Reply of Mr. Knox.
Mr. Chief Justice:
This is indeed a high honor you have conferred on me, and I deeply appreciate it, as well as the very kind and complimentary words which you have just pronounced in referring to my Government and to my people.
During twenty-five years of my life I devoted myself to the practice of law in my native State and there I learned to respect the courts as a power, exerting within the orbits of law, justice, and equity great influence for all that is good, and in the last analysis constituting the strongest safeguard for the people’s rights. Though I have never occupied a judicial position, yet, having served as the chief of the Department of Justice in two administrations, the contact which my position permitted me to enjoy with the members of the bench strengthened my respect for the courts and taught me to appreciate the sacrifice made by those who, in devoting their lives to the administration of justice, deny themselves opportunities for acquiring wealth or fame in the more alluring fields of human endeavor.
Again I beg of you, Mr. Chief Justice, to accept my most sincere thanks for the distinguished honor you have this day shown to me.