The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-04-09

grand tiler.
TRIBUTE TO THE LATE GENERAL RAN
DoLPH-MEETING OF THE RICHMOND BAR.
A meeting of the bar of Richmond for the
purpose Of paying tribute to the me-
mory of the late General George w. RAN
dolph was held in the Hastings Court
room yesterday morning. The profession
was well represented by it's most eminent
members, and number Of the leading
citizens of Richmond were present.
The meeting was called to order by
Judge Crump, upon whose motion William
II. Macfarland was called to the chair.
Upon taking the chair Mr.. Macfarland
referred to the occasion which had called
them together-the loss to the city and
State of one of its purest and best men. He
had gained place in his profession worthy
Of the ambition of the most high-minded
man, and had, in other positions outside
the profession, won the confidence and
esteem of his countrymen. He referred
to the high religious character of the de-
ceased. We were consolcd in the present
loss by the cheering hope "that as the
light of life receded, the light of immor-
tality broke upon him."
Mr.. Gustavus A. Myers was requested
| to act as secretary.
Mr.. Andrew Johnson submitted the fol-
lowing preamble and resolutions, prefaced
by few appropriate remarks, as follow ::
Mr.. Chairman,-In rising to offer some
resolutions expressive of our regard for
the memory Of him whose death has left
so great vacancy in our ranks, | feel en-
barrassed, not from the want Of merits to
be praised, but from inability to do them
Justice in any words of mine.
Born of family long and honorably
distinguished in the annals Of our State
and of the Union, Mr.. Randolph, not only
in his public career and in his professional
life, but in his personal and social rela-
tions, added lustre to the name he bore,
and exhibited in his character and con-
duct all the truth, courage, and fidelity
the lofty principle, the courtesy and tole-
which have for generations been the attri-
butes of the Virginia gentleman.
This is not the occasion upon which, if
l were equal to the task, it would be pro-
per to attempt his biography. But his
life and services are too fresh in the re-
collection of all who hear me, and indeed
of all our people, to require that they
should be reviewed. / will only submit,
for the consideration of the meeting, the
resolutions which | have prepared-a sim
cere though an inadequate tribute to de-
parted worth.
Whereas it hath pleased God in his pro-
yidenCe to remove our late associate,
George Wythe Randolph, Esq, from the
place which he filled with so much useful
ness and honor in all its duties and rela-
tiOnS: therefore
"ReSolued, That we are called to mourn
in him the loss Of an able, learned, and
accomplished lawyer, whose diligence, in
tegrity, and high standard of professional
duty and honor made him distinguished
ornament of the bar and an example for
the imitation of his brethren of an officer
whose efficient, faithful, and conscientious
discharge of many trusts which were as
signed him in the public service had rooted
him firmly in the respect and confidence
of his fellow citizens, and of a man whose
upright and independent character, warm
and generous feelings, liberal sentiments,
and conciliatory conduct, commanded from
all who knew him cordial esteem and
affection, which each succeeding year
served only to strengthen and increase.
"ResOlued, That these proceedings be
published in the city papers, and that CO.
pies of them be presented to the courts,
with request that they may be entered
on the minutes.
"ReSolued, That the chairman be request
ed to transmit copy of them to the
widow of the deceased, with the assurance
of our heartfelt sympathy"
The preamble and resolutions were
unanimously adopted.
After the adoption of the resolutions,
Colonel August arose and spoke in the
most feeling manner, as follows:
Mr.. Chairman and Brethren of the Bar
If were to consult my own feelings and
inclnations, | should be silent mourner
and not an active participant in this solemn
scene. But friends in whose judgment |
confide have assured me that it was meet
and proper for me, upon this occasion, to
pay my tribute of praise and affection, and
to cast my offering and drop my tear upon
the grave of our departed friend and bro
ther.
knew George Wythe Randolph better,
perhaps, than any one outside of his i'm
mediate family. A daily intimate personal
and professional association of ten years
gave me the amplest opportunity to know
and appreciate his talents, character, and
worth and | can truly say that each day
of those ten years but served to increase
my respect, admiration, and affection for
him. In a letter which | received from
him short time before his return from
Europe he alluded to our long business
connection, and the pleasure he derived
from the recollection that during that
whole period there had never been disa-
greement between us, or an irritable word
spoken by either to the other. Candor
and Justice to his kind and amiable heart
compel me to declare that | often gave
him cause of complaint, though he never
uttered it.
To you, my brethren, who knew him so
well. | need not say with what marked
ability and scrupulous fidelity he con-
Quoted the causes committed to his care
nor need l remind you of the courtesy,
atfability. and kindness that distinguished
his intercourse with his professional
brethren.
He rose to the full dignity of his pro-
fession, and became San honorable coun-
sellor. who also waited for the kingdom OF
God" He preferred "wisdom to gold,
and understanding rather than silver"
He was a grace and ornament to his pro-
fession, and shining supplement to the
public laws"
1t has been the lot of but few men, II
any, in our community, to attain in so BRIEF
period such distinction and success IN
his profession, or to rise with such rapidly
-, ,,hl;c aui np!itlcal llfe.