The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-08-16
WEDNESDAY. AUGUST ls. 1899.
JUDGE LAMB AND THE COURT
JlNIVOES

one OF the most admirable character
istlcs Of Virglnlans IN the present, as IN
tho past. IS their loyalty 70 faithful ser
wants whether of high or low degree.
when Judge Lamb was elected judge
Of the Chanccry Court Of the city Of
Richmond. DE found installed as ianitor
old stephen. one OF the few remaining
representatives Of the old-time negro
servant.-faithful. respectful. loyal and
true. Following the example of all his
predecessors he continued this old man
in the service Of the court and at bis
death promoted TO the vacancy sheppard,
a younger negro man. who had been old
STEPHENS faithful assistant in his de-
clining years.
This promotion and appointment was
upon the endorsation and request "i
practically the whole Richmond bar, and,
we are told that. never has n COMPLAINT
been made by judge. attorneys or Off
GERS Of the court. of a single failure on
the part Of this janitor to give prompt
respectful and efficient service u all
whose business calls them TO the Chan
Gerry Court.
Recently efforts have been made. IT is
said. to coerce Judge Lamb into the re-
movai Of this faithful servant and the
appointment IN his stead Of some white
Democrat. and # has been limited and
suggested that should the Judge fail 70
heed this warning his tenure Of office
would be endangered.
70 his credit be IL said. Judge Lamb
has steadfastly refused to heed this threat
and persists in his determination 10 re-
tain the present janltor Of his court so
long as the man continues TO be faithful
and respectful in his service
That such suggestion should have
been made IS most astonishing. II has
probably never occurred to bench or
bar 10 inquire what the politics of this
humble negro may be- just as it wonld
scarcely occur TO any other citizen TO
discuss politics with his negro coachman
or question him as 10 his party amlia-
ton
The dignity Of the chancellor prevents
judge Lamb from personally presenting
his views I'm this matter but his friends
have announced his position to be that
the janitor. though mental, IS am hum-
bic hireling Of his court and that for
him to permit dictaton from any source
as 10 such appointments would be 20 en-
courage Interference with the discharge
OF his official duties
Il has even been said that an effort
VIII be made TO drag this question into
the Democratic caucus which viii nom
mate. and On eject elect the next Judge
Of The Chancery Court, and that the Sc
lection viii De determined. not by his
qualification for the high office. for there
IS no question as 20 Judge Lambs nt-
ness but by such promise as ne may or
may not make with reference TO the APP |
polntmont Of the courts. servant.
Those who know incorruptlble integrity
and the unflnching courage Of Judge |
Lamb will not need TO be told that such |
threat viii never move him.
when the time comes that judicial |
tenure IN Virginia IS made dependent
upon promises TO appoint court janitors |
Il win be sad day for the old Com
monwea'th.
We believe that that day IS far dis |
tant and that the honest and true men
Of this community and Of this State
men whose commentator IS worth hav- |
lng VIII unanimously sustain judge |
Lamb In the position which he has taken. |
and VIII frown upon this attempt TO /
trail the judicial ermine In the dust and
Inlre OF petty politics.