The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

best inducements for the success of his
talents.
He was admitted to the bar by the SUI
nreme Court of the State February 7th,
1897 but did not engage in the active
practice of his profession until 1888.
Since that time he has steadily risen in
the profession, until today he enjoys a
large and lucrative practice, in both
State and Federal courts, having been
identified with some of the most import
ant cases in this entire section. Mr..
Meares has been so thoroughly identified
with his profession that he has not had
either the time or inclination to seek po-
litical preferment yet he has never been
lax to his party's call. In 1892 he took
an exceedingly active part in the national
campaign, and labored hard for Demo
cratic success making eloquent speeches
in favor of Democracy all over the State.
Mr.. Meares is rightly called the Silver
Tongued Orator" of the Old North State
His wonderful command of the English
language, his splendid physical appear
ance, the magnificent infection of his
voice all combined, make him an orator
much sought for. His deductions are per-
feet and his eloquence sways his audi
ence.
In 1894 he was very prominently men
toned as q candidate for Congress, but
declined the honor. In 1898 he was
elected member of the Vigilance Conn
mittee of twenty-five that held the re-
sponsihlity of law and order during the
riots of that period. During this period
Mr.. Meares rendered splendid service to
the cause of law, order and Democracy.
In 1899 he was elected City Attorney,
and is now actively devoting his time
and attention to the duties of that posi-
ton. In politics he is Democrat of the
..true blue stripe, and has always fought
for his party's interests, believing that
upon the principles of Democracy de-
ponds the salvation of this country.
Aside from his duties as a lawyer, he
has found time to devote to secret organ
izations. being a member in excellent
standing of the Masonic fraternity, Odd
Fellows and Pythians. He is one of the
board of FIVE directors that is building
the Masonic Temple. He is Past Chan
cellor of the Clarendon Lodge, knights
of Pythias, of Wilmington.
Mr.. Meares married in 1880 Miss Jose
phine f. Folger, talented and accom-
plished lady, and this union has been
blessed with two children, a boy and
girl. His home life is happy and peace
full one, surrounded by all the joys of
domestic nature.
In speaking of Mr.. Meares' large prac
tice some idea of its extent may be
cleaned from the statement that he IS
the local attorney for the following we'll
known corporations: Seaboard Air Line,
American Surety Company, Fidelity and
Casualty Company of New York, En-
ployers' Liability Assurance Company of
Boston, Southern Bell Telephone Com
pany and others. He is one of the re-
ceivers for the Carolina Interstate
Building and Loan Association, and
holds other positions of trust and honor,
of which lack of space precludes mention.
As a public speaker it is doubtful
whether Mr.. Meares has a superior in the
State. He has delivered public addresses
upon many occasions. and these have
been highly commended by the press of
the country.
He delivered a masterful address be-
fore the North Carolina Dental Assoeia-
ton that met in Wilmington. This ad-
dress was highly appreciated by the as
sembled dentists.
On the laying Of the corner stone of
the New Hanover court house April list,
1892. he delivered an address that will
long live in the memory of the people
Of this section. 1t has been said by one
of the hearers that this speech was the
finest ever delivered in New Hanover
county.
His address of welcome to the South
ern Baptist Convention held at Whining
ton May, 1897, was another of his mas
terful and matchless pieces of Oratory
that called for the admiration OF the
people 1t may be magnetism that causes
people to become attracted towards him,
but it certainly is a fact that both in
public or before a jury he carries all be-
fore him by his eloquenee.
Among the numerous other addresses
made by him must be mentioned that
made before the Grand Lodge of Masons
that assembled in Wilmington in 1894,
and the one made as an address of wei
come to the Press Association that met
at Wilmington in 1897.
Aside from his eloquent speeches, he
has devoted considerable attention to lit
erary work, and has produced some of
the ablest writings of the times upon
tributor to the newspapers upon politi-
cal matters connected with Wilmington.
There is a grace and style about his
work that bears the stamp and impress
of genius and talent. His fiuency is also
worthy of special comment. Those who
have read after Mr.. Meares comment
highly upon his productions.
As a citizen he is thoroughly alive to
the needs and requirements of the times,
and is in accord with anything that has
as a basis the building UP and expansion
of Wilmington, and is always ready and
willing to devote both his time and
means to the accomplishment Of that
purpose. Such men as he build cities,
and had Wilmington one thousand more
men like him, that would represent just
that many brainy, upright and progress
i've citizens.
In matters pertaining to religion lredell
Meares is devout member and at
tendant Of st. James Episcopal Church.
The writer would say in concluding
the sketch Of this talented and gifted
lawyer, orator and citizen, that to Jnst
such men who by their own efforts and
talents succeed in coming to the front.
America owes her proud and Self-rellant