The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-09-05
THE PIERCE JUDGES.
Some Facts i'm Connection With
the Vacancy.
STORIES TOLD BY BOTH SIDES.
Judge Prftchard's Friends Justify His
A ction-supporters OF Judge Stiles
Suggest . Motive.

Tacoma, Sept l-Special-The people
are still talking over the judgeship affair,
and the friends OF Judge Stiles cannot be
persuaded that Judge Pr!tcaard's action
has not been TO some extent inspired ny
personal motives. Whether they had their
origin with himself or he has permitted
himself 10 be counseied by political friends
cannot be said. but there are many good
friends OF Judge Pritchard who would have
preferred 10 see him keep TO a higher
plane. Judge Pritchard undoubtedly con-
sidered himself aggrieved by Judge Stiles
action in reference TO the vacancy in the
supreme court last fall, and there are
plenty OF people who consider IL tit for tat
For any other than a judicial Office IL
might have been considered fair politics.
While IL is true Judge Stiles did not an
nounce himself as a candidate early IN
the campaign. Il is claimed by his friends
that this was due 10 his unwiilingness 70
enter into a scramble for the Office. but
that finding politics would enter into IL
anyway. he finally announced his cand-
oacy. The result was defeat for both and
the nomination OF Gordon. OF Olympia.
When Judge Pritchard resigned Judge
Stiles did not become a candidate for the
place. IL was the particular desire Of the
governor. as expressed by his friends here.
That the bar association make choice.
The selection OF Mr.. ". c. Sharpstein. a
Democrat whose probity and ability were
beyond question. embarrassed the COVER
nor, Tor the reason that Pierce county al
ready had one Democratic Judge In the
person OF Judge Stallcup, and the appoint
ment OF another would have been very
Notifying to the Republican members of
the bar. some OF whom are said to have
pleaded with him not 10 put such an af-
front upon them
In the embarrassment II was not unnat-
ural that the governor should cali TO mind
the availability OF Judge Stiles, who had
already served upon the bench of the SUI
preme court as the choice of Pierce county
bar and been Endorsed by the peoples
vote. The appointment was rendered to
him, but though streauously urged TO ac-
cent, the judge declined
Subsequently when the Tacoma bar dele
CATION waited upon the governor 10 pre-
sent the indorsed candidacy of Mr. Sharp
stein, the governor again requested Judge
Stiles 20 accept the position, and the Re
publican members OF the bar present who
were urging Mr.. Sharpstein not only ac-
quiesced, but seconded the governor
strongly in the matter Judge Stiles. in
turn, protested to these men that either
OF them was as capable and deserving as
ne, IL not more SO; and that the respon-
sibility was neither of his seeking nor lix-
ing. II was represented to him. however,
that inasmuch as he had only recently re-
sumed practice in the county he would be
disqualified In fewer cases OF moment than
any other member of the county bar.
Judge Stiles asked for time 10 consider,
which was granted. and 1t was only after
mature elaboration and under severe
pressure that he accepted.
AS the story runs the appointment of
Judge Stiles had been filed with the secre-
tary of state. and the commission enclosed
addressed and placed In the Office mail box
by the time OF Judge Pritchard's arrival.
The governor expressed the opinion that
the withdrawal of the resignation under
the circumstances was irregular TO say
the least: but said he would abide by the
judges legal knowledge and advice other
condition being satisfactory. AS the Judge
had his own case before him the decision
was neither slow nor complex. The gov
ernor then called up Judge Stiles by tele-
phone. apprised him of Judge Pritchari's
action. and said he would not accede 10
the proposition unless agreeable to judge
stiles. The latter replied at once that he
was delighted TO be relieved of a respon-
sihility he had no desire to assume. His
only query was as 10 Judge Pritchards in
tention 10 retain the office to the end of
his term IL il were restored to him The
affair was thereupon closed by the COVER
nor complying with Judge Pritchard's re-
quest and notifying him as he was about
TO depart. that his resignation at any
future time would he promptly followed by
the appointment of Judge Stiles, provided
he would accept.