The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-22
After ono of the most sensational
Joint sessions or the General Assembly

After ono of the most sensational
joint sessions or the General Assembly
ever held and as the result OF sweep
ing and bitter charges freely made by
Senator John c. Noel tRepublican). Of
Lee county. the nomination by Cover
nor Swanson OF Judge William +. Rhea,
OF Bristol. to be member of the State
Corporation Commission TO succeed
Hon. Henry c. Stuart. of Russell. who
retires on February 1st. was sent back
to the Joint Committee on Conf1rma-
tion before which the allegations will
be filed in writing. and thorough In
vestigation will be made.
Although tho Intention of Senator
Noel to attack the character of Judge
Rhea and the question of fitness for
the high position to which he had been
appointed by the Governor, had been
made known to a few persons connects
ed with the Legislature, his scathing
ARA a'gnment OF the FORMER Ninth Dis
trict Congressman came as surprise
to most of his colleagues. Shortly al
ter he threw the bomb an acrimonious
debate began between him and Judge
Martin Williams (Democrat). OF Giles,
In the course OF which there were
charges and counter-charges OF pol!-
tical rascality among the leaders OF
the two parties In the Southwest, end
ing with a general washing OF sollea
party linen which lasted for some Llnle.
Judge Mann, /, member OF the Com.
mittee on Confirmation. DEFENDED ouuss
Rhea and made al impassioned appea
for the Immediate conflrma ton OF M ny
appointment. but after many o.n. s.a,,, !,
sneeches the joint body unanlHouslS y
adopted a .motion made by MT. COOKE
fpemocrat), of Norfolk. to .recomHl11'
VIII BcEiu To- -Morrow.
1,ha cnmnittee on Confirmation
convened Immediately after tne 1.t', -,
session dissolved and adopted the 1oA'
lowing resolution: .,..oo
Re.olyed. Thnt when the comhi.tse
.diourns to-day, 1t adjourn to mee., y :
committee room No. i, on I n9pl.'.', nu1 s.a :
netcrnoon at 4 o'clock, to receive specil'
fte charges against Judge ". =. lt"1a :.
which must be In writing nnu may y
,nndc nv any citizen In Virginia."
The committee is composed OF dele
5. gates West, Of Bedford, Chairman
Wilson, Of Pittsylvania; stuart, O
washington: Cooke of Norfolk; Jan
,,ey Of 5Loudoun, and Senators Mann
nf..Nottoway; Echols Of Augusta
y,ckham, of Henrico; Lesner, of. Nor
folk county and Rlson, Of Pittsylvanla AM
and is expected that the sessions WI
he stormy from4the start.
When seem last J ~ Slll Atiu dShSNA Z
No would file specific charges, and
ne would indicate their nature, Sena
tor Noel replied.
AYou ma, say that the charges VII
be filed.'' -, !,
IL they are In keeping with tn
speech the Senator from Lee made yes
terday. they will produce a sensation
for he set against Judge Rhea nearl
every form Of political trlckery tina
can be found In the category.
Makes Biting Chnrses. 4!
'cIr, speaker said the Senator ad
\ dressing the Joint session, those WI
are placed upon the bench OF ou
state as Corporation Clmmlssione
ii should be men wholly above suspicion
and OF the highest personnel an an
political intergrity. sS3s
Continuing he paid a glowins g trlpu
TO Fon. Henry G. Stuart, and declare
that the people OF the Ninth Distrl'
without regard to party, We're oppose
TO Judg ge r Rhea as his successor.
or assert. sir he went on, IN;
not Il, political crime has been con,lni
ted In the Ninth District in flftes
years. with8swhich ,NS'nl. IT, Rheas W.
not III s ome way connectcd q, isj.
"a n, f''I Charge that Ii q he Id n seat In Co
Rress for. two terms Which was Spronu
ted by fraud i and that he made. 10 DO
attempt to steal IL Y q llird time. sss
he8 8ppll bot okR OF ssl2 2ussell n, Scot tia