West Virginia University - Monticola Yearbook (Morgantown, WV)

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Uxfriiltt i , W.a tl|oaE jI|d lobe ti]e fountain 5 tatc nb ftiisli fur I|cr success itnh fame ; (In tijnsc tuljci Iti c tlic (Balb unb liMue J nii luislj for it a glorious uamc : (Srcrtings. iSI9t0 ■0

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Msmiitnlii i In 1892, he was admitted to practice law at Clarksburg, West Virginia, where he has ever since resided. His devotion to the law, singly and unremittingly, not permitting anything to break oft or interfere with the engagement of his life, and his success in equity cases and his efficient management of important jury trials soon made him one of the recognized leaders of the state bar. Intel- lectually, he is of great accuracy and quickness in his mental movements; a most acute reasoner and a master of an exact and perspicuous and oft-times glowing style. He is considered by his associates the most eloquent speaker in the Province. His practice includes nearly every variety of litigation that arises in the state and federal courts. He is known as the people ' s lawyer. From time to time, he has been called upon to act as special judge in the counties of Monongalia, Marion and Harrison, sometimes to ho ' d a special term and sometimes to hold a regular term, in the absence of the regular judge, but has always declined to be a candidate for public office with a single exception and that in the line of his profession. In 1912, .he was nominated for Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia by the Democratic party, after having been unanimously indorsed by the members of a number of the county bars without regard to politics. In recognition of his scholarship, learning and ability, Salem College, in 1912, conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. In 1913, Mr. Smith was elected president of the West Virginia University Alumni Association and in 1914, contrary to his wishes and over his objections, he was re-elected. As president of the Association, he has been actively and untiringly engaged in the organization of University Clubs, until now there is a University Club in nearly every large center of population in the state. He has done more to organize the Alumni and create real University interest, during his term of office, than was done by all of his predecessors. In the interest of the University, he recently appeared before the State Board of Trade and de- livered an address on the Needs of the University which met with state-wide approval. This address was recognized as a masterpiece, not only within the state but beyond its borders, prominent educators from other states having re- quested copies of this address and having commented favorably upon it. He has, at all times, favored a permanent foundation such as a mill tax for the University and, as a result of his efforts, no doubt it will be only a matter of time until the University will be permanently financed by some such means as a separate, con- tinuing mill tax. He has given liberally of his means and time to the support of the University and its interests. He has been untiring in his efforts to secure a greater University, as he says, not the largest, but in all its appointments, the most perfect attainable. He has done more for his alma mater than any other man not officially connected with it and he well deserves the recognition which has come to him.

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