A manual on the origin and development of Washington

by H. Paul Caemmerer

EARLY VIEW OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH

The most notable changes were made in 1863, when a sanctuary was added, the interior remodeled, and many fine additions put in place. Since that time there have been few changes of importance save in the interior decorations and sanctuary beautification. The eye can not glance in any direction without seeing some memorial. Over the altar is a brass cross, commemorating President Arthur. In the west wall is a window commemorating Presidents Madison, Monroe, and Van Buren. A window in the east wall commemorates Presidents Tyler, Harrison, and Taylor. Over the south gallery is a memorial window to Gen. Winfield Scott. The atmosphere of the old church is vibrant of memories. But St. John’s is far from being entirely a church of memories. It has made possible several undertakings of institutional character in the diocese.

THE COURTS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

The District of Columbia Courthouse is situated in Judiciary Square, along Indiana Avenue, facing south, with John Marshall Place immediately in front of it, leading down a slope of 30 feet to Pennsylvania Avenue. It is the old city hall, now used for the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Designed by the English architect, George Hadfield, the corner stone was laid August 22, 1820. The building is 250 feet long, 47 feet high, and 166 feet deep. Each of the wings is 50 feet wide. Its style resembles the classical type of architecture which received an impetus during the period from 1830 to 1840, when the Patent Office, the old Post Office, and the Department of the Treasury Buildings were erected. It was remodeled by the Architect of the Capitol, and in 1920, a century after the corner stone was laid, was officially rededicated as the United States Courthouse. It will be at the head of the new municipal center which has been authorized by Congress to occupy four squares, two on each side of John Marshall Place.

The District of Columbia as the seat of the Federal Government of the United States of America was without a court from 1791 until February 9, 1801. In the latter year the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia was organized under the provisions of the act of Congress providing a judiciary for the said District. From 1790 until the year 1801 all litigation arising within the District was disposed of by the Maryland courts, at Annapolis.

The first session of the circuit court was held in Market Square, Alexandria, situated in the territory ceded by Virginia. The first session on the Maryland side was held in Washington on March 23, 1801, in the old brick Capitol, occupying a room adjoining the Senate Chamber which had been assigned to the Supreme Court of the United States. The circuit court was rather nomadic, occupying a number of sites before the city hall was finally built in 1820 as its permanent home. It was in the Capitol at the time of the War of 1812 and was removed to “Mr. Carroll’s house” near the Capitol. After the war the court returned to the Capitol and sat continuously until 1819. After passing through many heartbreaking annoyances, the court finally settled in the building erected for municipal affairs and for the local courts, located in what is now known as Judiciary Square.

As time progressed the judicial system expanded, the local government underwent radical changes, and the edifice erected to house a dual tenancy was acquired by the United States and assigned to the circuit court as a permanent home. It remained there until the court was abolished by Congress on March 3, 1863.

When President Lincoln entered the White House just before the rupture between the North and South, he was not satisfied with the personnel of the circuit court. He prevailed upon Congress to abolish the circuit court and provide for its successor—history hints this was a political move—and also that the President be supported by a judicial system upon which he could rely for complete loyalty to his administration. He believed that at least two of the justices were in sympathy with the South and would use means to embarrass his administration. The thought in his mind was that more satisfaction could be derived by the abolition of the court and the enactment of a new judicial system entirely friendly to his ideas of personal liberty and justice than through the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.