalteth a nation. 
 
 O, Thou Sovereign Architect of the Universe, have respect unto the prayer of Thv 
 
The Corner-Stone Laying. 23 
 
 servant, and to his supplication, and enkindle, we beseech Tliee, in our hearts a flame 
 of true devotion and reverence for Thee, brotherly kindness to each other, and charity to 
 all mankind. 
 
 And to Thee, the one only living and true God, we ascribe all power and majesty 
 and dominion, now and evermore, world without end. Amen. 
 
 At its conclusion the brethren responded : " Amen. 
 So mote it be. Amen." 
 
 Bauer's Band then rendered a most beautiful and stir- 
 ring selection. 
 
 The Right Worshipful Grand Master then directed 
 Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer Joseph Alexander 
 to place the documents, coins, and other articles in the 
 corner-stone. Having attended to that, the Right Wor- 
 shipful Grand Treasurer addressed the Right Worshipful 
 Grand Master : 
 
 " Ri&HT Worshipful Sir: The coins and other valuable presents set apart to be 
 placed in the corner-stone, are now duly deposited therein; and your directions have 
 been faithfully obeyed." 
 
 The Right Worshipful Grand Secretary then read a 
 list of articles so deposited, which is as follows: 
 
 American Almanac, names of officials, etc., 
 
 1882. 
 PennsyUania School Journal, May, 1882. 
 Autographs of Committee on Ceremony, etc. 
 Names of persons invited by County Commis- 
 
 One copy of Holy Bible. 
 
 One copy of Revised New Testament. 
 
 List of all churches in Scranton, and names of 
 
 pastors, 1882. 
 Silver coin of United States, A. D. 1881. 
 All newspapers published in county. sioners. 
 
 Copy of specifications, etc., of court-house. j Copy of Scranton City Directory for 1881. 
 
 Copy of address delivered by Hon. A. Hand. \ Scranton Hoard of Trade— history, etc. 
 .\lbum containing names in autograph of 
 
 judges of the court, county otlicers, and 
 
 members of the bar. architect and builder, 
 
 and proceedings of County CommissionerB 
 
 as to laying stone, etc. 
 Copy of programme of ceremonies on this occa 
 
 Copy of iVew York Graphic, May 22, 1879. 
 Sketch of Scranton, its past, present, and future. 
 History ot Delaware, Lacliawanna, and Vfest- 
 
 eru Itailroad Company. 
 Photograph of court-house. 
 Histoi'y of the erection of Lackawanna County, 
 
 gioii. I by E. ^[errifibld. 
 
 Masonic State Eeglster for 1882. | Engraving of first locomotive, " Stourbridge 
 
 Roster of the Thirteenth Regiment, N. Q. P. Lion." 
 
24 
 
 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 Copy of invitation by the Bar Aesociation to 
 banquet, etc. 
 
 Photographs and engravings of modern loco- 
 motives and breaker-engines, machinery,etc. , 
 manufactured by the Dickson Manufactur- 
 ing Company, Scranton. 
 
 History of the first locomotive placed upon a 
 railroad in the Western hemisphere, by Col. 
 J. A. Clarke. 
 
 Copy of General Order issued by Col. H. M. 
 Boies announcing result of rifle-firing in 
 Thirteenth Regiment, N. G. P., for the year 
 1881. 
 
 Copy of Laws and Ordinances of the City of 
 Scranton. 
 
 Engraving of locomotive. 
 
 List of city officers. 
 
 United States postage-stamps, one of each de- 
 nomination. 
 
 Brass-finished miner's lamp, by Leonard Bros. 
 
 United States coins contributed by Col. H. M. 
 Bo[Ks: Silver dollar of 1882. trade-dollar of 
 1878, half-dollar of 1877, quarter-dollar of 
 1877, twenly-cent piece of 187."i. ten-cent 
 piece of 1875, five-cent piece of 1859, three- 
 cent piece of 1858. 
 
 Order of Chief Marshal for procession on this 
 occasion. 
 
 Laws and resolutions of Directors of the Poor 
 of Providence. 
 
 Statement of resources and liabilities of Lack- 
 awanna County, January 2d, 1882; also for 
 the year 1881. 
 
 End of steel rail, polished, from Lackawanna 
 Iron and Coal Company. 
 
 An American fiag. 
 
 List of bidders for the erection of the county 
 court-house. 
 
 LIST OP ARTICLES FURNISHED BY THE DICKSON 
 MANUFACTURING COMPANT. 
 
 Three photograph.s of modern locomotive en- 
 gines. 
 
 Engravings of passenger-locomotive engines of 
 D., L. & W. R. R., the "Thomas Dickson" 
 and " Moses Taylor;" consolidated locomo- 
 tive, Boston and Hoosac Tunnel; switching- 
 locomotive, D., L. & \V. R. K. ; miue-loco- 
 raotive, D., L. & W. R. R. Co. and D. & H. 
 Canal Co.; foundry-engine, L. Paoe, Albany. 
 N. Y.; breaker-engine, D. & H. C. Co., Mar- 
 vin shaft; 60x100 blooming-engine, L. I. & 
 C. Co.. blast-furnacee; 48x15 locomotive 
 
 boiler, Coe F. Young, Honesdale, Pa. ; safety 
 coal-carriage, Culver's patent; vertical tu- 
 bular boiler, Scranton Gas and Water Co; 
 22x48 winding-engines, Briggs shaft, L. L & 
 
 C. Co.; return tubular boiler, D. &H. C. Co., 
 Weehawken; coal-cracker and breaker-rolls, 
 S. Bboadbent's patent; wrecking-derrick, 
 Boston and Hoosac Tunnel Railway; Cornish 
 pump, Marvin shaft, D. & H. Canal Com- 
 pany; plan of coal-breaker, D. & H. Canal 
 Co.; elevation and plan of coal-breaker, D., 
 L. & W., Avondale mines; vertical winding- 
 engines built for South America; locomotive 
 and passenger car-wheels, D., L. & W. and 
 
 D. & H- C. Co. ; mine-car axle and wheels, 
 Broadeent's patent; ventilating-fan, Hol- 
 lenback shaft, Cuarles Pakrisu & Co.; lOx 
 10 link hoisting-engine for sinking shafts 
 or coal-pits. 
 
 BOOKS. 
 
 Lackawanna County Court Rules and names of 
 attorneys, members of Lackawanna bar. 
 
 Scranton City Laws and Ordinances of 1880; 
 rules, members, and committees of Scran- 
 ton City Councils for 1882. 
 
 Autographs of Scranton ciry officers. 
 
 Book containing a copy of deed of lot donated 
 by the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company 
 and others, on which to erect a county court- 
 house, etc., and memorandum of the princi- 
 pal proceedings relating to the building of 
 the court-house by County Commissioners, 
 and a copy of the minutes of each meeting 
 of the committee of arrangements for laying 
 corner-stone. 
 
 Official directory, 1882, of State and county 
 officers. 
 
 Blank county tax-duplicate. 
 
 Blank county assessment-book. 
 
 Blank county register of voters. 
 
 Package from Scranton Board of Trade con- 
 taining hisiory of organization, copy of con- 
 stitution and by-laws, 1871-78 ; names of the 
 officers and members of said board to pres- 
 ent date; copy of resolutions adopted by the 
 board on the death of Joseph H. Scranton, 
 June 10th, 1872 ; copy of New Ym-k Graphic, 
 May 22d, 1879, containing a sketch of the 
 business of ScraiUoii, with views of principal 
 public and private buildings. 
 
 Card from W. H. Richmond, with engraving of 
 Jersey cow. 
 
The Corner-Stone Laying. 
 
 25 
 
 Warrantee map of Lackawanna County. 
 Lithographic view of Scranton and public build- 
 ings, taken in 1882. 
 County Treasurer's daily statement to the 
 
 County Commissioners, dated May 30, 1883. 
 County Treasurer's list of seated aud unseated 
 
 lands advertised for sale for unpaid tax for 
 
 1879 and 1880. 
 Copy of card invitations to members of bar by 
 
 County Commissioners to attend ceremonies, 
 
 etc. 
 Copy of cardinvitatione to citizens from County 
 
 Commissioners. 
 Pens, pencils, etc., etc. 
 
 NEWSPAPERS, PERIODICALS, ETC. 
 
 Scranton Daily Bepuhlican^ May 24th, 1882. 
 Scranton Weekly Republican, May 24th, 1882. 
 Scranttm Daily Times, May 18th, 1882. 
 Scranton Weekly Times, May 24th, 1882. 
 Lackawanna Dejnocrat, May 25th, 1883. 
 
 Sunday Morning Free Press, May 21st, 1882. 
 Sunday Morning News, April 30th, 1882. 
 Scranton City Journal, May 20th, 1882. 
 Providence Begister, May l.^th, 1882. 
 Carbondale Leader, May 19th, 1882. 
 Scranton Magle, May 14th, 1882. 
 Carbondale Advance, May 20th, 1882. 
 Hyde Park Courier, May 20th, 1882. 
 Scranton WochenWatt (German), May 18th, 1882. 
 Der Eerold (German), May 11th, 1883. 
 YDrych (Welsh), May 18th, 1882. 
 
 Y Owladgarwr (Welsh), May 12th, 1882. 
 
 Y Wasg (Welsh), May 20th, 1882. 
 
 The Rashbrook Enterprise, April 19th, 1882. 
 
 The Three Links and Pythian Shield, April, '82. 
 
 St. Luke's Parish Calendar, May, 1882. 
 
 Scranton Republican Almanac, 1882. 
 
 The Law Times, May 19th, 1883. 
 
 Army and Navy (New York), May 20th, 1882. 
 
 Y Wawr (Welsh Baptist Magazine), May, 1882. 
 
 The Dedication Hymn was sung by a band of chil- 
 dren, under the direction of Professor Derman: 
 
 Bringing what praise we can, 
 
 Of all we hope for here; 
 Man's largest help to man. 
 
 Youth's courage, trust, and cheer ; 
 Yet, swept in the choral swell, 
 
 Sprung from the grateful heart. 
 Song can but feebly tell. 
 
 What help, God, thou art. 
 
 Humbly before the scope 
 
 Of mind's supremest power, 
 We plant this seed in hope. 
 
 Trusting to pluck the flower: 
 Yet, swept in the choral swell. 
 
 Sprung from the grateful heart. 
 Song can but feebly tell. 
 
 What sower, God, thou art. 
 
 Labor we not in vain. 
 
 Dowering what's here enshrined, 
 
26 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 If the people's heart and brain, 
 
 Responsive, seek and find. 
 But yet in the choral swell. 
 
 Sprung from the grateful heart, 
 Song can but feeblj^ tell 
 
 What giver, God, thou art. 
 
 The Right Worshipful Grand Master addressed Right 
 Worshipful Deputy Grand Master E. P. Kingsbury, as 
 follows : 
 
 "Eight Worshipful Deputy Grand Master: It is my will and pleasure that 
 the corner-stone of the court-house of Lackawanna County be now laid. You will an- 
 nounce the same to the Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, that he may announce 
 it to the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, with directions to proclaim the 
 same to the brethren, that all present may govern themselves accordingly." 
 
 The Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master in turn 
 spoke to Right Worshipful Senor Grand Warden C. L. 
 Van Buskirk : 
 
 " Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden : It is the Right Worshipful 
 Grand Master's will and pleasure that the corner-stone of the court-house of Lack- 
 awanna County be now laid. You will announce the same to the Right Worshipful 
 Junior Grand Warden, with directions to proclaim the same to the brethren, that all 
 present may govern themselves accordingly." 
 
 The Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden then 
 addressed Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden W. J. 
 Lewis : 
 
 " Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden : It is the Right Worshipful Grand 
 Master's will and pleasure that the corner-.stone of the court-house of Lackawanna 
 County be now laid. You will proclaim the same to the brethren, that all present 
 may govern themselves accordingly." 
 
 The Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden then 
 proclaimed : 
 
 "Brethren: Take notice; it is the Right Worshipful Grand Master's will and 
 
The Corner-Stone Laying. 27 
 
 pleasure that the corner-stone of the court-house of Lackawanna County be now laid on 
 this site. You will therefore govern yourselves accordingly." 
 
 The Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master was now 
 addressed by the Right Worshipful Grand Master : 
 
 " Eight Worshipful Deputy Gkand Master : You will see that the craftsmen 
 have well and truly prepared the corner-stone to be laid by me." 
 
 Ihe Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master at this 
 point proceeded to the stone, taking with him the square, 
 tested it and tried it, returned to his station, and said : 
 
 " Right Worshippdl Grand Master : I find the corner-stone tried and true, 
 trusty and square, and that the craftsmen have worked well." 
 
 Then the Right Worshipful Grand Master said : 
 
 " Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Eight Worshipful Senior 
 Grand Warden, and Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden: You will 
 proceed to the corner-stone while the workmen and laborers are laying it in its proper 
 position ; you will try it with the plumb, level, and square, and report to us if it is well 
 and truly prepared." 
 
 The grand officers proceeded as directed, and the 
 corner-stone was lowered to its bed and placed in the 
 proper position, after which the Junior Grand Warden 
 tried it with the plumb, and said : 
 
 "Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master: I find the corner-stone plumb." 
 
 He then returned to his station. Then the Senior 
 Grand Warden tried it with the level, and said : 
 
 " Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master : I find the corner-stone level." 
 
 The Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master tried it 
 with the square, and after returning to his station, said : 
 
28 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 " Eight Wokshipfcl Grand Mastek : I find the corner-stoue to be plumb, 
 level, and square, and that the grand ofiicers have approved the work." 
 
 Bauer's Band then struck up an air. 
 
 Then the Senior and Junior Grand Deacons pi'O- 
 ceeded to the corner-stone, the Senior Grand Deacon 
 carrying the gavel and the Junior Grand Deacon car- 
 rying the trowel. The Right \^'orshipful Grand Master, 
 preceded by the Grand Marshal and the Grand Sword- 
 Bearer, then proceeded to the corner-stone, took the 
 trowel from the Junior Grand Deacon, and having 
 spread the cement, the covering-stone was fixed in its 
 place by the workmen. He then took the gavel from 
 the Senior Grand Deacon, and struck the stone three 
 times therewith and returned to his station. The other 
 grand officers followed to their places, and the Grand 
 Master said : 
 
 " We, Asa B. Stevens, acting for S. B. Dick, Grand Master of Masons in 
 Pennsylvania and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging, declare this corner-stone 
 to be plumb, level, and square, and! so duly laid according to the ancient usages, cus- 
 toms, and landmarks of Freemasonry, and may the great Architect of heaven and 
 earth bless the work here begun, and make it memorable to the latest generations." 
 
 Professor Deemax's choir of children then sang the 
 Invocation Hymn : 
 
 Through thy protecting care. 
 
 Kept till the dawning, 
 Taught to draw near in prayer. 
 
 Had we the warning. 
 thou, great God, with thee 
 Gladly our souls would be 
 Evermore praising thee. 
 
 God of the morning. 
 
The Corner-Stone Laying. 29 
 
 God of oup sleeping hours, 
 
 Watch o'er us waking ; 
 All our imperfect powers 
 
 In thine hands taking. 
 In us thj' work fulfill, 
 Be with thy children still. 
 Those who obey thy will 
 
 Never forsaking. 
 
 The Grand Stewards at this point proceeded to the 
 corner-stone, one bearing the vessel containing the corn, 
 the others bearing the vessels containing the wine and 
 the oil. They were followed by the Right Worshipful 
 Deputy Grand Master, with the Right Worshipful 
 Grand Wardens, and Grand Steward C. W. Roesler 
 handed the cornucopia to the Right Worshipful 
 Deputy Grand Master. He dropped the corn on the 
 stone, and said : 
 
 " May plenty be showered down upon the people of this ancient Commonwealth, and 
 may the labors of the Craft be refreshed by the Great Giver of every good and perfect 
 gift." 
 
 Grand Steward William Williamson, of Olyphant, 
 then presented the wine to the Right Worshipful 
 Senior Grand Warden, who poured it on the stone, 
 and said : 
 
 " May the health of the craftsmen employed in erecting the court-house of Lack- 
 awanna County be preserved to them, and may the Supreme Architect bless and prosper 
 their labors." 
 
 Grand Steward A. J. Davis, of Jermyn, then presented 
 the oil to the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, 
 who poured it on the stone, saying : 
 
30 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 " May the Supreme Ruler of the world vouchsafe unity, peace, and prosperity to 
 the people of Pennsylvania and to the nations of the earth ; preserve and protect the 
 Fraternity of Freemasons ; mal;e the virtues of the Craft a lesson to the world, the 
 labors of the Craftsmen easy, and their burdens light." 
 
 Music then followed by the band. Commissioner 
 Jacobs then presented the architect to the Right 
 Worshipful Grand Master, saying : 
 
 " Eight Worshipful SiK : Let me present to you I. G. Perry, architect of the 
 court-house of Lackawanna County. He has his craftsmen ready for the work, and 
 desires you to give him the designs from the trestle-board and the tools of the work- 
 men." 
 
 The architect was then handed the tools and in- 
 structed with the. work, and the song and chorus of 
 "The Herdsman's Home" was sung by the children: 
 
 On the mountain steep and hoary, 
 
 Sounds the herdsman's evening song, 
 : Where the clouds in golden glory 
 Float the ambient tide along. : 
 Chorus — -La, la, la, etc. 
 
 Where the Alpine rose is blowing, 
 There the herdsman builds his home ; 
 : From his couch at morning going, 
 With the lark he loves to roam. : 
 Chorus— La, la, la, etc. 
 
 Where the mountain dark and dreary 
 
 Frowns upon the world below ; 
 : Resting there the herdsman weary. 
 None such sweet repose can know. : 
 Chorus — La, la, la, etc. 
 
 The Grand Marshal then proclaimed : 
 
 " Silence ! Silence ! Silence ! Brethren : Take notice that Brother Asa B. Stevkns, 
 Right Worshipful Grand Master of Ma.«nns in Pennsylvania, and Masonic .jurisdiction 
 
The Corner-Stone Laying. 31 
 
 thereunto belonging, has this day, at this place, laid the corner-stone of the court-house 
 of Lackawanna County. Wisdom! Strength! Fraternity!" 
 
 The audience then joined with the chorus in sing- 
 ing: 
 
 With one consent let all the earth 
 To God their cheerful voices raise; 
 
 Glad homage pay with awful mirth, 
 And sing before Him songs of praise. 
 
 enter then His temple gate, 
 
 Thence to 'His courts devoutly press, 
 
 And still your grateful hymns repeat. 
 And still His name with praises bless. 
 
 At this point the Hon. Alfred Hand was intro- 
 duced, and proceeded to deliver the following oration : 
 
 My Fellow-Citizens: It would have been appropriate to 
 prepare for this important occasion a history and some of the 
 characteristics of our laws, but in the ten minutes allotted me by 
 your Committee of Arrangements, I can only give briefly a 
 Tribute to the Jurisprudence of Pennsylvania. 
 
 The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has to-day a system 
 of laws as wise, as just, and as finished as the world has ever seen. 
 Her civil jurisprudence is linked to the wisdom and experience 
 of the ages. It has gathered into its folds principles from Sinai, 
 Rome, Runnymede, and Bunker Hill. Righteousness, philos- 
 ophy, personal rights, and independence are stones in its founda- 
 tion-walls. Political equality rests upon all her citizens. Her 
 criminal code is as perfect as human ingenuity and research have 
 been able to formulate. Her principles of equity are applied to 
 the smallest as well as the largest transactions of life in which 
 human interests are at stake. Her administration of justice is 
 
32 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 comparatively inexpensive, free from intricacy, and, with excep- 
 tional and unavoidable cases, speedy. " Right and justice are 
 administered without sale, denial, or delay." 
 
 We meet here to-day to dedicate this building to Law and 
 Justice, solely and exclusively. In honoring these, this great 
 concourse of all classes and divers organizations does honor to 
 itself. Religion is interested in this structui'e, but we do not 
 rear it to religion. Science is interested, but we raise it not to 
 science ; art, but we build it not to art ; social and civic life, but 
 we erect it not to these. Business is interested, but we place no 
 tribute to business on its walls. The fireside is interested in 
 these corridors, from the infant drawing life from its mother's 
 breast, to the old man tottering on his staff, but they are not 
 dedicated to the family. But to that which regulates human 
 conduct in all departments — ^Law — and that which judges 
 thereof — Justice — we build a temple, grand in proportions and 
 beautiful in design. 
 
 Next to that science which treats of the relations of God 
 to man, is that which comprehends and considers the relations 
 of man to man. Yonder church-spires point man to Almighty 
 God for eternal life ; the spire which shall surmount this ^tone 
 points man to God for the regulation of this mortal life. Next 
 to the church is the tem])le of Justice — next in dignity, next in 
 usefulness, next in honor. Does the Almighty appear at the 
 altar or sanctuary, so does he appear at the place of judgment; for 
 it is written, " Ye judge not for man, but for Jehovah, who is 
 with you in the judgment." To law and justice we elevate these 
 monumental walls and towers. Law is inseparable from motion 
 or existence. It is written on the universe. There is no speech 
 nor language where its voice is not heard. On the stars of 
 heaven, on the comets whirling through space, on the rocks of 
 
The Corner-Stone Laying. 33 
 
 the mountains, on the dew-drop flashing in the sunbeam, on the 
 sunbeam coloring the dew-drop, we read the testimony to law. 
 All living creatures are under law. Man aloue, in his relation to 
 man, seems without law, until he begins to govern himself. The 
 Creator appears to have decreed that man shall make and enforce 
 his own law for his own conduct, responsible to the Almighty for 
 the mandate and the obedience. In this effort to enact "the rule 
 commanding what is right and prohibiting what is wrong," our 
 own Commonwealth stands high among the States of the world. 
 Our law preserves the good of the past ; retains the old, not be- 
 cause it is old, but because it is good. We glory in our common 
 law. Christianity is a part of it. We do equity under the forms 
 of law. We sacrifice not justice to form, protect the officer and 
 citizen, place high responsibility on executive, judge, and legisla- 
 tor, hold them responsible for their trust, and in the administra- 
 tion of that trust make them secure. While we give large liberty 
 to the people and make much of personal rights, we at the same 
 time protect them from their own folly in times of excitement. 
 It has always been the aim of our law-makers and judges to bring 
 law and justice together in theoretical and practical harmony. 
 Our civil law attests success in this direction. Our criminal law 
 is profound and philosophical. It meets, as might be expected, 
 greater obstacles in the investigation and punishment of crimes. 
 To protect the innocent we, at times, screen the guilty. It needs 
 always a just, discriminating, and upright people. Would that I 
 had the power to impress upon the mind of every citizen of this 
 county a proper view of the noble attribute of Justice. Justice 
 springs from the bosom of the Almighty, is strong for good, 
 terrible to evil, full of blessing, security, and health to the State 
 and society. Justice sweeps away all subterfuges, disregards all 
 false apologies, knows no passion or prejudice, entrenches herself 
 
34 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 in exact truth, honesty, and intelligence. Justice has no maudlin 
 sympathy for evil-doers, falsely called mercy ; no disgusting senti- 
 ment of licentiousness, falsely called liberty. Justice stands erect 
 in fair proportions, honorably clad with no blush of shame for her 
 acts. She comes forth to-day and saj^s, in clear and truthful tones, 
 that sympathy for crime is cruelty to the State. The ancients 
 represented justice as blind, holding the scales even. She is blind 
 to parties, blind to passion and everything except truth. She 
 begs us never to pluck the bandage from her eyes nor disturb the 
 even balance of her scales. 
 
 As we stand here to-day, holding in our minds the picture 
 of this edifice as it will be, imagination brings to view the rela- 
 tion it will sustain to the people of this county. Before this 
 single tribunal, which, under our economy, embraces all legal 
 questions ; what scenes of human welfare and human woe will be 
 enacted ; what fortunes saved and fortunes destroyed ; what hopes 
 elevated and blasted ! Homes will be cheered and made desolate, 
 truth maintained, and falsehood exposed, reputations vindicated 
 and lost ; peace will come to some and unrest to others ; the sacred 
 relation of marriage will be protected and also sundered. Here 
 will be brought, as from a rough and troubled sea, the conflicts, 
 passions, and selfishness of the political arena ; here the quiet, stern 
 mandate of the law shall say, " Peace, be still," when the people, 
 mindful of the respect due to their own tribunals, with serene 
 dignity, will submit and return to the calm of ordinary life. 
 Here will come up for adjudication the rights of persons and 
 the rights of things ; all those interests that relate to personal 
 security, personal liberty, and private property ; to magistrates, 
 the legislature, to the people at large in their organized capacity; 
 matters civil and military; all the relations of master and 
 servant, husband and wife, parent and child, guardian and 
 
The Corner-Stone Laying. 35 
 
 ward, the rights and duties of artificial persons, bodies politic 
 and corporate. Here will be resolved the intricacies of real- 
 estate, their tenures, the law of their descent and alienation. 
 Here will be redressed private wrongs calling into action all 
 the machinery of courts of justice in their different divisions 
 of common pleas, orphans' court, and equity, with all the mul- 
 tiplicity of suits and pleadings which once made men immortal, 
 but which are now so simplified that it is quite as hard to 
 blunder successfully as to plead scientifically. Here will be 
 investigated and punished public wrongs which test the frame- 
 work of society; offenses against God and religion, officers and 
 government, public justice, peace, trade, health, and economy, 
 with the long catalogue of crimes from homicide to misde- 
 meanors. Here will be pronounced that sentence which is 
 heaven's estimate of human life, and tells a man that he is not 
 fit to live, because he has despised God-given life in another — 
 that sentence which no just law will ever repeal or reverse, 
 " Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed." 
 What power for good in its silent influence has such a build- 
 ing as this ? Well may it call together such an expression from 
 the people as we witness here to-day. Not alone in the active 
 judgments rendered within these walls do we find the people's 
 estimate of right and abhorrence of evil, but in that greater, 
 more sublime, more eloquent tribute to justice which comes from 
 the voluntary obedience of the people. Law is best honored in 
 silent, unresisting obedience to her behests. As this corner-stone 
 holds secure for centuries yet to come, the evidence of to-day's 
 progress, so our jurisprudence, unique in its combinations, holds 
 the wisdom and principles of to-day, gathered in all the past, to 
 be handed down unimpaired and venerable to the generations yet 
 unborn. This corner-stone, placed at the seat of justice for this 
 
36 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 newest county of the Commonwealth, allies us to the wisdom of 
 the past, and gives hope in the onward progress of civiliza- 
 tion. This is akin to those historical events, which in their 
 significance have themselves been termed corner-stones of 
 liberty and truth. Here and there in the great conflict be- 
 tween right and wrong, truth and error, we find sacred spots 
 wet with human blood and tears, where some great principle 
 was maintained and right secured. We here, in harmony and 
 gladness, make sacred this spot on which this stone rests, assur- 
 ing ourselves and the world that within the lines which com- 
 prise this county, justice shall be upheld and private and pub- 
 lic rights protected. This building, completed as designed, from 
 foundation-stone to turret-pinnacle, is a fit emblem of our juris- 
 prudence. In the long years that are passed in the history of our 
 own and our mother-county, we have dug deep through the muck 
 and mire and tangled roots of human pride, prejudice, and 
 ignorance to lay a foundation for our judicial system upon the 
 primal rocks and stable support of truth and justice; we have 
 builded course after course until our progress has lifted us into 
 the sunlight of a pure atmosphere. On this we have raised a fair 
 structure of equal rights and balanced powers that has called 
 forth admiration and honor, and at the same time points to a 
 higher and nobler state of perfection. We have our institutions 
 preserved to us in wonderful purity and power. On no part of 
 this globe are human rights more accurately adjusted with less 
 friction or cause of complaint than on Pennsylvania soil. On no 
 soil are wicked combinations against the peace of society more 
 surely broken up, nor the judgments of courts and juries more 
 universally just and unimpeachable. Our laws and their 
 administration are as nearly perfect as human nature has yet 
 been able to attain unto. Our machinery is well constructed, 
 
The Corner-Stone Laying. 37 
 
 ready for perfect action and proper results, and as intelligence, 
 temperance, and integrity pervade the people, so will the dis- 
 honoring criticisms which are occasionally made, wholly vanish 
 and disappear. On the true instincts of the people, enlightened 
 by experience and strengthened by knowledge and integrity, all 
 security and peace of society rest. We hold the titles to our 
 homes, protection to life, property, and reputation at the disposal 
 of the twelve historic jurymen drawn from the people. When 
 they are wise, educated, and upright, we are safe; when prejudice, 
 passion, ignorance, or recklessness characterize the trial by jury, 
 it loses its honored place in our jurisprudence, and individual 
 rights and safety are gone. May the honored progress of our 
 citizens in all that is noble and lofty, and their respect for the 
 institutions of law and justice that have been handed down to us 
 from our forefathers, preserve this county among those noted for 
 order, thrift, and happiness. 
 
 At the close of Judge Hand's address, Grand Chap- 
 lain R. W. Van Schoick pronounced the benediction, 
 thus concluding the ceremonies of the fraternity, and, 
 after music by Bauer's Band, the spectators dispersed. 
 The ceremonies were very impressive throughout, and 
 attracted earnest attention. 
 
 The following is the history prepared by E. Meeri- 
 FiELD, Esq., at the request of the County Commis- 
 sioners, and deposited in the corner-stone : 
 
 The County of Lackawanna is the outgrowth of an agitation 
 that continued for nearly forty years. It is the fourth county that 
 has been taken from territory originally embraced in Luzerne. In 
 1839, Joseph Griffin, of Providence Township, was elected to the 
 
38 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 House of Representatives, being the first to occupj^ that position 
 from the Lackawanna District. At that time the question of 
 dividing Luzerne and creating a count}' out of the north- 
 eastern portion began to assume a serious aspect, and became a 
 disturbing element in local politics. The opponents of the 
 measure dealt a serious blow, when, in 1842, they consented to 
 the creation of the new county of Wyoming. But this did not 
 serve to quell the agitation, as in 1843 it was made an issue, and 
 William Mereifield, of Hyde Park, was elected to the Legisla- 
 ture, and continued for three successive terms. At the session of 
 1844, he succeeded in passing through the House of Representa- 
 tives the first bill for the creation of Lackawanna County. 
 William S. Ross, of Wilkes-Barre, then Senator from the dis- 
 trict, made a fierce and desperate opposition, which resulted in 
 its defeat by a tie vote. In 1852 A. B. Dunning was sent to the 
 Legislature upon the same issue, and continued the two following 
 years. Several times, by a very flattering vote, he passed the 
 bill through the House, but Charles R. Buckalew, then 
 Senator from the district, occupied a very prominent and 
 influential position, and defeated it by a bare majority. In 
 1857, through the influence of Buckalew, and directly as the 
 result of the agitation of the Lackawanna County project, 
 came the amendment to the Constitution prohibiting the erection 
 of new counties without being first submitted to the voters of the 
 entire county. This was intended as a fatal blow to the project — 
 in fact, proved such for the time being — yet it did not stop the 
 clamor of the new-county advocates. In 1863, Jacob Robinson 
 and Peter Walsh, then members of the House of Representa- 
 tives, passed a bill submitting to the voters of Luzerne the 
 question of the erection of a new county, to be called Lack- 
 awanna. The election was duly held, and resulted in its defeat 
 
The Corner-Stone Laying. 39 
 
 by about 3,000 majority. This proved a quietus to new-county 
 talk for more than five years. In 1870, however, our people were 
 again actively interesting themselves in behalf of the project, and 
 a bill was before the Legislature for most of the sessions down to 
 the final passage of the enabling act of 1878. The beginning of 
 dawn in the great fight was in 1873, when, in the Constitutional 
 Convention, Lewis Pughe and A. B. Dunning, members thereof, 
 labored so zealously in its interest. Especially is it due to the 
 able and convincing speech of Mr. Pughe that the objectionable 
 feature which required a submission to the vote of the whole 
 county was defeated. 
 
 Under the provisions of the new Constitution, all special legis- 
 lation being prohibited, it became necessary to pass a bill that 
 would not onlj^ be operative for one, but for all sections of the 
 State, and during the sessions of 1875, '76, and '77 our people were 
 co-operating with other interests to secure the enactment of such 
 a law ; especially during 1876, F. W. Gunster then being a mem- 
 ber of the House from Scranton, and occupying a prominent and 
 influential position, there was a spirited and determined effort 
 made. The fact, however, that it antagonized so many of the dif- 
 ferent counties, provoked a fight that was not only formid- 
 able, but irresistible. Our thoughts and energies were then 
 directed to the question as to whether or not a bill could be 
 framed that would meet the exigencies of the case, and escape 
 such general opposition. At a meeting of the Scranton Bar dur- 
 ing the winter of 1878 the matter was duly considered and the 
 writer deputed to draft an act in accordance therewith. This was 
 forwarded and read in place by James 0. Kiersted, member of 
 the House of Representatives from Scranton. On the 17th of 
 April, 1878, it became a law, and under which the new County of 
 Lackawanna was ushered into being. 
 
40 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 The fight for the passage of the bill was interesting and excit- 
 ing. With Mr. KiERSTED was D. M. Jones, his colleague, who 
 were ably assisted by A. I. Ackerly and John B. Smith, repre- 
 senting other sections of Luzerne, and George B. Seamans, 
 Senator from the district. Among those who devoted a large 
 portion of their time at Harrisburg in behalf of the project were 
 E. N. WiLLARD, R. H. McKuNE, F. W. Gunster, F. L. Hitchcock, 
 J. E. Barrett, and E. Merrifield, aided from time to time by 
 B. H. Throop, George Sanderson, A. H. Winton, Lewis Pughe, 
 H. S. Pierce, J. A. Scranton, U. G. Schoonmaker, Corydon H. 
 Wells, and John H. Powell. The Scranton Republican, 
 very able in the advocacy, was for weeks placed upon the 
 desks of the members, and had much to do in creating a 
 favorable sentiment. After the contest had progressed for 
 quite a length of time, with varying prospects, but without 
 substantia] progress, a meeting was held in the city of Scranton, 
 which was the pivotal point, and the result of which finallj^ led to 
 triumph. The soldiers upon the battle-ground had been contin- 
 ually hampered from want of necessary means. Aside from the 
 liberal action taken by the Scranton Board of Trade, the subscrip- 
 tions had been comparatively small, and now had come a time 
 when princely contributions were a necessity. It must either be 
 a plethoric treasury or a graceful retirement from the field. The 
 major part of the opulent citizens of Scranton were singularly 
 apathetic and indifferent to the necessities of the case. At this 
 juncture Edward N. Willard, Aretus H. Winton, and myself 
 were so fortunate as to call in council Benjamin H. Throop, 
 George Sanderson, William W. Winton, and Horatio S. 
 Pierce, who succeeded in talking each other into such a com- 
 mendable spirit of liberalitjr as led to an adequate supply of the 
 sinews of war, and without which there would not have been a 
 new county. 
 
The Corner- Stone Laying. 41 
 
 On the 17th of April, 1878, in accordance with the require- 
 ments of the act, there was filed in the office of the Secretary of 
 Internal Affairs at Harrisburg a petition, it being the initiatory 
 step under the terms of the law for the erection of the Count}^ of 
 Lackawanna ; whereupon William Griffis, of Bradford County ; 
 David Summers, of Susquehanna, and R. H. Saunders, of Phila- 
 delphia, were appointed commissioners, who, after the requisite 
 investigation, on the 25th of June, 1878, made report recommend- 
 ing the erection of said county. On the 8th of July following. 
 Governor John F. Hartranft issued a proclamation ordering that 
 an election be held in the proposed district August 13, 1878. 
 There were cast 9,615 votes in favor and 1,986 against the new 
 county, being a ma,jority of 7,629 votes in favor thereof A proc- 
 lamation by the Governor, dated August 21, 1878, declared the 
 said county established. 
 
 The result, so one-sided in its final showing, was brought 
 about after a most thorough and exciting canvass. The friends 
 of the measure vied with each other in working heartily and 
 faithfully for success, hence it would be impossible, in a brief his- 
 torical sketch, to give all the names. Besides the gentlemen here- 
 tofore named as friends of the cause, William N. Monies, I. H. 
 Burns, Mayor T. V. Powderly, Cornelius Smith, R. W. Arch- 
 bald, J. R. Thomas, John F. Connolly, J. B. Collings, F. John- 
 son, and George Allen were particularly active and influential 
 in contributing to the result. In the evening the victor}^ was 
 celebrated in a brilliant and never-to-be-forgotten manner. Lack- 
 awanna Avenue was illuminated from one end to the other. 
 Bells were ringing, bonfires roared, the cannon thundered, and 
 thousands of people going from house to house singing and shout- 
 ing their glad notes of triumph, formed a pageant that would 
 have done honor to any cause that ever claimed the prowess of 
 knight or hero. 
 
42 
 
 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 By virtue of the power conferred under the law, the Governor 
 commissioned the following-named gentlemen as officers of the 
 county : F. L. Hitchcock, Prothonotary ; A. B. Stevens, Sheriff 
 J. R. Thomas, Clerk of the Courts ; A. Miner Renshaw, Recorder 
 J. L. Lee, Register of Wills ; F. W. Gunster, District-Attorney 
 E. J. Lynott, Auditor ; James Lynch, Eugene Snyder, Jury 
 Commissioners ; William N. Monies, Treasurer ; Horace F. 
 Barrett, Henry L. Gakie, Dennis Tierney, C'ounty Commis- 
 sioners. 
 
 At the same time Benjamin F. Bentley was commissioned as 
 President Judge, but bj^ a writ of mandamus issued bj^ the 
 Supreme Court at the instance of A. A. Chase, the said appoint- 
 ment was declared illegal, and on the 24th day of October, 1878, 
 the several courts of the county were organized by Hon. Garrick 
 M. Hardino, President Judge, Hon. John Handley and Hon. W. 
 H. Stanton, Additional Law Judges. At the Fall election of 1878 
 W. J. Lewis and P. M. Moffitt were elected Associate Judges of 
 the county. There was elected at the same time a full set of county 
 officers, but by a decision of the Supreme Court, it was held that 
 the same was premature, hence the first election of county officials 
 by the people took place on the 4th day of November, 1879. 
 
 
The Banquet. 43 
 
 ©HE . Banquet. 
 
 fURSUANT to a call, a meeting of the members of the 
 Bar of Lackawanna County and the citizens who were 
 active in the new-county movement, was held on the 
 evening of May 16th. E. Merrifield, Esq., was chosen 
 President, and A. H. Winton, Secretary. After a free 
 exchange of opinions in regard to the advisability of 
 having further proceedings than those designated by 
 the Commissioners, on motion of Hon. F. W. Gunster, 
 seconded by Dr. B. H. Throop, it was resolved 
 that on the evening of May 25th a banquet should 
 be held. It was further resolved that a com- 
 mittee of ten be appointed, with the President as ar- 
 o;ffi.dio chainnan, to make the necessary arrangements for 
 said banquet. The following persons were chosen as 
 such committee : Dr. B. H. Throop, E. N. Willard, 
 Esq., Hon. R. H. McKune, Hon. F. W. Guwster, Hon. F. 
 D. Collins, John F. Connolly, Esq., I. H. Burns, Esq., 
 Hon. Lewis Pitghe, and Hon. D. M. Jones. 
 
44 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 At a subsequent meeting the following persons Avere 
 chosen to act on the several committees : 
 
 SOMMImmEE OP fll^I^ANGEMBKIlS. 
 
 R. H. MoKITNE, J. H. CAMPBELL, R, W. AROHBAID, W. T. SMITH, GEORGE FISHER. 
 
 Committee on Oi^GAKiafliiioN. 
 
 Dk. b. h. throop, b. n. willard, h. a. knapp. 
 
 Committee on Soasts, 
 
 p. W. GUNSTER, Dr. B. H. THR'OOP, a. H. WINTON, F. D. COLLINS, 
 
 U. G. SCHOONMAKER. 
 
 (30MMI111IBE ON INVITATIONS. 
 
 LEWIS PUGHE, H. M. EDWARDS, J. F. CONNOLLY, T. V. POWDERLY. C. SMITH. 
 
 ©OMMITIHEE ON I^EGEPTION. 
 
 H. S. PIERCE, W. W. WINTON, D. W. CONNOLLY, E. B. STURGBS, .1. B. CODLINGS. 
 
 ^OMMITrpEE ON ©IGl^STS. 
 
 E. C. PtJLLEE, THOMAS BARROWMAN, G. S. HORN, J. ALTON DAVIS, VICTOR KOCH. 
 THOMAS F. WELLS, JOHN F. SCRAGG. 
 
 The following invitation was issued to persons re- 
 siding out of the city : 
 
 Yoii are respectfully invited to a 
 Grand Banquet, 
 
 given under the auspices of the 
 
 Scranton Bar Association, and Citizens, 
 
 in honor of the erection of the County of LacTcawanna, and the 
 
 Lai/ing of the Corner-Stone of the Xew 
 
 Cojtrt-House, 
 
 til he lield on tJie evening of May 26th, 
 at the Wyoming House. 
 
 t^cranton, Pa., .Uai/ IS. 18H2. 
 
The Banquet. 45 
 
 The. following is the programme of toasts > 
 
 ^I^BSIDBUrj OP UHE GVBNING, . . . Dl^. B. F^. ©Hf^OOP. 
 ©OASrj-mASUEl^ ^.Y}. ttJlNTOM. 
 
 1, LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Labor omnia vincit 
 
 Edward Meekifield, Esq. 
 
 2, OUR INVITED FRIENDS AND GUESTS. - - - We we'come them 
 
 Hon. G. M. Harding. 
 
 3, OUR COUNTRY, - - One and indivisible 
 
 Hon. J. A. SCEANTON. 
 
 4, OUR COMMONWEALTH, ----- The Keystone of the arch 
 
 His Excellency Henry M. Hoyt. 
 
 5, THE PULPIT. - . - The light of the world 
 
 Rev. Dr. J. E. Smith. 
 
 6, OUR MILITARY, - The pride of our State— May we never need their prowess 
 
 Col. H. M. Boies. 
 
 7, THE JUDICIARY, ------- The purer the better 
 
 Hon. F. D. Collins. 
 
 8, THE SENIOR BAR, Old men for counsel 
 
 Hon. George Sanderson. 
 
 9, THE JUNIOR BAR, - - Lis sub judice 
 
 John F. Connolly, Esq. 
 
 10, OUR CONSTITUTION, - - - - The stepping-stone to our new county 
 
 Hon. a. B. Dunning. 
 
 11, OUR MANUFACTURING INTERESTS, - ■ - By industry we thrive 
 
 W. W. SCRANTON. 
 
 12, THE PRESS, - - The lever that moves the world 
 
 Hon. J. E. Barrett. 
 
 13, OUR CITY, The third in the Commonwealth 
 
 E. P. Kingsbury. 
 
 14, OUR COMMERCIAL INTERESTS, - - - - Made prosperous by energy 
 
 Thomas H. Dale. 
 
 15, OUR FIRE-DEPARTMENT, ------ Nunquam non paratus 
 
 Hon. Robert H. MoKune. 
 
 16, OLD COUNTIES, FAREWELL, The transplanted oak 
 
 .ToiiN Beaumont Collings. 
 
 17, OUR ABSENT FRIENDS, - - - - Though absent, to memory dear 
 
 Col. J. A. Price. 
 
 18, THE LADIES. ■ - ■ „ , „ Omnia vincit amor 
 
 F. S. FiTZSIMMONS. 
 
46 
 
 jMckawanna County Memorial. 
 
 The fellowing gentlemen were present, and partook 
 of the festivities of the occasion : 
 
 W. W. Wintoii, 
 
 Hon. C. E. Rice, 
 
 Hon. William H. Jessup, 
 
 Hon. P. M. Moffitt, 
 
 Hon. A. I. Ackerley, 
 
 Isaac Price, 
 
 J. J. Williams, 
 
 I. G. Perry, 
 
 John Snaith, 
 
 John Jermyn, 
 
 Thomati R. Lathrope, 
 
 Thoma^s Johnson, 
 
 Hon. F. W. Gunster, 
 
 Hon. D. M. .lones, 
 
 Hon. A. B. Dunning, 
 
 Hon. L. Amerman, 
 
 (.'ol. Ira Tripp, 
 
 Col. Geo. Sanderson, Jr., 
 
 Col. U. G. Schoonmaker, 
 
 W. W. Scranton, 
 
 K. C. Fuller, 
 
 Thomas Barrnwman, 
 
 H. S. Pierce, 
 
 George Fisher, 
 
 W. T. Smith, 
 
 Henry Belin, Jr., 
 
 George Jessup, 
 
 H. li. Coston, 
 
 E. P. Kingsbury, 
 J. E. Carmalt, 
 
 (.;. H. Welles, 
 
 I. H. Burns, 
 
 F. J. Fitzsimnion-^, 
 Thomas II, Dale, 
 E. B. Sturges, 
 
 Dr. R. A. S(iuire, 
 
 B. E. Leonard, 
 P. J. Horan, 
 Dr. L. Welilau, 
 
 II. Wehruni, 
 .fohn Tomlinson, 
 Dr. Thomas Stewart, 
 
 C. R. Pitclier, 
 R. T. JlcCabe, 
 .1. J. Flanigau, 
 John F. Scragg, 
 .folin Benore, 
 
 J. D. Knight, 
 
 D. F. Kearnev, 
 H. D. Moses," 
 Ilenrv ilorton, 
 B. A.' Hill, 
 
 .1. II. ('ampl)ell, 
 
 Scranton. 
 
 Wilkes-Barre. 
 
 Montrose. 
 
 Carbondale. 
 
 Abington. 
 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 Archbald. 
 
 Bingham ton. 
 
 Ithaca, N. Y. 
 
 .Jermyn. 
 
 Carbondale. 
 
 Milwaukee. 
 
 Scranton. 
 
 Dr. B. I-I. Throop, 
 
 Selden T. Scranton, 
 
 Col. Charles Scranton, 
 
 Hon. Stanley Woodward, 
 
 Hon. J. B. Van Bergen, 
 
 Hon. D. R. Grant, 
 
 T. N. Eldridge, 
 
 J. C. Delaney, 
 
 H. C. Jessup, 
 
 H. L. Gaige, 
 
 Horace F. Barrett, 
 
 Hon. Alfred Hand, 
 
 Hon. Lewis Pughe, 
 
 Edward Merrifield, 
 
 A. H. Winton, 
 
 Hon. J. E. Barrett, 
 
 Col. H. M. Boies, 
 
 John F. Connolly, 
 
 Henry Jacobs, 
 
 W. W. Williams, 
 
 Dr. II. I. Jones, 
 
 Patrick Coar, 
 
 Elhanan Smith, 
 
 L. A. Watres, 
 
 Joseph Godfrey, 
 
 H. A. Kingsbury, 
 
 R. W. Archbald", 
 
 H. M. Edwards, 
 
 H. A. Knapp, 
 
 Henry Sommers, 
 
 Henry Battin, 
 
 Dr. W. H. Pier, 
 
 M. H. Dale, 
 
 H. D. Hinsdell, 
 
 Victor Koch, 
 
 Reese G. Broftks, 
 
 William Keiser, 
 
 F. J. Joiinson, 
 
 Dr. A. E. I?urr, 
 
 S. Samter, 
 
 C. \V. McKinrU'y, 
 
 L. L. Eaton, 
 
 A. MeXulty, 
 
 .Jolin B. Collings, 
 
 Robert Reese, 
 
 .1. M. Everhart, 
 
 W. McDaniels, 
 
 .lohn Morris, 
 
 Thomas Stewart, .Ir., 
 
 C. E. Pryor, 
 
 George Throop, 
 
 II. H. Veager, 
 
 iio])ert H. McKune, 
 
 Scranton. 
 Oxford, N. J. 
 
 Wilkes-Barre. 
 
 Carbondale. 
 
 Binghamton. 
 
 Owego, N. Y. 
 
 Ilarrisburg, 
 
 Montrose. 
 
 Moscow. 
 
 Schultzville. 
 
 Scranton. 
 
The Banquet. 
 
 -»-<>■ 
 
 ,■^'1 
 
 m 
 
 lams. 
 
 IXITHILB Hegk- 
 
 isb. 
 
 BAKED t^ENNEBEGi^ SaijMom— S^terTzz-Mwe Sauce. 
 BOILED Shbsp's-T^bad— ^TW-^ouj/ Sawce. 
 
 emooes. 
 
 Spiking 0Hi6HEw~firoi7ed. 
 Saddle op Spiking Ijamb— JIfmi Sauce. 
 
 ninses. 
 
 SwEBinBi^EADs— firaise, wiift Mushrooms. 
 
 f^SPAI^AGUS ON ©OASIF. DEVILED ©I^ABS. 
 
 pSPAI^AGUS, EEAS. STI^I WG-BEAN S. 
 
 OBW BBI^MUDA ^OWArrOBS. 
 
 iBessent. 
 
 egdables. 
 
 ©HA^LOfTIIB f{USSE. 
 
 IGE-^i^EAH — Harlequin Brick. 
 
 Y^v{UWs—Assortes Cafe. 
 
 ©A K B s — Assorted. 
 
 47 
 
 -(»-^- 
 
48 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 At 8 o'clock the guests began to assemble at the 
 Wyoming House, filling the corridors and parlors. The 
 Committee of Reception was active in receiving and 
 welcoming all, while from Bauer's orchestra came 
 strains of pleasant melodies, tilling the house with the 
 sweetest music. The dining-hall was tastefully adorned 
 with flags of all nations. At the side of each plate was 
 laid a copy of the programme, the \n.euii, and a button- 
 hole bouquet. After full justice had been done to the 
 menu, prepared by Mr. John Mc(Jabe, and which, with 
 one accord, all pronounced most excellent, Dr. B. H. 
 Throop, the president of the evening, announced that, 
 as the inner man had been satisfied, the time had 
 arrived for the commencement of festivities, and re- 
 quested A. H. Wtnton, Esq., to proceed with the pro- 
 gramme. 
 
 A. H. WiNToN, toast-master, said: 
 
 Gentlemen of the Bar, Fello\v-( Jitizens, and In- 
 vited Guests : ( )n the night of our great voting-con- 
 test among ourselves, when immense majorities came 
 pouring in fn^m all directions, and assuring us that the 
 proposed new county of Lackawanna was carried almost 
 unanimous]}', the roaring artillery, the clanging bells, 
 and the glad shouts of a long-suffering l)ut then de- 
 liglited multitude, only feeb]\' expressed our joy at 
 the consummation of our most darling wishes. 
 
The Banquet. 49 
 
 Then ' came the law's delays in the way of surveys, 
 proclamations of our Governor, appointment of new 
 court officers, and finally the establishment of our new 
 courts; and yet we had not, to our satisfaction, suffi- 
 ciently expressed or celebrated the glorious fruition of 
 our hopes. 
 
 To-day and now, however, we have the opportunity, 
 with our new and magnificent court-house started, and 
 its corner-stone this day "well and duly laid," in spite of 
 the dripping skies, and now that "all the clouds that 
 lour'd upon our house are in the deep bosom of the 
 ocean buried," and we are gathered about this festive 
 board to voice our exuberant joy in the most rational 
 manner, I proceed to invite you to a "feast of reason 
 and a flow of soul." And it is peculiarly proper upon 
 this happy occasion that one whose revered ancestor 
 began our work nearly half a century ago, and who him- 
 self was ever zealous in our behalf Avith pen and purse, 
 and who has been especially honored by his selection as 
 the proper person to write the history of the- struggle 
 for our new county, this day deposited in the corner- 
 stone, to go down to future ages, should be first called 
 upon, and for these reasons we will now drink our first 
 toast, 
 
 Lackawanna County, 
 
 and call upon Edward Mereifield, Esq., to respond. 
 
50 Lackaiuanna County Memorial. 
 
 Mr. Merrifield spoke as follows : 
 
 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : In the hurry of getting 
 ready, and the assistance I have been called to render in jarepar- 
 ing for this banquet, I have been unable to make the needed 
 preparation to occupy the honored position assigned by the com- 
 mittee, and which the intelligence and high character of this 
 assemblage demands. 
 
 I first began to hear of a proposed new county when I 
 was at the knee of my devoted father. Ever since I could com- 
 prehend anything of politics, I recollect of the agitation for 
 Lackawanna County, and it is not surprising when I grew to 
 man's estate that I felt an interest, and as time rolled on that 
 interest became more and more intense, until its final and glorious 
 consummation. I speak of my early recollections, and this is but 
 one of the many vivid and interesting incidents that come flash- 
 ing upon me to-night. When I first used to hear the words 
 " Lackawanna County," I lived across the river, on yonder Hyde 
 Park hill. Two or three stores, two country taverns, and a dozen 
 or fifteen private homes, was all to mark the spot that is now the 
 home of so many thousands of thrifty and enterprising people. 
 I looked across on this side, now dotted over with elegant 
 residences and magnificent business streets that would do honor 
 to any city, and saw nothing but forest and occasional meadow. 
 The old saw- and grist-mills, and the few farm-houses that dis- 
 tinguished this as Slocum Hollow, were shut out from sight by 
 the tall trees that waved above them. Truly, what a change has 
 but little more than forty years brought about ! In the early days 
 of the attempt to get an act for the establishment of a new county, 
 this sjjot was not thought of as the county town, and if the bill 
 had succeeded in its passage in 1844, Providence would undoubt- 
 
The Banquet. 51 
 
 edly have been the county seat of Lackawanna County, (^p- 
 plause.) Is it not wonderful, then, when we look around and see 
 the changes which so short a time has wrought? 
 
 My knowledge, therefore, of this contest is coextensive with its 
 beginning, and it makes me feel that age is making its inroads, 
 yet I am not so very old. I have an indistinct recollection that 
 allows me to refer to a more ancient period ; indeed, I think I can 
 even go back to the day when the Democratic party was respect- 
 able. (Laughter.) Excuse this allusion, as it came unbidden, 
 and without any intention to introduce any political fire-brands. 
 
 It was in 1839 that the agitation for the establishment of 
 Lackawanna County out of the northern portion of Luzerne took 
 practical shape, and it was kept up with untiring energy and 
 never-ceasing vigilance until the summer of 1878 marked the 
 date of its final triumph. Our friends at Wilkes-Barre were loath 
 to let us go ; they loved us so well — too well. They fought and 
 fought, until we found out how they fought ; until we went down 
 to Harrisburg with such an array of facts, and such substantial 
 reasons for a division, that their opposition could no longer avail. 
 I regret that time forbids going more into detail in connection 
 with this interesting contest, but there are two points, gentlemen, 
 upon which I wish to dilate. I believe I know something about 
 Lackawanna County and its establishment, and you will pardon 
 me, therefore, for referring to two occasions and the actors therein, 
 which, in my judgment, led to final success. You will recollect in 
 1857, when our friends at Wilkes-Barre, who loved us so much — 
 and it is well that some of them are here to-night. I am glad to 
 see them — we are all glad. They represent the learning and 
 dignity, both socially and politically,^ of our great mother-county. 
 (Applause.) I am glad that the time has so soon come when we 
 can sit down socially as we do to-night and shake hands over the 
 
52 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 bloody chasm. (Applause.) I was going to saj^ that in 1857 they' 
 thought they had us fixed. Through the influence of Senator 
 Charles R. Buckalew, a provision was engrafted on the Consti- 
 tution which forbade the establishment of Sinj new county with- 
 out first being voted upon by the electors of the whole county. 
 Well, of course, it did settle the question, until the people of this 
 .section, in their wisdom, saw fit to send such men as Lewis 
 PuGHE and A. B. Duxnixg {applause) to the Constitutional Con- 
 vention, which assembled in 1S73, and who lifted this barrier, it 
 is hoped, forever. [Applause.) This was a verj^ important step, 
 for without it we could not have had Lackawanna County. 
 These gentlemen are entitled to everlasting gratitude for the 
 manner in ^^-hich they rei:)resented the people in that convention, 
 and advocated their interests. (Applause.) By their ability and 
 eloquence they banished from the Constitution that objectionable 
 provision which required a vote throughout the whole county ; 
 hence it became the stepping-stone to the triumph of the cause we 
 now celebrate. 
 
 I am sorry that my limited time forbids a more complete 
 notice of what transpired during the session at which the new- 
 county bill became a law. There were our members, Messrs. 
 KiEESTED and Jones, devoting their best energies, and doing all 
 that men could do in behalf of the project. There was Major 
 AcKERLY, known and respected as the farmer of the delegation. 
 He was active and influential, never failing to secure a point that 
 was thought to be available. Senator George B. Seamans, 
 although not a resident of our new-county territory, was always 
 at his post, battling manfully in our behalf. All these gentlemen 
 showed themselves worthy of their constituency, and I believe 
 will ever receive that just modicum of praise due to a faithful per- 
 formance of dutj^ 
 
The Banquet. 53 
 
 I now come to the other point which I wish to empha- 
 size. In 1878 I was importuned to go to Harrisburg in the in- 
 terest of Lackawanna County. I had been there for seven weary 
 winters, a member of the third house (applause] — and, I trust, a 
 respectable member. I happened there in 1863, when Walsh and 
 Robinson passed the bill which was voted upon by the whole 
 county and defeated. I say I was there more or less for seven 
 sessions, and long enough to begin to get my eyes open. I began 
 to learn how it was that our Wilkes-Barre friends could come 
 down, and in the twinkling of an eye, as it were, defeat a whole 
 winter's hard work (laughter), and I determined not to go again, 
 unless I could occupy the same plane, and be fully armed and 
 equipped. Well, the end of the session was approaching and 
 nothing was happening ; the bill didn't get along — it didn't even 
 get a first reading. When it was found that the bill didn't move, 
 a meeting was called. I come here to-night to speak the truth of 
 history ; I am here to give credit to the men who got Lackawanna 
 County. (Applause.) Nobody responded to this call but W. W. 
 WiNTON, H. S. Pierce, B. H. Theoop, George Sanderson, E. N. 
 WiLLARD, A. H. Winton — and I was there, of course. (Applause.) 
 We then and there planned for ways and means, and with such 
 abundant success that Mr. Willard and I posted off to Harris- 
 burg, and it wasn't a great while before that bill began to see the 
 light of day. Do not infer from what I am saying that we 
 attempted or practiced any bribery. I distinctly and un- 
 equivocally say before this assemblage that such was not the case. 
 But there are a thousand ways iii which a well-filled pocket-book 
 becomes the most' effective arm of service. "\^'^e had to be social, 
 (applause), besides there were many things to be done which it 
 is unnecessary to speak of here, even if I had the time. The 
 result was, our measure became a success. I do not wish to 
 
54 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 detract at all from the interest that was taken bj' so many of our 
 citizens in this bill — I do not wish to take awaj- the credit that 
 is due to all those who labored so earnestly in its behalf But I 
 do say that, had it not been for the liberality of the men I have 
 just jnentioned, there never would have been a Lackawanna 
 County. 
 
 It is unfortunate that we can't go to the Legislature upon the 
 merits of a question simply, and succeed, but in this it seems we 
 could not ; and the time had come in the progress of this city 
 when we wanted a county — when we wanted a court — when it 
 became inconvenient for fifty odd thousand people to travel forty 
 miles every time they had a little assault-and-battery case. And 
 the time had come, too, when Ave had to look this question 
 squarely in the face. We looked at it — at least these men did 
 — and the consequence was the final consummation of our wishes. 
 
 I never for a moment blamed the people of Wilkes-Barre 
 for fighting this question. Men are governed by their essen- 
 tial interests everj^where. We in Scranton, if it were possible to 
 cut off a county, would undoubtedly fight. That is but the 
 natural sequence of things. I am glad to say, however, that 
 toward the last of the contest many of the best citizens of 
 Wilkes-Barre conceded the necessity of the establishment of a 
 new county. I am proud to sa}' that the gentlemen here to-night 
 to represent our sister-city were of those who admitted that the old 
 county should be divided. {Prolonged applause) Perhaps it was 
 because the unruly member had become bulky and troublesome, 
 offering oblations that were sometimes distasteful. I will not 
 attempt to divine the reason why they were willing to make the 
 sacrifice, but choose to believe rather that it was the justice of the 
 cause that promiated such men as Governor Hoyt, Colonel Dor- 
 EANCE, Judge Harding, and others to lift their heavy hands. 
 
The Banquet. 55 
 
 After we had got the bill through and the supplemental pro- 
 ceedings well under way, then came another fight, and yoxi will 
 all recollect it. Some pugnacious opponents thought to balk our 
 efforts by a. suit in equity, and put us in the mill of interminable 
 litigation; but it didn't work, thanks to the vigilance of the 
 attorneys whom we were so fortunate as to engage in our behalf. 
 And in this connection let us do credit to the distinguished 
 gentleman who occupied the bench as President Judge at the time 
 of this attempted outrage; at least, I desire to add my tribute of 
 respect to the stability and pluck of Garrick M. Harding for 
 the manner in which he performed his duty as against the 
 direct interest of the people among whom he lived. When the 
 question came before him in which he could have blasted our 
 hopes by stopping the proceedings, he had the manhood and 
 independence to permit no unjust delays, but to stand up and 
 decide it according to law. {A'p'plau$e}j 
 
 After that was 'disposed of, and the time for the election 
 drew nigh, there came up an unexpected and desperate contest 
 in our own midst, and a big fight it was. True, we had a 
 majority of over seven thousand in favor of the new county ; 
 but very few of our people ever understood the difficulty or com- 
 prehended the great amount of labor that was thrust upon us in 
 order to accomplish this result. There were influences at work 
 that were not generally known, to defeat the issue. I could tell 
 all about it, but it is unnecessary to speak of them to-night. 
 There were falsehoods set afloat, and schemes of opposition, 
 which, if they had not been counteracted by the closest atten- 
 tion and unceasing work, would have defeated us even then. 
 But, thanks to the well-timed efforts of those business and pro- 
 fessional men, and last, but not least, to the active exertions 
 of the laboring-men of Lackawanna Valley, who showed such 
 
56 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 a just appreciation of their interest in our local welfare, the 
 opponents were defeated, and it was carried triumphantly before 
 the people. 
 
 On the evening of the day on which this grand result was con- 
 summated, there was a spontaneous ebullition of feeling that 
 caused the heavens to be lit up as with noonday sunbeams, and. 
 made night joj^ous with the shouts of the victors; but this is the 
 first opportunitj'^we have had to give proper expression to our feel- 
 ings and to our gratification at the result of this forty-j^ears' fight. 
 Our old mother-count}^ is still there, just as prosperous ; her sons 
 and daughters just as happy ; "and, although shorn of part of her 
 territory, still grand in her proportions. We will never cease to 
 respect her, nor to do reverence to her great names, that have done 
 honor to our courts and adorn our State archives. Let us hope 
 thkt we may never do aught to sever the ties of friendship with 
 th^e whom we have so long been associated. 
 
 To-day the corner-stone has been laid to our temple of jus- 
 tice. I trust and pray that that grand building will never have 
 its walls vilified or insulted by a betrayal of justice. {Applause.) 
 I trust that court-house, which I hope may stand for ages, will 
 be a fitting monument to the work that has been done by the 
 friends, most of whom I see around me here, for the establishment 
 of this, the last-created, but the fifth in importance, of the coun- 
 ties of this great Commonwealth. {Prolonged applause.) 
 
 Music— "La Favorite." 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — Governor Hartranft, a man who con- 
 tributed largely to our cause. We have a letter from 
 him, which Colonel George Sanderson, Jr., will proceed 
 to read. 
 
 Colonel Sanderson — At .the request of Mi'. Merrifield, 
 
The Banquet. 57 
 
 I wrote to Governor Haetranft, extending him an in- 
 vitation to be present this evening, and received this 
 letter, which I am sure will interest all present: 
 
 Custom House, Philadelphia, 
 Collector's Office, May 21, 1882. 
 
 My Dear Colonel : I have your very kind letter of the 19th 
 inst., inviting me to be present at the laying of the corner- 
 stone of the new court-house in Scranton. 
 
 It would afford me great pleasure to accept your invitation, 
 and I should certainly do so if it were possible for me to be so 
 far from home on Thursday. 
 
 As I cannot attend in person, I beg you to assure the Bar 
 Association of my sincere regret. I had the privilege of assisting 
 at the birth of the new county, and have ever since had reason to 
 be proud of my part of the work. Now that the first steps are 
 taking to provide a permanent dwelling-place for Justice in 
 Lackawanna, I feel that the future of the infant is secured. 
 
 I therefore give joy to all concerned in the coming festivities, 
 and sincerely hope that the temple about to be erected may 
 ensure to this and succeeding generations the blessings of liberty, 
 good order, and prosperity in abundant measure. 
 
 With renewed expressions of my regret in declining your 
 invitation, believe me, Colonel, 
 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 J. F. HARTRANFT. 
 
 Colonel George Sanderson, Jr. 
 
 Three cheers for Major-General Haetranft were 
 called for, and given with a will. 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — We have also another letter from Hon. 
 
58 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 H. G. Jones, of Philadelphia. As it is in a sort of foreign 
 language, I call upon H. M. Edwards to read the same. 
 
 Mr. Edwards — I will allow the gentlemen present to 
 find out how foreign this language is. As far as I can 
 understand it, it is all in English, and the only sentence 
 not in English is a great improvement upon that lan- 
 guage. {Applause.) 
 
 Philadelphia, May 23, 1882. 
 To the Secretary of the Seranton Bar Association, etc., Scranton, Pa. ; 
 
 Deae Sir : I have this day received your invitation to attend 
 the grand banquet to be given under the auspices of the Scranton 
 Bar Association and citizens on the evening of May 25th, at the 
 Wyoming House, in honor of the erection of the County of 
 Lackawanna and the laying of the corner-stone of the new court- 
 house. I regret very much that my duties here will prevent my 
 acceptance of your kind invitation. It would give me great 
 pleasure to join with you in such a celebration. When your bill 
 for a new county was introduced in the Legislature, I was its 
 advocate from first to last, and I beg you to say so to the citizens 
 of Lackawanna who may meet to celebrate the event for which 
 you congregate. 
 
 Tell my Welsh friends that I hope ever to adhere to the 
 grand doctrine of our ancestors, " Y Gwir yn Erbyn y Byd." 
 I remain, very truly, your friend, 
 
 HORATIO GATES JONES. 
 
 Mr. WiNTox — I have another letter, Avhich you will 
 be glad to hear. 
 
 Wilkes-Baere, Pa., May 22, 1882. 
 Gentlemen: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
 your invitation to be present at a banquet to be given on the 
 
The Banquet. 59 
 
 event of laying the corner-stone of your court-house on the 25th 
 inst. I shall endeavor to be present, but as an auditor and 
 partaker only. 
 
 Yours, very truly, 
 
 D. L. RHONE. 
 To Scranton Bar Association. 
 
 I have one or two other letters, which will appear 
 in another place. And now that Mr. Mekrifield has 
 somewhat taken from me something I had intended to 
 say about the Hon. Judge Harding, I Avill just add this 
 to the other things he spoke of, that we really never 
 captured Wilkes-Barre until we captured the Court. ' We 
 sent down Hon. Lewis Pughe, and somehow he cap- 
 tured a paper. I used to parade it in the newspaper 
 every morning, and when we captured the Court, we 
 captured Judge Rhone and Hon. T. H. B. Lewis, and by 
 and by General McCartney, and by and by many more 
 fell into our work, and while we haven't Judge Hardino 
 here, we will call upon Judge Stanley Woodward to 
 respond to the toast. 
 
 Our Invited Guests. 
 
 (Prolonged Applause.) 
 
 Mr. Woodward — 
 
 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : This is a day for congratu- 
 lation, and I have thought while sitting here that I Avould begin 
 at the beginning, and would congratulate the people and bar of 
 
6o Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 Lackawanna County, not only upon the present condition and 
 prospect of the county, but also upon the happy auspices under 
 which it first saw the light. Fortunately for me, my duty in 
 that respect has been anticipated by my learned friend, Mr. Mer- 
 RiFiELD. But it must be evident to all that from his remarkte 
 that the birth of Lackawanna County was virtuous and pure. 
 {A-pjilause) It came in wedlock, and was not born out of wed- 
 lock. No dishonesty was used to produce Lackawanna County, 
 but, on the contrary, it was the outgrowth of public sentiment, 
 yet stimulated by public and private means. Therefore, I con- 
 gratulate you upon the glory of your beginning. {Applause.) 
 
 When I received from the Commissioners of the county mj^ 
 first invitation to be present to-day at the laying of the corner- 
 stone of your new court-house, something was said about 
 Luzerne Count}^ being the mother-county. And the use of 
 this term suggested to my mind several ideas, and one of 
 these ideas was this : that it was rather strange that the 
 people of Lackawanna County should call upon Luzerne as 
 their mother to rejoice with them to-day or to-night. Why ? 
 You call upon us to congratulate not only you, but ourselves, 
 upon the breaking-up of the family. You left the family and 
 went out to seek your own fortunes. We were not in favor of 
 peaceable secession, but were thorough Union men. You were 
 opposed to union, and you have succeeded. I can't say it was an 
 elopement. In the first place you did not go off and join yourself 
 to somebody else ; you didn't hitch yourself upon some other 
 county. It was a peaceable secession — an independent one. 
 In the second place, as I understand it, you didn't go off sud- 
 denly or by night, or without notice {applause), and it was not an 
 elopement, therefore, in any sense. We received, from time to 
 time, notice of your going before you went {applause and laughter), 
 
The Banquet. 6i 
 
 and, from time to time, we put sprags in the progress of your 
 departure, until we ran out of sprags. (Laughter and applause.} 
 
 But as the mother-county, if I may be so bold as to rep- 
 resent to any extent her sentiments to-night, I say to you that we 
 do congratulate you. (Applause.) We feel as proud of you as a 
 natural mother feels when the boys and the girls do well. 
 
 A new court-house, such as you are going to build, is an 
 emblem and a type of your perseverance and your pluck. I 
 understand it is built on a swamp, a sort of swamp-angel, but I 
 hear, also, it is founded uiDon a rock, and is going to rise above 
 the mists and miasma, with healing upon its wings. And per- 
 haps a court-house, more than any other structure, does represent 
 the civilization and morals of a community. It speaks for law, 
 and order, and justice, and is a fair expression and exponent of 
 the culture and thrift of the people who build it. 
 
 The goddess who holds the scales of justice should have a 
 shrine worthy of her purity and suitable for her purposes. If 
 she is to keep the balances and hold any equipoise, her eyes must 
 be kept clear of dust, her lungs well fed with pure air, and her 
 sense of smell unoiTended by the incense of unclean odors. 
 
 There can be no rivalry and nothing but friendship between 
 Lackawanna County and Luzerne County. {Applause.) Our 
 great veins of anthracite run more nearly north and south than 
 east and west, and therefore we may always work in our great 
 source of wealth on the same line. If it were otherwise, if our 
 veins lay east and west, across instead of along our pathway, we 
 should always be blasting at the same breasts, and should finally 
 blow ourselves up. As it is, we can work in harmony. Your 
 Lackawanna River flows peacefully and quietly into our Susque- 
 hanna, and notwithstanding the fact that they have different 
 sources and different names, they flow at last to the one great 
 
62 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 ocean. And so Lackawanna County and Luzerne County, 
 divided in name, different in origin, bounded by different lines, 
 are still moving onward with one purpose and to one destiny, the 
 proudest territorial portion of the Keystone State. {Prolonged ap- 
 plause) 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — There is only one thing I would like to 
 add to the remarks of the learned Judge. He forgot to 
 say that when we broke up the late partnership we were 
 entirely satisfied to leave the firm with all the assets 
 remaining with old Luzerne, in the shape of a handsome 
 court-house and public buildings. 
 
 Now, I have a letter from his Excellency, or from 
 his right-hand bower, which I will read : 
 
 Haeeisburg, May 23, 1882. 
 
 Gentlemen : As the Governor is at present confined to the 
 house and unable to personally conduct any correspondence, he 
 directs me to acknowledge for him the receipt of your very kind 
 invitation to attend the banquet on the evening of the 25th inst., 
 in honor of the erection of the County of Lackawanna and laying 
 the corner-stone of the new court-house, and express his regrets 
 that his illness will prevent the otherwise great pleasure of 
 accepting your hospitalitj^ 
 
 He desires me to add further his sentiments: That in the 
 proper fulness of time, Lackawanna County was organized with 
 the full sympathy of the citizens of old Luzerne. You are to be 
 congratulated on the vigor of the new organization and the 
 integrity with which all your departments have been formed and 
 maintained, and in the future ^\■ill have nothing but good-will 
 
The Banquet. 63 
 
 and sympathy to expect from your old neighbors in the lower 
 end. 
 
 I have the honor to sign myself, on behalf of his Excellency, 
 Your very obedient servant, 
 
 G. N. FARR, Private, Secretary. 
 To Scranton Bar Association. 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — In the absence of his Excellency, Judge 
 Rice has very kindly agreed to respond to the toast, 
 
 Our Commonwealth. 
 
 Judge Rice — 
 
 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : When I received your very 
 kind invitation to attend this most enjoyable gathering, I ac- 
 cepted without hesitation. That invitation was accompanied by 
 no suggestion that any remarks or speech would be required from 
 me. You may imagine, then, my chagrin when, this evening, I 
 was informed that I would be called upon to respond to this par- 
 ticular toast. I worried through this enjoyable banquet, how- 
 ever, with considerable comfort, having the assurance that there 
 would be no bill of exceptions or writ of error, and no stenog- 
 rapher. But just at the last moment this gentleman appeared 
 with his paper and with his pencils, and then my trouble began. 
 I wish to say to him that our stenographer is pretty thoroughly 
 trained to look after the punctuation and the capitals, and to cor- 
 rect all bad grammar. It would probably be fortunate for us if 
 he were authorized to correct the bad law. (Applause.) Whether 
 your stenographer has reached that, high point of success, I do 
 not know. I sincerely trust so. 
 
 Now this is a very broad subject, "The Commonwealth." 
 That is, on any ordinary occasion it would seem like a broad 
 
64 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 subject, and yet upon this occasion, in this gathering, in this 
 presence, and with this justifiable feeling of exultation, it seems 
 like a very small affair, compared with the County of Lack- 
 awanna. 
 
 If I were to attempt to speak of the great mineral wealth 
 of Pennsylvania, which places her in the front rank of the States, 
 perhaps at the highest rank, I should say no more than what 
 every school-boy knows. If I were to speak of her great agricul- 
 tural resources, and of her soil capable of producing all, and in as 
 great abundance as can be produced in this broad continent, I 
 should say what you well know. And if I .should speak of her 
 people as containing and representing the happy means of all 
 peoples of tliese United States, it would seem like self-praise. In 
 his essay on the Seventeen Townships, Governor Hoyt has 
 summed up tlie chief cause which Pennsylvanians have for just 
 pride of their Commonwealth; and, speaking in his place, it is 
 quite appropriate that I should use what he has so well said : 
 "That the Quaker man, the German man, the Scotch-Irish 
 man, and the Yankee man (transfused, it is true, by the blood 
 of men speaking all tongues), by their attrition and interaction 
 have, in mighty material energies, in charities, in schools, in 
 churches, and freedom of conscience, created the most highly- 
 civilized Eepublic that has ever existed on the earth — our own 
 free Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Esto perpetua." 
 
 But, before I conclude, will you permit me to say just a 
 word in regard to the erection of this new county? Now, it has 
 been truly suggested here that if old Luzerne had had her way, 
 it is quite possible there M'ould have been no County of Lack- 
 awanna to-night. This agitation extended over a long period of 
 years, long before my time. , I found it raging high when I first 
 knew the County of Luzerne. For a long time there was, 
 
The Banquet 65 
 
 undoubtedly, an honest difference of opinion, an honest difference 
 of judgment as to the wisdom, as to the propriety, and as to the 
 necessity of dividing this great territory into two smaller parcels. 
 Following that, there was self-interest which stood in the way and 
 prevented its division for manj^ years, and this self-interest was, 
 in later years, assisted by pride, and a feeling of regret that 
 this little empire in itself should be divided up in two smaller 
 empires. 
 
 There were many motives which existed in opposition to 
 the division of the new county, but at last it came, as it had 
 to come, as it must come. And now that it is done, now that it 
 is an accomplished fact, we cannot, from old Luzerne, say we are 
 glad, because we are not glad. We should still feel proud to think 
 that you were within our own boundaries, that you were still a 
 part of our own possession, and that you were still not separated 
 from us by even an imaginary line of a new county. {Applause.) 
 
 And .yet I believe I am expressing the honest sentiment of 
 Luzerne when I say that we believe that you succeeded in this 
 division because it was just and right that you should succeed. 
 {Applause.) I thank you very kindly, Mr. Chairman and gentle- 
 men, for your kind invitation to be present here to-night, and 
 I heartily join my congratulations with your rejoicing. {Ap- 
 plause) 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — Now, gentlemen, there is one man,, the 
 Hon. J. A. ScRANTON, our member of Congress, we 
 would like to hear, but he is aAvay. I have no letter. 
 He is trying to make the Susquehanna River naviga- 
 ble. When he gets through Avith that, I hope he 
 will tackle the Lackawanna, so we can easily steam 
 
66 Lackawanna Cozmty Memorial. 
 
 up to Carbondale and see those men who voted with 
 
 us on the new county; and in his absence the next 
 
 toast, 
 
 Our Sister-Counties and Our Country, 
 
 will be responded to by the Hon. W. H. Jessup. 
 
 Judge Jessup — 
 
 Mr. President : If my friend, Judge Rice, thinks that " The 
 Commonwealth" is a very broad subject to engage your attention, 
 what must be my feehngs when called to respond, not only to all 
 the counties, but to our common country? {Laughter) 
 
 Why, I feel, Mr. Chairman, very much as that good lady who 
 removed to the West expressed herself when, at the first broody 
 clucking of her hen in the spring, she surrounded her with three 
 or four dozen eggs and said to her, " Xow, old hen, you came 
 West, and this is a growing community, and you must spread 
 yourself" {Applause and laughter) 
 
 But what is a country? It is not the inanimate rock, it is 
 not the black diamonds that lie buried in your valleys ; it is not 
 the ore in your hills, the precious metals in your mountains, nor 
 the gold in their sands. Your country and my country are the 
 men and women that adorn it. {Applause) Look upon yon un- 
 inhabited island, and it is no country. It is mind, it is intellect, 
 brain-power, that make a country; and to make that countrj^ 
 one and indivisible, that intellect, that brain-power must be fully 
 developed in the right direction, and it is to that point I desire 
 for a moment to call jo\u attention. The development of the 
 men and women of the country makes the country. This, our 
 beloved country, created on the principle of freedom of con- 
 science, baptized in the blood of martyrs, growing strong in its 
 very infancy and almost springing into mature manhood, in- 
 
The Banquet. 67 
 
 creasing beyond the nations in former ages, and coming, in its 
 first century, into a second baptism of fire and blood, because 
 forgetful of the principles upon which it was founded, has come 
 forth now pure, now tried in the furnace, and purified as by fire. 
 (J.ppZattse.) And as our country is composed of men, so, my 
 fellow-citizens, the future of our country depends upon you and 
 upon me. It will be what we and others like us, its citizens, 
 make it. Do we wish a country lasting? Let us remember the 
 foundation-stones. Let us build upon the triple base of Purit}^, 
 Patriotism, and Virtue, and we may build a tower which shall 
 grow, and grow, and grow, until the ages grow gray and hoarj^, 
 and it shall still grow onward and upward. No stomas shall 
 uproot it, and no tempests shall cause it to totter. (Applause.) 
 But when we forget the foundation-stones, when political im- 
 puritj' and corruption shall be gnawing like a canker-worm at 
 the basis of our institutions, when fraud and corruption shall 
 stalk abroad in high places, when impurity shall pervade our 
 private and social circles, when justice shall lie prostrate in 
 our streets, then look to see the glorious tower of our liberty 
 totter and fall, and we be numbered with the nations of the dis- 
 tant past, whose monuments are warnings to us of their ruin, and 
 among whose sepulchres we are to-day excavating and bringing 
 to light the foundations whereupon they builded, and seeing bj^ 
 what means they fell. 
 
 Let us learn the lessons of the past. Let us have a strong 
 desire to preserve our institutions ; let us be men of purity, men 
 of justice, men of virtue, and we may hope to see our country a 
 pure, and a happy, and a lasting one. [Applause.) 
 
 The President moved three cheers, which were given. 
 Music — "Star-Spangled Banner." 
 
68 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 ]\Ir. WiNTON — There is one thing that you and I 
 and all of us regret, and that is the absence of the 
 person who was to respond to the toast, "The Pul- 
 pit." He who was to respond to this toast is one of 
 our most eloquent ministers; a man we delight to 
 hear, a man who talks about the jewelry of heaven, 
 the stars, spheres, diamonds, flowers, and all of those 
 pretty things. He is with us in heart, and desired 
 to 1)6 here in person. He promised to come, but 
 unfortunately an accident occurred, and I will read 
 
 his letter: 
 
 SCRANTON, Pa., May 24, 1882. 
 A. H. WiNTON, Esq.: 
 
 My Dear Sir : I little thought, when you were here last even- 
 ing, that I should be comjjelled to decline your kind invitation 
 to respond to a toast to-morroAV evening, through physical 
 disability. Such, however, is the fact. Yesterday I somehow 
 sprained my foot. When you were here it was paining me, but I 
 thought it would pass off. To-day, however, I have been com- 
 pelled to call a physician, and have been in bed all day. It wilh 
 I fear, be some days before I will be able to venture out. I sin- 
 cerely thank you and the committee for the honor you did me, 
 and I assure you of my regret at not being able to comply with 
 your request. Very sincerely and faithfully yours, 
 
 .J. E. SMITH. 
 
 Now, I have looked around for some one pious enough 
 to represent him, and I have been unable to find any one; 
 therefore, I call upon the band for a hymn. {Laughter.) 
 
 Music — Anthem. 
 
The Banquet. 69 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — The next toast is, 
 
 Our Military, 
 
 "the pride of our State — may we never need their 
 prowess." I presume that refers to the old song, 
 
 "We'll have no fighting men abroad, 
 No weeping maids at home." 
 
 Colonel H. M. Boies— 
 
 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : I never was called upon to 
 respond to so warlike a toast in so solemn a frame of mind as I 
 am after listening to this anthem. Nor was I ever called up 
 before in the presence of so many judges, and I sincerely trust I 
 never may be again. I don't propose to spread myself all over 
 the military question of the country to-night. I suppose, per- 
 haps, it was intended I should limit myself to the National Guard 
 of the State of Pennsylvania {applause), which has become in 
 these later years renowned, not onlj^ in our own State, but all over 
 the country, for the perfection of its organization, for the complete- 
 ness of its equipment, and for the excellence of its drill. And 
 perhaps, to narrow the subject down a little more, I might confine 
 myself more particularly to that part of it which stands, we are all 
 proud to feel, in the very front of the National Guard of Pennsyl- 
 vania ; that part of it which is comprehended within the limits of 
 our own county. {Applause.) I say this with all deference to 
 our Wilkes-Barre friends, who are present as our guests. In 
 listening to what has been said in regard to the tremendous 
 struggle which preceded the organization and birth of Lack- 
 awanna County, a struggle which lasted through forty years, the 
 length of time the children of Israel wandered in the desert. 
 
yo Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 during which a whole generation of men wasted themselves away 
 in the painful effort to achieve success in vain, m^' mind reverted 
 to the time of the organization of the Scranton City Guard. And 
 there is a very significant fact in this connection. After all this 
 vain struggle and this waste of resources which has been referred 
 to, it was not until the City of Scranton, bj^ her courageous maj'or 
 and those historic forty men, quenched the incipient fires of com- 
 munism in our streets; it was not until Scranton had demonstrated 
 to the State that she was able to take care of herself, and, more- 
 over, had proved conclusively by the formation of the Scranton 
 Citj" Guard that she intended to take care of herself in the future; 
 it was not until this time that the Legislature of our State was 
 influenced to grant our petition. [Ajyplaxhse) 
 
 As soon as our organization had been formed — and I want to 
 call your attention to this fact — gentlemen began to come up 
 here from Luzerne to look over the Scranton City Guard — Major 
 Espy, Major-General Osborne, at that time the chief militarj' 
 dignatary of this section, and our honorable friend. Judge AVood- 
 WARD, who was then nothing but a colonel, I believe {applause) ; 
 and it is a remarkable fact that after they had been here the 
 opposition to the new-county project began to weaken. What 
 report they took back, unless it was that of the emissaries that 
 Moses sent out to view the promised land, that they had seen the 
 sons of Anak there, and verily we were as grasshoppers in their 
 eyes, and so we were in our own eyes. [Laughter) Whether 
 they took back this report or not, I cannot say, but it is certain 
 when the project next came before the Legislature our opponents 
 appeared to have become suddenly very weak-kneed and ineffi- 
 cient, and Lackawanna County sprang into existence perfect, com- 
 plete, and full-armed, like Minerva from the head of -Jove. 
 
 Xow, this leads me back to the original thought with which 
 
The Banquet. 71 
 
 I started, and that is that the object, and aim, and scope of the 
 National Guard is towards the triumphs of peace, and not of war. 
 The influences which the Scranton City Guard had upon the for- 
 mation of the new county were silent and unobserved, but they 
 were powerful and irresistible as those magic influences of nature, 
 which are now bursting the seed and swelling the branch, but 
 with a force suflficient for rending the eternal rocks asunder. We 
 have listened to-day with delight to the grand and eloquent 
 panegyric which our honored Judge Hand has delivered upon 
 the majesty and dignity of the law. But the wisest law, the 
 ablest administration of the law is vain, and weak, and powerless 
 as the wind, unless there stands behind the law an ever-present, 
 palpable, and sufficient power to execute it. And it is this that 
 is the sphere of the National Guard. It is not only its sphere, its 
 scope, and its plan, but it is at the same time its weakness, for as 
 it exists to maintain peace and order, its very success destroys the 
 apparent necessity for its existence, when war's alarm is shaking 
 the land, when our country's government is trembling against 
 the advance of the foe, there is scarcely "a man with soul so 
 dead" who does not feel the fire of patriotism burning in his 
 breast, and is not inspired to deeds of valor; but in time of peace, 
 when there is no apparent necessity for military organization, it 
 is a difficult thing to bring men up and keep them up to that 
 point of patriotism which is necessary to sustain the National 
 Guard, and I wish to impress this upon your minds, because there 
 are many here to-night who are largely employers of men of my 
 command. Now, if we can get these men into the National 
 Guard and induce them, by inspiring their patriotic motives, to 
 devote the time and labor that is necessary to sustain it, we 
 should by all means do so. Because at the present time there 
 seems no necessity for this service, encourage them in every way 
 
72 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 to devote the time that is necessary to discharge their duty rather 
 than restrain them from devoting this time to it. 
 
 The greatest benefit the National Guard can bestow upon this 
 community, and upon the State, and upon the country is the pre- 
 vention of the evils which we dread. Therefore, it should be sus- 
 tained, and therefore I appeal to you to sustain it in the future as 
 you have in the past. {AppluMse.) 
 
 The President called for three cheers for the National 
 Guard, which were lustily given. 
 
 Mr. WiXTOx — Right here is' a good place to read a 
 letter from one of our most prominent major-gene- 
 rals. We seem to have plenty of judges and officers 
 all about us for an occasion of this kind, and if he 
 were here we would be delighted with one of his 
 usual eloquent speeches; but in his absence the best 
 we can do is to read his letter. 
 
 Wilkes-Baere, 25th May, 1882. 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 Please accept my warmest acknowledgments for your kind 
 invitation to tlie banquet given under the ausjsices of the Scran- 
 ton Bar Association and citizens, in honor of the erection of the 
 County of Lackawanna and the laying of the corner-stone of the 
 new court-house. 
 
 I am sorry to be obliged to say that, owing to business en- 
 gagements made before your invitation was received, and which 
 I cannot now postpone, I am obliged to be absent, and thus deny 
 myself the pleasure and profit that will flow from the occasion. 
 
 Trusting in your forbearance, I must beg to be excused. 
 
 A^^ith pleasant recollections of past associations with j^our peo- 
 
The Banquet. 73 
 
 pie, and earnest wishes for their future happiness and the pros- 
 perity of your county and city, 
 
 I am, with great respect, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 E. S. OSBORNE. 
 To ComimAttee of Arrangements. 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — Gentlemen, we all sincerely regret 
 the absence of Hon. F. D. Collins, who stood by us 
 in the 'State Senate, an4 who, while in Congress, la- 
 bored for the advancement of our interests for the 
 purpose of establishing a United States Court either 
 at Scranton or Wilkes-Barre. He was to speak upon 
 the toast of "The Judiciary," a very important sub- 
 ject. In the absence of Hon. F. D. Collins, Judge 
 Hand has agreed to respond to the toast. 
 
 Our Judiciary. 
 
 Judge Alfred Hand — 
 
 Mr. President and Gentlemen : I thought stones enough had 
 been hurled at me to-day to excuse me to-night from the pebbles 
 of criticism which you fire at me on this occasion. 
 
 Great waves sweep down small ripples, and I thought of this 
 to-night as J recurred to the fight for the new county, and re- 
 membered, when the great wave of a new county swept over us in 
 1863, it swept down many differences. It was the first time I 
 learned how good a man a Democrat could be. (The speaker 
 placed his hand on Hon. A. B. Dunning.) They say politics 
 makes strange bed-fellows. This new-county question put 
 Brother Dunning and me in the same bed many a night. When 
 
74 Lackawanna County Metnorial. 
 
 I looked at some of the returns from townships stumped by us 
 and saw how light a vote was returned from some of them 
 against us, I thought we had done something for the new county. 
 
 I rejoice to-night to see our friends from old Luzerne, and if 
 there is one pride I have, it is that I can hand down to my chil- 
 dren a document — a commission, from the great State of Penn- 
 sylvania, making me first a Judge over the old county, (^p- 
 plause.) And I wish to say here that during twenty years of 
 experience and intercourse with gentlemen from the lower end, I 
 never had anything but courtesy -and kindness from the bench 
 and bar and people. [Applause.) 
 
 I am called upon to-night to respond to a weighty subject — 
 " The Judiciary." I have responded to this subject several times 
 before ; I have treated it historically and festhetically, and in ever}' 
 manner I can think of except in the manner of avoirdupois, and 
 I propose to speak upon that subject to-night. 
 
 If you will read the history of our mother-country, you will 
 find they began at the weight of about three hundred. I was in 
 Chicago not long ago, and they lacked a judge. A friend of 
 mine told me they had adopted a new rule. They took a four- 
 foot measure, and measured the man across the hips, to get a can- 
 didate for judge. I told him I thought on that score he stood a 
 very good chance to get the position. It would seem a rather 
 singular way of selecting judges, but I don't know but it is all 
 right, for Grant took Waite into consideration when he wanted to 
 supply a Chief-Justice of the United States. That rule, allow me 
 to say, as I look at Brother Rice and myself, has become obsolete. 
 {Laughter aud applause.) "The Judiciary." They generally 
 speak for themselves, and their judgment generally stands 
 {applause), especially in the Common Pleas, where they make the 
 law for the State. Sometimes there is a difference of opinion on 
 
The Banquet. 75 
 
 that subject, and we have to change our own views. But when we 
 think of the judiciary of Pennsylvania, I am surprised that they 
 amount to so much, when they have to spread themselves over so 
 large a space and make themselves so thin on every subject. In 
 other countries, and in some of our States, the law is so great a 
 subject that they have divided it up, and given one judge one 
 subject and another another. But we are economical in Penn- 
 sylvania. We spread our judges over the whole area of law, and 
 equity, and crime, and everything that comes into court. As has 
 often been said, we find, when we take the position, that the sen- 
 tence we pronounce upon others is our own condition — " Separate 
 and solitary confinement at hard labor." 
 
 The position of a judge is peculiar. As I have sat on the 
 bench for a few years, I have changed mj^ opinion. I thought 
 the judge had to be a learned man ; I have changed my mind 
 somewhat. Sometimes the judge must know nothing. {.A.'p- 
 plause.) The reason of that is, if a judge knows too much, the 
 brief will have to be shortened. ^ He must hear the commonest 
 principles argued before him as if he were a tyro. Why? It 
 is all right ; we don't complain. The youngest members must 
 earn their fees. It is necessary, to let their clients see they 
 have gone to the foundation in every case they have. I was 
 reminded of this, and I gained great comfort when I read the 
 history of Lord Ellenborough. When sitting ' on the bench one 
 day, a lawyer came in to speak on the subject of real-estate. He 
 commenced : " Your Lordship, a fee simple is the highest estate 
 known to the laws of England." His Lordship said, "Hand me 
 a pencil; let me put that down : 'A . fee . siniple . is . the . high- 
 est . estate . known . to . the . laws . of . England.' Sir, the Court is 
 much indebted to you for the information." 
 
 A judge has to stand between two fires, always two parties — two 
 
76 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 lawyers, at least. He has to stand between truth on the one side 
 and truth on the other (laughter), and falsehood on the one side 
 and falsehood on the other, and decide between them. (Laugh- 
 ter.) He has to stand between man and man ; he has to stand be- 
 tween sued and suitor, and, as I remarked the other night, in 
 responding to this toast, I had one bulwark I could fall back 
 upon when I made what was supposed to be a mistake — and no 
 judge ever decides a case but what he makes a mistake on one 
 side. He can't satisfy both lawyers and both parties. When 
 my learned brethren of the bar come to me and want to know 
 how I decided against them, and how I disregarded this and 
 that authority, what could I say? except to fall back upon some 
 general principle, and I have found this solution: There is a 
 principle in equity that wherein the law is deficient equity comes 
 in. Sometimes both law and equity are deficient; then the judge 
 steps in. I commend this to my Brothers Rice and Woodward. 
 Gentlemen, I haven't anything more to say to-night except to 
 say that the judiciary of Pennsylvania stands, both in the higher 
 court and in the lower court, as a class, as high as any class of 
 judges in the world. (Applause.) And it needs only a careful 
 study of our reports, to see the learned decisions of our higher 
 court, and the learned decisions of our lower courts, to sub- 
 stantiate what I say. And I say to you now, and to the people 
 at large, trust your judges until you find they are not worthy of 
 trust, and then impeach them. 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — We also regret the absence of one of our 
 most-esteemed citizens, one who stood ever ready with 
 purse and advice to assist us; I mean the Hon. George 
 Sanderson, who has been referred to here as one of our 
 abettorvS and aiders in this new-countv movement. In 
 
The Banquet. 77 
 
 the absence of Mr. Sanderson, Mr. Elhanan Smith has 
 agreed to respond in behalf of the 
 
 Senior Bar. 
 
 Mr. Smith — 
 
 Mr. Chairman: I am under no necessity of making an 
 apology for what passes in my mind. I had the opportunity of at- 
 tending this banquet, and I have been very much amused by the 
 remarks of the different gentlemen, and especially by my 
 friend, Mr. Merrifield. When the gentleman started out, I 
 was apprehensive that he was going to mar this evening's enter- 
 tainment by referring to the Democratic party. I am not going 
 back to the dark ages to seek to discover when first it was "the' 
 Democratic party was respectable," but I thought the gentle- 
 man might have extended his remarks sufficiently to comment 
 upon the present, when the Republican partj' are nursing twins. 
 {Applavise and laughter.) Thej' claim that one of them is illegiti- 
 mate ; which one it is, I know not ! 
 
 In speaking of the new County of Lackawanna and the old 
 County of Luzerne, we are reminded they have long been familiar 
 names with us. Old Luzerne has been recognized for half a 
 century as the empire of the Commonwealth, and, as has been re- 
 marked by Judge Woodward, they held on to Lackawanna for 
 some time ; and the labor-pains of the old county were long, but 
 at last she yielded, and her young daughter has now outgrown 
 the mother. She has increased in population until she can look 
 down and say, "Mother, you are somewhat debilitated." And 
 yet mother Luzerne manifests a kind of imperial dignity over her 
 queenly daughter. 
 
 I am not going to detain you with extended remarks. It 
 is merely my opportunity, in the absence of the gentleman who 
 
78 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 was to address you upon this subject, to speak of the members of 
 the bar, and to the members of the bar. The members of the bar 
 of Lackawanna County, while they acknowledge they are of old 
 Luzerne, have a high mark to attain and to emulate. They must 
 recollect that the County of Luzerne has for many years been 
 noted for the ablest bar of the State. She points with pride to a 
 Mallory, a CoNYNGHAM, and her Woodwards, and others, whose 
 names and reputations are safe for posterity. (Applause.) They 
 passed away leaving a national fame, but their immediate 
 descendants are still there — able men. I say to the bar of 
 Lackawanna County, Your mark is set high if you ever expect to 
 rival the legal talent of Luzerne County. Encourage among 
 yourselves friendly feelings, associate yourselves with that tie 
 that treats the court with honor ; deport yourselves as gentlemen, 
 always remembering no court is honored except where there is a 
 strong bar, which will correct a judge's failings in the end, by an 
 honest desire to arrive at truth, justice, and right. Courts require 
 an able bar, and they should endeavor to deal with great .subjects 
 as the times require. 
 
 You boast of being the third city in the State, and you 
 claim having this day laid the corner-stone for the noblest 
 court-house in the State. You may make it as grand as possible, 
 but the machinery for that " Temple of Justice " is to be the 
 judges and the lawyers. That tribunal is to deal with life, 
 liberty, and property, and it requires men to be there in whom the 
 people have confidence. And I would say to my brother-members 
 of the bar. Never by word or sign allow yourselves to speak dis- 
 respectfully of your brother-members, and maintain and uphold 
 the purity and dignity of your courts and judges. {Applav.^e.) 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — Attached to the next toast you will 
 
The Banqtiet. 79 
 
 discover some Latin. It don't exactly mean , the 
 great unhatched — it means as if the junior bar were 
 held under advisement. In response to that toast I 
 call upon one of our most promising young attorneys, 
 whose clarion tones are heard daily in our courts, 
 Mr. John F. Connolly. {Applause.) 
 
 Mr. Connolly — 
 
 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : I hardly consider it proper 
 that a member of the bar should be called upon to respond to 
 this toast. You all know, if there is any failing in the world 
 that lawyers have, particularly the younger ones, it is to be 
 egotistical. And I am afraid that the member of the bar called 
 upon to respond to this toast is liable to fall into this error, hence 
 I think the person who responds to it should be very guarded in 
 his remarks. I would say, as far as the junior bar of Lackawanna 
 County is concerned, that it is second to none in the State — in 
 size. {Laughter and applause.) Many of the young gentlemen 
 who are classed among the junior members of the bar are men of 
 great learning and ability — I am touching upon the egotistical 
 part now. If any of the rising towns out West are short of law- 
 yers, all they have to do is to call upon the bar of Lackawanna 
 County, and we will honor their draft, with either young or old. 
 
 It is true, as has been remarked by Judge Hand, that some- 
 times the junior members of the bar are somewhat impulsive. It 
 is also very annoying for the Court to listen to the simplest prin- 
 ciples and propositions of law they learned in their early 
 days, advanced by the juniors with eloquence and vehemence. 
 But the argus-eye of the watchful client is on the budding 
 counselor, and he must do his duty — his whole duty. But, you 
 riiust understand, the young members of the bar are eager to earn 
 
8o Lackawanna County Me^norial. 
 
 a fee. They are anxious to make a reputation and satisfy their 
 clients, and in nine cases out of ten the class of clients who 
 employ young attorneys are satisfied if they only " spread them- 
 selves." (Applause.) 
 
 It reminds me of a little anecdote I once heard. A j'oung 
 man, who was about to let the mantle of his father, who was an 
 old lawyer, fall upon him, began to ask his sire what he should 
 do in case certain things occurred. He says, "For instance, 
 if law is on my side and justice is against me, what shall I 
 do?" "Why," said his father, "advocate the majesty and main- 
 tenance of the law, though the heavens fall." " But," saj'^s he, 
 " father, suppose justice is upon my side and the law against me, 
 what shall I do ?" " Why," he says, " argue in favor of justice, 
 though it cause a revolution." " But," he says, " suppose neither 
 law noT justice is upon m}' side, what shall I do?" "Well," he 
 says, " paw the air and talk around it." 
 
 That, gentlemen, is the unfortunate condition the junior 
 members of the bar are placed in. They are generally given the 
 cases in which they must do the "pawing" and "talking 
 around," while the cunning old seniors look on and laugh, and 
 never, for an instant, think of the time when they were juniors. 
 Just where the " line of demarkation " — as the lawyers put it — is 
 drawn between the junior and the senior members of the bar, is 
 more than I can tell. 
 
 Now, considerable has been said here, and said with truth, 
 about the bar of old Luzerne. That it stood foremost among the 
 bars of the State of Pennsylvania is, as I understand it, a con- 
 ceded fact. Some of the ablest jurists that Pennsylvania ever 
 boasted of, were members of the Luzerne bar, and I am proud to 
 say that all the senior members of the Scranton bar, and a great 
 many of the juniors, once belonged to, and yet, at times, grace 
 that bar with their presence. (Appla.use.) 
 
The Banquet. 8i 
 
 I regret that some member of the senior bar, who is not a 
 comparative stranger among us, did not respond to the preceding 
 toast. The gentleman who eloquently responded has been here 
 but a short time, and the task of answering for the seniors should 
 not have been imposed upon him. Yet he did it so well, I feel 
 that I must thank him in their name. 
 
 It is no easy matter to become a lawyer. It may be an easy 
 matter for a young man with an ordinary education and 
 ordinary ability, to be admitted to the bar. But there is a good 
 deal of difference between being admitted to the bar and becom- 
 ing a lawyer. The young man who starts out in life with the 
 idea of getting admitted to the bar and stopping there, falls very 
 far short of reaching the mark. The young lawyer who proposes 
 to succeed in his profession, must be incessant in his labors, and 
 he must be a man of ability. His work may be compared to that 
 of the clock. It must be work without ftaste, work without rest. 
 Unless he does that — unless he works without haste and works 
 without rest — he will never attain to that pinnacle of fame to 
 which many of the senior members of the old Luzerne bar have 
 attained. (Applaiise.) 
 
 On behalf of the bar of Lackawanna County, although they 
 are quite numerous, I will say we have among them men 
 of ability, men of energy, and, above all, men of integrity. (Ap- 
 plause.) 
 
 A man who has not integrity, his ability amounts to nothing 
 as a lawyer, because if a man is not truthful and honest — honest 
 to himself, honest to his clients, honest to the Court — he never 
 can, he never will, succeed as a lawyer. (Applause.) I may say 
 for the young men of the bar that they must generallj' bear all 
 the rebukes and rebuffs of the Court, and when there is any 
 " sitting-down-upon " to be done by the Court, it generally falls to 
 
82 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 the unhapp5' lot of the unfortunate junior, whose client is 
 waiting and listening in some prominent part of the court-room, 
 ready to seal his doom, unless he comes up to said client's fancied 
 standard. And all the while the young man is quoting " horn- 
 book " law, and the Court is incensed. 
 
 I say it with pardonable pride, that the junior — and I might 
 include a majority of the senior^bar of Lackawaima County are 
 straightforward, honest, honorable men. Their escutcheon is 
 as yet unblemished and untarnished, and I trust it will remain 
 so, and in that temple of Justice, the corner-stone of which was 
 laid to-day, maj' they carve their way to fame and fortune. And 
 in a few years I trust that the bar of Lackawanna County may 
 not only be the first in Pennsylvania, but the first in the Union. 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — Nearly nine years ago 1 stood in the 
 city of Philadelphia, in the hall of that convention com- 
 posed of constitutional tinkers, and sitting there 1 heard 
 two men advocate Lackawanna County. It was the day 
 when Lewis Pughe and A. B. Dunning made their 
 famous speeches in our behalf {Applause.) Looking 
 with eyes toward the future, 1 was satisfied that that was 
 the stepping-stone, and I said, "Oh! my prophetic soul, 
 mine uncle !" [Laughter and applause.) 
 
 And now, to respond to the toast of 
 
 Our Constitution, 
 
 I call upon a man who has held the laboring-oar for 
 thirty years, A. B. Dunning. [Applause.) 
 
The Banquet. 83 
 
 Mr. Dunning — 
 
 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : I feel a pride to-night in 
 meeting my old associates in this new-county fight that I am 
 sure I will be unable to express. After the many speeches we 
 have heard, and the manner in which this whole question has 
 been discussed, I feel as though there was no ground for me to 
 stand upon. In fact, my friend Merrifield carried the fortress 
 in the outset. {Applause) But, gentlemen, I never saw the 
 hour during the last thirty-five years that I was not a new-county 
 man. Now that is a good ways back. Thirty years ago I was 
 elected to the Legislature, a young man, and the only reason I 
 consented to be a candidate, leaving my business and going to 
 the Legislature for $3 a day — -that was the sum-total paid, and if 
 you staid over 100 days, you got $1.50, and no more — was because 
 of the interest Lfelt in Lackawanna County. I had been familiar 
 with the fight from its inception. I remember well when it was 
 raised, and William Merrifield, the father of the gentleman 
 who introduced the topic here to-night, was elected to the Legis- 
 lature, and nearljr gave us a county. I don't propose to say 
 much about what was done by our friends in the lower end at 
 that time, but the defeat of the measure was one of the sihart 
 things they did. But, taking the thing all the way along, step by 
 step, I look around me to-night and see gentlemen who stood 
 shoulder to shoulder with me in the Legislature and elsewhere 
 giving material aid. Dr. Throop spent two entire winters there, 
 giving most valuable assistance. I was fortunate enough 
 always to pass the bill in the House, and recollect, the 
 second time it was passed, we had so strong an assurance 
 that it was going through the Senate that my friend Throop, 
 in the full confidence that the thing was accomplished, gave 
 what you may call a little blow-out. He gave a banquet to 
 
 & 
 
84 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 the friends of the bill that cost him two or three hundred 
 dollars, thus showing the interest he felt on the subject. But I 
 cannot enumerate the many who have given years of service and 
 means to this long-continued struggle. None among them all, 
 however, were more liberal than Dr. Throop and Col. Ira Tripp, 
 both of whom have kept open house at Harrisburg entire sessions, 
 and their well-known liberality tells the story, so far as expense 
 goes. "All is well that ends well." The struggle is over, and we 
 meet here to-night to shake hands over the bloodless chasm, old 
 and new-county friends to rejoice together. I have the most 
 kindly recollections of old mother Luzerne, and many of her 
 worthy sons are bidding us God-speed in our departure from the 
 old hearth-stone. 
 
 The lateness of the hour admonishes me to be brief. I 
 will, therefore, come at once to the toast — " The Constitution, the 
 stepping-stone to the new count3\" I need not tell you, gentle- 
 men, that constitutions are the fundamental principles or rules 
 for the government of States or nations, dating back many cen- 
 turies, finding especial voice in Magna Charta, when the English 
 Barons in the thirteenth century forced from King John the 
 great charter restraining monarchy and enlarging the. rights of 
 the people against kinglj^ tyranny; that Magna Charta found its 
 way across the mighty deep in the Mayflower, its principles taking- 
 root in the virgin soil on this side of the Atlantic, growing and 
 spreading until it culminated in the sanguinary struggle of the 
 Revolution, which gave to us the Constitution of 1788, being the 
 first charter of human liberty ever given to an absolutely free 
 people ; nor how, in the progress of events, like the rapidly- 
 growing boy, the people became too large for their clothes, and 
 Uncle Samuel's pants were found so short that in 1837-38 it 
 required material for a larger pattern. 
 
The Banquet. 85 
 
 Good Uncle Samuel, finding himself and family so well- 
 dressed in the new suit, felt an inspiration for greater deeds and 
 broader enterprise. A forward movement is ordered along the 
 line. Coal is mined, canals were dug, railroads constructed, 
 factories were built, forges and furnaces, from their thousand 
 stacks, sent their leaping flames toward the heavens, and the 
 busy hum of industry filled the land with joyful sounds. 
 
 But history repeats itself. In 1873 the fashions were found 
 so changed that the garment must be revised, and, "Eureka!" 
 In one of the pockets, safely tucked away, is found our Magna 
 Charta, inscribed "Lackawanna County," the corner-stone of 
 whose temple of .Justice was laid to-day, or, possibly, it may be 
 the " stepping-stone " referred to in the toast to which I am at- 
 tempting to respond. 
 
 Now, gentlemen, I fear I have already wearied you, and, 
 knowing you are anxious to listen to the gentlemen who are to 
 follow me, without dwelling upon our long-continued struggle 
 before success crowned our efforts, our hopes, our fears, or speak- 
 ing of the treason of pretended friends, or after, how the heart 
 was made sick by hope deferred, the object of our eff'orts so near 
 at times, and, ah! so far, I will close by returning my sincere 
 thanks for your kindness in recognizing me as one of the humble 
 workers in the cause we all had so much at heart. 
 
 Music — Overture, "Aurora." 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — There is one man here among us 
 who seems to like Wilkes-Barre, and has some cases 
 down there. I will now ask him to speak to the toast, 
 
 Our Manufacturing Interests. 
 
 Mr. W. W. SCRANTON 
 
86 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : When the new county was 
 first talked about, they came to me and said it was a great thing 
 for manufacturing interests. They said law was going to be 
 cheap. I have tried it a good deal since then, but I think they 
 made a mistake in that. 
 
 Now, I don't hold mj^self as a great many do about the town, 
 but it seems to me that this community is based principally upon 
 the mining of coal — half of it depends upon it. Now these mines 
 are being worked out more and more, and, in my mind, it is not 
 going to be forever. It will not be one hundred years before these 
 are all worked out. To me it seems that a great many of us here 
 are going to live to see the time when the growth of this town, so 
 far as it depends upon mining, is not going to increase. When 
 that time comes, we have got to fall back upon something else. It 
 seems to me that we ought to provide for that beforehand, and 
 provide, as far as possible, for our manufacturing interests. For 
 that, we want good government; we want law and order; we 
 want moderate taxation. If j'ou will give us these things, we 
 will prosper and foster these little industries, and in our time we 
 will take care of j^ou. {Applause.) 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — Now w^e come to a mighty power, 
 
 The Press, 
 
 and, to respond, we have one of its brightest orna- 
 ments — a man who was ever ready at Harrisburg to 
 send therefrom, at midnight, the breeziest news in our 
 behalf, making the long fingers of the telegraph click 
 out our successes ; always ready here at home, also, to 
 assist us. I call upon the Hon. J. E. Bareett. 
 
The Banquet. 87 
 
 Mr. Barrett — 
 
 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen: I have. been admonished by 
 our worthy chairman that, as the hour is well advanced, those 
 who have long speeches to make would do well to cut them 
 short. I am further admonished by the frequent visits of the 
 "printer's devil," who has been flitting in and out during 
 the evening for copy, that the paper will go to press very 
 soon ; therefore I must be brief. Besides, it is rather dangerous 
 for the press, in the presence of so many judges and lawyers, to 
 be too free with its utterances and opinions, as every careful 
 editor must always keep in mind the fact that caution is quite 
 as essential as courage, since we have such a thing as a strin- 
 gent libel-law in Pennsylvania. I am pleased to know, how- 
 ever, that in case I should be arraigned in a temple of Justice 
 for anything uttered in this presence, I could bring up my- 
 case in banc, as I believe we have a full bench here this 
 evening, in which I have full confidence. Gentlemen, it has 
 been said frequently that the press is the great lever in the 
 world's progress; such I hope it will continue, playing its part in 
 the world's history side by side with law and justice. In return- 
 ing from the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of our new 
 court-house, this afternoon, after standing in the rain, unconscious 
 of the discomfort of the weather because of the great pleasure 
 afforded in listening to Judge Hand's admirable address, I fell 
 in with a friend who told me that he had often skated over the 
 site selected for our temple of Justice, and that he had also, on 
 many occasions, caught bull-heads there. This suggested to my 
 mind a pleasant possibility. We all know that most lawyers 
 and many judges are fond of the good old sport with which 
 the name of Izaak Walton is inseparably connected, and it 
 occurred to my mind just then that for a trifling outlay the 
 
88 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 County Commissioners might provide for excellent fishing on 
 the bench. It would be a most agreeable way to vary the mo- 
 notony, if the judges could drop a line into the basement and 
 enjoy themselves piscatorially in capturing an occasional bull- 
 head, while the intelligent jury, under the somnolent effect of 
 some great advocate's plea, went in quest of pastoral pleasures 
 to the land of Nod. 
 
 But, as the press plays its part in the domain of progress, I 
 don't propose that one of its humble representatives will bore you 
 this evening with a tedious dissertation. The press, whatever else 
 may be its shortcomings, is never at a loss to give advice to 
 judges, lawyers, governors, presidents, and emperors. It can dic- 
 tate a policy for the Peruvians that would discount all the efforts 
 of Blaine or Shipherd, and, although the North Pole has never 
 been discovered, it can tell exactly how it can be done. And 
 need you wonder at this, when the electricity of the world is the 
 servant of the press, and through the still hours of night be- 
 comes the subtle courier that carries information from the utter- 
 most ends of the earth, to add to our stock of knowledge at the 
 breakfast-table ? With the electric telegraph and the press, those 
 twin-ministers of light and liberty, error is impossible, and 
 tyranny becomes a monster of such hideous mien "as to be hated 
 needs but to be seen." The press needs no praise; it is its own 
 best eulogist, and I trust that in the future of Lackawanna 
 C'Ounty it will be found aiding the right. It was my pleasure to 
 see at Harrisburg, during the progress of our new-county bill, 
 several of the faces that grace this festive board. They were 
 always zealous and energetic in the interest of the people of this 
 section. In those days we all realized, more fully than at any 
 other time, the value of a friendly press, and it was always a 
 pleasure to me to meet a newspaper editor or correspondent 
 
The Banquet. 89 
 
 whom I could convince of the justice of our side. As the press 
 of Lackawanna has stood by the new county at its birth, 
 and as it stands by it now, so, I trust, it will be found advocating 
 its interests in all-time to come; advocating an upright judiciary 
 and the fearless administration of the law, and always raising 
 its voice 
 
 "'Gainst the wrong that needs resistance, 
 
 For the cause that lacks assistance. 
 
 For the future in the distance, 
 
 And the good that it can do." 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — From the time of the first organiza- 
 tion of the first base-ball club, all through the his- 
 tory of Masonry, all through our taxation and the 
 handling of the proceeds thereof, there was always 
 one man who could respond to any toast. I now call 
 upon Mr. E. P. Kingsbuey for 
 
 Our City, 
 Mr. Kingsbury — 
 
 Mk. Chairman and Gentlemen : I appreciate the honor con- 
 ferred upon me, in being requested to respond to the toast, " The 
 City of Scranton, the third in this Commonwealth," but it is 
 hard for me to understand why I should have been selected 
 for this response, unless because it is customary to go to the 
 " oldest inhabitants" for information, always being ready to make 
 due allowance for their old age, general debility, and the conse- 
 quent loss of a portion of their mental faculties. [A'pflanne)) 
 This may explain it, and, explaining it, will at the same time 
 account for the feebleness of my effort. 
 
90 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 "Scranton" is properly named, perpetuating as it does the 
 names and memories of the gentlemen who planted here the 
 seeds of industry, watering the soil with their wealth, practical 
 knowledge, and personal zeal, causing to spring forth from the 
 wilderness of a few years ago, this city, now the third in popula- 
 tion in the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
 
 But is it the third in population only ? I think not. Could 
 good Uncle Joseph Albright whisper in your ears the total ship- 
 ments of coal during the past year in his department ; could 
 Brother Stores, from the stores of his memory, tell you his story 
 for the year 1881, and, following him, the genial gentleman from 
 the old town of Gibsonburg, who thinks well enough of our city 
 to invest largely here in real-estate, relate to you in the "Jer- 
 myn" dialect " what he knows about coal-mining,", to say noth- 
 ing of what could be added by the almost endless number of 
 smaller operators who are "Connellizing" here (applause), I have 
 a notion that Scranton would rank well as the third city of Penn- 
 sylvania in this particular. "W'e might go on and speak of our 
 iron-mills and steel-works, our blast-furnaces, machine-shops and 
 silk-mills, and many other branches of mechanical industry, and 
 thus show that we can, with much reason, lay claim to being the 
 third city of our State in this particular, also. There are some 
 things we may well be proud of as a city. We are well governed, 
 and good order, peace, and quietness prevail to a greater extent 
 than in any other city of its size I know of I doubt whether 
 there is a city, in or out of our State, with so large a population, 
 where crime and lawlessness exist to a lesser degree than here, 
 and where so small a police-force is necessary to maintain good 
 order. (Applause.) When we consider the rapidity of our growth, 
 this is truly remarkable. Why, so late as 1852, and even later, 
 I think, the voters of what was then called Harrison (now 
 
The Banquet. 91 
 
 Scranton) had to go to Hyde Park to vote, and the whole of 
 them put together could be crowded into one of our street- 
 cars. Yet, at the last charter election, in February last, when 
 our excellent Mayor was re-elected, nearly seven thousand votes 
 were polled. 
 
 Again, we should congratulate ourselves upon the state of our 
 finances, our city debt^ after deducting assets, being but about 
 $260,000. This, certainly, as compared with cities of like popu- 
 lation, is not formidable— certainly not formidable enough to for- 
 bid its reasonable increase for the purpose of properly paving 
 Lackawanna Avenue. 
 
 Again, Scranton, as a city, may be proud of its banks and 
 banking institutions ; for there is to-day on deposit in them, sub- 
 ject to check, over $3,500,000, and not one of these institutions 
 but that can easily and promptly meet every one of its obliga- 
 tions. How well I remember when yon First National com- 
 menced business in a little frame building (half the dimensions 
 of this room), on Lackawanna Avenue, and the cashier daily 
 placing all the valuables of the bank in a tin box 7x9, and 
 depositing it for safe-keeping in the vault of Mason, Meylert & 
 Co. It would take a pretty good-sized vault to hold them now. 
 
 But, Mr. Chairman, time will not permit me to say more as to 
 the present proud position that our city occupies, or to give more 
 than a passing allusion to the splendid future which seems open- 
 ing up before her, and I will conclude with the sentiment: 
 
 "The City of Scranton, now the third in the Commonwealth : 
 may the rapidity of her growth, and her successes in the past, be 
 an earnest of her glory in the future ;" 
 
 — only addiiig that, while in many things she is the third in 
 our Commonwealth, in others *e is firrd, for no other city can 
 
92 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 boast of as big and irregular paving-stones as Lackawanna Ave- 
 nue can show, nor of mud as deep and thick as can be found on 
 Wyoming. {Applause.) 
 
 Music — Plantation Medley. 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — Out in Covington Township there lives 
 a family so highly respectable, so esteemed, that we 
 delight to honor the very name. Two or three of the 
 sons of that family have come among us. One of them 
 has been elevated to the presidency of the Board of 
 Trade of Scranton. I call upon Mr. T. H. Dale to re- 
 spond to the toast, 
 
 Our Commercial Interests. 
 
 Mr. Dale- 
 Mr. Chairman AND Gentlemen: I rather suspect that a 
 shrewd man, one who was engaged in commercial interests, 
 could take the self-congratulations and self-praise we have in- 
 dulged in to-night and discount it fifty per cent., and then have a 
 very reasonable capital to start the new county. {Applause) 
 
 When the avithor Hawthorne was requested to respond to a 
 toast at a banquet given by the Lord Maj^or of London, he was 
 greatly agitated, and sought the counsel of a friend as to what he 
 should do. The friend's advice was this, that when he was called 
 upon he must certainlj' rise to his feet, or else the assembled 
 guests would think he was a fool and did not know enough to say 
 anytliing, but after he had risen to his feet he must say just as 
 little as possible, or else the same guests would think he was a 
 fool, and did not know when he had said enough. I was re- 
 minded of this incident b}^ the fact that when j^our genial Toast- 
 j\ Faster notified me that, as President of the Board of Trade, I 
 
The Banquet. 93 
 
 would be expected to respond to the toast " Our Commercial In- 
 terests," he was particularly emphatic that I should be very- 
 brief and not say very much, just as though our commercial 
 interests were a sort of pigmy affair, and could be readily handled 
 in a speech of two or three minutes. 
 
 Now, if I may be allowed to use a paradox, commercial 
 interests first made Scranton, and then Scran ton made its com- 
 mercial interests. For, before Scranton was, before it had assumed 
 its present stately proportions and " magnificent distances," as so 
 graphically described by Mr. Kingsbury in responding to the 
 toast " Our City," and long before any lawyers were here to give a 
 banquet, "commercial interests" in the persons of the Messrs. 
 ScEANTONs had sought it out; and the company they organized 
 turned out to be the foundation for that which has since become 
 Scranton city, with all its varied industries,. and all its extended 
 business interests. I know, sir, that in the flight of time 
 many things we ought to remember sink out of sight, 
 and the years close over them, but there are some things 
 that remain visible across the years ; and so it is that 
 to-night I desire to pay tribute to the indomitable perseverance, 
 to the will, the pluck, and the energy of these pioneers in our 
 commercial interests, and to assert that their methods have been 
 adopted, and have become characteristic of those who have since 
 developed our commercial industries. And it is worthy of men- 
 tion that if our town is noted for any one thing above another, it 
 is for the push, and the vim, and the energy of those having in 
 charge our commercial interests, and out of this vim and this 
 push has sprung- that of wliich we are so justly proud, the 
 present flattering condition and position of our business interests. 
 (Applause.) I feel, too, that credit should not be withheld from 
 others who have aided in building up our industries and our 
 
94 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 business enterprises — manufacturers, bankers, merchants, even 
 lawyers — all have done their share, and all deserve credit. I shall 
 not even omit a somewhat noted character, residing on our side 
 of the river, who some time since started a store in one of the 
 back streets of our city, and who was inclined to boast a great 
 deal about the wonderful stock of goods he was carrying, and the 
 large business he was doing, and who, on one occasion, after ex- 
 patiating largely upon his great purchases, declared he had 
 " everything in the hardware line, except molasses." {Laughter.) 
 
 Well, sir, out of these efforts has grown a commercial interest 
 that to-day is represented b)^ over 850 firms doing business here — 
 by $7,000,000 invested in iron and steel works, by over $(),000,000 
 invested in merchandise, and over $4,000,000 invested in other 
 industries and other enterprises, making in all over $17,000,000 
 invested in business, exclusive of the great railroad and coal 
 corporations centering here. 
 
 I ought not to omit to mention something of the wonderful 
 growth of these corporate interests, but I am admonished that one 
 cannot treat this subject in a five-minutes' speech, and so I will 
 simply take the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad 
 Company, and let that company illustrate what all these com- 
 panies are doing in the way of developing our commercial 
 interests. There was shipped from this region by the Delaware, 
 Lackawaima and Western Railroad in 1852 (the first full year of 
 coal shipments by this road) 07,487 tons of anthracite coal, and 
 this amount has gone on increasing year by j^ear until in 1881 
 this road shipped the enormous amount of 4,511,63() tons of coal. 
 To accomplish this result, there has been added to its property 
 coal-mine after coal-mine, and to its system of roads railroad after 
 railroad, until to-daj^ it is one of the largest and strongest corpo- 
 rate interests in our country.. And the progress of the coal 
 
The Banquet. 95 
 
 industry as shown by this company can also be applied to a 
 greater or lesser extent to other companies doing business in this 
 region. The marvelous development of the coal industry has 
 naturally and rapidly developed our general commercial interests ; 
 and, in the words of Mr. Storks, the general coal-agent of the 
 Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Company, " If the time ever 
 comes (as I believe it must soon come) when the consumption of 
 coal overtakes and equals the production, so that there shall be 
 full work for those engaged in the mining and shipping of coal, 
 we shall see a degree of prosperity for these regions heretofore 
 unsurpassed." {Applause.) 
 
 And now, Mr. Chairman, since this is an occasion for merri- 
 ment, and inasmuch as self-congratulations and spread-eagleism 
 seem to be the fashion rather than dry figures and statistics, I 
 declare to you that while I am neither a prophet nor the son of a 
 prophet, I yet indulge the hope that in that future which geolo- 
 gists assure us is coming, when the sands of Jersey shall have been 
 covered by the waters of the Atlantic, when great New York shaU 
 have been engulfed, when the huckleberry heights of Pocono 
 shall have been submerged, then, sir, will come our glory; then 
 our own classic Lackawanna will have been made navigable, 
 through an appropriation secured by our Congressman, and 
 Scranton will be the metropolis, the beat of whose trade-pulsations 
 will be felt to the utmost limits of the great Republic. Laughter 
 and applause) 
 
 Mr. WiNToN — Now 1 come to one of the Califor- 
 nia pioneers. I had prepared some remarks, but the 
 best thing I can say, is to say he vs^as the man in 
 the gap — the Hon. R. H. McKtine. 
 
96 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 Our Fire Department, 
 
 Mr. McKuNE— 
 
 Me. Chairman and Gentlemen; I feel somewhat out of 
 place to-night, in responding to the toast, "Our Fire Depart- 
 ment." All the other gentlemen that have spoken here this 
 evening, have spoken upon subjects they are perfectly familiar 
 with, but the Toast Committee have placed me upon a different 
 ground. I must say this — that this day and this night have 
 been among the happy days and nights of my life. (Applause.) 
 The day of the laying of the corner-stone of the new court-house 
 for the County of Lackawanna, brings to my mind an incident of 
 which I was a participant, in 1850, when, standing upon Tele- 
 graph Hill, looking down the straits, as the steamer Oregon en- 
 tered the gates, and upon her fore-sail was printed in large let- 
 ters, "California — she has been admitted to the Union." We, as 
 pioneers in '49, had in convention met and given birth to a State, 
 which went forth in her full completeness, clothed about her 
 loins with the leaves of the vine and fig. Upon her breasts 
 she bore the sheaves of her bounteous land, with sandals of silver. 
 Upon her brow she wore a crown of the purest gold. In her 
 hands were the products of her vineyards and the fruits of 
 her orchards. As she went forth, her path was strewn «dth 
 flowers such as no queen of the earth had ever trodden upon 
 in their native beauty. As she appi-oached the capital of our 
 country, where sat in council the sages of the Union, her strength, 
 beauty, and wealth entranced them all. But, alas for the cupidity 
 of man. Some of those sages soon raised against her their opposi- 
 tion. For she was commissioned to bear to the capitol the voice 
 of lier people, who, through her constitution, had bade her say 
 that they had decreed that all men who stood upon her soil 
 should be freemen ; that no blot of slavery should blacken her 
 
The Banquet. 97 
 
 escutcheon. She was the first to enunciate the grand principle 
 of " Popular Sovereignty " — that principle that was to bring the 
 minds of the sages in conflict. In the council-chamber stood, 
 pleading her cause, Webster, Dickinson, Benton, Seward, and 
 others, while Calhoun and Berrian led on the forces in opposi- 
 tion. There she stood for long and wearj' months, awaiting per- 
 mission to enter into union with her sister-States. She was not 
 ashamed of her representatives, for among them was -Freemont, 
 to the world known as a hardy and successful explorer, who had 
 been the first to place the flag of our country upon the peaks of 
 the Rocky Mountains, who had secured the friendship of Kit Gar- 
 son and others of those adventurous men who had passed beyond 
 the pale of civilization, and had joined their lives and fortunes 
 with the red men, who then held almost undisputed possession of 
 the vast plains beyond the great rivers. He, better than any 
 other man in the country, realized the value to the Union of the 
 acquisition of California. He plead with the senators to go forth 
 with him and stand upon Mount Diablo, and look away to the 
 West, across to the Pacific, and behold, whitening her bosom, the 
 great fleet of merchantmen who were bringing as their lading 
 the products of the lands of China, .Japan, and the islands of the 
 sea ; and behold, as they enter the portals of the Golden Gate, 
 they salute the flag which would represent the great country 
 that lay stretched along its thousands of miles, until it meets its 
 boundary in the Atlantic Ocean. At the east lie the valleys of 
 the Sacramento and San .Joaquin, while beyond, in the forests, 
 were to be seen the great trees — the wonder and admiration of 
 the world. Still beyond lay the valley of the Yosemite, where 
 the travelers of all nations who are permitted to enter within its 
 portals stand in astonishment and awe as they look around on 
 everv side and behold the effect of nature's great forces, which 
 
98 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 has piled cliff on cliff, until their lofty peaks pierce the clouds, 
 telling to man there is a God, while the mountain-brooks, leaping 
 along their way and plunging over mighty precipices, forming 
 those beautiful cataracts which waft forth songs of praise to the 
 bounteous Giver of all good and perfect gifts. So great a heri- 
 tage as this great State, without money and without price, was 
 never before offered to a nation. 
 
 I thank you, sir, for introducing me as an old Californian 
 amid these pioneers of Scranton, gathered here this evening, as it 
 has revived the memories of those days when I, too, was a 
 pioneer. I said that day, when the news arrived that we had 
 been admitted to the Union, was a happy day to me. 
 
 And so when we stood there in the Chamber tallying as we 
 did when the vote was carried to 101 on the third reading of the 
 New-County bill, that was a happy moment. But there was 
 something in the future — there was an election — and to-night we 
 have no question at all, in regard to the future. Thanks to the 
 first Commissioners of the County of Lackawanna, they have laid 
 their ground well, and the noble edifice to be erected is now in 
 the hands of their successors, which, I have no doubt, under the 
 contractor and the architect, and the vigilant supervision of the 
 Commissioners, will rise in all its beauty and majesty, so it will 
 be an honor, not only to our city, but to the Commonwealth and 
 to the country. {A'p'plaime^ 
 
 Permit me, Mr. President, in behalf of the fire-department of 
 this city, to thank you for remembering them at this banquet 
 and at this time. You citizens of Scranton have as fine an or- 
 ganization as there is in the United States, and are you aware, 
 fellow-taxpayers of the City of Scranton, that j^our whole fire- 
 department of this city costs less money than one half of the cost 
 of a single company in Philadelphia or New York? (Applause.) 
 
The Banquet. 99 
 
 This city is run under the system of cheap government, which 
 Mr. ScEANTON referred to, and the fire-department has had but 
 $5,000 yearly appropriation for the last six or seven years, out of 
 which they run their steamers and hose-carts, and supply the 
 hose, and do the work free for you. I speak to you, gentlemen, 
 as representatives of the City of Scranton. Look well to your 
 interests ; instruct your law-makers of the city to care well" for 
 the firemen, for the day is fact approaching when the volunteer 
 department, if not well cared for, will demand from your hands 
 a paid fire department, which will cost you much more than 
 the present department costs you now. I speak with some pride 
 as a fireman. In 1842 I was elected as a fireman in the village 
 of Newburg. It has been my privilege to be a fireman from that 
 day until one year ago. Thirty -six years of my life have I not 
 laid down at night on my bed, or undressed myself, without 
 knowing where every piece of clothing I wore, or would be com- 
 pelled to wear if the fire-bell should call me out, was to be found. 
 
 I look back over the labors thus performed with feelings of 
 deep satisfaction, and, while life is given unto me, expect to do 
 all in my humble power for the interests of the volunteer fire- 
 men. I feel highly delighted with the banquet, for it has gath- 
 ered together some of the pioneers of Scranton, and many of the 
 workers in the new-county cause, and all has gone as merry as 
 a marriage-bell. 
 
 Professor Bauer's orchestra, at universal request, 
 favored the assembly with the beautiful medley of the 
 "Mocking-Bird." 
 
 Mr. Winton — To the toast, 
 
 Our Absent Friends, 
 
 we had expected the silver-tongued orator to respond, but 
 
lOO Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 we are dooixied to disappointment. We have his letter, 
 which I will now read : 
 
 SCRANTON, Pa., May 23, 1882. 
 A. H. WiNTON, Esq., Master of Ceremonies, Sc. : 
 
 Dear Sir : Your kind invitation to participate in the new- 
 county banquet on 25th inst., and to reply to subject-toast " Our 
 Absent Friends," is duly received. 
 
 It is with regret that I am obliged to be an absent friend on 
 the occasion, engagements previously made requiring it. 
 
 Permit me, however, to acknowledge with compliments the 
 distinguished favor. 
 
 Very truly, 
 
 .J. A. PRICE. 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — We have now reached one of the most 
 interesting topics, to wit: Woman.; and I remark, "Woman 
 was not taken from the head of man, that she should be 
 his superior, nor from his feet to show that he was her 
 master, but from his side, to show that she was to be his 
 companion and helpmate," and I call upon Mr. F. J. 
 FiTzsiMMONS to respond to the toast, 
 
 Woman, 
 
 Mr. FiTZSIMMONS — 
 
 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen: I will say but a word, as I 
 feel much embarrassed in speaking before this audience. I am in- 
 experienced and young, yet not so young but that I can remem- 
 ber when the Democratic party was successful, and I don't think 
 I will have to live much longer to find it successful again. {Ap- 
 plause.) 
 
The Banquet. loi 
 
 I cannot understand why a response to a toast embodying so 
 much loveliness should be assigned a person having but a limited 
 acquaintance with those who have always on such occasions as 
 this been noticed in language the choicest and eloquence of the 
 first order. 
 
 . Did I possess the tongue of Tully, in all its living power, 
 I could not faithfully portray the many ennobling qualities that 
 characterize the nobleness of a true woman. I have never ex- 
 perienced her gentle, soothing disposition when aroused from her 
 first slumbers to let her devoted husband in after his long, dreary 
 hours at the club-meeting. I have never been made happy by 
 her kind words and smiling countenance, when her innocent 
 mind has concluded to get the latest fashions. Having been 
 deprived of this experience, I can speak but vaguely on this 
 subject. 
 
 Woman has always been a fruitful theme for the novelist and 
 poet, while the sculptor's highest ideal — the model 'par excellence — ■ 
 is that of a true, noble, and beautiful woman. {Applause) In 
 history she plays a prominent part, and in point of antiquity is 
 nearly coeval with man. The Good Book so frequently found in 
 the hands of lawyers says that man was created first and woman 
 after him. Some profane scribe, with little regard for the truth or 
 esteem for the fair sex, has improperly and falsely said that she 
 has been after him ever since. {Lav/jMer and applause.) It has 
 been with equal falsehood stated that the first woman was named 
 Eve because her coming into the world proved that man's day of 
 happiness, his hours of ease, his time of peace and contentment 
 was about to close. (Laughter and applause.) 
 
 Woman is stronger in her affections than man. Love is said 
 to be an episode in man's life, but it is woman's sole existence. 
 The love of woman is the distinguishing and noblest trait in her 
 
I02 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 character. It was the love and intuition of the wife of Pontius 
 Pilate that led her to warn him against the crime he was about 
 to sanction in consenting to giving our Savior into the hands of 
 the mob. It was woman who followed Jesus to the cross, and it 
 was she who was first to greet Him on the resurrection morn. 
 {Applause.) 
 
 In the annals of heroism her name proudly appears. Whether 
 ministering to the wounded on the field of battle, or consoling, 
 with words of endearing tenderness, the dying, her virtues shine 
 forth with conspicuous splendor. (Applause.) 'Twas she who 
 aroused heroic, and at that time despondent, France from a leth- 
 argy of despair, and when the nationhood of that illustrious land 
 hung in the balance of uncertainty, she infused her gallant 
 countrymen with a spirit of valor that ended in their retaining 
 their rights and the name accorded them in historj' for bravery 
 and love of country. [Applause.) 
 
 When America's most charming author, in words of rain- 
 bowed beauty,' said that a mother's love ti'anscended all other 
 affections of the heart, he wrote the sentiment of mankind. {Ap- 
 plause. ) 
 
 The locomotive, with gleaming eye and thunderous voice, as 
 with lightning-speed it annihilates distances, is the grandest of 
 objects, but when it jumps the track and is stuck in the mud, it 
 becomes one of the most despicable and helpless objects that can 
 be seen ; yet a woman, out of her place — " out of her sphere," if 
 you please — is a still more despicable object. In some of the 
 Western States, I learn with alarm, she is being admitted into 
 legal ranks. (Laughter.) While the immortal Greeley advised 
 young men to do otherwise, 3'et my advice to lawyers is, " Don't 
 go West." {Laughter and appkmse.) 
 
 What chance would a most ingenious or eloquent advocate 
 
The Banquet. 103 
 
 have in winning a case before a jury that would be appealed to, 
 implored, and their appearances complimented by some fair 
 Venus? (Laughter and applause.) 
 
 If it were within the range of possibility that the Court, 
 too, would lend a willing ear to her gentle requests, and lean 
 towards her in its rulings, it requires no prophetic gift to say with 
 some degree of certainty, that the lawyers of the present may be 
 the farmers of the future. It certainly is within the compass of 
 possibility that the judiciary might become influenced by her 
 wooings. This would be made possible only by the death of our 
 present judges. Some judges die, but few resign. They will 
 in all probability hold court till the Great .Judge sends after 
 them to give their proceedings here below a final review. 
 
 Woman has been in all ages the kindling inspiration of 
 patriotism, eloquence, poesy, and song. She watched over our in- 
 fancy, and would not permit the winds of winter to visit us too 
 roughly. She is found by the bedside of the sick, administering 
 every comfort that the fever-heated brain suggests. She places 
 the last wreath of aftection on the coffin-lid and decorates the 
 grave with floral offerings. Her tribute of friendship, her 
 mementoes of kindness, her deeds of charity, are too numerous to 
 be further mentioned at this time. Let us hope that at all times 
 to come her virtues may receive from a generous manhood the 
 reward they so richly deserve, and that the bar of Lackawanna, 
 though young in years, yet great in promise, may not only 
 acquire a laudable standing, from a professional standpoint, but 
 that its members may always willingly render their services in 
 defending the fortunes and reputations of the sex, on behalf of 
 whom I have so poorly responded on this highly sociable and 
 memorable occasion. (AppkuiM) 
 
I04 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — During our Legislative fight tliere 
 was a member upon whom we had only half a claim, 
 as he also represented the Pittston end of the district, 
 but he battled manfully for the right, and all of us 
 have enthusiastically praised him ever since, and we 
 hope, in due time, to fittingly reward him. I call 
 upon the Hon. Albert I. Ackerly. 
 
 Mr. AOKERLY 
 
 Mr. President : I have never been noted for public speak- 
 ing. I am somewhat like one of our major-generals, who, just 
 before a battle, said : " My command is not much on dress- 
 parade, but, when fighting is to be done, we are there." 
 When the right time came I hope I did speak and vote to 
 your entire satisfactioia, in spite of the many inducements 
 held out to influence me otherwise, and, as it is so early in the 
 morning, I trust you will permit me to be excused, with the 
 statement that I have enjoyed myself immensely, and heartily 
 join in the mutual congratulations. {Applavse.) 
 
 Mr. WiNTON — 1 call upon Mr. >S. T. Scranton, who 
 now resides 'in the foreign land of Jersey, but who was 
 one of the pioneers of Scranton, and who helped to lay 
 well and deep our sure footing whereon we liave built so 
 well. 
 
 Mr. Selden T. Scranton — 
 
 Mr. Chairman : It gives me great pleasure to see so many 
 citizens of Scranton, a great many whom I esteem as friends. At 
 this late hour I cannot expect to detain you, but only rise to ex- 
 press my great pleasure in having been here with you on this 
 
The Banquet. 105 
 
 joyous occasion. I can but feel the liveliest interest in the pros- 
 perity of this new county of Lackawanna and of this city of 
 Scranton. I remember it when there were only seventeen souls 
 in this place. I have watched its progress, growth, and pros- 
 perity for forty-one years, from the 20th of last August, and shall, 
 while life lasts, look upon it with the liveliest interest. I wish 
 you all the prosperity and success you are worthy of {Applause.) 
 
 The Chairman then called on Colonel Charles 
 Scranton for a speech. 
 
 Mr. Charles Scranton — 
 
 Mr. Chairman, and Gentlemen of the Lackawanna 
 County Bar, the Luzerne County Bar, and all the other 
 " Bars " here present {laughter), and Fellow-Citizens : I am 
 very unexpectedly with you on this joyous occasion. When I 
 left my home in New Jersey this afternoon, I did not even know 
 that anything unusual was in progress in your city. I find my- 
 self your guest, and now you have called on me for a speech. At 
 this late, or early, hour, after so many good things have been 
 said, by so many able speakers, what shall I say? Shall I go 
 back to the early days of your town's history, and call to mind 
 some of the pleasant incidents of my early recolleqtions of Slocum 
 Hollow? As this part has been somewhat overlooked, I will, in 
 my brief remarks, refer to the glory and work of the early days 
 of your city's history; for, from its foundation to the present time, 
 I have watched, with deepest interest, every step in your rapid 
 rise and progress, your wealth and prosperity. Then you were a 
 feeble folk. Now you have risen to rank and station, and you are 
 here to-night to celebrate a great event in your history — the 
 laying of the corner-stone of a new court-house ^of a county sec- 
 
io6 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 ond to none for its real .wealth and enterprise in this great Com- 
 monwealth. But we must not despise the day of small things. 
 Forty years ago, I believe there was but one lawyer (the late 
 Charles H. Silkman) between Carbondale and Pittston, and only 
 one small church-building in the same territory, and very few (and 
 they were very small) school-houses in this same valley. Now your 
 lawyers are numerous, as I notice by the number here present, 
 and your churches and school-houses are numerous, and noted 
 for their style of architecture, and the moral and educational in- 
 fluences going out therefrom. [A'p'plau&e)) I will give you one or 
 two items that can hardly fail to interest those living at that 
 time, and those who have been born since. At that time our 
 worthy chairman was about the only doctor in this section. The 
 families were far apart, and generally very healthy. The whole 
 vote of Providence Township, if my memorj' serves me, was 
 about 147. The doctor, thowgli exceedingly conscientioun, had 
 pretty hard work to keep his patients, at that early day, sick long 
 enough to make a fair living. {Laughter.) He had to go into 
 the lumber and drug business, and trade a horse occasionally, to 
 make a decent living. I remember having been called up from 
 New Jersey to help, in place of one of the book-keepers who was 
 sick, or nearly so, by the loneliness here, after coming from the 
 large town of Oxford. It was then that, in order to relieve the 
 monotony of the situation, I proposed getting up a debating 
 school. The thing took quickly, and I was appointed to draw up 
 the constitution and by-laws, and our worthy chairman was ap- 
 pointed to give the opening lecture. I need not tell j^ou it was 
 a grand one. (Laughter.) I believe it had to be repeated at 
 numerous villages in the county. The late Hon. W. W. 
 Ket(!ham and others began in this little thing to show their 
 brain-power. For the generous part which I bore in the prem- 
 
The Banquet. 107 
 
 ises I was, with Mr. Charles F. Mattes, excused from taking part 
 in the debates, and we were made "gentleman judges" for the 
 whole winter. Maktin L. Newman, the chief-of-police of the 
 towUj and the only constable for miles around, was also on hand 
 as a debater. Another great event transpired. It was resolved, 
 at a public meeting held at the house of N. D. Green, Hyde 
 Park, that the coming National Anniversary ought to be, and 
 should be, celebrated with imposing ceremony, and the citizens 
 of Razorville, Bucktown, and Slocum Hollow were invited to co- 
 operate to make it a grand success, and show the folks down the 
 valley what could be done up this way. There are a few yet 
 living who well remember the day — how the delegations came in 
 from the places named; how proudly old Captain Feltz, the 
 grand marshal, led the procession, with "sword and buckler" by 
 his side, and his numerous Masonic emblems dangling by his 
 coat-collar {laughter) ; how the delegation from Slocum Hollow, in 
 single file, fell in line with Colonel George W. Scranton at the 
 head. Dr. Throop second, with fiddle and bow, Charles F. 
 Mattes next with clarionet, some other one with bass-drum. 
 Esquire Grant, R. W. Olmstead, William Sands, William 
 Manness, and some twenty others, all marching to the tune of 
 " Auld Lang Syne," down the old stump-fence road, over the tee- 
 tering bridge, up the steep side-hill [laughter), and solemnly into 
 the little church, well packed with eager listeners to the ora- 
 tion that was to follow, and the martial music, and to hear 
 the rendering by the vocal and instrumental powers present, of 
 the ode prepared for the occasion by one of the literati of the 
 valley, which was all played and sung to the principal 
 tune, "Auld Lang Syne." (Laughter.) I wish I had time to re- 
 cite it, and could remember it. {Cries of "Give us a verse.") 
 Well, it ran about this way : 
 
io8 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 " The land wheron our village stands, 
 Where once the savage trod, 
 Is mostly cleared, you'll understand, 
 And covered o'er with sod." 
 
 {Loud calls were here given for more of it.) Well, another verse 
 ran about thus : 
 
 " Brave Washington, now dead and gone. 
 No more of him you'll see, 
 America, her greatest son, 
 He gained her liberty." 
 
 Now, to be more serious. I have heard from the gentlemen 
 who preceded me, of the great struggle you have gone through 
 with in finally obtaining your object — a new county. How that, 
 as you always need, you have had the good offices and friendship 
 of your worthy chairman, the doctor, all the way through, in 
 having the birth of this new daughter of old Mother Luzerne more 
 than a still-birth. But, as the legal gentlemen present have 
 stated it, no more new counties can be made under your present 
 Constitution. I therefore have to congratulate the friends from 
 old Luzerne, on the fact that no more counties are to be cut from 
 her territory; that she will be spared all these birth-pains in the 
 future ; and now, side by side, these two great counties, Luzerne 
 and Lackawanna, one in interest and origin, are to go on hand- 
 in-hand in all the great work before them. And in conclusion 
 let me here say that the broad, deep, and solid foundations laid 
 here by the late William Henry, Colonel George W. Scran- 
 ton, Philip H. Mattes, Sanford Grant (who still lives, and 
 ought to be here to-night), and Selden T. Scranton, at the be- 
 ginning, and later aided by Joseph H. Scranton and others, 
 with the good-will and fellowship of your chairman and the 
 
The Banquet. 109 
 
 other citizens then in this vicinity, have made it possible to have 
 this new county, this corner-stone laid, this banquet, this city — 
 the third in size in this Commonwealth — so well governed and 
 orderly, that its police-force is said to be the smallest, for the 
 same-sized population, in the Union; and for my friend, Mr. 
 John Jeemyn, who sits there, and who did his first day's work in 
 the garden of Mr. S. T. Scranton, for seventy-five cents, to be a 
 millionaire ; for your honored chairman to be another ; for my good 
 friend on my right, Mr. J. J. Albright, to come back from old 
 Virginia shorn of this fortune, and now rich beyond measure; 
 for my young friend Connolly, whose father did good work for 
 the pioneers at the first old furnace, to be the respondent to-night 
 for the junior members of the Bar of Lackawanna County ; and so 
 I might go on, did time and your patience permit, and call out 
 by name hundreds of others who have made a name and fame, 
 and money, and homes, here in this city and valley, because of 
 of the solid foundations laid, of the privations, hard work, and 
 struggles of the pioneers, which were overcome by their indomit- 
 able pluck, and, aided by your churches, and schools, and good- 
 fellowship. All these combinations, with those before alluded to, 
 form, in history, a part of the enjoyment of this festive occasion. 
 May God bless you all in all the proper aims and objects of life, 
 and "Justice, with her even scales," be deeply fixed in your 
 hearts, in your business transactions for yourselves and others. 
 
 Gentlemen, I thank you for your patience, and your kind at- 
 tention to my remarks, which have been too long extended. 
 {Cries, "Go on! Go on!") No, it is already too late. (Af- 
 plause.) 
 
 Music — "Auld Lang Syne." 
 
 The President called upon Mr. J. J. Albright. 
 
I lo Lackawanna Cottnty Memorial. 
 
 Mr. Albright — 
 
 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : You all know I am no 
 speaker. I can only say I was here among the first pioneers. 
 When I came I was off'ered this whole plot of ground, about 500 
 acres, for $10 an acre. {A voice: "Why did you not buy it?") I 
 had not the five thousand dollars. [Laughter.) At that time I did 
 not remain here, but went to Virginia and returned in 1851. 
 The outgrowth of Scran ton has been much greater than any of us, 
 even in what our friends called our fancy-flights, ever conceived ; 
 and as we have listened this evening to the recitals of the pluck 
 and energy that have been for forty years with the citizens of this 
 section on the subject of a new county, so I may say the same 
 spirit has been manifested in her coal, her manufacturing, and 
 commercial interests. {Applause.) Dark clouds have settled, and 
 storms at times have swept over us, and many have been ship- 
 wrecked, but dismay came not so strong as to entirely dishearten 
 all. There are those here to-night, and in our cemeteries lie 
 others, who were always ready when the least glimmer of light 
 appeared above the horizon to push forward to victory. {Applause) 
 
 Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I am thankful that I have 
 been permitted to see this day. It has been to me one of great 
 joy, and as I have listened this evening to the many most excel- 
 lent speeches of congratulation, I desire to say that, while I wish 
 to see prosperity and success on everj' hand, yet I more rejoice in 
 the success of every effort that tends to add prosperity' to this cit}-- 
 I trust that no person who was active in the formation of this 
 new county will ever have cause to regret the labor performed, 
 and that the temple of .Justice, whose corner-stone has this day 
 been laid, will always be the house wherein equaland exact justice 
 to all shall be administered by pure and upright judges. (Ap- 
 plause) 
 
The Banquet. in 
 
 Calls for Mr. John Jeemyn. 
 
 Mr. Jermyn — 
 
 Mr. President and Gentlemen : I do not know as I would 
 have been here with you to enjoy this most pleasant occasion if I 
 had had the least intimation that I should be called upon for a 
 speech, and I beg to assure you, gentlemen, that with the excep- 
 tion of this call I am free to say that this has been one of the most 
 agreeable evenings, and I may say mornings, I have ever been 
 permitted to enjoy. The reminiscences of many incidents that 
 have transpired during my residence here, some of "which I was per- 
 mitted to be a participant in, has brought to my mind the period 
 when I came first to Scranton. The world has dealt generously 
 with me since then, and for that success I feel under great obliga- 
 tions to one who at all times and under all circumstances was my 
 friend, and who, as his brother has told you, I did my first day's 
 work for in this locality. I have desired for some years to give a 
 public recognition of the esteem in which I hold his memory. 
 This, to me, seems my opportunity, and as no monument marks 
 the spot where he now lies, I would suggest that a subscription 
 for the erection of a monument to Colonel George W. Scranton 
 be now started, and you may put me down for one, two, or three 
 hundred dollars. {Applause.) 
 
 Dr. B. H. Throop seconded the suggestion, and H. M. 
 Edwards, Esq., moved the appointment of a committee 
 of five to act with the chairman in carrying it into effect. 
 The committee was appointed, and consists of Dr. Theoop 
 and Messrs. John Jeemyn, R. W. Aechbald, H. M. Ed- 
 wards, J. J. Albeioht, and Heney A. Kingsbuey. 
 
 Three cheers for the Toast-Master were Instil}^ given. 
 
1 1 2 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 (Jails for F. W. Gunster. 
 
 Mr. Gunster — 
 
 Mr. Chairman and GrENTLEMKN : When I consented to act 
 on the Committee on Toasts it was with the distinct understand- 
 ing that I would not be called upon to speak to-night. I tried to 
 do my work well on that committee, and the fact that we have 
 been so well entertained this evening, is proof that the work of 
 that committee has been done well. 
 
 I am sorry that the gentleman who was on the programme to- 
 night, and who would have done the subject justice, is not here to 
 respond to the toast, " Our Absent Friends." 
 
 Many men have been interested in this new-county question 
 who are not with us to-night, and whom we shall never see again 
 in this life — men like William Merrifield and Captain Robin- 
 son. And there is another man whom I shall always think of 
 with the feeling that when I met him, I met a man. He wasn't 
 born in this country ; he was a Scotchman, and, like all good 
 Scotchmen, he loved the land of his birth, but because he pre- 
 ferred a country where it wasn't necessary to have a standing- 
 army to keep the crown upon the royal head, he came to this 
 country. A man of keen perception, of strict integrity, of great 
 energy ; a man of unusual ability, a man who was devoted to his 
 country, and when his country called, he was ready ; a man who 
 was devoted to the interests of this community ; a man who may 
 have had his faults, but a man who had his virtues and his 
 friends. I know that man is with us in spirit to-night. T pro- 
 pose the name of William N. Monies. {A'p'plaxhse.) 
 
 The guests then rose and drank to the memory of 
 William N. Monies. 
 
 The President called upon Mr. TsAAf C. PRKn-;. 
 
The Banquet. 1 1 3 
 
 Mr. Price — 
 
 Me. Chairman and Gentlemen : By a mere chance I am 
 here with you this morning. 1 heard yesterday that during 
 the evening of that day j'^ou were going to have the 
 laying of the corner-stone, and I took a great deal of pleasure 
 in attending yesterday and hearing the eloquent remarks 
 of Judge Hand upon that occasion. I came here on 
 my first visit some nineteen years ago, when certain gentle- 
 men who had control of my movements thought you could 
 not take care of yourselves. I was sent up here and remained 
 four or five months at that time. I have listened to-night with 
 pleasure to the remarks that have been made, and I am fully con- 
 fident that if one tithe of what has been said about Lackawanna 
 County and about Scranton City is true, you are amply sufficient 
 to attend to your own wants at this time. 
 
 I have heard this evening that this is one of the greatest coun- 
 ties, the third largest city in the Commonwealth, with the 
 best judiciary, a most numerous and most distinguished bar. 
 Some of that is news to me. I did think that the little 
 settlement wherein I live down on the Delaware and Schuyl- 
 kill Rivers had something of a bar, and some legal talent, 
 but it is now somewhat of a question in my mind whether 
 it amounts to as much as I thought it did. I have about 
 made up my mind, while sitting here, that if in my life-time the 
 period shall come that Mr. Dale has spoken of, and my city shall 
 be submerged, why I'll come up here and live (Laughter) — that is, 
 if you will let me (" Yes, yes, come"); for I am really glad to say 
 that I believe that Scranton is a live place. When I first visited 
 here nineteen years ago, all of the opposite side of the street was 
 bare. Now on every hand I see good, substantial improvements, 
 and as year by year I visit you, these improvements stand out in 
 
1 1 4 Lackawanna County Memorial. 
 
 bold relief before me. I am glad to see them. I have some interests 
 here. I have had confideiice in the future of Scranton, and I am 
 pleased to fully realize that my confidence has not been mis- 
 placed. If time would permit, I should be pleased to speak of 
 "some incidents that I have witnessed here, but the morning hour 
 warns me 'tis time to stop. I thank the President, Dr. THKO(n', 
 for his invitation that permitted me to be with you and enjoy this 
 pleasant occasion. {Cheers.) 
 
 The band then played a medley of "Old Lang t^ync " 
 and "Home, Sweet Home," and amid universal congrat- 
 ulations, all retired, each to his home as best he could to 
 enjoy his dreams. 
 
Addendum. 115 
 
 pDDENDUM. 
 
 The following are the conditions of the deed by 
 which the County of Lackawanna holds the block of 
 ground whereon the new court-house is being built: 
 
 First : The said land shall be used solely for the purposes of county, 
 city, and United States public buildings, and a public park. 
 
 Second : That portion of the said square or block in the center thereof, 
 being two hundred and forty (240) feet in width on Washington Avenue, 
 and two hundred and forty (240) feet in width on Adams Avenue, and run- 
 ning through the block, shall be held by the said party of the second part 
 for public buildings and public park. 
 
 Third: That portion of said square or block between said last-men- 
 tioned portion and Linden Street shall be held by the said party of the sec- 
 ond part, in trust for the City of Scranton, to be conveyed to said city, 
 subject to be used by said city for city buildings and a public park, and 
 said county may require said city, before making conveyance, to convey a 
 sufficient quantity of tljeir land, known as the Tripp property, for the erec- 
 tion of a county jail thereon, should said county so desire, and may also 
 require said city to reimburse the said county for moneys expended on im- 
 provements to the said block so to be conveyed. 
 
 Fourth : The remaining portion of said block, being that portion lying 
 between the first above-mentioned portion and Spruce Street, shall be held 
 in trust, to be conveyed to the United States of America, whenever the 
 United States shall demand it, to be used for postoffice, court-house, or pub- 
 lic buildings of any kind for the National Government, and, when so de- 
 manded, a deed for the same shall be made in fee simple. Before a con- 
 veyance of the same is made, the said county may require the United 
 States to reimburse the said county for moneys expended on improve- 
 ments to such portion of said block so to be conveyed. 
 
 Fifth : Should said land and premises, except that to be conveyed to the 
 United States, cease to be used for public buildings, or public park, then 
 the title to the same shall revert to the said parties of the first part, theii' 
 I'espective heirs, successors, or assigns, as they now hold the same.