University of Texas School of Law - Peregrinus Yearbook (Austin, TX)

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which the students used a variety of odd pronunciations. It was from this banter that the current usage descended. Today, when speaking of this creature, the word is almost universally sounded as pair-ah-grin-OOS;” that is, the i” of Peregrinus is short, while the u is long and is accented. This unorthodox pronunciation has mistakenly been attributed to Judge Simpkins; in reality, he always spoke the word in the correct Latin, even on that fateful day when the animal was born. Judge Simpkins saw this Peregrinus as symbolizing the administration of equity. The work shoe—he called it an Irish ditcher’s boot—shows that law will protect the least of mankind. The bare claws give warning that the greatest of mankind must fear its power. The arched back suggests it is ready to spring, just as the law is always ready to protect rights or prevent wrong. The sharp beak symbolizes the power of equity to penetrate the mysteries of the law, a power which must be developed by study. The bushy tail reminds us that equity brushes away the technicalities of the law and does justice on the merits. Early in the spring of 1901, the Junior Law Class adopted this Peregrinus as their emblem. Savage drew the creature on cloth and, with the help of his landladies and of Elmer Pope, cut out the drawing and sewed it onto, another piece of cloth of a different color, creating a banner. Its life was short, for in a few weeks a rival student group, either the Freshman Law Class or the Engineers, destroyed it. In 1902, the Peregrinus was being depicted with a high-top work shoe on each front foot, a boxing glove on each hind foot. It was thus shod when it made its first appearance in print, in the 1902 Cactus. The first papier-mache model of the Peregrinus was created in the fall of 1912. It is unknown exactly how many have been created and destroyed since. The Peregrinus which currently reigns over the Law School appeared about 1948. The upraised left front foot and the right hind foot each wear a cowboy boot emblazoned with the Texas Lone Star. The other two feet are bare, showing claws. The legs are somewhat thicker and shorter than on the original Peregrinus, and the tail is far less bushy. Brought out only for special occasions, the Peregrinus is kept safe in a secret location. Russell Savage practiced law in Corpus Christi for many years. On 24 February 1936, he wrote to Dean Ira Hildebrand, Someone has suggested to me that, as I am getting past middle age, it might be well to do something about the Peregrinus. Personally, I doubt very much that anyone but an engineer would have designs on the Peregrinus. Nevertheless, as the sole perpetrator of this monstrosity, I will be glad to do anything that you may suggest to fix the ownership where it belongs. The only thing that I can think of just at present is for me to convey whatever right I have in it to the University for the benefit of the Law Department, and then the Law Department could take out the necessary papers on it. I really am confused in whether it should be copyrighted, trademarked, or patented. Perhaps, being somewhat animal-like, it might be registered. I feel sure that the Junior Laws of this year will be able to work out the procedure. With best wishes, I am, Your friend, Russell Savage Although there is no record of it being officially adopted, the Peregrinus is now firmly rooted as the traditional symbol of the University of Texas School of Law. 5

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The Tradition Of The Peregrinus The Latin word peregrinus” is an adjective meaning traveled from a foreign place.” It is pronounced with the ”u” short, and by accenting the long i”; that is, pair-ah-GRINE-us,” rhyming with minus.” The symbol of the Law School known as the Peregrinus, however, is pronounced in an entirely different manner which will be explained below. Much of the territory conquered by ancient Rome was allowed to retain the local substantive law. Roman citizens, on the other hand, were subject only to the law of Rome, regardless of where they went or with whom they dealt. Commerce sprang up between Romans and the territories creating serious legal problems. What body of law would apply to a contract between a Roman and a person of one of the territories? To deal with this difficulty, Rome sent traveling judges, Praetors Peregrinus,” on circuit tours through the territories. Their job was not to apply any formal body of law, but to see that justice was done in each case according to the dictates of conscience. This is one of the important roots of the law of Equity. W. S. Simpkins began teaching in the Law Department at the University of Texas in September 1899. He had been a Colonel in the Confederate Army, and had practiced law for several years in Dallas. His,main subject of instruction was Equity, a junior law course. One year later, in the autumn of 1900, junior law student Jim L. McCall made a lasting name for himself as one of the all-time great centers on the University football team. It is not surprising that, in the process, he was absent from a few of his Equity classes and missed Judge Simpkins’ explanation of the Praetors Peregrinus. In early December, 1900, in the basement of the east wing of the old Main Building, where the Law Department was then located, the Equity class was in session. Jim McCall was present, but probably apprehensive, for Judge Simpkins was conducting an oral quiz to review material covered in his fall lectures. In another part of the room, next to a blackboard, sat Russell R. Savage and Scott W. Key, both junior law students. Mr. McCall, what was the Peregrinus? asked Judge Simpkins. Judge, I don't know, unless it was some kind of an animal, replied McGill. A wave of laughter swept the class. With sudden inspiration, Russell Savage leaned over to Scott Key and whispered, I will draw a picture of it.” Savage had a natural talent for drawing. He found a piece of chalk and began deftly sketching on the blackboard the creature in his imagination. Scott Key kept watch on Judge Simpkins, who did not notice them. The completed drawing was about three feet long and twenty inches high. It depicted a four-legged animal with a piebald coat of short fur, and rather slender legs. Its tail, held proudly erect, was extremely bushy. It had a bird-like beak as long and narrow as a stork’s, but set with the conical teeth of an Archaeopteryx. There were no ears to be seen. A small crown was set on the back of its head where cars might have been. Its stance left no doubt that the creature was alert to some danger. Its beak was slightly open. Its back was arched, and one forefoot was held straight out in front. This foot wore a man’s high-top work shoe. One hind foot was laced into a boxing glove. The other two feet were bare, showing claws. The Peregrinus” was written under the drawing. This work of art remained on the blackboard for several days and was the subject of much joking in

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FOREWORD As the 1966 edition of the Peregrin us takes its place on the shelves of graduates and students, it should be borne in mind that the book is more than a collection of pictures and names. I he Peregrinus is an indelible reflection of the people and activities which, during the year, have been blended with the past to form another chapter in the ever-growing history of the University of Texas School of Law. A scries of current personalities and activities has now become a chronicle. Many faces have passed into the shadows of the past; and many events would be on the verge of being lost to recollection, were it not for the Peregrinus reminding us of them. The book captures, if only in small measure, those things which have been the essence of a given year. The Peregrinus is a very special annual, being one of a few of its kind; and the School of Law is a very special institution. Because the annual represents not only students, but all the tangibles and intangibles which are the School of Law, no issue is taken and no view is expressed. The Peregrinus, then, is a mute reminder of that moment in time in which time and effort were expended in preparation for a career in law. A sincere effort has been made to produce a meaningful and significant link with the School of Law for the alumni and to chronicle the year for those who will be given another opportunity to make the most of a place in the School community. CONTENTS The Faculty Staff....................10 The Classes............................38 The Activities........................126 The Sports............................172 The Honors............................178 6