The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1903-02-12
WILLIAM ]. WITzENBACHER
Appointed to the Bench to Succeed
the Late Judge
Stake.
DEMOCRAT AND NATIVE OF HAGERSTOWN
A Johns Hopkins University Graduate and
Former Instructor in MeDonOugh
SchooI-His Successful Work in His
Native City.

erstown, was Monday appointed asso-
ciate judge OF the Fourth judicial cir
cult by Governor Smith to succeed
the late Judge Edward Stake.
At noon Mr.. Witzenbacher received
telegram at his home from the Gov
ernOr stating that he had been APP
pointed and that his commission had
been forwarded.
Mr.. Witzenbacher took the oath of
Office Tuesday before Court Clerk Os-
valid, and will be on the bench with
Judge Williams during the present
term of court.
As soon as the news of Mr.. Witzen-
bacher's appointment became known
at Hagerstown many Of his friends
called and rendered their congratula-
tions. 1t is understood Governor
Smith delayed the appointment of a
judge with the hope that the members
of the bar would unite On some one
man. When it became apparent that
this would be impossible the Govern
or decided to delay the matter no
longer
Mr.. Witzenbacher was born in flag
erstown 40 years ago. He attended
public and private schools, gradual
ing from the High. School in 1880. He
afterward entered Johns Hopkins
University, graduating in June, 1888.
He then passed three years as instruct
or in the McDonogh School, near Bal
timore, leaving there to enter the
study and practice of law. He was a
student under Alex. Neill, and upon
his motion was examined and admit
ted to the Washington county bar at
the November term. 1886, since which
period he has been actively engaged
in the practice of his profession.
He was candidate for the Legisla-
ture in 1889, but was defeated with
the rest of the ticket. In the spring
of 1890 he was appointed City Attor-
nsy of Hagerstown and held the posi-
ton five years. Daring this period
the city grew rapidly, doubling itself,
and new problems OF municipal gov
ernment were presented continuous
ly. Mr.. Witzenbachel prepared all
the important legislation urged as
amendments to the town charter, his
last act in this direction being the
Electric Light bill in 1900. which was
adopted by the people after an excit-
ing contest. In this instance he took
the view that a contract previously
made by the city officials was void,
which view was sustained by the
Court of Appeals when test was af-
terward made of the law.
In 1895 he was appointed by Judge
Stake States Attorney ad interim
during the absence of States Attor-
ney Charles A. Little. In 1899 he was
chosen attorney to the Board OF
| County Commissioners and served for
two years. During this time, among
/ Otlti OIiuSSs lC w ii SUI
cessful issue in court the question of
| liability of the owners of mortgages
executed prior to 1896 to pay the mort,
gage tax. Upon the organization OF
the incumbent Board of County Elec-
/ ton Supervisors he was appointed
their attorney. Ne has successfully
occupied all the public positions in
Washington county requiring to be
held by lawyer except that of judge.
He has frequently appeared in the
Court of Appeals, where has aroused
! interest by the logical consistency OF
his argument.
He was chief factor in establish.
ing the Bar Library, being consulted
thereon by the court on all occasions
He is studious, his taste directing him
into the domain of literature and his
tory. He reads and speaks German
French and Italian, lately appearing
in court as an Interpreter in the muir
der case of the Italian, Moro. He il
conversant with the masterpieces
written in these languages and has
likewise preserved his interest in the
Greek and Latin classics.
He is Democrat of decided convic
tions and active in the maintenance
of his political opinions. Within the
lines of his party he has occupied 6
rather independent attitude, and has
always been an advocate of good gov
eminent and good citizenship.
He has been a familiar figure il
Democratic State, county and district
conventions, but never served upor
any political committee. He never
accepted in good faith the conclusions
of his party conventions and believes
in systematic political work.
Engines Crash.
I'M