The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-12-17
TUEsDAY........ DECEMBER II, 1875
ELECTION OF JUDGES.
fCommunica;ed.]
Hampton Bar and Judge Montague

Hampton Bar and Judge Montague.
Editors Dispatch: In your issue OF De-
cember 18th there appeared an article
copicd from the Alexandria Gazette, and
written by it's Richmond correspondent, in,
which reference is made to q memorial IN cir.
culation among members Of the Legislature
alleged to be "signed by many members OF
the Hampton bar" in which grave charges
are brought against Judge r. l.. Montague,
OF the Eighth circuit, and praying that be be
removed, &c. Now, Messrs. Editors, IN
Justice to the distinguished gentleman ana
higli-toued and accomplished Judge VINO
has been thus assailed, desire TO state
that the first charge against Judge Mohta-
que is that " he is a politician, ana no Jaw
yer.n Now, this is matter OF opinion
in part, and in part matter OF 1act.
| AS 10 the former, can any proof De ad-
duced that since his election to the bench
Judge Montague has in ANY manner, or to
any degree, mingled in politics. made any
political speech, or strIven in any mode
Inconsistent with the dignity or purity OF
his judicial station to control or influence
political sentiment? IL it be averred he
has, let the proof be adduced. 1t is not
believed by Judge Montague's friends that
he has. Is this charge TO be taken Us true!
That he prior 10 his election SIS judge was
distinguished for his abilities and political
information, as q leader or polticai sentl-
ment in his State, and was appreciated as
such, the elevated and responsible positions
as legislator and Lieutenant-Goyernor tes-
tify.
| AS to the other portion OF their charge,
let the opinion OF the four members OF the
Hampton bar, who are the "ndny mem.
berS" referred to by the correspondent OF
the Alexandria Gazctte, be weighed against
the opinion of the seven members OF the
same bar, who have testified in their coun-
ter-Memorial to the Assembly 10 his hon
esty, fairness, ability, and dignity, and that
his decisions in Elizabeth City county have
given general satisfaction to suitors and the
majority Of attorneys practicing at that
bar" and states that the memorial OF the
four attorneys who signed the memorial
against Judge Montague "reflects. uniustly
upon his character as Il Judge and lawyer"
and urges his reelection. Aud this counter
memorial is also endorsed by all the county
officers OF Elizabeth City county without 4
single exception and by q large number OF
citizens OF that county.
The other charges are that Judge Monta-
que "delpys answering questions or la"
and fact, lacks dignity, and gives his opin-
| ion beforehand, encourages instead or sup
pressing alterations between members OF
the barr &c., are denied by the counter
memorialistS, and should, SO far as they ale
matters Of fact, be sustained by proof. All
who know the kindness and amiabiiity OF
Judge SIontague's character by long and
familiar acquaintance will be surprised at
SO marvellous change, and are 10th to
credit it. My information is that he has
shown himself peace-maker and sup
preSSer, not Il stirrer Of strife. And how
as Judge lie is charseable with delaying to
answer matters OF fact Is not perceived, as
that is Il question for tue jury and not for
the Judge who presides. And surely il he
takes time 10 reflect on doubtful questions
Of law it should be remembered that the
maxim on the coat-of-arms of Enslands
greatest law-chancellor, Eldon, was Sat
Cito, 81 sat Genc."
7 have nothing to say as to the motives OF
the four attorneys who signed the memorial
against Judge Montasue's reelection. |
presume whatever they be the members OF
the Assembly will look to the proof OF the
facts alleged, and weigh in the same scales
the value OF the opinion of those who pre-
sent them as grounds Of their action. |
am, with great respect. JOHN BOOKER,
| OF the Hampton bar.