The times., 1899-07-11
A TRIANGULAR CONTEST
Davis, Duvall, or Barnard May Sue
ceed Judge Cox.
The President. However. Makes n
Significant Remark That Does Not
Sound Well for Davis Chance-TwO
Delegations Visited the White
House in His Behalf Yesterday.

The fight for the vacancy on the bench
of the Supreme Court of the District caus-
ed by the retirement of Justice Walter
S. Cox is increasing in interest as the days
go by.
The general opinion around the City
Hall yesterday, however, was that the fight
| has narrowed down to a triangular strug
gle between Henry E. Davis. Andrew B.
Duvall, and Job Barnard. The friends of
the other aspirants, however, are as
confident of the success CT their favorites
as they were at the outstart, and so far as
the withdrawal of any of them in favor
of some one else is concerned such thing
| does not appear probable.
The special committee appointed at the
meeting Of the younger members of the
bar on Saturday consisting of E. B. Hay,
James E. Padgett, D.. W. Baker, Charles
w. Darr, Alexander Wolf, and Wharton E.
Lester, called on the President yesterday
| morning.
The members of the delegation were
presented to the President by Colonel Hay,
who also briefly stated that the object Of
| their call was to present the name of Mr..
Davis and urge his appointment Mr..
Padgett also spoke in behalf of Mr. Davis,
| as did Mr. Lester and other members of
the delegation. > ~
Mr.. Mckinley asked a great many ques-
tions about Mr.. Davis which were answer
ed seemingly to his satisfaction and the
interview was regarded by the local at
torneys as most pleasant and satisfacto-
ry one.
Mr.. Mckinley expressed regret" said
one OF the attorneys in discussing the mat
ter afterwards, that the members of the
local bar were not more united. He was
very anxious to learn more about its young
er members, and asked particularly con-
cerning Attorneys A. B. Duvall and Job
Bernard"
The delegation went away feeling hopeful
for their candidate but with determine
tion TO work for more unity in the matter
1t is said that the President stated posi-
lively that the appointment would be given
TO q resident of the District, and he re-
iterated his desire to have the judgeship
go to young man if one could be found,
who would be satisfactory TO the bar and
citizens in general.
committee representing the colored
lawyers of the District, composed of E.
NJ Hewlett, T. L. Jones, and W. Calvin
Chase, called on the President and urged
the appointment of District Attorney Da-
Wis to succeed Justice Cox.
MIR. Chase stated after the interview that
the President enquired particularly after
Attorneys Duvail and Barnard.
I'VE told him both were good men,"
said Mr.. Chase, but that we were particu-
larry in favor of the appointment of Mr..
Davis. The President remarked If Mr..
Davis would make a good judge. he ought
to make good District Attorney. This we
took TO mean," continued Mr.. Chase, that
the President thinks Mr.. Davis is in a
good place where he is
From what could be learned yesterday
no day has been fixed by the friends of
Mr.. Duvali and Mr.. Barnard when they
will call upon the President and present
the claims of their favorites
Both these gentlemen are, it is said,
backed by large number of the promi-
nent members of the bar who recognize
them, because of their ability and many
other necessary qualifications. as eminently
fitted for the place. They are also both
lifelong Republicans and residents of the
District Mr.. Duvall is a native of the
District and Mr.. Barnard is Washing
tonian by adoption, he having come TO
this city over twenty-six years ago. Mr..
Barnard is q native of Indiana, but after
serving in the Union army during the Civil
War he studied law in Michigan and
after being admitted to the bar moved to
this city, where he has made his home
ever since.
1t was rumored yesterday that a meet
ing of the Washington Bar Association
would be called tomorrow, but frequent
enquiry failed TO verify the statement.
Samuel Maddox, President of the Wash
ington Bar Association, when seen yes
terday, stated that, although he Lad
heard the matter mentioned, no re-
quest had been made for such a meeting
1t will be necessary for fifteen members
to make application in writing for a meet
ing TO be called TO warrant such action be-
ing taken by Mr.. Maddox. II a meeting is
called it will probably be held today or
tomorrow, as Mr.. Maddox will leave the
city.on Thursday.
1t is said that if meeting be called it
is the general belief that the only names of
candidates for the justiceship which will
be considered viii be those of Davis,
Duvall, and Barnard.