The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-07-15
JUDGE LEWIS OUT,
GR0NER STEPS IN
NORFOLK LAWYER SUCCEEDS TO
ATTORNEYsHIP FOR EASTERN
DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA.
POLITICAL SURPRIS
LOCAL LEADERS JARREn -NHEA
PRESIDENT TAFT SENDS TO
sen ATE NAME OF SUCCESS
SOR OF LEWIS.

Members Of the Richmond bar and
politicians of both the principal creeds
were utterly astU1ished yesterday
when they heard that President Taft
had sent to the senate the name OF
u. Lawrence Groner, of Norfolk, as
the man to succeed Judge Lunsford
L. Lewis as district attorney for the
eastern district of Virginia. Regret
came with the establishment, for
Judge Lewis is held in high regard
by all his associates and all citizens
Of Richmond, and is recognized as d
man who has played mis- arduous part
VINO has always held himself aloof
from political ENHANCEMENT.
Judge Lewis would say nothing
about the appointment of Mr.. Groncr,
but it is thought he must have been
aware that there would be Il change
in his political fortunes. though rs
had so well supported the present a1d
former dynasties. Joseph +. Braoy
clerk of the United States District
court. and Postmaster Edgar Allan,
Jr.. were overwhelmed with surprise
when they heard the news, and both
expressed their regrets that the well
known attorney was to leave the office
which he has SO long distinguished by
his services.
WaddiIi Not Surprised.
Judge Edmund Waddiii, Jr., of the
United States District court. said,
however, that he was not surprised,
IS he had known some time ago trat
Judge Lewis had sent in his resiG
naticn. Judge Lewis. Judge Waddtll
said. had contemplated reSigning for
some time. but had delayed sending
in his resignation on account of i'm
portant cases he had pending In his
office, principally the celebrated Trigg
case. now in the United States Su-
preme court
The cause for the change seems MOI
far to seek. Mr.. Groner has been an
active politician. He stands close to
Alvah II Martin the Republican
leader of Norfolk and TO c. Bascom
slemp Republican congressman from
the Ninth district The forces OF
Martin and siemp have the credit OF
swinging the Roanoke convention 10
Taft. and Mir. Grouer. who was. one
OF the delegates TO the Chicago con-
Vention. took an active part there, and
made a seconding speech in the noml-
ration of Senator Eiihu Root for the
temporary craftsmanship. Thus. i;
would seem. MIR. Groner is 10 be re-
sarded for his partisanry A4d for his
activity in welding influences 70.
President Taft The plum IL one Of
the choicest from the political pie.
Judge Lewis Highly Esteemed
Judge Lewis IL held in high honor
by the people Of hichmond and OF
Virginia. and distinction has come -
him unsought. He served on the state
Supreme Court of Appeals. to whirn
he was appointed hy the governor OF
Virginia IN ~eadiuster days, and for
number OF years he was promE-
nent practicing attorney in Rich
mUnd, In IsD6. al the behests OF his
arty. he became the Republican can
dtdate for governor of Virginia. in
opposition To Claude A. Swanson. He
WAS appointed TO his present position
Ky President Mckinley
A man OF indepe ndent thought and
actiou, he was never allied with this
called office holding ring, and Was
free from entangiinC alliances.
Mr. Groner is we'll known in Nor
folk and il said to be "A close per
soaal friend ~ President Taft. SeVera
years ago he was the Republican can,
Il !tlate for congress from the SeconC
district. but was defea ted. He now
holds the office Of referee in bank
ruptcN In Norfolk.