Almost a century ago, on May 1, 1877, Judge Daniel Agnew delivered the speech reprinted in this pamphlet at the dedication of the new Beaver County Court House. Except for a few minor changes resulting from fire in 1936 and a recently completed addition, the basic structure of the original building remains unchanged.
Because of its local historical background dealing with early Indian tribes, colonial scouts, names of rivers and runs, early roads and those who built them, the speech is important. For students of law it has special significance coming from one whose classic decisions are used for reference today.
At that period of our nation's history, a speech by a learned jurist constituted a special event which was well attended by public spirited citizens proud of their great new country and eager to learn more about her. This was an opportunity to show their patriotism a ' nd zeal, to hear news, facts, and figures concerning state and federal government *
Such a public gathering was long heralded and long remembered. JudgeAgnew knew the caliber of his audience, realized their burning fervor, and rose to the occasion in his dedication speech. Here he delivered a paean of praise extolling the location, natural beauty, soil, climate and vegetation of Beaver County.
Here, also, was a meaningful evaluation of the importance of the law in this great new country, almost echoing the words of Solon, the celebrated lawgiver of ancient Greece in long ago sixth century, B.C., Athens:
"These are the lessons which my heart bids me teach the Athenians, how that lawlessness brings inumerable ills to the state, but obedience to the law shows forth all things in order and harmony and at the same time sets shackles on the unjust. It smooths what is rough, checks greed, dims arrogance, withers opening blooms of ruinous folly, makes straight the crooked judgement, tames the deeds of insolence, puts a stop to the works of civil dissension and ends the wrath of bitter strife. Under its rule all things among mankind are sane and wise."
It is because Judge Daniel Agnew's speech is a facet of our local history in which he played so important a part, that we are reprinting it herewith.
THE BEAVER AREA HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Publications Committee:
Frank Carver
Marie McClure
Harry Phillips
December 1972