The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-02-26

~ terday afternoon, the fate of
the accused circuit Judge rest
inG now primarily with the Committee
for Courts of Justice OF the House,
before which the inquiry was had
though ultimately with the two
An early report from the committee
is expected. and already there is talk
of a probable division, though this Il
mere speculation.
The entire day was consumed in
argument. two speeches being made for
the prosecution and three for the de-
fense. The time was unlimited.
Mr.. B. A. Lewis opened for the prose
cution, and his speech was strong an@
clear. The following lawyers spoke
for Judge Blackstone in the orde
named: Messrs. otho f. Mears, O.
Northampton; Fay S. Collier, OF
Hampton, and L. a, Ashby. OF Newport
kewc.
AT the afternoon session Mr.. Wynd
tan r. Meredith closed for the prose
-ution in a brief but powerful speech,
in which he demanded, in the face o
Tho serious charges the removal o
fudge Blackstone from the bench.
Mr.. Mears did not go into the ev
dense, but made an earnest plea 70
charity. in view of the fact that only
few Instances of moral delinquency
aad been established. and that the
business record of Judge Blackstone
IN the bench was excellent Though
.he speeches were fiery at times. the
lawyers confined themselves largely to-
:he evi>ance in the case. An early re-
port is expected. It appears as if the
BODY will recommend removal, though
there may be some dissenting voices.
rJnorIpp e., NATAL
Mr.. B. a. Lewis opened the argu-
ment for the prosecution, and after
rome preliminary statements concern
Ing his position in the matter he said:
Il shall try to outline this case
briefly as I see It. and If in the course
OF my remarks I shall say anything
which appears to reflect upon the de-
fendant. disclaim in advance any such
Intention. as I certainly do not wish
70 wound any ones feelings"
Taking up the charge that the Judge
fell asleep at the Sheets trial. Mr..
Lewis said: 1--WE have not proved thatI
tho Judge was drunk, but we have con-
rlusively proved that he was asleep on
the bench, so but little more need bel
Eaid on this charge"
Coming to the Pavalinic trial. the
speaker urged that the charge OIL
drunkenness on the night before thel
day on which the Judge fell asleep on
the bench was clearly established.
Witness had testified that two mea
were seen bringing the Judge down thel
back steps at saloon in drunken
rendition. One of his best witnesses
had sworn that he saw him take al
drink in saloon at recess hour, and
the nurses chart showed that he had
taken another later in his room.
'I am not here" he said, prosecuting
Judge Blackstone. l am here seeking
to uphold the honor and dignity OF the
judiciary OF this State, and l submit
that such performances bring the high
position of circuit judge into disre-
pute and rldicule."
Mr.. Lewis referred to the alleged
utterances of Judge Blackstone .oI
Pavalinic at the latter's trial, and
said that had he been in his right
mind no such words would have ever
fallen from his lips.
son occasions when he is himself"
Continued the speaker, Judge Black
stone treats counsel with dignity inI
lis court, but on the day upon which,
he fell asleep, lie addressed one of the
my warm personal friend" and de-
clared that in overruling his motion
he meant nothing personal, and re-
Eretted that he had to do it,
Told of Search for Judge.
Mr.. Lewis dwelt in language of
burning eloquence upon the evidence
of Sheriff Curtis concerning the oc-
casion when he went out to look for
the judge after he had failed to openl
his court on time, and declared that
the conditions under which he was
found could not be overlooked by the
committee.
NOV, after that carriage drive that
night, what was the result?" he asked.
I'VE practically had no more court at
that term. The Judge was sick, and
no one could be surprised after suck
performances. We all know the judges
physical condition is weak, and that 1t
is not such as to permit of the char
acter of dissipation alleged and proved
here.
Nearly every witness who testi-
fled as to his general reputation for
morality and sobriety in Elizabeth City
has said that it is worse than that Of
ordinary men; that he Is not sober
man; that he Is not q moral man, and
yet he is to pass upon our dearest
rights.
II know a great cloud of witnesses
have come here from the Eastern Shore
and testified that his reputation there
is good. Judge Blackstone when in
Accomao and Northampton stays in
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