The nine members of the U. S. Supreme Court were officially dismayed and privately rather flattered'. For six weeks they had held an unparalleled place in the sun. Although the Court is divided five to four on society, even the four Justices whose evenings are almost invariably spent in solitude—Justice Sutherland resting venerably in bed, Justice Van Devanter mourning for his wife, Justice Brandeis sitting up with a detective story, Justice Cardozo burning the midnight oil over the classics of law and literature— even they felt an unwonted thrill. For the majority of the Court who appear in society the six weeks were a succession of thrills, the result of conspicuous reticence. Newshawks prying for details gathered many tales. At a reception Justice Roberts was introduced to a young British diplomat who did not catch his name. "This gold matter is exciting," said the Britisher. "I'm sure your High Court would not dare to throw the country into confusion." Said Justice Roberts with all dignity: "Young man, do not try to intimidate the Court!"
At one dinner Justice Stone, tasting a delicious sauce, turned to his hostess. "My, my!" he exclaimed, "I should like to know that recipe." "That's my secret, Mr. Justice," smiled his hostess, "but I'll trade mine for yours." Justice Stone could not reply.
Final titillating moment came last week when the nine modest Justices had to have Capitol police open pathways through the crowded corridors to their offices. If there was any doubt that the Court's decision was to be rendered that day it was dispelled 40 minutes before the Court assembled, when Mrs. Brandeis and Mrs. Butler took seats in the Courtroom. The wives of other Justices followed. But the Administration had already guessed that the decision was to come: Secretaries Morgenthau and Hull had a 1 o'clock luncheon appointment at the White House; Mrs. Morgenthau and Mrs. Dern were in the Court before any of the Justices' wives.
At noon precisely the Justices filed into their courtroom filled with tense notables. Unable to get seats, Senators Harrison and Barkley stood with William Green of the A. F. of L. in the centre doorway, listening. At 12:01, as on any other decision day, Chief Justice Hughes began reading the majority opinions. But his voice was far louder than usual, far more dramatic. Lest his audience be held too long on tenterhooks, he summarized the decisions first: Congress' right to abrogate the gold clause in private contracts was upheld; citizens were denied the privilege of suing the Government in the Court of Claims for payment in old-sized dollars on either gold certificates or Government bonds. In short the Government had won its case on every point.