Shun Pressures, Smith Tells Staff in Farewell Talk

Atty. Gen. William French Smith, joking that he is departing at last--”at least I think I am”--today urged Justice Department employees in a farewell speech to shun “pressure groups” who might ask for quick remedies that include “twisting the statutes.”

Smith, speaking in the Justice Department’s Great Hall, looked out on an audience of employees and cautioned:

“As stewards of the law, you must continue to be responsive to the law’s true intent and not to every pressure group that appears at our doors asking for quick remedies by whatever means, including twisting the statutes on the book.

“To follow this course would mean throwing away the traditional blindfold of justice while donning the derby of the ward heeler. We have kept that blindfold tight over these past four years. I am sure that you will continue to do so.”

‘Thinks’ He’s Going

As he began his speech, Smith cracked, “I am departing--at least I think I am.” And then he said he departure reminded him of a movie title, “The Long Goodbye.”

Smith will leave Washington this weekend for his Los Angeles home, but a department spokeswoman said he will remain attorney general pending the confirmation of Edwin Meese III.

Since Meese was first proposed as attorney general more than a year ago by President Reagan, his confirmation has been held up time and again. First it was halted by an investigation into his personal dealings and then, this week, by a Senate filibuster.