The Hawaiian gazette., 1874-08-26
The police NIagistracy.


The public have been much interested in the
appointment Of police justice, the term of office
Of Judge Montgomery having expired on the
oath instant. The position is by no means an
enviable one, and the late incumbent has incurred
fair share Of dissatisfaction which the most up
right magistrate must expect to receive. He had
held the Office for number of years, and there
was a widespread feeling that change would
be desirable. Acting on this well-known senti-
ment His Excelleucy Governor Dominis appoint
ed w. Claude Jones, Esq, to be the Police Mag
istrate for this city for the next two years. Judge
Jones is a lawyer of many years practice, who
has resided here some ten years, and is well read
in foreign and Hawaiian law. We have no doubt
he will prove competent for the duties Of the Of
fee. On taking bis seat in the Police Court, on
Tuesday morning. His honor made the following
remarks, which will assure the public that JUS
tice will be faithfully and impartially admins
tered
On assuming my duties as Police Justice, will
remark that in the performance of those duties
shall endeavor to act independently and be governed
by the Constitution and the laws. come TO the
bench without prejudices. have no private inter
ests to subserve. 1 shall know neither friend nor
enemy. Having equity and justice In view, shall
discharge my duty impartially and conscientiously,
and while have strict regard for the rights of the
citizen, shall maintain the majesty of the law.
Towards the members Of the bar l shall observe
professional courtesy and personal respect and shall
expect the same in return, aud respectfully solicit
their aid In maintaining that cordially ard harmony
which should ever subsist between the bar and the
Court. know of no why the proceedings
of this Court should not be conducted with the
same solemnity dignity and decorum as those ofthe
Supreme Court of the Kingdom.
shall expect the cooperation Of the officers of
the Court and on my part shall do all can 10 aid
them in the performance of their duties, and hope
that harmony may ever prevail in our mutual efforts
to preserve law and order.
After the Court had concluded its remarks Mr..
Hartwell said
MAY IT PLEASE Your HONOR Some of the gen
tlemen of the Bar are detained by other engage
ments, or they would be present. They have not
asked me to speak for them, but so far as they
will allow me to speak for them, and for myself,
welcome you to this position of usefulness
and dignity. To my mind the Police Court of
this city, is tribunal of great Importance to the
nation. 1t takes primary jurisdiction of crimes, it
has admiralty jurisdiction, aud cases which affect
our relations with other countries are constantly
arising here. The Supreme Court itself, although
essential the nal arbiter of our rights, is in its
practical every day working OF hardly more impor-
lance.
For some reasons il may be well to have judicial
course begin earlyn ones practice, while the mind
not yet encrusted and biased by prejudice and by
fixed lines of thought, is apt 10 take fresh and i'm
partial Impressions. The animosity and keen ex-
citement often engendered by active forensic life
will sometimes follow one TO the Bench. But sure
ly the experience long years of study and practice
at the Bar should be of value. To one who
has not carried about with him personal bitter
ness towards legal opponents, and who has never
forgotten the amenities of the Bar the judicial post
will only bring larger opportunities of usefulpess.
There are those whose minds are of that calm aud
aud impartial bent, that they can at
any time throw old predictions to the winds if the
cause of justice seems to requireit. lam confident
that the of law and justice will be safe with
you. The Bar will most cheerfuy cooperate in sc.
curing that decorum and dignity which are fitting
for the tribunal, and will gladly welcome Que of
their brethren TO his new duties.