Birthday

One early morning last week, a white-bearded old gentleman in a high-crowned derby thumped briskly along Massachusetts Avenue. Most of his Washington neighbors were still asleep, so he was surprised when he met eleven-year-old Helen Chapin, who curtsied, held out a bouquet, said: "Happy birthday." The old gentleman beamed as he took the flowers. It was indeed Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes's birthday: his 78th.

Full of Jovian calm, even after ten years that have been as thorny as any in the Supreme Court's history, the Chief Justice looked hale & hearty. At week's end he broke his rule against dining out by attending the Gridiron Dinner. (Before his illness last year, he used to dine out on Saturdays only; he and Mrs.

Hughes were consequently booked up a year ahead.) He has not missed a single day in court this term, has written 17 opinions--as many as William Orville Douglas, youngest member; more than any other Justice. Friends of Mr. Hughes said he had no intention of retiring--not soon, anyhow.

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