Praise and Pride from Bench and Bar

Since the trial of the original Watergate Seven began in January, Judge Sirica has received more than 40,000 letters from all over the world, most of them favorable and full of praise for his conduct. Particularly notable are the notes from men and women of his own profession. A sampler of messages to Sirica from other judges and attorneys:

Occasionally, some judges act in a way that causes the hearts of other judges to swell with pride. God bless you. --Judge John A. Shidler, Superior Court, Torrance, Calif.

You were not content to act as a mere umpire and keeper of the peace in the courtroom, but your conduct more than any other factor led to what appears to be a searching and conscientious inquiry to determine the truth about and ultimate responsibility for this sordid mess. This once again illustrates, for all to see, the fact that an independent judiciary is essential to the well-being of this nation, and it demonstrates also what one man can do if he has good motives and a strong determination.

--Judge George M. Scott, Fifth Circuit Court of West Virginia

Your conduct of the Watergate case was nothing short of masterful. Although you said early in that trial that you 'happened to be a Republican,' I am sure that you meant that you vote Republican. The Watergate case is the epitome of judicial nonpartisanship and a shining reflection of the fact that when you don your robe, you are neither a Republican nor a Democrat but simply a federal judge in search of the truth, no matter where it lies. I can only hope that if I am ever called upon to sit in a political case involving Democrats, I will have the courage to emulate your example.

--Chief Judge Joseph S. Lord III, U.S. District Court, Philadelphia

With the vast scope of the emerging Watergate story, I feel that we have lost sight of what I believe to have been the greatest single factor that led to the revelations now coming to the surface. Your refusal to allow Watergate to be whitewashed by an apparent cooperative effort of the defendants and the Administration must stand as one of the great moments of the American judiciary.

--Marshall H. Barkin, attorney, Daytona Beach, Fla.

As a member of the New Jersey bar, I wish you to know that when I am in the presence of a Watergate discussion, I am proud and stand high, knowing that our Judicial Branch of the Government, through you, has saved our form of government from disaster. Your dedication to duty and to your oath of office, irrespective of the grave consequences that had to follow, have earned for you the everlasting gratitude of the bench and the bar of this country.

--Edward J. Johnson, attorney, Middlesex, N.J.

May I say that land many other lawyers have great admiration for the courage and integrity that you have shown during the past few months. At a time when the bar and the legal system are under attack, and when they frequently deserve criticism, you have stood out. You have made a very real contribution toward preserving our judicial and constitutional system.

--William S. Andrews, attorney, Syracuse

You are a credit to the judiciary and we are all proud of you.

--Senior Judge William M. Byrne (father of the Ellsberg case judge), U.S. District Court, Los Angeles

The stature of every district judge in this country has been enormously increased by the example of your courage and dedication to principles we all hold dear. I have come to the sad conclusion that only the federal courts stand between the citizens and a state of near anarchy. Only strong and courageous men can sustain the essentially fragile concept of individual freedom and personal liberty. Because of your example, I am honored indeed to be a U.S. district judge.

--Judge Carl B. Rubin, U.S. District Court, Dayton

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