diplomatic correspondence between this country and Mexico since the acquisition of California. It is unnecessary in this report to give a history of the controversy. It is sufficient to say, that it was a fund which originated in the donations of certain members of the "Order of Jesus," as early as the year 1697, for the conversion of the Indians in the Californias. This fund was greatly augmented from time to time, and at the time that California ceased to be under Mexican control, had reached the treasury of the Mexican Government and was claimed by the Catholic bishops of California. The case was referred to the permanent court of arbitration, under the Hague Convention of 1899, and was heard at the Hague, between September 15th and October 14th, 1902. Both parties to the contest were represented by counsel, a large amount of documentary evidence was produced and the pleadings were framed in accordance with legal requirements. Mexico answered the demand of the United States in due form, to which a replication was filed, and after the full argument of counsel, the contention of the United States was happily sustained in almost every particular. These cases, as well as the determination of other countries to adopt the Hague Court as a final arbitrator of international disputes, mark the first steps in the progress of a principle which we may now hope in the near future will encircle the earth and usher in finally the dawn of continued peace.

H. ST. GEO. TUCKER,

Chairman.

Memorials

CHARLES MINOR BLACKFORD.

These recurring meetings of this Association are marked by the vacant seats of those we have loved.

During the period which has elapsed since the last annual assembly of the Virginia State Bar Association, Charles Minor Blackford, one of its originators, the first chairman of its Executive Committee, one of its distinguished Ex-Presidents, and one of its most devoted members, has passed away.

On the 10th day of March, 1903, Mr. Blackford died at his residence in the city of Lynchburg, where he had lived for nearly fifty-one years.

These remarks will be narrowed to a hasty and summary review of some of the events that made his life conspicuous.

He was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on the 17th of October, 1833. Coming of a distinguished revolutionary ancestry, he was the second son of William Mathews Blackford and his wife, who was Mary Berkeley Minor, a daughter of Gen. John Minor.

His surroundings were typical of Virginia cultivation and prosperity.

With his father's family in June, 1846, he removed to Lynchburg, which was ever afterwards his cherished home.

Under the sympathetic guidance of his father (himself a scholar of note), he enjoyed the most careful training in the best schools, including the University of Virginia, from which he was graduated as a B. L., on the 29th of June, 1855.

Soon afterwards he began the practice of law in Lynchburg with enthusiasm, and was enabled during the year preceding

the closing of his office in April, 1861, to collect in fees $1,750, a sum now insignificant, then large. I may mention now, that omitting the period of the war between the States, he had, by reason of his zeal, ability, industry and captivating manners, I believe, more business, and of a higher order, than any lawyer of my acquaintance in the State of Virginia.

On the 19th of February, 1856, Miss Susan Leigh Colston, the brilliant daughter of Thomas M. Colston, of Fauquier, became his wife, and continued to be the loving companion of all the remainder of his days. Together the happy couple spent their time in cultivating their minds, in the education of their children and in maintaining a charming, hospitable establishment. They were industrious readers of the best literary productions, and generous collectors of books, and in time, were possessed of a choice and extensive library.

If I may speak of that home, I describe it as the abode of culture, letters, wit, beauty, chivalry-the assembly place of splendid men and women.

In the spring of 1861, Mr. Blackford entered the military service of his State, as a non-commissioned officer in the first cavalry company that his town sent out, and in due season was promoted to be captain of Company B., 2nd Virginia Cavalry. While in the cavalry he saw much service and considerable adventure. He was frequently detached for important service, and enjoyed the good fortune of being often with General T. J. Jackson and was riding with him through the famous "Wheatfield" on the occasion that gave rise to the well known story. He and three of his brothers were active participants in the battle of Fredericksburg, a contest magnificent in all respects, but of extraordinary interest to him, because the slopes on which Burnside's columns were destroyed, were the scene of his childhood sports, and he, therefore, knew every foot of the ground which was the arena of that conflict.

Later, without his knowledge, at the request of Longstreet, he was made Judge Advocate of the Military Court of the corps commanded by that general. He served in the law department