The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-06-20

William Il. Lyons. The profession wa:
fully represented by its ablest and most
venerated members. The balustrade
judges stand, and the chair which had
been so we'll filed by him whose los:
Richmond so much mourned, were appro
priately dressed in mourning, and the
countenances of all present betokened the
deep feeling occasioned by the death Of one
the gem of his profession and the beloved
of his people. The meeting was most
impressive one. 's7TH
The hour for meeting having arrived,
William II. Macfarland was called to the
chair, and Messrs. G. A. Myers, P. II. Ay-
lett, and r. R. Howison were requested
to act as secretaries.
Mr.. Macfarland, after taking the chair,
arose and addressed those present in a
most feeling manner. He referred first to
the unexpected manner in which he had
been called upon to ofiiciate upon so af-
ficting an occasion. 1t was an occasion
that would admonish us all Of the vanity
of human existence. Neither the value of
ones services to his country, nor the
measure of the esteem and love in
which be is held by his fellow citizens,
could extend the period Of his life one day.
The present occasion was not one Of the
ordinary ceremonies, expressive Of the
loss of leading member of the bar or
of the courts. The public heart had been
touched, and the powers Of eulogy had al
ready been exhausted. He whom all
loved so well had passed away from the
theatre of his usefulness; he was gone
forever gone, He had left behind him
much to excite the ambition and emula-
ton of the young, and by his death would
convince the older men Of the utter vanity
Of human existence.
He next spoke of the eminent qualities
of the deceased, and the great confidence
and affection his fellow-citizens had placed
in him. He referred to the intimate rela-
tions that had existed between his father
and himself since the days of his child
hood, and it seemed to him reversion Of
the order of nature that he should be
called upon to act in his capacity upon an
occasion like the present. 1t was con-
soling to know that though the deceased
had made no public profession of religion,
he was only prevented from so doing in
his last moments by the opinion Of his
physician that he was too weak in body.
After further alluding to the high traits
possessed by the deceased, and the great
public grief felt at his death, the speaker
concluded by leaving the gentlemen pre-
sent to such proceedings as would most
appropriately express their regard for the
memory of the deceased.
During his remarks Mr.. Macfarland was
deeply moved, being often compelled to
hesitate. Those present seemed also much
touched, and one could not detect an eye
that was not bedimmed with tears.
Judge Crump then moved that a COM
mittee be appointed to draft resolutions
for the occasion. This motion was unani-
mously adopted, and the following COM
mittee was appointed: Messrs. Crump,
Wise, Nance, Daniel, Steger, Green, and
Ould.
The committee retired, and after some
moments returned the following:
Amid the universal grief which has clothed
this whole community in mourning, the mem
bers Of the Richmond bar have met TO offer
their tribute TO the memory of William II.
Lyons, late Judge of the Hastings Court OF
this city. With our fellow citizens we lament
the loss of one whose services TO the State
have won, and will have through all time
cure, the profound respect and unmiXed adj
miration of all who value eminent worth, real
wisdom, thorough and extensive learning,
genuine courtesy, and an inleXible intcg-
rity, which gave honor TO the ermine he wore
and reflected lustre upon the judicial annals of
the Commonwealth. But in us this sad event
awakens Il sense of bereavement which each
feels as q special and peculiar sorrow. He is
endeared to us by the tenderest recollections.
How can language portray his gentle virtues,
his bland and winning manners, his exhaust
less patience, his atectonate and noble dis
position? These are sacred memories, TO be
cherished in the very sanctuary of our hearts.
Other qualities we may attempt impertectly to
describe.
Possessed Of that lofty spirit of honor and
spotless integrity which gives to the bench its
moral power, his presence softened and re.
fined the conflicts of the forum, and the pro-
ceedings of his court were marked by 4 deco
rum in accord with his own character and de-
pertinent, and in unison with his exalted idea
Of the dignity of a court of justice. The east
of his mind was singularly judicial-a love of
truth and justice was It's controlling traits.
Unclouded by doubts, uniniluenced by subtle
ties, undaZZed by the glare of intellectual
display, however brilliant, il preserved its
calm serenity, and pursuing only the path Of
Justice illumined by law, he dissolved every
question, however intricate, with I precision
and clearness which satisfied and convinced
the most ardent and eager disputap:. To these
rare qualities he united courage Of The
almost without parallel.
Though young in years when he commenced
his judicial career, he was equal 10 the de-
mand then made upon his moral and mental
powers. The large brain with which Proyl-
dence had gifted him had been seduIouSly Cul-
tiyated by study and reflection. His great
heart was filled with kindness and sympathy
for all mankind, and thus endowed he took
his seat upon the bench 10 command at once
the generous applause and sincere and deep
i..H
served only 10 improve all his noble qualities,
and he has gone from among us loved aud re-
yered leaving void which none may fill.
ResoIced. therefore, That in the death Of Judge
William Fl. Lyons we mourn for one who was
an honor TO the State ne served so faithfully
and so well, who was source of pride and
honor to Richmond, the city of his birth and
the scene of his labOrs, and who was a con.
spicuous example of all which truly ennobes
the profession to which we belong.
ResOLced, That Is Il token OF respect for his
memory we will attend his funeral i'll y body
and wear the usual badge or mourning for
thirty days.
ReSolced, That we tender to his family our
deepest and tenderest sympathy in their be-
reavement, and that a copy of the proceedings
of this meeting be forwarded TO them.
ResOlred That the proceedings OF this meet
ing be published in the newspapers, and that
the courts of this city be requested by the
chairman OF the meeting 10 spread them upon
their records.
Judge Crump, in returning the resolu-
tions, made some beautiful and appropriate
remarks. He was followed by Messrs.
Wexford and Ould, both Of whom made
touching and beautiful addresses. The
report of the committee was adopted
unanimously.
Upon motion of Major ]. II. Darlington,
it was resolved that the bar meet at the
City Hall to-day at o'clock to attend the
funeral in body.
1t is requested that all of the members
of the bar assemble punctually at 5o'clock,
as they must be at the residence by
uuarter - mast z