The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-09
JUDGE AYRES'S SUCCESSOR
Thos. L. Sullivan Will Probably BE APP
pointed the New Circuit Judge.
Several Other Ambitious Democratic Attor-
neys Are. However, Proposed for the Po-
sitiOn-Why Judge Ayres Resigned.

Tho announcement in the Journal, exclusively,
yesterday that Judge Alex. c. Ayres had sent to
Governor Gray mis- resignation Judge of the
Circuit Court OF Marion and Hendricks coun-
ties was great surprise to members of the bar,
except very few OF the Judges personal
friends. Even they, however, did not expect
the resignation so soon, but understood that it
would be presented in time to make it possible
to provide for the election OF an to the place
next fall
II made up my mind some time a go that /
wo uld leave the bench" said Judge Ayres to a
Journal reporter, yesterday. SAT first tho ught
l would serve my term out, aud so announced
that would not be candidate for reelection
A few weeks ago, however, l concluded would
vacate the place at once, and by doing give
ample time to prepare for the election next fall.
/ had but one reason for resigniug, and that is.
believe can do better by practicing my pro-
fession. l feel convinced that long
term the bench units man for
active practice, and as a good opportunity
was offered me to go back to practicng. I
cluded to embrace il How any one
came to suspect that I intended to enter into
partnership with Oscor b. Hord do not
know, for never thought of snch thing. /
shall 60 back into the firm of which I was a
member whom elected to the judg eship-Brown
& Harvey. Some weeks ago, when it became
known to a few that contemplated resigning,
1 was offered place with the firm, which l ac-
cepted."
The Judges resignation, as announced y ester
day, will take effect on Wednesday, and it is ex-
pected that Governor Gray will appoint his sue
cessor to-day. 1t is generally understood that
the retiring judge was given the privilege of
naming his successor, and that he has recon-
mended Thomas Il. Sullivan, of Sullivan %
Jones. 'Mr. Sullivan seems to be the choice OF
a majority of the members of the bar" said
Judge Ayres yesterday, land will likely receive
the appointment He is well qualified for the
livan was the candidate for Superior Judge
the Democratic ticket in 1886 and was defeated
by Judge Walker. While it seems to be con-
coded among the majority of Democratic attor-
there is some opposition to him, and sew
eral other gentlemen are spoken OF as
candidates for the place While the
appoiu tment is only for the time intervening
between now and the coming election, it is M
derstood that whoever is given the place will
probably become the party's candidate for cleo
ton for the ensuing term, and for that reason
there Ia something of a contest fer the place.
James w. Harper, who was defeated by Judge
Howe at the last election, would like TO have
the position. and his friends were actively en-
gagged yesterday in urging his claims. This
morning the Governor, it is understood, will be
visited in his behalf. Among the other gentle"
will make no special effort to get it, are August
us B. Young and Judge Lewis Jordan. The
friends of both advocating their appoint
ment, but 1t is not likely that any active steps
in their behalf will be taken. Besides having
the Endorsement of Judge Ayres. Mr. Sullivan
Is supported by the county officials, and the
active Democratic workers.
prominent attorney, in speaking of Judge
Ayress resignation yesterday, said he was not at
all surprised by 10, because no man who was
capa BILE of making good living by his practice
would want the position. ''In the first place."
said he, there is enough work on the circuit to
keep two pushing judges busy. It is an impo-
sition on any man to ask him to do the business
of both this and Hendricks counties. The bust
ness that comes to the court in this county is
more than one man should attend to. But few
people have any idea of the amount Of pro-
bate business the circuit judge of this
county has to look after AS the circuit is at
present constituted it is impossible to keep
up with the work, and the result is judge
becomes discouraged. Judge Ayres has
done much to clear the docket Of old
probate business, but with the limited
time he Is given here he could not keep the
work well up Tbs time has come when Marion
county should be made a circuit of itself, and
the court should be kept sitting throughout
the year. the Criminal and Superior
courts Attorneys are beginning to demand
that the change shall be made and the next Leg
islature should grant the request"
While Judge Ayras does not admit it, after
neys generally believe shat the burdensome work
of the position was his principal reason for re-
signing.