Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-10-03

Conrad III. Syme. a member of the
faculty of National University Law
School, and since 1895 actively engaged
in the practice of law in Washington.
this afternoon was named corporation
counsel OF the District of Columbia to
succeed Edward III. Thomas. who resign
ed Tuesday.
The Commissioners in board session
formally accepted Mr.. Thomas resigna-
ton, to take effect, at his request, Novem-
ber /, and from large field of candi-
dates selected Mr.. Syme, who is a strong
democrat, to fill the vacancy.
In announcing their decision the Com
missioners again expressed regret over
the fact that the District is to lose the
services of MIR. Thomas. and stated that
they desired to go on record as expressing
appreciation of the fidelity to duty with
which he uniformaly performed the re-
sponsible duties of his office.
Thomas Commends Choice.
The selection of Mr.. Syme was warmly
commended by the retiring corporation
counsel.
1T is a most happy CHOICE said Mr.
Thomas, land both the Commissioners
and the District are to be congratulated
am personally acquainted with Mr.
Syme and know that he is well fitted for
the duties of the office and will make
the District a competent and faithful Of
ficial.
The Commissioners selection of MIR.
Thomas successor brought to a close a
short but active campaign conducted in
the interest of a number of candidates
who desired to fill the vacancy. y. Left
wich Sinclair, Francis A. Stephens. as
sstant corporation counsel: Julius |. Pey-
ser and others were considered.
Mr.. Syme. who began his legal educa-
ton at Georgetown University, later OBJ
tanning the degree of LII. NJ. from the
National Law School, was born in Lewis
burg. w. Va, in 1863, and has been a
resident of Washington for more than
thirty years
His Recognized standing as a member
of the bar and his long experience in the
courts convinced the Commissioners. 1t is
said. that he would make a capable head
for the District governments legal de-
partment. As corporation counsel his an
nual salary will be S4,JJD, while as legal
adviser to the public utilities commission
he will receive an added annual compen-
Sation of $1,000.
Handled Famous Cases.
Mr.. Syme was attorney for the heirs al
law in the celebrated will case of Baron
ess Amos, in which capacity he made a
! trip 10 Europe< The case was settled by
compromise. He appeared also in the
will case of Mrs. Emma l.. Cotton, which
I attracted great attention. He was the
general counsel for the Business Men s
Association until that organization was
| merged with the Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Syme obtained the largest verdic,
| ever rendered against street railway
| company in Washington in the acciden,
| case .. Polling VS.. the Capital Traction
! Company.
| He has acted as general counsel for sew
1 eral corporations and is the author o
| numerous articles on legal subjects which
1 have appeared in magazines.
/ Mr.. Syme was delegate from the DIS
| trict of Columbia to the Atlanta eXposi
\ ton. He is a member of the Cniversit,
| Club.
Mr.. Syme is a graduate Of the high
| schools of this city. His early educa-
4 ton was received in his home town
| I.ewisburg, w Va. He is the eldest
son of Samuel \. NJ and Mary NJ. Syme
/ and is a descendant OF Col. John Symt
1 of Virginia, who was member or the
house Of burgesses.
| He was married November IL, 1896
his wife formerly being Vevie Forsythe
/ of Harrodsburg. Ky.