The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-06-14

| err, in the practice of the law, and,
on the dissolution of that partnership,
upon the retirement of his father in
1882, he became a partner of Col.
James G.. Martin, of AsheVille. In
| 1867 Mr.. Davidson was elected solicit
| tor for Clay county, and he retained
| that office until 1T was abolished by
| the constitution in 1853. He opposed
| the adoption Of that constitution with
| all his powers, and early took an ac-
tive part in the political contests of
| that time. In 1872, his talents for or
| ganization and his zeal, led to his
| selection for the arduous post of
chairman of the Democratic Execu-
tive committee for Buncombe coun-
| ty, the exacting duties of which po-
sition he accepJably discharged for
period of ten years. At the same time
| he was also chairman of the Demo-
cratic Congressional Executive COM
| mittee for the Ninth district. In 1873
| the people of Buncombe county called
upon him to represent them in the
State Senate, the district being then
/ composed OF Buncombe and Madison,
and two years later he was re-elect-
ed to the same position. AT the first
session, he was assigned to the chair
| manship of the important committee
| on corporations, Western North Car
DINA beings at that time largely in
| terested in the extension of railroad
| construction and at the succeeding
session he was chairman or the Ju-
dietary committee, and the recognized
leader of the body. In 1879 he was
appointed director, for the State at
large, of the Western North Carolina
/ Railroad. whose completion was of
such vast importance to the western
countless; and in 1881 he was made
| director OF the Western North Caro-
lima Insane asylum, the act establish
ing that that institutions having zeal
ously and ably advocated by him.
In 1882 Mr.. Davidson was appoint
ed Judge of the Criminal Court OF
Buncombe, called the Inferior
court" which position he filled with
great acceptability and credit to him
self until June, 1884, when the State
Democratic convention recognizing
his excellent talents, his purity of
character and sound learning, nomi-
mated him for Attorney General. He
was elected. together with the rest of
the Democratic State ticket by a
handsome majority. after warm
campaign. in which he made an able
and extensive canvass of the State,
winning many encomiums for the eX-
cellencV of his political addresses. AT
the end of his term, SO satisfactorily
had he discharged his duties as Attor-
Inev-treneral and reporter of the Su-
prema Courts DECISIONS that there
was no opposition to his denomination
bv the State Democratic convention,
land he was again chosen for a four
years term, by an increased popular
majority. leading the State ticket. AS
IAttornev-General, Mr. Davidson
largely increased the high reputation
lhe has so long enjoyed as a safe and
learned jurist and ne so conducted.
the affairs Of the office as to enhance
The resnect and confidence with which
he has ever been regarded.
At tho close of his second term as
Attornov-Gene he declined to
sta,od Cor denomination, and re-
tu,,,ad IN the practice of his profess
i sinr ~ his home. In 1895, he was
c.IIoa mon by the Democrats of
Asho,,iI1a 70 make a contest for may
or 80 was elected by a decisive ma
jority.
In 1902. he was again called upon
~, bis narty to make a contest for the
i General Assembly and was elected to
ice of Representatives In that
hodv he took a prominent position,
heinz chairman of Committee on Con-
stit,,3ionai Amendment, and an active
nar,ber of Committee on judiciary
land Finance. He was also chairman
~ Joint Committee to Revise and
~ ..t the statutes of the State, and
auuils and secured the passage of
~ Al under which the Code Com
n,issior is now acting.
T',,.;1fr his service in the Legislature,
Ar. navidson was especially kind and