The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-02-27
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 81, 1908.
Character Is centrally. the impos-
sibility of being displaced or over
sct.-Emcrson.
WHY JUDGE RHEA SHOULD NOT DE
CONFIRMED.

1t is a generous failing with some
virginians that in standing by their
friends" they sometimes suffer their
personal interest in individuals to
blind them to the greater Importance
of the institutions of government
But this is not true of the people
as whole. They place their inst
tutions above the private interests and
welfare of every man. The people of
Virginia are not willing that the fame
and influence of their Corporation
Commission shall be impaired in order
that Judge William f. Rhea may have
and hold an Office; they are not will
ing that reproach shall fall upon the
court system OF the State in order that
Judge j. W. C. Blackstone may con-
tinue to sit on the bench, after the
open confession which lie has made.
Judge Beverly T. crump had led a
blamcless life and no man had bet
ter reputation for integrity of char
acter. He was appointed member
of the Corporation Commission, and he
made an honest, faithful and useful
member. Charges of indiscretion were
brought against him, and the Legisla-
ture investigated and acquitted him.
But the people were offended, and did
not cease to murmur against him until
he retired. Will the people be more
tolerant of Judge Rheac
None of the charges brought against
Judge Rhea has been established by
direct proof
He may he the victim of chain of
unfortunate circumstances, but lie has
been in bad political company and the
clouds of suspicion hang over and
about him. in spite of the special plead
ing of the majority report of the COM
mittee of investigations; and in the
light of the judicial review of the case
by Judge Wickham, the people would
never be roconciled to Judge Rhea's
appointment, even though it should be
unanimously confirmed by the Legis-
laturc.
These clouds on Judge Rhea's repu-
tation may have hcen gained in fight
ing the Republicans with fire. They
may be tribute to his qualities as
a politicaPswarripr. They may even
be viewed With undue harshness. But
that they are present can neither be
denied nor explained away; and without
attempting to lay on Judge Rhea either
praise or blame for being thought OF
as he is We need only say again what
IS in the heart of every thinking man
namely, that the possession of such a
reputation necessarily makes its owner
an improper person for place on the
Corporation Commission.
The Times-Dispatch knows tina,
Judge Rhea has high courage and dc.
voted personal friends, and this pa.
per regrets exceedingly having to take
any steps that are inimcal to him oil
any other citizen. But when a either
offers himself for a public office
whose administration is of the mos
profound Importance to the whole State
then. and III such case, tho fitness OF
the candidate becomes a matter that
must be discussed as a public duty
and his character must be analyzet
with all the intelligence, foresight ant
impartiality at the disposal of those
who finally pass upon the appointment
Judge Rhca may take the position anG
hold it, but he VIII never sit on thai
commission in comfort. No man car
afford TO defy public sentiment. Nc
man can afford to sit in the house OF
the people an unwelcome guest. Gov
ernor swanson committed blunder in
appointing Judge Rhea. The Lcgis-
lecture VIII compound the blunder if
it.coltfirms the appointment, and Judge
Rhea viii commit the greatest blunder
of all. and thrice compound it, II he
accepts and holds the office ~ith the
clouds Of suspicion hanging over him,