Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-03-13
JUDGE CHICHESTER
ADDRESSES COMMITTEES


ADDRESSES COMMITTEE
Judge Chichester was then invited
TO address the committee
II am before you full Of righteous
Indignation" Judge Chichester began
II feel that great injustice has been
done" He asked for copy of the
Poweil statement containing the
charges which was handed to him.
The jurist reviewed the charges. TAX
ing them in the sequence in which they
appeared. and denied that any OF them
had basis. in fact. He said he had
made his appointments. in the case
specified and In all other instances,
without consideration for political in
fiuence OF any kind. When he ap-
pointed Judge Waller to the office of
Commemorative attorney he was
aware that there was n division Of
sentiment in the county. Mr. Powell
was candidate for the office lie re-
Earded Judge Waller as better fitted
for the important office. and for that
reason he appointed him. He denied
enphatically that he had appointed
men to the electoral board or any other
board whom he did not know to be
fitted for the positions. either from his
own acquaintance with them or from
the Endorsement OF other citizens in
whom he felt that he could place alb
solute reliance.
AT the conclusion OF Judge Chiches-
ter's address. Mr.. Powell asked per-
mission to query him. and was pro-
ceeding with his questions when re-
minded that the hour for the House
session had arrived.
COM RISC0SfNISE
FULL INVESTIGATION
The committee then went into execu-
tive session. and within five minutes
adopted the following resolution:
ITO the House Of Delegates OF Vir-
ginia:
The Committee on Courts of Justice
respectfully reports that II has care
fully considered the matter OF the
resolution and the answer thegeto by
the Hon. S. p. Powell, Delegate from
Spotsylvania County. in regard to
charges against Judge r. H. l..
Chichester. and. in addition thereto,
have heard the verbal statements Of
Mr.. Powell and Judge Chichester. the
latter OF whom fled with the commit
tee his answer to the charges.
Your committee further reports
't"t thc diseS are SuCn tnas, aside
from the personal rights Of the Dele
gate from Spotsylvania and Judge
Chichester, the dignity ot this House.
the purity OF the Judiciary, and tho
good OF the Commonwealth demand
that fun and complete investigation
OK the charges against Judge Chiches-
ter be had in such manner as the House
OF Delegates may determine"
OPPOSES Nrp
OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE,
The report Of the committee was
submitted to the House at the night
session by Chairman Oliver. It rec
commended an investigation, and was
accompanied by resolution which
called for the appointment of q special
committee TO conduct the inquiry.
Delegate Willis suggested an amend
mcnt placing the investigation in the
hands OF the Courts OF Justice Com
mittee. Mr.. oliver said he believed the
committee would not object to assum-
ing the task
Aubrey G. Weaver and Hill Monta-
que evinced disposition to curb the
apparent eagerness of Mr.. Oliver TO
have the investigation ordered Mr..
Milstead asked Mr.. Oliver II he could
form any idea of the expense such an
inquiry would entail. Mr. oliver ar
gued earnestly for the inquiry.
Mr. Weaver. Mr.. Montague and