The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-04-13
JUDGE B. CRUMP
SOON TO Retire
Writes Governor Of His
Intention to Leave
Commission.
JUDGE VIM. if. RHEA
TO SUCCEED HIM.
Richmond Lawyer Declares He
Will Return to tie PTac--
tice Of His Profession.
Will Not Affect
Pending De-
cisions.

Judge Bcv. T. Crump. of this city,
chairman OF the State Corporation
Commission. yesterday addressed 10
Governor Swanson a letter indicating
his purpose to retire from the COM
mission at an early date.
In his communication to the EXecu-
tive, Judge Crump did mot fix tho
date upon which he would leave his
post. but he gave His Excclcncy to
understand that he would desire to re-
linquish his duties In the near future
Neither Judge Crump nor Governor
Swanson would give out the exact
vcrbiage Of the letter, but 1t Is known
that what is stated above is It's sub
stance.
Governor Swanson was seen during
the day and asked for statement
concerning the matter OF Judge
Crump's contemplated retirement, and
his probable successor. but lie would
discuss neither proposition FOR publi-
cation.
II leave for Jamestown this after
noon," said His I5xcellcncy, ito look
after some important State matters.
and may have to be away for several
days.
"1t will therefore be impossible 5or
mo to take up the question OF Judge
Crump's contemplated resignation un-A
til some time next week"
Judge Crump was seen In his office
lin tho department of the Corporation
Commission later on, and he declined
to be interviewed further than to say
that he would return to the practice
of his profession, and that he would
feel great relief from the ardnous
toll the position has imposed upon HIM.
Decisions Come First
1t is not believed that Judge Crump
will retire until there is final action
by tho commission on both tho freight
and passenger ratio matters that haVe
long been pending, and upon which
Judge Crump has heard all the evil
dence. An early decsionis expected in
both cases, and It Is not unlikely that
tho chairman and his colleagues Will
be unanimous In their findings.
Tho question of Judge Crump's sue
cessor is an interesting one, and
+ though the Governor will not discuss
1t at this time, the general Impression.
prevails that Hon. William Francis
Rhoa, OF Bristol. will got tho place.
\ 1t Is we'll understood in political Cir
Cleg that Judge Rhea was looked upon
4 with favos as the man to succeed Com
missioner Stuart. whose term expires
on February !, 1908.
Now n vacancy comes nearly a year
0UeHN III lltt hllla IN SA'S N'>A' - q ~ y
out a reason why Judge Rhea should
not land tho plum, He is not only a
man OF prominence in State politics,
but llo served two terms in Congress
with Governor Swanson, and is His
Excellencys close personal and poll
tical friend, He took care OF Governor
swanson's political fortunes in the en-
tremo Southwest In his last contest
for Chief Executive Of the State, and
supported him Loyalty in his further
struggle for tho honor, when former
Governor Montague was the victor.
Man OF Prominence.
Judge Rhea is not without civic, judi
cial or political honor. 1Io served az
state Senator from his district years ago
Later he was judge Of the County Court
Of Washington and still later presided
over the Corporation Court Of tho city
of Bristol. He was twice elected to Con-
Z gress as a Democrat from the Ninth Dis.
trlct, and each time retained his seal
after q contest With tho late Genera