The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-20
AN INDIGNANT JUDGE.

If Police Judge Conlan had never done
anything before to establish a reputation
for manliness and all that goes with it, his
refusal to submit to his clerks dismissal
by majority of the Board of Supervisors
is sufficient to that end Of the twelve
members of the Board there are eight who
have won the popular designation of the
solid Eight" with all the suggestion that
belongs to such an appellation. San Fran
ciscans are too familiar with the shameful
meaning of such an expression to require
an explanation. How any Supervisor,
knowing himself to be an honest officer,
could have the hardihood to pursue such
course as to invite such stigma, or,
having had it fastened upon him, should
be so lacking in that which ordinarily
would lead an honest man to establish his
integrity and punish his defamers. is a
problem which any man who knows that
he is honest and who is proud of his fair
name finds himself powerless to solve.
Judge Conlan has defantly opposed him
self to the last shameless act of the "Solid
Eight" He had clerk, named Watson,
who is said to be worthy and competent in
every way. The "SoIid Eight without
the pretense of making or trying a single
charge against him, peremptorily dis
missed him. This might not have ap-
peared so disgraceful had they not shame
lessly appointed to the office son of one
of their own number, thus apparently
furnishing the true reason for Watson's
dismissal. Such an act partakes of the
character of the incredible. 1t leaves not
the weakest peg upon which to hang the
ARREST doubt of purpose or the slmmest
hope OF error. 1t is simply bald and dis
gushing affront to every honest mans
sense of decency, and makes it impossible
hencefoIth to expect worthy motive in
any act that these men may do. What the
City may be forced to suffer from their
exercise of power no one can foresee. 1t is
possible only to sit in helpless despair
and be prepared for any overwhelming
scandal to occur.
Judge Conlan need have no uneasiness,
for in most men there is admiration of
manliness and an abiding sense of decency.
That he has the law on his side in refusing
to accept the new clerk there seems to be
no reason to doubt; but in this case
legal considerations are secondary to GER
tain matters of decency which are in
volved, and in defending them be is stand
ing up for manliness and right conduct,
and assisting in the still better work of
informing the people what manner of men
are in control of their most important
affairs.
For protecting his own interests, too,
Judge Conlan is displaying commemorate
wisdom. He knows that his clerk has
serious responsibilities that Police Court
clerks in the past have brought scandal
upon the courts by their dishonesty, and
that the rights of many persons can be
imperiled by a crooked or even incom-
petent man in that capacity. The Judge
must share these responsibilities and
suffer from the scandals which their abuse
entails. Upon what ground could Judge
Conlan base presumption that the clerk
sought to be thrust upon him would prove
to be either capable or honest? The
young man may be most worthy and COM
petent in every way, but if Judge Conlan
should base his expectations ON consider
atoms which ignored the young mans
very direct utilization and his apparent
partnership in a scheme which is most
discouraging on its face, he would show
lack of that wisdom which seems so essen
tial to the conduct of his Office.