The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-23

LOSlEN ID. GAkDNEk
called on the governor in his behalf,
and his Endorsements were not only
confined to his district, but came from
all parts of the state. His closest OPP
ponent for the office was Judge Cecil
Brown of the city court of Talladega,
who was also strongly recommended
for the place. During the past two
days the fight for the associate JUS
ticeship had resolved itself into a con
test between north and south Alabama
Judge Brown being supported BY the
northern and Chancellor Gardner by
the southern sections.
Large Delegation
Two large delegations representing
the different candidates called on the
governor today. In the Brown dclesa-
tions were lawyers from jefferson. Tai
ladega, Calhoun, ST. Clair, Tuscaloosa
and other counties in that section of
the state. His appointment was urged
by such lawyers as John p. Tillman of
Birmingham, Kelly Dixon of Talladega.
Sydney J. Bowie of Birmingham, the
firm of Knox, Acker & Dixon of An
niston, and by large number of other
able lawyers In that part of the state.
Altogether the delegation numbered
nearly 40 representatives of the bar.
The Gardner delegation was headed by
Byrd G. Farmer of Dothan. State Sem
ator Thomas Stevens of Mobile, w. c.
Crumpton of Evergreen, Henry b. Mer-
ritt of Tuskegee. oscar Mulkey of Gen.
eva, w. L. Parks of Andalusia, Edwin
Page of Conecuh county. and Others.
Regarded as Able Lawyer
More than so lawyers composed the
Gardner delegation, many of whom
were from Birmingham The appoint
ment of the governor is believed to
be one of the strongest. he has yet
made. Chancellor Gardner is regarded
as one of the most able lawyers in
vation to the supreme court will give
general satisfaction throughout the
state. Chancellor Gardner will be one
of the Youngest men on the bench. He
was born in 1876 in Pike county, and
began the practice OF law in 1897 Be-
fore going on the bench he held various
positions of trust one of which was
that of state senator from his district
Chancellor Gardner will qualify for the
position of associate justice within the
next one or two days He has an
nounced that he will accept the APP
pointment.
Shortly after making the appoint
ment, the governor said: Chancellor
Gardner was urged for the office OF
associate justice by lawyers from all
sections of the state. With the high
which he received,
cannot but feel that his appointment
will meet with the Endorsement of the
majority of the bar of the state.
Appointment Nonpolitical
The appointment was nonpolitical
In the delegation who spoke in his
behalf were many men who have been
opposed to my administration, many
who have different political views but
1 did not consider this phase of the
question. He is considered one of the
most eminent lawyers in the state, and
he represents a section which has no
on the supreme bench.
1 believe lawyers in every part of the
state will approve the appointment
Espy Succeeds Gardner
Montgomery, January 22.-(Special.
Tho governor of Alabama this after
noon appointed r. M. Epsy of Dothan
chancellor OF the southeastern divi-
sion. to succeed Chancellor Lucien d.
Gardner of Troy. whom he elevated to
tho office of supreme court justice.
Mr. Espy was until recently a mem
ber of the law firm of Espy & Farmer,
and is considered one of the ablest
lawyers in Alabama. He has practiced
law for the past 2S years and has won
wide recognition as an attorney. He
was a member of the constitutional
of 1901 and represented his
county in the legislature of 1903. Like
Gardner. Mr.. Espy was rec
commended for the position which he
was appointed to by the entire bar of
his section of the state A large num-
Der of the lawyers from north Ala
bema. who were here in behalf of
Judge Brown for the position on the
supreme court bench urged Mr.. Espy's
appointment and 1t is believed that
his selection will meet with wide ap-
proval