The morning call., 1894-04-28
FROM THE BENCH.
Supreme Justice Paterson
Resigns.
GOING TO PRACTICE LAW.
Enters Into Partnership With
Arthur Rodgers.
GOING TO PRACTICE LAW.
HIS LONG JUDICIAL CAREER.
Judge Paterson Says He Is Tired of
Doing Responsible Work for
Mere Pittance.

A bombshell was cast into the midst of
the Supreme Court yesterday by the resig-
nation of Justice Van Il. Paterson.
The step was by no means unpremedi-
tated, although so suddenly acted upon.
Judge Paterson has been for many years
close and confidential friend Of MIR. Ar
thur Rodgers, whose position al the San
Francisco bar has Tor many years beer Of
the highest grade The EXPLANATION of
Judge Paterson's sudden and rather mys-
FERROUS resignation lies in the fact that lie
has resolved to retire into private practice
in copartnership with his old friend.
Judge Paterson is comparatively young
| man. Born in st. Lawrence County, n.
Y, on March 2. 1S49, lie passed through
three courses Of education on the way to
his judicial career. He was educated at
st. Lawrence Academy, then at Albany
Normal College, graduating finally at the
Albany Law School, where he received
the degree of LIB. in 1874 He was a
member of the faculty of Albany Normal
College for one year.
He came to this State in 1875 and en-
gagged in the practice of law in Stockton.
the firms name being Paterson. McStay &
Co. On May l, 1873, he was elected City
Attorney of Stockton. an office which he
held until the winter Of 1879. when he was
raised to the Superior bench of San Joa-
quin County.
As a Superior Judge seven years labor
was melted out TO Judge Paterson, until at
the fall election of 1856 he was elected one
of the Justices of the Supreme Court OF
this State for term of twelve years. lie
has served seven years and four months of
his term.
As a Supreme Court Justice Van r.
Paterson has been singularly fortunate.
An Associate Justice 10 more than
ordinarily harmonious judiciary. the
Judge has been remarkable for the lucidity
| of his opinions. The last opinion of any
especial note which he rendered was the
coDcurrlng opinion in the capitol removal
case rendered few weeks ago. In re-
firing from the Supreme bench he con-
graduates himself upon the absence of
dissensiOn that has saved himself and his
colleagues much valuable time and trouble.
But. unfortunately, the remuneration
granted Supreme Court Justice is not
in adequate proportion to the vast and re-
sponsible. not to say unceasing, labor
which the Office requires. Justice Paterson
| found that with a wife and a growing
family to support $4,000 year meant an
| accumulation CT riches that was possibly
sure, but decidedly deliberate.
In addition TO this lie grew weary of hav-
| ing to swear to affidavits to the effect that
| the hundred and one cases under his
notice had been disposed OF within the
| statutory ninety days after submission; a
proceeding necessary among Supreme
Court Justices before one cent OF salary
can be touched. So. seeing his opportun-
ity, he got out"
Justice Paterson-he is very particular
about the one "l"-was seen last evening
as he emerged from lengthy interview
with Governor Markham. He seemed de-
lighted that he had shaken the shackles of
Justleedom from his feet.
'I've been 10 harness now for sixteen
years." he said. ''For those long years l
have been in public office. Even in 1879 l
declined the Republican nomination for
Judge of the Superior Court of San Joa-
qun County My party was in ascen dency
that year-there were two other parties,
the New Constitutional and the Demo-
cratic parties. My party. desiring to make
the election sure, said that II I'd run
they'd only run one man. 1t was done,
majority of 1000 ont of 5000 voters. | have
held Office of some sort up to the present
day."
Although his resignation is peremptory,
Judge Paterson will not retire from the
Supreme Bench until May next In his
letter of resignation to Governor Mark
ham this was minated. The Judge ex-
nlans this by saving that there is much
pressing business now for con sderation
before the court and that it is necessary
that his signature of approval fol ow the
decisions. After that date the legal firm
of Rodgers d Paterson will spring into
existence.
Governor Markham was closeted for sew
eral hours last night with Justice Paterson
al the Palace Hotel. but denied himself to
all corners. 1t is understood that the ap-
pointm of a successor To the vacancy
has not vet been filled. 81 guess it will be
a Democrat" said Judge Paterson, with
a smile, when asked about that phase of
the matter
A Dead Veteran.
Michael Joyce. veteran of the Mexican and
oix,Jl, h,o