The news & observer., 1897-10-12

Il tion he had to combat. "Judge Strong
never had client who was not as pure
as an angel" said a friend of him some
years ago. The truth is, that when he
took clients case he made it his own.
He dwelt upon his view of it until he
came to believe every client he
had was greatly wronged man.
This faith was not assumed: it
was real; and it gave him power with
Jury that was winning.
Judge Strong loved the law for the
laws sake. 1t was not dry or dull to
him, but full of interest-a living force.
He was deeply versed in the fundamen-
tai principles, and up to the time he lost
1.-THE sight of his eyes he was a diligent
student. 1t is doubtful if any member of
the bar in the State equalled him in ac-
curate knowledge, that industry that
makes the great lawyer, or that readi-
ness that makes the successful practi-
toner. He enjoyed a large practice in
Wayne and adjacent counties before
moving to Raleigh, and he never lost it
until his health began to fail.
AS illustrating his tenacity-(he never
lost a case until the last court had de-
cided it against him)-I recall an Incl
ident he related to me some years ago.
He was counsel with other eminent
lawyers for a distinguished man on trial
for grave offense. The case had con-
sumed several days. The evidence was
all in and the argument was to COM
mence after a recess for dinner. He went
home detected, downcast and hopeless.
Suddenly there came to him the thought
that by flaw, or an error-lve forgot
ten exactly what it was-there was one
chance left for his client. He said he al
most ran to the home of his leading as
sociate, who had given up hoping to
save the client, communicated to him
the new point that had occurred to him.
They hurried to the Supreme court Ii
brary, fortified themselves, went into
court turned defeat into victory and
saved their client. 1t was by the skin Of
the teeth, so to speak, but he was
saved. There were many such incidents
in the life of this never despairing law
yer. Perplexed with doubts and difficult
ties, he made them stepping stones to
achieving his greatest victories.
In days when it was rare thing for
a Democrat to be elected to the Legisla-
ture from Wake, Judge Strong was
chosen to the House after a brilliant
campaign. If / mistake not, it was in
to any other dozen men that the appro-
priation that opened the doors of the
University passed. There was much op-
position to it, and the day seemed to be
lost when he was recognized to speak.
The love which he bore his alma mater
was so pure that it made him eloquent
beyond description to those who did not
hear the speech. Col. John d. Cameron,
who was then on the staff of the Raj
eigh News, was present, and wrote an
account of the speech that is the most
eulogistic his ready pen ever furnished.
1t was almost such speech as James
G.. Dobbin made in the Legislature when
the bill to establish the insane asylum
trembled in the balance. Though not so
eloquent as Mr.. Dobbin, there was the
same gentleness and grace about Judge
Strong that characterized Mr.. Dobbin.
AS matter of fact, Dobbin was Judge
Strong's ideal, if not his model. AS a
boy in Sampson court he had heard
Dobbin in some of his most powerful ar
guments, and they had much to do with
kindling the ambition that made Judge
Strong a great lawyer.
In 1876, Judge Strong was chosen
Judge of the Criminal court of Wake
county, and some years after came
within a very few votes of receiving the
nomination for Associate Justice of the
Supreme court. He was admirably
equipped for a place on our highest
court.
A learned lawyer has gone to his re-
ward, He was lovaDie and gentle as
woman, and had a chivalric soul. He
loved his fellow-rlen and loved his God.
He was a member of the Episcopal
church and died in the faith.