University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

Page 18 text:

In bringing- to a close this hasty sketch I can not do better than quote the advice which Professor Mechem recently gave to the students of the Law Department respecting The Study of the Law , for this advice is pertinent not only to the particular class of students whom he addressed, but to all who aim at the attainment of scholarly proficiency in any branch of investigation, or of the highest success in any profes- sional occupation. The nomenclature is special, the principle which speaks through this nomenclature is universal. To recapitulate, I would venture to suggest that the student endeavor: I. To so analyze and classify his work that he may see, as far as possible, the true relation of each subject to the others. II. ' ' To ascertain and make his own, not the mere language of the rules laid down, but the reason of the rule the fundamental idea or principle which gave it birth. III. To so associate each principle with some leading case in which it was applied that the principle itself shall be to him not a mere abstraction but a living force operating upon actual facts in such wise as to at once suggest the manner and the limit of its application.

Page 17 text:

evidences an unusual activity in the field of authorship, and is of itself adequate to secure for Professor Mecbem an honorable place i n the development of legal science. Professor Mechem early showed his interest in education. He was instrumental in the organization of the Detroit College of Law. In 1891 he was called to the University of Michigan to fill the Tappan Professor- ship of Law, and the thousands of students who have since sat under his instruction are hearty in their approval of his choice to follow the calling of a teacher rather than to continue the practice of his profession. For some time he had charge of the Practice Court , that feature of the Michigan Law School which has done so much to fit students for quick success in their chosen profession, but at present he confines his attention to instruction in The Science of Jurisprudence , Damages , Taxa- tion , Partnership and The Administration and Distribution of the Estates of Deceased Persons. No one can be long with Professor Mechem, or see him in familiar intercourse with his students, without being impressed with his person- ality. His easy appreciation of the difficulties which students encounter, his keen sympathy with their ambitions, and his ability to encourage what is best in their ideals, are perhaps the explanation of that strong and helpful influence which he exerts upon the student body. Nor is this influence confined to the Law Department. One who knows the trend of sentiment regarding University matters can not fail to recognize a marked development, during past years, in the direction of a single comprehen- sive university idea broad enough to embrace all departments of the University. This is indicated, among other things, in the joint courses that have been established between the Literary and Professional Depart- ments. Professor Mechem has always stood strongly for this idea and no member of the Law Department has been more ready than he to give thought and counsel for its realization. Another tendency which marks the development of the University, is its effort to adjust instruction to the needs of practical life without destroying the culture and scholarship which a university education ought to bestow. With this tendency, also, Professor Mechem has always identified himself, as is evidenced by the interest he has shown during the past year in the establishment of a course in Higher Commercial Education. There is perhaps no man on the Campus whose attitude of mind more clearly represents the healthful trend of education at the University of Michigan than does that of Professor Mechem.

Page 19 text:

JAMES B. ANGELL, LL.D., PRESIDENT. HON. HERMAN KIEFER, HON. FRANK W. FLETCHER, HON. ROGER W. BUTTERFIELD, HON. GEORGE A. FARR, HON. WILLIAM J. COCKER, HON. CHARLES D. LAWTON, HON. HENRY S. DEAN, HON. ELI R. SUTTON, Detroit, Alpena, Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, Adrian, Ltiwton, Ann Arbfir, . Detroit, JAMES H. WADE, SECRETARY. HARRISON SOULE, TREASURER, HON. DEL.OS FALL, SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, (Office at Lansing.) TERM EXPIRES. December 31, 1901 1901 1903 1903 1905 1905 1907 1907