The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-03-12


his oft-repeated determina-
tion not to resign, and setting at rest
the story sent out from Richmond and
printed in the afternoon papers yes
terday that he would surely retire be-
fore March 25th. and very probably
to-day.
No ono who was familiar with the
situation had the remotest idea that
the accused Judge was contemplating
such step. even after the wide cur
rency which the report was given.
though 1t was positively stated that he
would resign. The same information
came to representative of The Times
Dispatch Tuesday night, but 1t was
quickly asserted by close friends of
city, that he would not retire in the
face of a Calling gun.
Before leaving here Judge Black
stone made practically the same state
ment to representative of this paper,
and those who know him well fully
understand that he is anything but a
gutter. and that there are few men in
the State who are possessed Of stronger
determination.
Was Not Authorized.
OF course, the story was circulated
and given out by some one, but 1t was
never we'll founded, and had its origin
nowhere within the circle OF Judge
Blackstone's close friends.
The accused jurist lies Ill at hos
pital in Newport News, but he was
quick to correct this false impression,
for he not only promptly replied to
the message of The Times-Dtspatch,
but had In the meantime wired Senator
Ben T. Gunter, of Accomac, who was
still in the city. that he had no idea
of resigning; that his physical condi-
tion was improving. and that he be-
lieved he was in better position from
a legal standpoint to fight removal
than at any time since the proceedings
were instituted against him.
He added that he expected to ap-
near here on March 25th and fight the
matter to finish
Rumors concerning Judge Black
stones probable resignation have been
floating about from time to time since
the Committee for Courts of Justice
recommended his removal, but the pub
lications in Norfolk, Washington,
LynchburS. Baltimore. Richmond and
other papers yesterday was the first
time the proposition had been positive.
ly and emphatically stated.
VIII Not BE Revived.
Judge Blackstone has been quick to
deny all the stories concerning his
retirement under fire, and 1t is likely
that in view of his last utterances on
the subject they Will not soon be re-
vived. There are those In close touch
with the accused judge who express the
belief that these rumors were started
for political purposes. and to afford
vantage ground to some one who may
dectra fo him
1t is understood that In the event of
Judge Blackstones removal from tho
bench there will probably be three
candidates before the Legislature for
the place. They will be Hon. N. b.
Wescott, of Accomac, and Mr.. Clarence
w. Robinson, OF Newport News. and
probably Mr. Otho +. Meers, of North.
ampton Mr.. Wescotts friends claim
almost the entire bar of Accomac and
eleven out of the fourteen lawyers in
Elizabeth City, while Mr. Mears, If he
runs. will have Northampton. Mr.. Rob-
inson's main strength will most likely
be In Newport News. He Is Common
wealth's attorney OF his city and n
lawyer of strength and popularity. Mr..
Mears IS also a lawyer of ability, and
is popular with his people.
Mr. Wescott was a leader in the
Constitutional Convention. and is looked
upon as one of the strongest men in
his profession on the Eastern Shore,
When the race develops in earnest, 1T is
possible that there may be other can
ddateS.