THE PRESIDENT of the United States has few more exacting
responsibilities than the appointment of justices to the United States
Supreme Court. I am delighted to announce today that Byron White, the Deputy
Attorney General of the United States, has accepted appointment as Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court. I have known Mr. White for over twenty years.
His character, experience and intellectual force qualify him superbly for
service on the nation's highest tribunal.
His varied experience in legal
practice, in government, and in the Navy - in addition to his remarkable
scholarly accomplishments and his service as law clerk to Chief Justice
Vinson - have given him a humane and understanding approach to people and
to problems. He has excelled in everything he has attempted - in his academic
life, in his military service, in his career before the bar and in the
federal government - and I know that he will excel on the highest court
in the land. I am gratified, in addition, that the American Bar Association
has rated Mr. White as "exceptionally well qualified" for his new responsibilities.