We are looking down the vista, Of two scores of years departed, We are searching ancient data, For the story of the decade-- For the fourth decade recorded, In the annals of Lancaster. Peace and quiet leave no footprints On the true historian's pages, 'Tis in action we remember The career of our forefathers. In the chapters now unfolded, Rare memorials await us; Of the principal achievements, And the men who made them famous, Some have floated down unto us, Some shall live forever with us. Borne along the stream of fortune, Carried downward through the driftwood, Come the names of learned statesmen, Come the lives of men of genius, Who were offsprings of the city, The young city on the hillside. Men who served the state and county, In the schools of jurisprudence, In the halls of Legislature, In the House and Senate Chamber, On the bench and legal rostrum. There are records of their sayings, In the books that crowd upon us; There are fragments of their writings In this distant generation; There are volumes of their wisdom, There are codes of law and practice, Doctrines pure and bold and upright, Which have made their names undying. Standing first upon the columns, Proudly distancing all rivals, Is the veteran and jurist, Is George Robertson, Chief Justice Of the high court of Kentucky. Born 'mid pioneer hardships, Reared in schools of self-denial, All his native force and vigor, All his diplomatic talent, From his youth to failing manhood, Grew to giant strength and prowess, Till he ably represented Every gift the people tendered, Till the honors of his era Crowded thick and fast upon him. Early sent away to Congress, He became a rising member; Soon his voice rang forth as Chairman Of the famous Land Committee. He was foremost on committees, For improving territory; For extending roads and railways, All throughout the western nation; For constructing modes of travel, For uprooting mineral treasures, For internal State improvement. Sounded forth his clarion dicta, In wise forms of litigation: The Missouri Bill on Slav'ry, Called the Compromise Restriction, The Dred Scott and Home Law contest, In the wrangles and debatings Of the "Old Court" and the "New Court," All discussions of importance, Themes of grave and weighty import, All the mighty law decisions, Found his tongue a bold defender, Found his pen a busy helper. All his aims in legal science, Tended to the vindication, Tended to maintain the standard Of the country's Constitution. He was author, speaker, pleader, Wrote the noted "Manifesto," Wrote a score of learned essays, Was the founder of the movement Giving every man a refuge, Giving poor and homeless laborers, Peace and comfort at the fireside. Ere his mighty frame was stricken By the doom of pain and weakness, He was offered many stations,