Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-02-12
JUDGE BAKER ?. LEE
The IlluStriOuS Soldier and Patriot
Elected 10 Wear the Ermine.
GIVEN AN UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Republicans and PopuIists I'm Moth
branches Unite with the Demo-
crnts In Doing Honor 10 Their
distinguished Associate.

Major Baker T. Lee. who was some
weeks ago nominated by the Democratic
caucus for the position Of Judge OF the
County Courts Of Warwick and Elizabeth
city. was elected 10 that Office yesterday
but will not surrender his seat in the
House for about ten days.
The election was made a special order
in both branches for l o'clock, and
promptly at that hour It was gone into
with the result that he received every
vote cast. the Republicans and Populists
voting solidly with the Democrats.
Major Lee was nominated by Mr.. I. T..
Powell, who said:
"Afr. Speaker and Gentlemen OF the
House % Delegates: Not to know Major
Baker T. Lee is for Virgnian TO argue
himself unknown. Distinguished alike In
war and peace he Is known throughout
the Commonwealth. In him we recognize
the modern Chesterfield, a type Of the
old Virginia gentleman that we lament
to see fast passing away. In MN We re-
cognize a mentor whom we of the young
err generation can do well to follow as a
guide. Honest in his convictions, fear
= less III Dis IulUDntf ulAtAi iiib ~ i--' -
1 suit OF knowledge, and possessing the
three cardinal attributes-dignity, integ-
rty, and ability-he viii ennoble the
/ bench. ] therefore place in nomination
Major Lee for the iudgeship Of the Coun-
~ Courts of Warwick and Elizabeth
City"
MIR. HARWOOD'S SPEECH.
Mr.. Harwood seconded the nomination,
and after referring 10 the fact that ne
had had the honor last session OF nomi-
mating his desk-mate for a judicial posi-
ton, said OF Major Lee:
His blameless life, his high chaiac-
ter. and his gentle, unassuming man
ner has won for him, not only the love
and respect but the admiration OF all
with whom he has come I'm contact. lie
has proved himself a worthy descendant
of that race Of famous men from whom
he sprang and he most wOrthiy bears
a name which viii be honOred as long as
liberty-loving people shall ind dwell
ing-place upon earth.
I'm war, he ever hardened to the bugle-
call Of his mother State, and was 'one
Of the bravest of the brave The old
soldiers, Mr.. Speaker. are rapidly passing
away; but when the last one Of you
have folded your arms 10 sleep the
sleep that knows no waking. and loving
hands have laid you away TO rest
i'm an honored grave; yea, when genera
ton after generation have come and
gone. southern poets will sing your
praises IN historic songs, and southern
historians will faithfully portray and
proudly point TO the matchless cour-
age and unparalleled bravery Of the
southern soldier as one of the proudest
monuments Of our country's glory.
IN peace, Major Lees clarion voice
has been heard in every hastings in this
state. from the mountains TO the sea,
battling for principles he believed TO be
right and just.
HE Is one Of Virginias noblest sons.
and I'm hOnoring this courteous and
cultured Virginia gentleman. Baker =.
Lee, we but place another jewel in the
crown OF the already distinguished ju-
dietary of this State"
OPPOSITION FAVOR HIM
Mr. Carter II. Harrison, one Of the
Populist members, next took the floor.
He said:
"Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen OF the
House,-'Tis true that the minority had
no part in the nomination Of Major
Lee. and equally true that we know
good men and measures when we see
them. /, therefore, wish to second
Major Baker =. Lees nomination with
all my heart, and think l can promise
minority side of the House
Mr.. Stoval, the Republican member
from Halifax. then spoke as follows:
''Alr. Speaker desire 10 second the
nomination made by the gentleman from
Warwick. We upon this side are desig-
mated as the opposition. ] desire 10 say
Just here that we are only I'm opposition
to unjust laws and unjust legislation. The
Democratic caucus has for once, a least,
.I... A..
name Of Major Baker i. Lee for the
judgeship Of the County Court Of Eliza
beth City and Warwick 4 gentleman
learned in the law. Of broad and liberal
culture. in closest touch and sympathy
with the people OF Virginia. and the ele-
ments so combined I'm him that nature
might stand up and say here Is a man.
When he shall assume the judicial err
mine. and fold about him its silken drap-
cries, I feel assured sir, that he will
preside cum otto ct dignitate and,
above all. sir. the star-eyed goddess will
never slumber upon her throne. but mete
out justice alike to the rich and TO the
poor
MAJOR LEES RESPONSE.
When Mr.. Stovall took his seat. the
vote was taken and when IL was an
nounced Major Lee returned TO his seat
He was greeted with a perfect storm OF
applause when he entered the hail, which
continued until he was finally forced TO
respond. He arose with obvious feeling
and said
MIR. Speaker and Conference.-The re-
suit OF the vote just taken was not I'M
expected TO me. The result OF that result
was unexpected: for / had not supposed
l should be so applauded as to feel that
1 must say something in response to this
generous demonstration. In the deepest
recesses Of my heart there is a glow Of
qualifications thrill OF gratitude and of
pride. Cordially. fervently. ] thank you,
my friends. on both sides Of the House
for this the proudest moment of my life"
In the Senate Mr.. Barnes nominated
Major Lee. and Messrs. Elanaean and