Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 05.pdf/311

eral of the State by' Gov. John C. Brown; and he continued to hold that office until January, 1875. While in that office he re-arranged the State archives, which were in great confusion because of their removal during the war, and devised a method of registration of the State bonds by which the complete history of a bond could be shown at a glance. He had charge of the delicate and important task of funding the whole State debt under the Act of 1873. On the expiration of the term of Governor Brown, he and Judge Wilkes resumed the practice of law at Pulaski as partners, though Governor Brown soon removed to St. Louis. In 1885 ex-Governor Brown was made receiver of the Texas Pacific Railroad; and he appointed Judge Wilkes, whose administrative abilities were so well known to him, as treasurer. On the re-organization of the company two years — later, Judge Wilkes was tendered the same position, but declined it. He returned to his practice at Pulaski. He continued with a lucrative practice, down to Jan. 1 6, 1893, when he was appointed by Governor Turney to the vacancy on the Supreme Bench caused by his acceptance of the office of Governor. Judge Wilkes has been entirely devoted to his profession, and has never sought office. He has been the leader of the bar in his section of the State. He possesses all the qualities that foreshadow a career of great usefulness and distinction on the bench.

William K. McAlister was born in Nashville, Tenn., July 4, 1850. He is of Scotch-Irish descent. His family is among the oldest in Davidson County. Judge McAlister was graduated from Bethany College in 1869, He then took the law course in the University of Nashville, and began to practise at Nashville. In 1874, when twenty-four years old, he was elected city attorney, and held this office until 1883. In 1886 he became a can didate for judge of the, Seventh Circuit, and was nominated on the first ballot. He was elected by a large majority. During his six years' service on the Circuit Bench, he won for himself the name of the best nisi prius judge the State has ever had. On the resignation of Chief Justice Lurton, on April 1/93, Governor Turney appointed Judge McAlister to the vacant place on the bench.

His term as Supreme Judge is just beginning, but his former judicial work shows what his career on the Supreme Bench will be. He is a born judge, and a man of extraordinarily quick apprehension. No lawyer ever made an argument before him that he did not feel that what he said was being fully understood. He was well educated, and is thoroughly cultured in every way. He is a man of dignified presence, and his very appearance inspires respect. He has high notions of judicial propriety. He is absolutely free from any extraneous considerations in his judgments. He has never been swerved the breadth of a hair in his decisions by friendship, or by the popularity or un-