Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-07-10
ON vIRGINIA's SHORES.
More Than Four Thousand Guests
Were on Hand to Start the Season.
Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.
VIRGINIA BEACH. July Z. 1899

Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.
VIRGINIA BEACH, July {. 1899
The Fourth of July at Virginia Beach
was celebrated in the usual lively manner
Every train brought an immense crowd of
people, and all Joined in having a most
enjoyable time. 1t is estimated that the
number of excursionists who visited the
beach Tuesday was far above the 1000
mark-a number much larger than on any
previous Fourth.
The Princess Anne Hotel was tastefully
decorated in the national colors, and every
thing was done that would add to the
pleasure of the many guests. The excel
lent cuisine and service of the Princess
Anne was well patronized, and many peo-
pie partook of the well-spreak table. In
the morning german, led by Messrs. Win
field and Johnson, was the attraction, and
proved decided success. In the afternoon
a concert was furnished by the Well-known
orchestra of Princess Anne, and patriotic
airs were enjoyed by hotel guests and
visitors alike A fine display of fireworks
was given on the beach in the evening, and
the day closed with largely attended
dance in the beautiful ball room of the
hotel.
Under the management of Mr. E. J. Hen
dee many changes and improvements have
been made in the Princess Anne.
The Vacancy on the District Bench.
To the Editor Of The Evening Star:
l was much pleased by and fully indorse
all that you said few days ago in regard
to the selection of District man as judge.
In reading the papers since I have been
much surprised with certain views ad-
vanced that l cannot reconcile with the con-
dition existing either in this or in other
cities Of the United States.
Among the first of these is that the plain
citizens of the District of Columbia, who
constitute the bulk of the population and
furnish large percentage of the plaintiffs
and defendants in all suits and actions
brought in our courts, are never consulted.
and are treated as if they had no voice in
such matters, the same being left to the
lawyers to the Bar Association.
Another view involved in this contention
is that q person in middle life, a man of
mature age, should be ignored. not on ac-
count of fitness ability or moral worth, but
on account of an assumed absence of the
hustling qualities of youth. This view was
long ago destroyed by Chancellor Kent,
Justice Story and others whom / might
name in the legal profession, but now on
its resurrection | will frankly admit that in
many places where politics is supreme the
active, hustling judge who can control a
ward delegation is of far more Importance
than the Judge who can preside with dig
nifty over his court in the administration of
law and equity. This may be good politics.
and l expect ii is SO considered, but would
it apply to the District of Columbia?
Again, by what rule is it assured that a
man the junior of another by three or four
years will serve twenty years before
firing? There is no medical examination
made of the respective candidates, as in life
insurance; and if there was, perhaps the
maturer man would be the better risk.
In presidential, congressional and senate
rial elections does the aspirant's age play a
part? Should have voted for Mr.. Bryan
because he was younger than Mr.. McKin-
ley? Is it fitness or longevity at which we
aim in the administration of the affairs of
our country? II longevity, then by all
means insist upon medical examination of
the candidates, and take the risk as in
surance companies do. Be fair, but do not
bar youth, manhood or old age, but let all
have chance.
As TO the other requisite, "unanimity,"
would respectfully ask. Is there case of
record, beginning with Washington, Lin
coin, Grant and others? Name one case and
/ shall be satisfied. Thank heaven that
there is no unanimity among free people.
except in defense Of their country. It is at
variance with the foundation of republics
july 10, 1899. GEO. e. TERRY.