[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 14, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H5439-H5441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HIRAM H. WARD FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

  Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 2379) to designate the Federal building and United States 
courthouse located at 251 North Main Street in Winston-Salem, North 
Carolina, as the ``Hiram H. Ward Federal Building and United States 
Courthouse.''
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 2379

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. DESIGNATION.

       The Federal building and United States courthouse located 
     at 251 North Main Street in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 
     shall be

[[Page H5440]]

     known and designated as the ``Hiram H. Ward Federal Building 
     and United States Courthouse''.

     SEC. 2. REFERENCES.

       Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, 
     or other record of the United States to the Federal building 
     referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to 
     the ``Hiram H. Ward Federal Building and United States 
     Courthouse''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Kim) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Traficant) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Kim).
  Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may; consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution, H.R. 2379, simply designates the 
Federal building and United States courthouse located in Winston-Salem, 
North Carolina, as the ``Hiram H. Ward Federal Building and United 
States Courthouse.''
  Hiram H. Ward is a distinguished jurist who sat on the Federal bench 
for more than 20 years. He was born and raised in North Carolina and 
served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II.
  In 1972, President Nixon appointed Mr. Ward to the Federal bench for 
the Middle District of North Carolina. He served on the Middle District 
as a judge and as a chief judge in 1988, when he elected to take senior 
status. However, even as a senior judge, Judge Ward continued to sit 
for an additional 6 years for the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
  This is a fitting tribute to a dedicated public servant. I support 
the bill, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), the great baseball 
pitcher of the Democrat side.
  Mr. WATT of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I want to rise in support of 
this bill. I was not expecting to speak in front of some of my 
colleagues from North Carolina who were the original sponsors of this 
bill. But I think all of us hold Judge Hiram Ward in such high esteem 
that we will all be lining up here to say some goods things about him.
  I personally, when I was practicing law, had the privilege of trying 
at least one case in front of him that I can remember. I may have 
repressed some others that I tried in front of him, but I do remember 
at least one case that I tried in front of him. And this tribute is 
especially fitting to Judge Ward, because not only did he serve for a 
long, long period on the Federal bench, but he was actually 
instrumental in the design and development of this particular 
courthouse in the Winston-Salem area, which, actually, the courthouse 
is in my congressional district.
  So I just want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. 
Coble), whose idea it was, and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. 
Burr), who has joined with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. 
Coble) and myself and other members of the North Carolina delegation in 
support of this legislation.
  But, most importantly, we want to thank Judge Ward for his long 
service and dedication to the Federal judiciary and encourage our 
colleagues to support this bill so that we can get this courthouse 
named for him. It is certainly a worthy venture.
  I thank the gentleman for yielding me time and exaggerating my 
baseball exploits.
  Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from North 
Carolina (Mr. Coble).
  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Kim) for his assistance in developing this bill. And I want to say to 
my friends, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Traficant) and the gentleman 
from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), I do not think you embellished his 
prowess. I think he did a good job on the mound and that was well-
deserved.
  This could develop into a turf battle, except we all get along very 
well, Mr. Speaker. I have extended my tentacles into a county that is 
represented by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), and the gentleman from North 
Carolina (Mr. Ballenger).
  I guess my coming into play in this bill is unique in that I did 
practice before Judge Ward and Judge Gordon when they were what I 
called the Dynamic Duo in those days in the Middle District. And I do 
not know that it has been said, but I am sure the gentleman from North 
Carolina (Mr. Burr) will remind us when it comes his time, but Judge 
Ward did receive his law degree from Wake Forest University in 1950. 
The gentleman from California (Mr. Kim) may have mentioned that.
  During the time of years in which he was in practice, he became known 
as one of the most distinguished trial lawyers in North Carolina. He is 
highly regarded not only in the Middle District of North Carolina but 
the Fourth Circuit as well and, for that matter, throughout the Federal 
judiciary.
  It has been said, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, that a judge's 
temperament is as significant to his success on the bench as his 
academic credentials. I concur with that statement, Mr. Speaker; and 
permit me, if you will, to illustrate the temperament of Judge Ward.
  I revert 2\1/2\ decades. It was the first day that he held court in 
the Middle District in Durham. I had the privilege of being there that 
day, and the first order of business was a naturalization ceremony in 
which a German woman became an American citizen. Keep in mind, this was 
Judge Ward's first day on the bench.
  After citizenship was conferred upon her, she began to weep ever so 
softly and then her weeping developed into more noticeable sobbing and 
it became a distraction in the courtroom because it appeared that she 
was in obvious discomfort.
  I will never forget the manner in which Judge Ward resolved that 
problem. He said to her, ``Madam, may the court assist you in any 
way?'' And then she continued to sob even more noticeably. Then she 
said to the judge, after she regained her composure, she said, ``Your 
Honor, these are tears of joy, for the most part,'' she said. But she 
said, ``I am weeping because I am happy to be an American citizen. But 
I am weeping also because I think of my family and friends in Germany 
who are not able to be here with me to share this very obvious day of 
celebration for me.''
  Judge Ward then said to her, and I remember it as if it were 
yesterday, he said, ``Madam, most people in this courtroom are 
Americans as a result of residence of parents at their time of birth.'' 
He said, ``You, Madam, are an American by choice.'' And then she began 
to weep even more, but those were tears of joy.
  I said to a bystander when Judge Ward uttered those words, I said to 
him, ``He has the proper judicial temperament.'' My words were 
prophetic. He did indeed express and still does his senior status.
  But I appreciate the comments of my colleague, the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Watt). I look forward it hearing from Mr. Burr as 
well.
  Again, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Kim) and his fine 
subcommittee and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Traficant) for having 
moved this bill along. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to a 
gentleman who, as a respected jurist and citizen, has contributed so 
much to his community and to his country.
  Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North 
Carolina (Mr. Burr).
  (Mr. BURR of North Carolina asked and was given permission to revise 
and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support today of 
H.R. 2379. As an original cosponsor of this legislation, I believe this 
is an excellent opportunity to provide a fitting tribute to a great 
North Carolinian, Judge Hiram Ward.
  Judge Ward is known throughout North Carolina as a distinguished 
veteran, attorney, and Federal judge. After his plane was shot down in 
a World War II mission over Burma, Judge Ward was decorated with the 
Purple Heart and Air Medal and soon returned to the United States 
dedicated to his education and his career.
  Following his military service, he was quickly accepted and enrolled 
as a student in Wake Forest College, and not university at that time, 
where a course in business law became his gateway to a distinguished 
career as a private attorney.

[[Page H5441]]

  Judge Ward went on to serve 20 years as a private attorney, gaining 
the highest respect from his peers and colleagues for his devotion, his 
honesty and perseverance in his work. Judge Ward's passion and 
dedication to his work is echoed still today by his peers and 
colleagues in the North Carolina Federal District Court and the Fourth 
Circuit. This reputation ultimately earned Judge Ward an appointment to 
the Federal bench by President Richard Nixon in 1972. In 1982, he 
became chief judge, where he would stay until 1988, when he elected to 
take his senior status.
  Mr. Speaker, Judge Ward is a man of commitment, service, and honor. 
He has provided North Carolina with the kind of service and dedication 
that I can only hope for in our future. It is my sincere belief that 
the legislation currently before this House to designate the Federal 
Building at 251 North Main Street in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as 
the ``Hiram H. Ward Federal Building and United States Courthouse'' is 
both a fitting tribute for a man who gave so much selfless service to 
his country and to the people of North Carolina.

                              {time}  1615

  I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) for his 
sponsorship of this legislation and for the rest of the North Carolina 
delegation who in a very bipartisan way supported this tribute to Hiram 
Ward. I think I can best say, in summation, that though we are here to 
rename a building in recognition to the good work and the dedication of 
Hiram Ward, in fact his reward has already been felt in the city of 
Winston-Salem and in the State of North Carolina by his 
accomplishments, his deeds and his commitment to the people of our 
great State.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, Mr. Speaker.
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  (Mr. TRAFICANT asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I do not know Judge Ward, and I never met 
Judge Ward, but I know the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble), 
and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), and the gentleman 
from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) and the gentleman from North Carolina 
(Mr. Ballenger), and we received numerous letters that our subcommittee 
under the diligent leadership of the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Kim) researched and reviewed, and not one of those was to the contrary.
  So I would just like to say that I would first ask that those letters 
be spread upon the record, and, second of all, for brevity sake, just 
summarize by saying there is a unanimous agreement from all concerned 
on Judge Ward's outstanding contributions to our Nation and to that 
district court system and that I am proud to join with the chief 
sponsor, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) and all the 
North Carolina delegation and the gentleman from California (Mr. Kim) 
in supporting this resolution. I ask that this bill be passed.
  The letters referred to are as follows:

                                            Hendrick Law Firm,

                              Winston-Salem, NC, November 3, 1997.
     Congressman Howard Coble,
     W. Market Street,
     Greensboro, NC.
       To the Honorable Howard Coble: I was fortunate enough to 
     serve as a law clerk to Judge Hiram Ward in the United States 
     Federal Court for the Middle District of North Carolina from 
     1973 to 1975. It was an honor to work for a principled and 
     intelligent judge. Judge Ward has certainly served the Middle 
     District with distinction and integrity.
       I know that he made some personal sacrifices in order to 
     maintain his offices in Winston-Salem. I think it would be 
     highly appropriate if the U.S. Courthouse in Winston-Salem is 
     named in honor of Judge Ward. I understand that you are 
     submitting legislation to this effect and wanted to 
     wholeheartedly support this legislation. Please let me know 
     if I can do anything to assist.
           Sincerely,
     T. Paul Hendrick.
                                  ____



                                                     Wachovia,

                              Winston-Salem, NC, November 3, 1997.
     Congressman Howard Coble,
     W. Market Street,
     Greensboro, NC.
       Dear Congressman Coble: I have just learned that you 
     recently submitted a bill to Congress which, if enacted, 
     would name the U.S. Courthouse in Winston-Salem in honor of 
     Judge Hiram H. Ward. As a former law clerk for Judge Ward, I 
     am absolutely delighted that you have submitted this bill and 
     stand ready to support this legislation in any way that I 
     can. For brevity's sake, and because I know it is unnecessary 
     to do so, I will not set forth all of the reasons the 
     courthouse should be named in honor of Judge Ward; I know 
     that you are well aware of his distinguished career and 
     outstanding reputation as a jurist. Suffice it to say, I 
     cannot imagine any individual being more deserving than Judge 
     Ward for this honor.
       Again, thank you for introducing this legislation, and 
     please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of 
     assistance in any way.
       Best regards.
           Very truly yours,
                                              James P. Hutcherson,
     Counsel.
                                  ____



                                                     Wachovia,

                              Winston-Salem, NC, November 3, 1997.
     Hon. Howard Coble,
     Member of Congress,
     Greensboro, NC.
       Dear Howard: I have just received a letter from Fred 
     Crumpler indicating that you have recently submitted a bill 
     to Congress which would name the United States Courthouse in 
     Winston-Salem in honor of Judge Hiram Ward.
       I just wanted you to know I support that bill 100% and 
     personally am very appreciative that you would submit it to 
     the Congress.
       Judge Ward is one of the finest men and clearly one of the 
     most outstanding judges I have ever encountered, and naming 
     the Courthouse in Winston after him would bring honor not 
     only to him but to Winston-Salem and all members of the bar.
       Thank you for your efforts in this regard. If I can be of 
     service in any way, please do not hesitate to call upon me.
       With best personal regards and good wishes, I am
           Sincerely,
     Kenneth W. McAllister.
                                  ____



                                         Sara Lee Corporation,

                              Winston-Salem, NC, November 3, 1997.
     Congressman Howard Coble,
     W. Market Street,
     Greensboro, NC.
       Dear Congressman Coble: I recently learned of the bill you 
     have submitted to Congress which, if enacted, would name the 
     U.S. Courthouse in Winston-Salem in honor of Judge Hiram 
     Ward. Having had the privileges of serving as one of Judge 
     Ward's law clerks, appearing as a practicing attorney in his 
     court and serving as Sara Lee's representative as a party to 
     cases heard by him, I wholeheartedly support your efforts 
     regarding this bill.
       Judge Ward has been a tireless servant to the Federal 
     Courts and always has merited the respect of counsel and 
     parties appearing before him. Thank you for working to honor 
     him in this manner.
           Yours very truly,
                                              Leon E. Porter, Jr.,
     Chief Counsel, Personal Products.
                                  ____



                                            Robinson & Lawing,

                              Winston-Salem, NC, November 3, 1997.
     Hon. Howard Coble,
     West Market Street,
     Greensboro, NC.
       Dear Congressman Coble: It was my privilege to serve as a 
     law clerk for The Honorable Hiram H. Ward in 1989 and 1990. 
     In addition to providing valuable exposure to some of the 
     more practical aspects of trial practice, that experience 
     gave me a deep insight into the integrity, conscientiousness, 
     and fairness that Judge Ward personifies, both on and off the 
     bench. I remember, and continue to be impressed by, the 
     unanimously high regard that others held for Judge Ward, not 
     only attorneys, court personnel and witnesses, but his 
     colleagues in the Federal District Courts of North Carolina 
     and the Fourth Circuit, as well. I believe that Judge Ward's 
     level of service and commitment to the Federal Bench and to 
     the Bar of Forsyth County and the Middle District has been, 
     and will likely remain, without parallel.
       I wholeheartedly support and appreciate your proposed 
     legislation that would name the U.S. Courthouse in Winston-
     Salem in honor of Judge Ward. I cannot think of a more 
     fitting tribute for a gentleman who has contributed so much, 
     not only as a respected jurist, but as a citizen, to his 
     community and to his country.
           Yours very truly,
                                               John N. Taylor, Jr.

  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I do not have any other speakers at this time, 
and I, too, yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Watts of North Carolina). The question 
is on the motion offered by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. 
Coble) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2379.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.




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