Grand Rapids morning telegram., 1885-02-13
THE SUPREME BEN CH.
THE MAN ALL DELIGHT TO HONOR
interviews With Prominent Lawyers
Regarding the Renomination OF
Judge Cooley


whose term of Office expires December 81
next, has been a justice of the Supreme
Court for eighteen years, and now exercises,
by reason of seniority, the functions of
Chief Justice. A representative of TIE
TELEGRAM had interviews with several
prominent attorneys yesterday, and the uni
versal opinion was expressed that Mr..
Cooley should again be renominated as his
own successor, and that the State would
have great cause for regret should he refuse
to accept such nomination
Hon. Il. ]. OBrien said: / am highly in
favor of the denomination of Judge Cooley.
Michigan has a supreme bench that is sec
ond to that of no Other State, and its present
enviable position and extended reputation
is indebted in large degree TO the eminent
legal ability and uptiring energy of Judge
Cooley. In his official capacity he has ever
had the confidence and respect of the legal
fraternity of the State. He Is not bigoted
or opinionated, and has ever accorded his
associates that recognition and respect be-
coming the true gentleman and scholar that
he is. should consider it a calamity were
he not renOminated; believe the salary
should be increased TO $1,000 or $4,000,
so that such men as Mr.. Cooley could afford
to devote their entire time, talents and ener-
gy to the duties of the Supreme Court alone,
and not be compelled to fill out with lectures
before the university at Ann Arbor. think
the State could well afford to increase the
salary of the justices.
John Patton, Jr., was next seen. He said:
Judge Cooley is the most distinguished mem
Der of the Supreme Court and has wider
reputation as a law writer and iurist than
any other Judge in Michigan. He has had
career which has been made illustrious by
the most profound legal learning and, If he
wishes to continue on the bench | have no
doubt he will receive the Republican nomina-
ton. There was q general sentiment III
favor of his denomination at the recent
meeting of the State Committee at Lansing.
If left to the bar of the State he would, un-
doubtedly, be renominated. I do not think
our Democratic brethren can do better, and
should be glad to see him again chosen TO a
position he has filled with such eminent
ability.
j.. w. Wolcott said: Judge Cooley is pre-
eminently the man for the place and he
should be kept there he is not considered
PARTISAN, and l consider it feature worthy
of commentator that the Democratic party
of the State has sIgnifed, in quite a marked
degree, its intention of nominating him, ]
believe they could make no better nomina-
ton or better serve their party's interests.
He has been, during his eighteen years of
service upon the Supreme Bench. universal
ly respected, and / think, if there is any
feeling whatever against his nomination,it Is
small and of personal nature. The decis-
ions of no Judge upon the Supreme Bench
of our own or any other State have had
greater weight or are more frequently quoted
as legal authority. He is scholar, a learned
legal adviser and a genial gentleman andwhile
Michigan may have many men qualified for
the place, she has none better qualified than
he. think it would be serious mistake to
not renominste him.
X. w. Butterfeld expressed his ideas about
IA follows: / believe there is great deal of
truth in the saying speedy justice is Justice
The Supreme Court of Michigan is one of
the three of our country that is up with its
business. / think party spirit should in no
way manifest itself in the selection of a
judge for the Supreme Court, and believe
Democratic lawyers and all lawyers ought
to be ia favor of the denomination of Judge
Cooley. 1t would be a good thing for Is to
follow the example of New York in the
matter. We cannot afford to now lose the
services of a man who has done so much TO
place our Supreme Court in its present envi-
able position.
Hon. n. A. Earle said | am highly in
favor of the denomination of Judge Cooley,
and think if he will accept the place he
should have it. know there is some talk OF
the Democrats nominating him and ] con-
slider this an encouraging sign. l hope 10 be
allowed to vote for him; think If the Demo
Gratis nominate him / can heartily vote their
ticket thus far, and believe he would be
elected. All members of the bar with whom
have conversed are anxious to see Judge
Cooley renominated. Hope he will run upon
both tickets. as be is a man deserving OF this
compliment; a man in no sense a partisan IN
his official capacity.
Hon. ]. II. Campbell; ! bslive the nomi-
nation OF Judge Cooley by the Republican
convention. snd without opposition. Is
foregone conclusion. think be stands Are
most among the jurists of the present day.
He is man universally quoted. and he is
Acknowledged TO be the creates; law writer
of the present age. He is IN ever sense the
best qualified nan by experience. and is
upright. unSwavering. faithfai 70 sound prin-
ciples; anxious ever 90 expedite matters ard
seeking to carry ont lsv ne II IS, and n its
tTueSt- despest. noblest sense.
The scribe. after other interviews of Ike
nature and similar tenor. stroIied into The
Morton. where be nsef Hon. G. r. Grant of
Houghton. Z. =. In answer to inquiries hs
said he section vas = nnif IN favor Of tle
re nomination Of Tpd~e Cooler hfs f.lace