Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-17


great pains in making his selection, and
ne believes his choice Will be highly APP
proved. The desire of his Excellency has
been TO get a conservative man. who Is,
In close touch with the laboring classes
and who Is identified with organized
labor. Mr.. Montague has all these reaui-
sites, and when his name was first sug-
gested the Governor remarked on his
pre-eminent fitness for the position. aud
this Is concurred In by all who know
him.
Mr. Giliis, general superintendent
of the Richmond Locomotive-Wo
IN presenting the papers OF MIR.
Montague, said: Il would hate 10
give Mr.. Montague up. but If had 10
make the appointment, he is the man OF
all others OF my acquaintance whom c
would select. He is an ideal man for such
a position"
The Governor has all along said ha
would like TO have personal lSnowledge
OF the ntness of the appointee for this
position. He is well acquainted with Mr.
Montague and knew his father and
grandfather.
WORKED HIS WAY UP.
Mr. Montague, I'm add.tion to his en-
dorsement In Richmond. has been en-.
dorsed by the Central Trades and Labor
Council, of Roanoke, an organization rep
resenting all departments of labor In that
city, by parties and organizations I'm seve-
raj other cities, and has the approval of Of
fcials OF high standing I'm national organi-
cations. He lost his father when young.
and at the age of 10 began work as "A
rivet-heater In the shops OF the Grand
Trunk railway, in Canada, and has work
ed his way through all departments OF
his trade, having been employed as a ma
chinist in the'shops at Radford and Roa-
nokc and other points and at this time
is filling a responsible position as
draughtsman In the Richmond L0-
comotive-W He is only 2S years
cial connections with labor organi-
cations. He was formerly secretary
OF the local lodge. No. l72. of the Inter-
national Association OF Machlnists at
Radford while he is at present treasurer
OF the District Lodge. Of the Norfolk and
Western system, ard has on more than
one occasion been prominent In helping
to adjust difficulties between employer
and employees.
His father was for many years an hon.
ored employee OF the Norfolk and West-
ern-in fact, was on that line continually
from the close Of the war till his death.
His grandfather. Hon. Rice ID. Monta-
que, was for a great number OF years
Clerk OF the Montgomery County Court,
and for several terms the representative
In the Legislature from that county. He
was a contemporary OF Hon. Robert l..
Montague. father Of the present Attorney
General. though there is no relationship
between them. and during the time they
served together they were designated. the
Dne as "The Red Fox" and the other as
"The Gray Fox"
Mr. MOntague's mother was a Miss
Gardner, of Chrstiansburg. lady OF high
,haracter and Christian graces, and to
he fond and loving mother. TOR whom hs
ias worked so hard. he Is greatly indebt-
d for the excellent qualities which have
tilted him for the position he has been
allied TO hll.
SOME OF THE APPLICANTS.
Some Of the applicants for this position
Who had serious consideration by the
Governor, were Messrs. X. r. Nuckles,
ohm NJ. Donahoe w NJ. Martin, Lee
'odd, and others. Of Richmond: Messra
l. V. Vail, c. c. Williams, and w. q.
'ettis. Of Norfolk.
The Governor vas strongly inclined 10
avor Mr.. Vail who was endorsed by Mr..
<izer. the patron OF the Labor Bureau
an, and other prominent businessmen OF
;orfolk. and had he the personal ac-
uaintance with Mr.. Vail he had with
Ir. Montague. IL would have been difticule
or his Excellency 10 have decided. Mr..
iontague. however. had the advantage
yer Mr. Vail. and, In fact. all others. in
eing more generally endorsed by labor
Mr.. John G.. Tiller. OF Ashland. made
trong impression on the Governor--in
act, the Governor says he has been
ratified TO have had so many good men
, annlv for this Desition