The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1907-03-07
JUDGE C. E. NICOL
AnnOunceSHiS CandidaCyFOr DEM
cratic Nomination In Sth District.
HIS VIEWS ON LEADING QUESTIONS

To The PEOPLE Or Tue EIGHTH Con-
GREsaoNAL DISTRICT Or VIRGINIA;
Having resigned my position as Judge
of the 10th judicial Circuit OF Virginia, |
announce myself candidate 10 I'LL the
seat in Congress from this District made
vacant by the lamented death Of the
Honorable John + Rixey, who so long
adorned and honored public life. He
will ever be reyered and loved as a most
efficient representative OF the people, and
mourned as one who passed away
whilst yet Ia the meridian Of life
ia reaching the conclusion TO resign
my position, on the bench, have been
moved by conflicting emotions Many
people OF my circuit have earnestly en-
rated me not 10 resign, but 70 conduct
my canvass, and still remain their Judge,
until nominated or defeated for Congress.
Had ! known in advance their deep Ai-
lection for me, and earnest desire that
should continue as their Judge, before ]
consented 70 become a candidate for
Congress, it is possible that would have
CONCLUDED 20 remain on the bench. How
ever, having consented and promised To
become a candidate for Congress, | could
not violate my word and hence no alter
native was left me, except to go forward
lt is true that there is no law requiring
me 20 resign the jndgeship pending the
canvass for Congress, and the earnest
wish Of many people OF my circuit that !
should not resign has strongly appealed
to me, Yet, on the matureut nfection
that could give 70 the subject, IL has
seemed 10 me that ! should in no wise
seem u mingle the administration OF
Justice with a political contest, or 20 use
the power and Influence Of my judicial
position 20 advance my interests as a
candidate, but that | should meet my
opponents on common ground, as a
private citizen.
In sever ing my connection with the
people OF my circuit, az now constituted
aud formerly constituted, IL II with the
proioundest emotion. | entertain for
them an abiding love and admiration
that neither time nor place caneyeF eiiace
from my mind and heart.
In accepting the judgeship ! sacrificed
a lucrative and expanding law practice,
and held the position for over twelve
years at considerable financial loss,
and yet have no regrets. On the con
trary, the satisfaction that comes 10 me
from having discharged my whole duty
as Judge, faithfully aud conscienti-
ously, az God gave me the power 10 see
il, and ever sought His guidance, and
the knowledge that | have the conf
dence and love OF the people, whom
served, would not be exchanged 10y me
for all the money in the world.
In my judicial career | sought to main
tain the highest possible standard-to
know neither friend nor foe, TO be inhu-
enced neither by iear, favor nor prejudice,
but TO make all-the poor and the
humble, the influential and rich, TO FEEL
AND KNOW, that ali were equally under
the protection Of the law, aud that even
handed Justice would be administered
according 10 the merits OF the cause.
utterly regardless OF consequences.
confess, however, that wherever it was
possible, sought TO mingle mercy with
Justice, and watchlulness over the estates
Of widows and orphans was my especial
care Ny record, as judge, is closed,
erred, yet do claim that ] always did
my best, and though ! gave twelyeyears
of the prime OF my life 10 the service oil
the people OF my circuit, as now and
formerly constituted and to the common
wealth OF Virginia, yet claim no reward
for that. simply did my duty and in
returning the ermine to Virginia ! know
that it is a. unsoiled a. " hen II fell on
my shoulders, and in this consciousness.
and in the confidence, aud love Of the
people whom | have served is my reward, |
and there is no honor that earth could !
confer which could be more esteemed by |
me, nor give me more pleasure.
now turn to other duties. | confess
that since a young man have had an
ambition to be member OF Congress
from Virginia However, it has always
happened hitherto that whenever the
election for that office In this District |
approached, some OF my special friends
were aspirants, and deferred to them
and have never been a candidate forCon-
gress until this time. Even now ! was
strongly inclined to again defer TO the
gentlemen who aspire to the honor oil
representing this District in Congress, but
on reflection, could not escape the con-
clusiOn that ! must now enter the lists
or forever Danish that thought and am
bition from my mind. Hence my appeal
is now to the Democratic voters OF the
Eighth Congressional District Tor the
Democratic nomination.
II elected TO Congress ! shall favori-
/. Aid from the y. 5. Government in /
the construction Of good roads, provided |
the appropriations are turned over TO /
the State Of Virginia to be expended
under her laws, and by her agents.
would be unwilling TO have the General
Government invade Virginia aud take
charge of her roads to the exclusion OF
the State authorities,
9. | would also favor aid from the /
General Government for the development
and promotion OF the public schools, but
only on the condition that the appro-
priations be turned over to the State
Government without condition or limita-
ton, and to be expeaded exclusively by |
the State authorities. 1 would never
consent that the General Government
should have any voice in the manage
msnt OF our public schools, because that
might involve an attempt to establish I
mixed schools, which would be abhOrrent
10 all right minded people.