nation, and of good conduct and probity, given by the board of exam iners then in office, should, without further cost to the applicant, grant his warrant of confirmation.

For special causes of removal from the bar, as provided in the Code of Georgia, the judge should be authorized, upon complaint of the board of examiners, to annul the certificate granted, and to refuse a confirmation. We think that this probate of the professional conduct and capabilities of the young practitioner would exert a salutary restraining influence over those disposed to stray from the path of strict professional rectitude, and could in no manner impede the progress of the capable and upright attorney.

Believing that some reform in professional methods is demanded by the spirit of the age, we have submitted the foregoing suggestions, because we regard them as simple, practicable and attainable. We are aware that no plan can be proposed which will receive unanimous approval, and will readily adjust itself to the views and feelings of all.. But one of the high purposes of this Association, as proclaimed in its constitution, is to uphold the honor of the profession of the law. To accomplish this end, we feel assured that each member of the Association will consent to shift some favored position, to modify some cherished idea, and to yield some long harbored prejudice.

Should the suggestions of your committee be accepted and enforced, even in a modified form, we believe that a chapter will be opened in reform, to be succeeded in due sequence by other chapters of greater significance, when the members of the profession shall have multiplied, and their zeal and culture shall have increased. Then will the bar of Georgia occupy as high a plane as that achieved in the enlightened nations of Europe, or in the most advanced of the American States. The eloquent d'Agnesseau has declared that the profession of the law is as ancient as justice, as noble as virtue itself. But it necessarily results that it calls for all the solicitude of government. It concerns too closely the fortune, the honor, and the life itself, of citizens, to be left neglected. Those whose purpose it is to practice it ought to be held to make proof of their studies, of their capacity, of their good morals, and of their probity.

MEMORIAL OF WM. E. COLLIER, ESQ.

WILLIAM E. COLLIER was born in Dekalb county, Ga., March 21st, 1855. He was thoroughly taught in the common schools of Fort Valley and Atlanta. For a long time he was a pupil of the Rev. T. B. Russell, from whom he learned many valuable truths, useful to him in his after life. He completed his education at the Georgia Military Institute, at Marietta. In 1870 he went to Bainbridge, and studied law under Wm. H. Crawford. On January 12th, 1872, he was admited to practice law in the Superior Courts, at the Superior Court of Decatur county, Judge P. J. Strozier presiding. From Bainbridge he moved to Fort Valley, and began the practice of the law. In 1873, he went to the University of Virginia to attend lectures in his chosen profession. When he returned to Fort Valley he resumed the practice of the law, and was an active practitioner to the day of his death, September 24th, 1886. Col. Collier was well known in Middle Georgia as one of the best collectors in the State. He was uncompromisingly faithful to the interests of his clients. Though starting life a poor boy,. he acquired, by his pluck and energy, a considerable income. He was devoted to his friends, and very much enjoyed social intercourse and the pleasures of home. He was thoroughly identified with the interest of Fort Valley, and is very much missed there as well as by his many friends over the State.

MEMORANDA.

MATTERS REFERRED TO COMMITTEES.

1. To Committee on Jurisprudence and Law Reform.

Communication of Alabama State Bar Association as to codification of the law of negotiable instruments (p. 50). See Report of 1886-87, p. 207.

2. To Committee on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar.

Resolution in reference to proceedings in proper cases to disbar attorneys (p. 50).

3. To Committee on Legal Ethics.

This subject was continued in charge of the Committee (p. 32).

4. To Committee on Preparation of Bills.

Reproduction of lost bills, etc. (p. 52).

For other duties of Committees, see p. 59.