Evening star., 1922-01-17
ALEXANDRIA JUDGE
UPHELD BY BAR
Lawyers Decide to Probe Di-
vorce Evil Charges, How
ever.

ALEXANDRIA, Va, January IL
Resolutions providing for a thorough
investigation by a special committee
Of charges that there has been laxity
In the administration of divorce laws
in Alexandria, and Of the source Of
these charges, and reaffirmine in
dorsement Of Judge Robinson Mon
cure to succeed himself as Judge Of
the corporation court, were adopted
yesterday afternoon at a largely at
Alexandria bar in the corporation
court room.
The resolutions set forth that no
one has been authorized to speak for
the bar OF the city or its members
or to make any charges in it's behalf
persons found to be responsible for
the publication of the allegations,
following full investigation by the
committee. shall be recommended for
punishment.
Twenty-six Lawyers Present.
James r. Cation was chosen perma-
nent chairman Of the meeting on mo-
ton of Judge Barley. William P.
Wells was chosen secretary, and H.
ing the meeting were twenty-six
members of the local bar. Chairman
Cation explained that he had called
the meeting at the request of Attor-
ney Gardner L. Boothe and other
members OF the bar prompted by the
publication OF a news article in which
he said there is a reflection upon the
entire bar OF the city.
Mr.. Cation declared that as a mat
ter OF fact there Is no bar associa-
tion of the city. but added there
should be. Continuing. Mr.. Cation
said:
eve are confronted with a situa-
tion which requires action. II there
Is evidence to support the charges
made. IT should be produced before
committee of the bar. and il con-
ditions as charged exist no man
should be excused. We owe il to
ourselves and to the people Of Alex
I'VE should spare no one for per-
sonal feeling or friendship
Resolution Ii Aaspted.
Attorney; Howard w. Smith then
offered resolution, which was
adopted. calling on Attorney Frank
Stuart to explain by what authority
he uses the name Of the Alexandra
bar Association with a so-called
petition and charges contained
therein relative to an alleged divorce
evil.
Judge L c. Barley made an
address to the gathering expressing
condolences in the members of the
bar here.
Attorney Boothe said he would like
to see the so-called petition.
According to Mr.. Cation. since 1909
all descriptions in the corporation
court of the city and 655 equity suits
in the circuit court. There are now
pending $40 equity suits of all kinds
A resolution was presented by
Attorney c. Keith Carlin that a COM
mittee of three be appointed to
investigate the conditions alleged
that Frank Stuart appear before the
committee forthwith to present such
proof as he man have to substa antiate
any charges that he has made or may
desire to make concerning divorce
conditions in this Jurisdiction.
On motion Of Judge Norton the
COMMITTEES was enlarged to seven.
and the following were named mem
bers Of the committee: Howard W.
Smith, Gardner L. Boothe, James R.
Cation. jr.: Judge ]. K. n. Norton.
Judge C. E. Nicol. Judge l. c.. Barley
and NJ. Carter Hall.
Stuart Outlines Plans.
Attorney Stuart addressed the
meeting and said that 1t was his In
tention to present the petition at the
proper time. 1t was not his purpose.
he added. to touch on any particular
attorney. and he said a petition would
be presented to the legislature filing
charges against Judge Moncure.
At the conclusion OF the meeting
Chairman Cation announced that at
the next meeting he would arrange
for the organization of bar asso-
citation Of the city. and a committee
was named to draft bylaws and a