It now becomes my very pleasant duty and privilege to present the President of this Association, Hon. Alfred P. Thom, of Norfolk. (Applause.)

The President: Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: When, a year ago, this Association did me the honor of electing me to the position of President, I had no idea that anything would intervene in my life that would prevent me from performing the duties of the office. Since then, however, my work has changed to such an extent and my obligations of an imperative nature have so increased that I have found it impossible to present an address to this meeting of the Association worthy of its dignity and in keeping with my own conception of what is due to it from me. I felt greatly embarrassed when I found that this would be the situation, and I sought out a gentleman. in whose judgment I had the most unquestioned confidence, and I told him of my worry and anxiety about it. He at once remarked, "You are giving yourself unnecessary trouble. One-half of the Association will be glad you didn't speak, and the other half won't care." I also told a friend of mine this morning of the situation, that I was not to speak, and he said, "Sir, I don't believe it. You are perfectly capable of spreading that report in order to get an audience." (Laughter.) So, with these two assurances and all that they imply, I am somewhat comforted at not being able personally to make an address, such as is usually done by the President; but my principal pleasure is found in the fact that a gentleman, long and honorably associated with this body, who has been largely its life and inspiration, has consented to take my place, and to present to you a paper this morning, which, I am sure, you will find of highest interest and value in the suggestions it will make and in the information it will give. I refer to Mr. Eugene C. Massie, of the bar of Richmond, who has kindly consented to read a paper this morning in the place of the President, and I now introduce Mr. Massie.

Mr. Eugene C. Massie: Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Virginia State Bar Association, Ladies and Gentlemen: I

arise with mixed emotions. To you, sir, whose kind and flattering introduction has touched my heart, due acknowledgment must be made notwithstanding the fact that you have snugly side-tracked yourself with all the comforts of a luxurious Pullman Palace Private Car, and launched me forth for a difficult journey on your perilous road in nothing better than a travelworn freight caboose, with scant time to replenish the larder and provide provender for the way. To you, my helpless auditors, who have so graciously received me, though led like lambs to the slaughter of your hopes, I must not only make my grateful bow but add a word of explanation.

When "my loved, my honored, my much respected friend,” our President, telephoned me a few days ago that he would be unable to deliver the customary address of the President at the annual meeting of our Association, I felt as if an irreparable breach had been made in our programme; and, well knowing the ability, learning and experience that belong to him, to which the latest testimony has been given by a great railroad, I urged him, in default of more extended preparation, to let us have the benefit of an ex tempore discussion of some one of the live and important subjects that have been not only theoretically studied but practically probed and explored by him at the bar. To this suggestion, however, he would not hearken, but implored me to get some one to take his place. I replied at once that that would be impossible, but, realizing the necessities of the occasion, finally offered, like Quintius Curtius, myself to plunge into the yawning chasm. I beg you, therefore, to shed no tears, but simply to give me the burial and funeral honors of a soldier. I come, indeed, as a poor substitute, and sympathize with you in the disappointment you must feel. I find myself, like the startled quarry, beset beyond the hope of escape by the heartless hunter men call Fate. But you must remember that this is Mr. Thom's speech. If it be good, give me the credit for delivering it. If it be bad, give him fits for causing it. But whatever you may think in your secret hearts, don't forget that you must applaud your "President" in public, for that's one prerequisite of the office, being the chief item of the liberal salary bestowed upon each annual incumbent.

Mr. Massie then read his address.

(See Appendix.)

The President: The man who stands for a great constructive idea, if he stands long enough and strong enough, will, in the end, succeed; and I take the liberty of predicting for the gentleman who has just taken his seat the signal triumph of his persistent purpose. (Applause.)

The next thing in order is the appointment of committees. The Chair announces the appointment of the following com

mittees:

Committee to Recommend Officers—A. W. Wallace, Alexander Hamilton, S. C. Graham, John S. Barbour and John Pickrell.

Committee on Publications-Charles T. Lassiter, E. E. Montague and Otho F. Mears.

Committee on Memorials to Deceased Members—George M. Harrison, Jackson Guy, A. C. Braxton, Thomas Lee Moore, E. Hilton Jackson and T. Ashby Wickham.

The next in order is the report of the Secretary and Treas

urer.

Mr. John B. Minor: Mr. President: I have in my hand the report of Mr. Massie, as Secretary of the Association, which brings his services up to this meeting. The period since my selection has been so brief that there is nothing of interest to report.

Mr. Minor then read the report of the Secretary. (See Report at end of Minutes.)

Mr. A. W. Patterson: I move to dispense with the reading of the report of the Treasurer. It is a long statement of figures and it will be published.

(See Report at end of Minutes.)

The President: The report of the Executive Committee is next in order.

Mr. A. W. Patterson, Chairman, then read the report of the Executive Committee, which, on motion, was received and filed. (See Report at end of Minutes.)

The President: The next report is from the Committee on Admissions.

Col. E. E. Stickley, Chairman, then read the first report of the Committee on Admissions.

The President: You have heard the report of the Committee and the nominations that have been made. The Chair will entertain a motion to confirm that and thereby elect the members suggested.

Mr. Alexander Hamilton: I make that motion.

Adopted.

(See Report at end of Minutes.)

The President: The Committee on Legislation and Law Reform is next. (No response.)

Judiciary Committee. (No response.)

Committee on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar. (No response.)

Committee on Library and Legal Literature.

Mr. Robert M. Hughes: The report has been prepared, but I have not had a conference with the other members of the Committee. I ask leave to submit our report this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

The President: Unless there is objection, permission will be given immediately after the reading of the paper tonight.

ر

The next is the Committee on Presentments. (No response.) Committee on Grievances. (No response.)

Committee on International Arbitration. (No response.)

Col. Stickley: I have an invitation to extend. Mr. W. A. Póst, General Manager of the Newport News Ship Yards, extends an invitation to visit the yards any afternoon this week that suits us. It is suggested that we go, as many as desire, in a body. We will be met at the gates and receive the courtesy of a guide through the grounds.

The President: I am sure the Association appreciates the invitation.

Mr. A. W. Patterson:

I have two communications addressed to the Secretary of the Association, one from Mr. Hunt Chipley, General Attorney of the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, extending to the members of the Association and friends the free use of the Bell Telephone system while at this place to any point in Virginia; another from the Underwood Typewriter Company, which tenders, with its compliments, to the members of the Virginia Bar Association, free stenographic services during this session. You will find their stenographer in the hotel building in the writing room.

The Secretary: I would like to request those members of the Association who have not yet registered, to do so as speedily as possible. It is very desirable that we should get our registration list completed as speedily as we can.

Mr. Alexander Hamilton: I move that the thanks of the Association be extended for the invitations received.

The President: Mr. Hamilton moves that the thanks of the Association be extended to the Long Distance Telephone Company and the Underwood Typewriter Company for courtesies extended. Members who are officeholders will bear in mind that free passes on transmission companies may be prohibited by the Constitution. (Laughter.) All in favor of the motion