The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-06-01
~ HANDSOME PRESENT.
Judge Robertson Remembered by Nrcm
bers of tho Bar

"""sc ROBERTSON Remembered by NIcm-
bers of the Bar
There was meeting of tho members
OF the Roanoke Bar Association at the
courthouse Yesterday afternoon and
resolutions of regret at the resignation
Of Judge Robertson were read by Judge
Penn, who in substance said that tho
Roanoke Bar Association deeply re-
greeted that Judge Robertson had seen
tit to tender his resignation and that it
was with many regrets that they saw
him sever his connection with the
bench.
OJudge Gooch then, in short but ap-
Proprlate speech, presented Judge Rob
ertson with very handsome gold watch
from the members of the bar, while Col.
Brooke with a few appropriate remarks
presented him with handsome gold
headed cane from the employees Of the
court. Judge Robertson arose and
thanked them in q short speech, in
which he said:
"Fellow members of tho bar, and nv
friends who have assisted me in perform
ing the duties Of the court. On yester-
day when adjourned the court for the
last time took occasion to express nv
high appreciation of the kindness and
courtesy with which l had ALWAYS beea
treated by you.
In the eight years experience which
had on the bench l was forced to learn
more OF the art Of listening than of that
OF making speeches, and hence must
confess that am no little embarrassed
being thus forced by your kindness to
mako public speech, but there is one
thing that have learned if have not
learned to speak, and that is how de-
pendent the bench and the bar are the
one upon the other for proper admin
istration of Justice.
IF 1T be true, as Chief Justice Mar
shall said, the worse curse that an angry
Heaven can inflict upon SHINING people
is weak, corrupt and dependent Judi
ciary, it also seems to me the next
worse curse that can befall people is
to have in its midst an ignorant and
dishonest bar. A good bar in the long
run, it seems to me, will almost inevita.
bly, produce good bench, and q good
bench certainly has a tendency to make
good bar.
these reflections, maA friends, are
made on this occasion ihSorder to en-
phasize what have already minated,
that H. as you have so generously said,
| am worthy OF any praise, large part
of it is also due to you.
IF justice and not injustice has been
administered it is because the members
of the bar as rule have had more love
for honor than for success. II the hum
bled poor have had the same law admin
istered to them as the rich and the high
1t has been because the small cause has
been as sacred in your eyes as the large
"But, my friends. this is not the time
nor is it in my heart to speak N NC h
about such matters. This beautiful
present, which 1 have received at YOUR
hands, outside and beyond its value to
mo as testimonial to my character as
judge, has, and will continue to have
SO long as shall live, a place in nv af-
fections, value based upon the memo.
ries, the ties OF affection and love, which
will never be lost or broken, though the
relations which have existed between
us will no longer exist.
1t but makes me feel more strongly
than did, that in stepping back into
the ranks I fall into line with nv
brothers. And to you. my friends, Of.
hcers of the court, whose attention to
business, whose industry and ability
have been such valuable aids to me in
the discharge Of my duties, l must say
that the valuable token Of your regard
Tor me, which you have just presented,
will always bring back some of the
pleasantest associations of my life. ]
can say no more. With heart full of
gratitude thank you one and all.