Evening star., 1897-02-01

at Princeton in the class of ls16 He
studied law in the law school of the Co
lumbar University, this city, graduating
i'm 1878, and was admitted to the bar i'm
1879.
From 1855 to 1893 he was professor of
common law practice i'm the law school
from which he graduated, resigning 10 de-
vote himself as lecturer of the history of
law i'm the same school exclusively i'm 1893
having been such lecturer from 1855.
His Career at the Bar.
From July, 1882 to November, 1Ss9 Mr.
Davis was assistant attorney for the Dis
trict, his father-fn-law, A. q. Riddle, being
the attorney.
Mr.. Davis is now serving his second term
as president of the District Bar Associa-
ton.
Since 1889 Mr. Davis has devoted himself
to his private practice. being for time
socated with his father-in-law. under the
firm name of Riddle & Davis. He Is re-
garded as one OF the best educated and
equipped members OF the local bar, and en-
joys a reputation more than local
lawyer, and also as an orator.
He vas a member of the bar association
committee which secured Inc creation in
1888 of the District Court OF Appeals. and
refers 10 that one OF the greatest
achievements with which he has been con-
rected. MIR. Davis has been engaSed in
many of the most notable cases tried in the
District, among others, the Ward Alderney
dairy case, the Frank Langston murder
case, in which he secured his clients ac-
quittdl, the Arnold murder case, the fords
Theater and many others.
His Course fn Politics.
Mr.. Davis has always been a democrat,
ard was a delegate from the District To
the democratic national convention at Chi
cago in 1872. In 1895 he stumped Maryland
60,
ernor, and during the last campaign he re-
fused to support MIR. Bryan, openly de
ciaring himself TO be a sound money or
gold democrat.
Since the appointment of =. r. Kendall
many years ago, Mr.. Davis is the first
native Washingtonian TO be nominated
United States attorney for the District.
Opinions of Lawyers.
The news OF the nomination of Mr. Davis
as district attorney was made known at
the city hall by Star reporter, and it was
received by every one with undisguised
delight and approval, Mr.. Davis being not
only one of the best-known members of the
local bar, but also one of the most popular
members.
His appointment however caused little.
if any, surprise, for the almost certainty
of his selection Mr.. Biraey's successor
was mentioned by The Star several months
ago. The unanimous expression that
of approval, and the prediction WAS no less
general that he will, IL confirmed, make
one OF the best prosecuting officers the Dis
trict has ever known.
He rot only has the reputation of being
one of the best-eduoated and legally equip
ped men a. the bar, but he enjoys the repu-
tation of being an unusually aggressive
and active fighter i'm a legal sense. As an
advocate, ne also enjoys an enviaple repu-
tation. The fact that he is native Wash
ingtonian gave the greatest satisfaction.
Some Expressions of Approval.
Chief Justice Bingham of the District
Supreme Court-"Mr. Davis is a very able
man, and will make an excellent District
attorney
Marshal A. A. Wilson-"The selection of
Harry Davis is splendid one. 1 am de-
lighted"
Postmaster Willett-"What Go think of
it? Fine. Could not be better. just the
man."
Attorney VIM. F. Mattingly-"A splendid
appointment. He is a progressive and able
man."
Lawyer A. b. Duvail-"A most excellent
selection"
Attorney Clarence A Brandenberg: ''The
selection of Mr.. Davis could hardly be bet
ter He is one of the best educated men
at the bar today, thoroughly familiar with
our law and practice, and man of great
ability
Henry p Blair of the local bar: II am
delighted to hear of Mr.. Davis appoint
nent He is an excellent for the
place"
Deputy Marshal VIM. 3: Robson; The
selection of Mr.. Davis will give universal
satisfaction think, and he will make, 1
am sure one of the best District attorneys
we have ever had"