The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-02-13
Declares He Has Done Moth
ing to Disgrace Either
Himself or Bench.
BY BAR
OF HIS HOME CIRCUIT
Ready to Face the Charges
Which He Brands as False.
Able Counsel Volun-
teers to Conduct
Defense for
Him.

Judge j. w. G. Blackstone. Of the
Eleventh Judicial Circuit, against
whom serious charges have been made
by number of citizens of Elizabeth
City county. presented by the Hon. II.
r. Houston. OF Hampton. by request,
arrived In the city last night from
Newport News. where he has just ad-
journed his February term. He was
accompanied by a number of friends
from various parts OF his circuit. Short
~ after his arrival at the Hotel Rich
mond, Judge Blackstone accepted SER
Vice OF the papers directed to be served
on him. under the resolutions adopted
by the House OF Delegates on Tuesday.
These were delivered by Colonel S. NJ
Newhouse, door-keeper Of the House.
A number OF Judge Blackstone's
to see him: and after reviewing the
specifications filed, and hearing his
statement as to each of them, assured
him OF their loyalty.
1t was suggested by his friends that
the publication by certain newspapers
OF these charges, before any reply or
denial could be made, was unfair to
him and was severely denounced. Fear
was expressed that this, together with
the activity of his opponents while he
was holding court. had created pre-
judice and bias against Judge Black
stone in the mind OF the public.
Enters Strong Denial.
When asked whether he desired 20
make any statement concerning the
proposed Investigation, Judge Black
stone replied:
81 have done nothing to disgrace the
position which I occupy, and conf
IDENTIFY await the result OF fair and
impartial investign tion, such us I be-
licve will be mnde by the Committee
cor Courts Of Justice. I trust that the
public Will not projudgc my case. As
to my fitness and competency for the
bench, 1t would be obviously Improper
for me to speak while such charges nrc
pending against me. These nrc matters
as to which my friends may answer"
Several friends OF Judge Blackstone,
who Were interviewed, stated that he
would be represented during the In
vestigation by prominent members of
the bar from the city of Newport
News, and of each of the counties Of
Accomac. Northampton and Elizabeth
City. Each of these gentlemen has vol
unteered his services. In fact, 1t Is
reliably stated that with rare excep-
tions, Judge Blackstone had been Of
fered the assistance OF the entire bar OF
his circuit.
"A prominent citizen of Newport
News. who is a friend OF Judge Black
stone. expressed great surprise at an
article published In local afternoon
paper yesterday. This article stated
that friends OF Judge Blackstone had
advised him to resign after the action
of the House on Tuesday. Judge Black
stone denied that he had received any
letter from any member of the Legis-
lature. suggesting that he resign. He
expressed his disbelief OF the assertion
made in that article that member of
the Committee for Courts of justice.
who must sit In the trial of the mat
ter, could have been guilty of already
stating that he (Judge Blackstone)
could be shown to be insane.
Here to Face Accusers.
The suggestion in the article referred
to that Judge Blackstone would seek
to avoid service OF process Issued by
the direction of the House resolution
was the basis OF strong denunciatlon,
and 1t was made very clear by all that
the judge was not of an evasive char
acter. 1t was suggested by others in
the hotel lobby that 1t was peculiar and
significant that among the list of wit
nesses summoned by the prosecution at
least four were attorneys whose names
have been mentioned as possible can
didates to succeed Judge Blackstone
were he removed.