The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-13
THEY ARE ALL TOO OLD,
No Notable Democrats Avail
able to Succeed Stephen
j. Field.
JUDGE WALLACE A FAv0RITE
Budd and Mcguire Are Both Conf
dent That Field VIII Not
Retire.

Local Democrats do not look upon the
retirement of Chief Justice Stephen j..
Field as likely to take place soon. That
pressure is being brought to bear to in
duce him to retire, they say, may be true,
but when it would be as punishment for
doing what he considered his duty they
think ne will hardly yield.
Chief Justice Field was the one member
of the Supreme bench who declared against
the income tax bill as a whole. His opinion
was uncompromising in the directness of
its denunciation. As the measure is dis
tinctly one of the administration its
friends were naturally highly incensed.
They urged that since Mr.. Field opposed
the plans of the President he should have
the courtesy to retire and give place to a
friendly man.
Some time ago Field made known his
intention of retiring. He changed his
mind, but that circumstance gave credit to
the rumor that he was about to yield to
the demands of his enemies and carry out
his first decision.
Justice Field will not resign" was
what Governor Budd had to say about the
matter. This is the first have heard of
is going to retire just yet.
who would probably succeed him if he
should withdraw from his position? Well,
| tell YOU, | don't think he'll withdraw.
But if he should there is only one logical
successor. That is William T. Wallace
Il consider Judge Wallace the foremost
iurist of this country to-day" continued
another man who could so nobly fill the
place as he. Of keen insight. he is a man
of broad learning, with the experience and
moral stamina indispensable for member
of the Supreme Bench of the United
States"
Congressman James g. Mcguire shook
his head when he heard of the gossip con-
corning the Chief Justice. He, too, was
quite certain that Mr.. Field had absolutely
no intention of retiring
When 1t came to available material in
the Democratic ranks for Justice of the
Supreme Court, he hesitated. Then he
made the surprising statement that he did
not feel capable of saving who might be
chosen, as the jurists who had won renown
would, he thought, most of them be I'M
available because of their advanced age.
First of all comes Judge Wallace he
said. "But he is now IS, | think. OF
course there can be no question as to his
pre-eminent ability. There can also be as
little doubt about the fact that he is reach
ing the period in life when iurists gener-
ally retire.
jackson Temple and E. w. McKinstry
have both won fame among lawyers.
Either would grace the position, yet both
are close to 10 years of age.
"Since the Senate refused to confirm the
appointment of Judge Porter solely on the
ground that he was 6S years old the matter
of age has come to be considered. In view
of this action think it is probable that no
man over IS years of age will be considered.
To name one of the younger men would
force me to choose some one from the bar,
as [ believe the Supreme Court of Call
fornia has no Democrats among its mem
bers at present.
Il would not want to do this" he added
thoughtfully. at would cause invidious
comparisons that would perhaps be I'M
just. Besides it would be matter of
naming my personal friends"
Many Democratic attorneys and poll
ticians were seen. Without exception
they announced their preference for Judge
Wallace if a successor was to be chosen to
Field. 1t was evident from the tenor of
their replies, however, that they were not
prepared to join in any demand upon
Field to resign.