The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-08-30
Especial Dispatch TO The Times.
THE CORRESPONDENCE.

The following is the correspondence be-
tween Governor Tyler and Judge Phlegar:
East Radford, Va, August %, 1890.
lion. A. A. Fhlegar, Christiansburg. Va.
. My dear lhlegar,-The papers announce
the death of Judge j. w. Rely, of the
Court of Appeals. The Constitution pro-
vides that the Governor shall make ap-
pointment to fill the vacancy Til thirty
days after the next meeting of the Legis-
lature.
As Governor OF Virginia it will be re-
Guired of me to make selection OF one who
will measure up TO the fullest eXpecta-
1ions of the people. I pray that In this
instance, as have tried under all circurn-
stances, that l may not disappont their
expectations.
When the free and untrammelled senti-
ment of the true people of Virginia has
been expressed worthy men have been
chosen. especially to preside over her high
est courts. Her judiciary has indeed been
her strongest bulwark arourd the liberties
of her people. If there has been de-
generacy in other lines and if unworthy
men have crept into positions of honor
and trust in other branches. il must not
be said that the bench has been subCt-ned
or used for selfish soriid ambition.
We look back with commcndable pride on
the long list of worthy men who have been
ornaments TO our higher courts. IF time
permitted l could recount the names of
many who would stir emotions of pleasure
in the hearts of ALL
We could trace back from Staples. under
the aegis Of whose genius it was your
privilege to gather inspiration, during a
lifetime Of close and intimate association:
or OF Burks or Joynes. or Moncure or
Christian. and host of others. To choose
4 man who is worthy to live in history
along by the side of these noble men is
my ambition and desire. I need not take
time to consider in making my selection;
therefore. ] write at once to know il you
will accept the position on the Supreme
bench made vacant by the death of the
lamented Judge Rely.
If ! We're 10 ask any one in this great
section, to which your practice has been
chiefly confined, to point ont the man
should select fer this exalted position,
know their choice would readily fail on
you. With this knowledge, is there any
reason for me to hesitate for a moment
in making tender of this place to you?
/ beg YOU to give the subject serious
and prayerful consideration: take all the
time that may be necessary, there is no
need for hurry. The example Of the we'll
rounded life and the pure Christian charac-
ter of the great and good man whose
place you are called upon to I'LL will be an
inspiration TO YOU. and should excite a
holy ambition to occupy the place he so
fifty adorned. I am aware that ! am
rendering you the highest honor that has
been. or will be- in my power to bestow,
and the honor of making this offer is
heightened by the reflection that I am
asking such q man as you to fill q place
held by such man as Judge Rely. He
adorned the place. so will you. and You
will be welcomed by those worthy aSsoci-
ates whom Virginia has placed with so
much pride on her Court Of Appeals.
I repeat. take all the time you need to
decide. Whatever may be your conclu-
sions, ] trust Your best interest may be
advanced. If You accept. know the best
interests of Virginia will be served, and
my qualification as consciousness OF
duty we'll done will be complete.
May the kind Father. whose loving care
has ever been around you, give YOU gilid-
ance and direction.
Believe me as ever your true and sincere
friend.
fsisned) J. HoGE TYLER.
Ghristiansburg. Va, August q, 1900.
TO His Exceilcncy, j. Hoge Tyler. Gov
ernor OF Virginia. East Radford, Va
Dear sir.-Your kind letter of the I'D
instant, offering me the seat on the Su-
prene Court of Appeals made vacant by
the death of Judge John w Rely, has
been the source of much pleasure and of
much FerpieNity- OF pleasure, because of
the assurance 1t gives of your esteem, and
because OF the honorable position it has
opened TO me: of perpieSity, because Of
the interests which seemed to require me
10 remain IN the walks of private life At
one time the last seemed to predominate,
and had about determined to decline the
pronered honors. But after further re-
fectlon and prayerfnl consideration of the
whole subject. it seems to me that there
is call TO perform duty. and that it Is
not right 10 let purely private considera-
tons. which are not insurrnounta BILE. de-
termine the question. ] have. therefore.
decided to accept the appointment if you
siIil wish me to do SO.
Ny fear in the matter Is that viii not
measure up to the duties and rcsponsi-
biaties -nf the place; that cannot bring
TO the performance OF its duties hat calm.