St. Paul daily globe., 1896-03-17
JUDGE WILLRIcH'S ACTION
IN DISCHARGING THE VETERAN
PROBATE CLERK DENOUNCED
IN PLAIN TERMS.
The French Organized an Independ-
ent Political Club and VIII Dab
bic in Local Politics.

ulQate to succeed himself as Judge OF
the probate court of Ramsey county, he
will probably have as an opponent
Frank Robert, who for a score of years
has been clerk of the court and who
was ruthlessly dismissed from further
service in that capacity late last week.
This, too. in violation, according to
Robert, of definite understanding that
he was to be retained for the full term
in consideration of a written agree
ment not to be a candidate for the
office. Last night at a meeting of the
French-American club, held in the
French hall on Tenth street, Mr.. Rob-
ert after giving a little inside his
tory of the whole matter, openly de-
clared that he would be a candidate
for the Office at the coming election, on
the regular Democratic ticket.
He explained that shortly after Will
rich's election the latter came to him
with the proposition that he should Sc
cure the names of a dozen of his Rob-
ert's) Republican friends to a petition
asking that he be retained. Not a doz-
en-, but fiftythree names does Robert
now say he secured, including a num-
Der of the most prominent Republic
ans in the city, and the matter was
supposed to have been finally settled
by Roberts written promise not to be
candidate. Robert asserts that he
qualified the agreement by adding that
he was not to be candidate while full
filling the duties of his position as
clerk. He considers that his expulsion
relieves him of his promise, and there
fore he means to run if he can secure
the nomination. When news of Roberts
discharge was heard, several members
of the city bar took the matter in
hand, as did some of the Junior Pho
neers but Robert discouraged any ac-
tioE Of this sort, and the move made
by the French club last night is the
opening of the battle
At the meeting, at which there were
present about 200 prominent st. Paul
Frenchmen. Roberts dismissal was
first taken up. 1t was explained that
Robert has served under a number Of
different judges of all political shades
for the last twenty-five years. and
Willrich's unprecedented action was
roundly denounced at the meeting. 1t
was stated that Willrich obeyed the
mandates of the eighty-six members
by sighted 400 Junior Pioneers and
their friends, besides the bar, the whole
French population and the business
public, who were accustomed to the
courteous treatment and accommodate
ing disposition of Mr.. Robert. The SEN
timent Of the meeting was expressed
in the following resolutions which were
unanimously adopted:
Whereas 1t has come to the notice of the
French-American citizens of st. Paul that
our esteemed fellow citizen, Frank Robert Jr.,
clerk of probate is about to be retired by
Wilrich. judge of probate, to make room for
a more aggressive partisan, and has received
notice to that effect
"And. Whereas, Mr.. Robert has faithfully
served the public in his present capacity for
the last twenty-five years without Interrupt
tion, under various political administrations;
and by reason of his long services and init
mate knowledge of the intricate duties de-
volved upon him, has attained high degree
OF competency and efficiency, which the bar
and public at large have greatly appreciated.
And, Whereas, Mr.. Robert my his courte-
Gus treatment of all those with whom he has
come in daily contact officially or otherwise,
has endeared himself to the community.
Therefore, be it Resolved. That the French
American citizens OF the city Of st. Paul and
county Of Ramsey, irrespective of party afili-
ations in mass convention assembled do
hereby solemnly protest against and deplore
the unwarranted action of his honor, Judge
Nlllflcn, IN breaking away from every prec-
edent for no worthier cause than party eX-
pediency.
Resolved, Further that copy of the pres
ent resolutions be forwarded to Judge Will
rich. coupled with request that he reconsid-
er his proposed action, and inform this body
at an early date Of his decision in the mat
ter"
For some time past unusual activity
has been noticeable in French polit-
ical circles of the city. Prominent
Frenchmen. upon being questioned on
political subjects, were non-commit-
tai and would answer in a mysterious
way: I'm a few days you will see"
Last nights mass meeting at the
French hall was the successful out
come of deeply laid and we'll pre-
pared plan of organization of all the
French forces in st. Paul and Ramsey
county.
Early last month, at a meeting of
active French citizens, a committee
was appointed to suggest and prepare
a plan of organization which would
harmoniZe all views and pledge to
its support the French-speaking ele-
ment Of Europe and Canada, ire
spevctive of party affiliations. Encour-
aged by the unqualified success of
their perfect organization in 1888, the
French are determined to once more
enter the political arena in the defense
of their rights.
This committed which was later in
creased to forty representative men of
the French population in all parts of
the city, after several busy sessions,
made g report last night, embodying
a most exhaustive and comprehensive
plan of organization, which was at
once acted upon and adopted amid
cheers of enthusiasm. 1t is proposed
to take a complete census of the
French population OF the city and
county, which Is estimated at 1900,
Of which $500 are legal voters and en-
titled to membership in the club. The
work Of attending to the qualification
and registration of the full voting
strength will be distributed among
ward and precinct committees, who will
have proportionate representation on
the executive committee.
The French-Amercan club will not
antagonize any political party in gen.
eral, but will deal with any particular
official or candidate who may have
wronged one of it's members, and in
that case united action will follow. A
record will be kept of all just griev-
ances of members of the club against
public officials and others, and will be
preserved for future action, as occa-
sion may require.
very unique provision which pro-
yides for the harmonious representa-
ton of the three political parties in
the club has been embodied in the
constitution; and after listening to
some ringing speeches by prominent
members the club nrOceeded tO pra,..