The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-03-28
ISSUE IN DOUBT
UNTIL VERY END
Other Candidates Had Strong
Following, and Voting Furnish
ed Much Excitement at Two
Long Sessions-Massie
Declares He Is Not
a Puppet.
. .ONcLUD1NG amid scenes OF the
widest enthusiasm and excite


ment, the Democratic Joint cau-
~ Gus of the Legislature yesterday
afternoon nominated for judge
of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, to suc-
ceed former Judge John w G. Black
stone, who was removed on the previous
day, Clarence w. Robinson, OF Newport
| News. who was at once elected by
| unanimous vote of the two houses. Tho
General Assembly about an hour later
adjourned sine die. and many of ths
members have already departed for
their homes
Four candidates were IN the field to
succeed Judge Blackstone. and 1t was
only after two long sessions and ten
close ballots that the end was reached.
The struggle was fierce from start to
finish, and at times 1t was with the
utmost difficulty that the chair was
able to maintain even a scmblance OF
order. After all the candidates had
been dropped and renominated--some
of them several times--the final meas
ure of arms came late in the afternoon
between Mr.. Robinson and Hon. N. B.
Wescott. of Accomac, the vote result
ing: Robinson, 81; Wescott, 46.
Considering the fact that all the
representatives in the circuit were
though he was the first to be finally
dropped out of the race. Judge Edgar
f. Montague. of Hampton. made q game
fight. Mr.. Otho F. Mears, of North
ampton, next fell outside the breast
works. and much of his strength went
to the Newport News candidate, there
| by insuring his election.
Much Speech-MakinS.
! Before the balloting commenced
| there was a great deal of speech- maxi
ling, and all the asplrants were pic.
tured as men in every way worthy to
wear the judicial ermine.. Mr.. Wilkins.
of Northampton named Mr.. Mears,
and Mr. Gofhgan. of York. made the
principal speech for Judge Montague.
Tho name OF Mr.. Wescott was placed
before the caucus by Senator Gunter,
and Senator Holt. of Newport News.
nominated Mr.. Robinson. who finally
won the honor by handsome majority.
There were many seconding speeches
for all the candidates, and the flood OF
oratory was shut off only by loud and
oft-repeated demands from the floor
for q vote.
The first trial of strength did not
indicate anything. 1t resulted as fol-
lows: Montague. "a: Mears. 81: Wes-
| colt, So; Robinson. s4.
The second ballot was taken between
Wescott, Mears and Robinson, and 1t
was so close that second verificatim
of the roll was demanded and granted.
1t resulted. Mears, IS; Robinson. So;
Wescott, 80.
sIenrs Dropped.
Mr. Mears was now dropped and
Judge Montague was renominated. This
method was continued until both
Mears AMI Montague had been dropped
twice. and then the great contest was
determined.
| III pAI,
Mescott had both been dropped and
| renominated at different times, but
their floor managers and friends We're
able to keep each from going down a
second time, thereby bringing the final
vote between them.
| A good deal of feeling was shown at
times by some of the leaders but most
of 1t disappeared in the end, and
everybody appeared In good spirits and
on friendly terms with his fellows last
night.
Tho New Judge.
The new judge is native OF Louisa
county, and is about forty years OF
age. He is graduate OF Washington
and Leo University, and since 1898 has
! been Commonwealth's Attorney OF
| Newport News.
Senator Saxon w. Holt led the VIM
ming fight for Judge Robinson, and he
was ably assisted by the latter's father
lin-law, Hon. l.. p, Stearnes. long meia-
/ ber of the House from Newport News.
and one of the most popular citizens In
the eastern section of the State.
! Old members OF the General Assem-
| bly, declare that Yesterdays caucus was 4
one of the most exciting and turbulent
they have ever attended, and that if
reminded them of some OF the noted
| co,taSts that fook Dlace In the CapltOl
| many years ago.
1t was the first midday caucus held
| in Virginia for many years. and the
attendance was large throughout both
| OF the long and stormy sessions. the S
defeated candidates, all Of whom show
| cd up we'll, each appearing to have a
| chance TO win at different times, SEEM
| ed to accept the result gracefully. and
| they We're much congratulated upon
| the strength developed by them.
| Sessions In Detail.
| Chairman Churchman called the
| Joint caucus to order at 1880 o'clock.
| and the nominating speeches We're linz
| tied to FIVE minutes each. The same
| rule was adopted as TO seconding "
| speeches. Mr.. John t. Wilkins III. OF
| Northampton, presented the name OF
| Mr., Mears, Mr. wilkins paid 10 Mr..
| Mears Il high tribute as attorney and
| citizen, dwelling at some length upon
| his. Endorsement by the lawyers OF the
| Eastern shore, The speaker declared
| that Mr., Mears had always beer g &
strong party man, and that he had
| spoken earnestly and frequently In the
| interest OF tho Democracy OF his State
| and section,
In closing Mr.. Wilkins made GpB
appeal for his candidate. Mr.. Cnr-
| lett followed in a brtef seeondins
\ r.. talA y.