The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-06-04
BOOMING JUDGE RICE.

hOOhiAtV AkNLs
Action Taken by the Luzcrnc Ear Asso.
citation to Urge His appointment to the
Appellate Bench.
The high respect and esteem which
the members of the Luzerne County Bar
association feel for Hon. Charles l..
Rice. president Judge of the Luzerne
county courts, was never better shown
than yesterday noon. when the asso-
citation held its meeting to urge the
claims of Judge Rice for appointment
on the appellate court bench. Alex
ander Farnham was chosen as chair
man of the meeting, and Joseph ID.
Coons secretary. Mr.. Farnham in as
suming the duties Of chairman. paid
high tribute to the learning and quallh-
cations of Judge Rice, and said that his
record as judge of the lower court am
ply qualified and recommended him for
the appellate judgeship.
Hon. II. w. Palmer recommended
that committee be appointed to fur
ther the object for which the Bar asso-
citation was assembled. There has been
in this county a feeling that it was not
Judge Rice to an office which did not
exist, but there are now about forty
applicants for the position. While
Judge Rice has not yet been formally
presented as a candidate for the posi-
ton, it is understood at Harrisburg
that his name will be presented. Mr.
Palmer further recommended that
committee of twenty members of the
bar be appointed and that they have
power to appoint sub-committees
among themselves, to use every honor
able means to further Judge Rice for
the position.
Mr.. Palmer then presented the follows
ing address to Governor Hastings:
To the Honorable Daniel H. Hastings.
Governor Of Pennsylvania:
The members of the bar Of Luzerne
county respectfully commend the Hon
orable Charles r. Rice for appointment us
one of the judges of the appellate court
and herein set forth the reasons that seem
to them sufficient to justify their action.
Judge Rice has served as president judge
of Luzerne county continuously since Jan.
J. 1880. and the record of his conduct and
Judgment affords the best and most con-
elusive evidence Of his fitness for higher
place. He has shown himself TO be a wise
and upright judge, filling the scriptural
standard, quick to hear, slow to speak
and slow to wrath" He has known no
creed party, rank, station, influence or
prejudice but has judged the people right
oously without fear or favor. lie Is in the
prime of vigorous manhood, has great
capacity and disposition to work. Is pos
sessed of a judicial temper that enables
him to hear and consider before deciding,
and of rare ability to justify his juds-
ments in opinions remarkable for clear
ness and strength. OF Judge RlCe there
is but one opinion whore he Is known.
Other Judges lawyers and his fellow citi-
zens regard him as. n Consptcuously able,
impartial and upright Judge. He is Re-
publican, twice elected in Democratic
county, but no one has ever had reason to
know from any judicial action to what
party he belongs. We suggest that the
great anthracite counties in which a pecu-
liar business Is carried on that furnishes
much and important litigation not under
standible by judges unlearned in its tech
nicalities. but in which Judge Rice has had
large experience, ought to have represen-
tation on the bench of the new court and
that he Is PECULIARLY fitted for the place.
The appellate court WILL as we believe, be
useful to the state just to the extent that
Il commands the respect and confidence
of the bar and people. therefore no con-
sideration save that of fitness for the place
should properly be entertained in select
ing the first judges. Upon this basis we
present with confidence the name of the
Honorable Charles Il. Rice, believing
that he Is without a superior among the
common pleas judges of the state and that
his appointment will meet the approval Of
the bench and bar, and people and add
dignity, learning and strength to the ap-
pellate court.
The foregoing address was adopted and
the following committee was appointed by
the chairman: +. w. Wheaton. T.. s. Os-
borne T.. II. Chase I. p. Hand j. 7. Lena
han, e. G. Butler, A. r. Brundage, G. w.
Shonk, c. w. Kline. G. l.. Halsey, j. NJ.
Garman, G. X. Powell George 8. Ferris,
S. j. Strauss, w. C. Price, S. r. Miner.
George II. Troutman, G. w. McAlarney,
John McGahren, Hon. r. p. Kisner.
Immediately at the close of the bar
meeting the committee went into ses-
sion, choosing T. w. Wheaton chair
man and Z. II. Chase secretary. They
decided to allow the chairman Of the
committee to select subcommittee Of
two each to solicit recommendations
of Judge Rice's ability and fitness for
the position from the bar associations
of the different counties of the state.
The secretary will also have petition
prepared asking for Judge Rice's ap-
pointment. and signed by citizens as
we'll as members of the bar. Mr.. Chase
will act as press committee and attend
to the thorough circulation of the petit
tions. The meeting then adjourned,
hut will meet in the Bar association
office at 7.30 O'Clock this evening, to re-
ceive notice of assignments, which will
be made by Mr. Wheaton.