The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-20
Jurist Comes From Mont gomery and the Retiring
 Governor Takes Oath
MADE
 BY BOTH LAST NIGHT
Judge Clayton Says He Has Known Governor O'Neal As a Friend For the Past Thirty
 Five Years

Last night in the judges chambers of the federal building, Emmet O Neal, retir- ing governor of the state of Alabama, took the oath of office as referee in bankruptcy, and this morning will assume the duties of the office. Kirkman ONeal, son of the ex-governor, will be clerk.
 Judge Henry D. Clayton of the United States district court came to 'Birming ham last night and formally made the appointment. The oath of office was ad- ministered by Maj. Charles J. Allison. clerk of the United States court The new referee filed bond of 5000 as required by law, the bond being approved by Judge Clayton, and he was declared referee in bankruptcy for the term of two years.
 The appointment of ex-Governor ONeal has been generally anticipated for some- time, but the actual appointment was not made until last night. There were quite number of applications for the position which has been vacant for sev- eral months, following the expiration of the term of Judge Alex c. Birch.
 In speaking of the appointment, Judge Clayton said Tt afforded me much sat isfaction when I learned that Governor O'Neal would accept the position as ref cree in bankruptcy. I have known him officially for over quarter of cen- tury and as a friend for over s5 years. No one knows any better than myself his fitness and ability for the position, and it Is especially gratifying to me to learn that his appointment has received the indorsement of bencn and bar and a host of personal friends I do not hesitate to say that no official act of mine since 1 have been on the bench gives such general satisfaction as the ap- pointment of Governor O'Neal. He comes up to the Jeffersonian test, Is honest and capable, and will adorn the position to which he has been appointed
 Governor O'Neal said: 'I feel deeply grateful for the manifestation of confi- dence of Judge Clayton expressed by the appointment I shall always endeavor to show that the confidence has not been misplaced, and will perform the duties of the office to the best of my ability. l am also profoundly grateful for the many kind expressions from my friends who were pleased at my appointment It will be extremely gratifying to me to serve under such a man as Judge Clay ton"
 The order appointing Emmett ONeal referee in bankruptcy follows:
 Under and by virtue of the power vested in me by section 34 of the act en- titled An act to establish a uniform sys. tenn of bankruptcy throughout the Uni. ted States approved July l, 1898. T, Henry D. Clayton, United States district judge for the middle and northern districts of Alabama, and judge of the United States district court for the north ern district of Alabama, reposing special trust and confidence in the wisdom, up- rightness. learning and fitness of Emmet ONeal, q resident citizen of said north- ern district of Alabama, do. by these presents. nominate, constitute and ap- point the said Emmet O'Neal referee in bankruptcy, for the southern division of the northern district of Alabama for the counties of Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Fayette, Lamar. Blount, Bibb and St. Clair for a period of two years from this date, and upon his giving bond in the sum of $5o00 and qualifying as re. quired by law, he is hereby authorized and empowered to enter upon the duties of said office of referee in bankruptcy, with all the powers duties and emolu- ments thereunto appertaining.
 'Tt is further ordered by the court that hereafter, except when the judge makes the adjudication and otherwise directs him in that cause, the clerk of this court shall refer every odd numbered case filed in bankruptcy, for the counties embraced in this order, to the said Emmet O'Neal as referee in bankruptcy.
 This order will be entered on the min- utes of the court
 Done in open court on this the 18th day of January, 1915.
 HENRY D. CLAYTON
 Judge of the United States District
 Court