THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 373, 28 June 1911, Page 6

THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES.

•NO APPEAL EXCEPT TO THE ALMIGHTY." The Chief Justice of the United States bulks largely in tb.3 public eye because he is the head of the Supreme, Court of the Republic, although 'his authority is no greater than that of an Associate Justice, and every Justice has an equal voice in deciding every case before the Court. These \nine Justices possess a power greater than that of any Court or Legislature or Council in the world*. They can nullify an Act of Congress. They can abrogate a treaty. They can over-rule Presidents and State Governments. They can confirm a death sentence or save from the gallows. They can destroy commerce or foster it. Their powei is almost limitless and touches every activity of man. From their decision there is no appeal. Once a man went into the tiny little court-room at the Capitol when an important decision was to be be handed down. The very limited space set. apart for visitors was crowded, and this man took a seat within the railing reserved for members of the Bar. He was approached by an attendant, who inquired if he was a member of the Bar, and, receiving a reply in the negative, was told that he must take a seat elsewhere. The man hesitated about leaving, as every place was occupied. .. "I would advise you to go," the attendant remarked solemnly, "fox this is a court from which there is no appeal except to the almighty." This was a literal statementr of th« truth. The Supreme Court can enforce its mandate. It can punish, for contempt. A person sentenced by the judges of any other Federal •or State Court can be pardoned by. the President or the Governor, but no Presidential pardon will release a prisoner in contempt of Supreme Court. In any other Court, Federal or State, the writ of habeas corpus is respected, but no writ can run against the Supreme Court. A tyrannical 01 corrupt Court could repeat in America the days of the Terror and thf Pastille.—"National Review." •