The age-herald., 1897-09-29
.PEOPLE WANT AN ATTORNEY
We'll Known Judge Says One Is
 Needed in Police Court,
ALDERMAN PEARCE SAYS NO
Alderman Ashford in Favor of Such an Officer Others Say One Is Needed Only
 in the Larger Cases.

The interviews in yesterdays Age Herald in regard to a prosecuting at torney for the police court created much coment and the demand is a popular one.
 The people are tired of the mode of conducting prosecutions and the police men, themselves, would look with favor on the appointment Of some competent lawyer to prosecute those they arrest. The idea is advanced that many of the eases are so trivial that lawyer would not be needed. On the other hand the people claim that any man arrested oh a charge, no matter how insignificant. should not be convicted or released with out the whole truth coming to light. Such an officer would in great meas ure abolish the practice of remitting fines. Many cases are brought to the notice of the mayor, and points made known to him that were kept under cover in police court, only on account of the absence of competent lawyer to bring out every phase.
 It is claimed by many who have ex- perience that the police officers become entirely too enthusiastic and overdo the role of prosecuting attorney Whether this be true or not, a prosecuting attor- ney would be a safeguard for the rights of the masses, is the opinion expressed by many conservative citizens. The po- 1iceman who makes the arrest feels a. Iraif In, victed and for this reason it is claimed That an officer cannot we'll banish all impartiaTity in ascending the witness stand
 Alderman W. P. Pearce is the only member of the city council who has so far announced himself opposed to a prosecuting attorney. His opposition is based on the financial condition of the city. Speaking in this connection, he said to an Age-Herald reporter yester- day:
 T am opposed to the proposition, on account of the expense it will entail on the city,"
 Alderman Ashford, when approached
 
 Said he: By all means we should have prosecuting attorney for the police court. I have always been in favor of having an officer of that kind for the court, and when the court was created I recall having suggested the proposi- tion to friend.
 T believe that tine office would be self sustaining but even if it is not. that fact should not weigh against the sacred lib- critics of the citizen"
 Alderman Kerr said "In important cases the city should be represented by counsel in the police court. It is my im- pression, however, that the majority of cases before that court are petty misde- meanor causes. As to those. I think 1uuge f'eagin can and does conduct tra -falrly for the defense and the city.
 If, in any event it is advisable to have prosecuting attorney for the court I should be in favor of the city paying salary to the officer instead of adopting the fee system Alderman Gray declined an interview on the subject, but his manner and inci- dental expressions indicated that he would not oppose the proposition if the ends of justice are subserved by the appointment of a prosecuting attorney.
 Alderman Graham said: "As the mai ter is liable to come before the board I had rather not talk on the subject at l5ng th You may say for me that I will favor it if it is necessary As I am mt fully advised yet as to all the facts and the read status of affairs can't say now what will be my official action in the ma alter"
 Judge Samuel Greene is the presiding judge of the Jefferson county criminal court When approached on this aues- tion he sald Certainly I ann in favor of. the proposition to create the office of prosecuting attorney for the police court I have advocated that for long while and did so when the court was created. Outside of The Age ge-Heraldis sugges- tion that it places the arresting officer in a'n embarrassing attitude to prosecute lis arrest fa lis also unfair to Judge Fea- gin. The judge wants ito hear the eyf- dence. He does not want to assist in t1le prosecution, but as it is now conducted he is necessarily dra wn into it indirectly tin order to see that the accused does not suffer from imp osition. T ann persuaded that Judge FeaeDn will be in flavor of having a prosecuting attorney for ulls court,
 Judge M T. Porter. judge of the Jef-