Judge Robertson's second term of service in the State Senate began in 1872 and continued without interruption for ten years,during the last eight of which he was president pro tern, of that body. He served as chairman of the Committees on Commerce and Navigation, Rules, Literature and Judiciary. As the head of the Judiciary Committee for eight years, he occupied a position of great responsibility and usefulness, and it is freely conceded by all who are capable of judging, that it is due to his ability and watchfulness that many unwise and improper bills were prevented from becoming laws. As a Senator be par-

THE BENCH AND BAR.

ticipated in six State trials -- those of Judges Barnard, McCunn, Curtis aud Priudle, Superintendent De Witt C. Ellis, of the Bank Department, and Superintendent John F. Smythe, of the Insurance Department

In 1876 Mr. Kobertson was one of three gentlemen of this State who, at the request of the President, visited Florida to supervise the counting of the votes for the office of President.

In 1872 the personal and political friends of Mr. Robertson throughout the State made a vigorous eflPort to place him in nomination for the Governorship, and with excellent prospects of success, until the assembling of the convention, when the name of the honored soldier and statesman, General John A. Dix, was presented, and he was chosen to head the ticket. Again, in 1879, Judge Robertson had a strong support for the nomination, but owing to the opposition of what was known as the " machine" influence in the party, he was defeated.