The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-30
CONTEST FOR THE JuDGEsH1P.
Likely TO Cut "A Decided Figure I'm
the Senatorial Race.


It is the general opinion among local
politicians and others interested IN the Sc
lection of the judge for the new Atlantic
circuit that il viii develop a contest be
fore the legislature as fun of interest as
the noted fight for the solicitorship of the
Eastern circuit. The first ineumbents. in
the new circuit, judge and solicitor gem
etal, will be elected by the legislature.
Their successors VIII be chosen by the
people, according to the new law.
II is the impression among the Savan-
nah politicians that recommendations by
grand juries will cut but little figure be-
fore the legislature. Only one grand jury
Of the new circuit has Endorsed a candi-
date for judge. bingham recommending
Paul L. Seabrook of that county. Living
ston Kenan, Esq, now of Darlen has the
Endorsement of three counties for the So
icitorship. He has the good fortune to
he supported by the friends of both of
the leading candidates for the judgeship.
The men who are apt to work the hardest
for either Mr.. Cam or Mr.. Seabrook are
united in their support of Mr.. Kenan. Be
ing on both sides, his chances of winning
the prize are naturally regarded as very
good. In fact, his friends now look upon
him as an assured winner. Few candi-
dates are ever fortunate enough 10 find
their warmest supporters among the lead
ers of the forces of two opposing candi-
dates for another office that may be igu-
ratively described as being in the same
grab-bag.
Much now depends on the position taken
by the legislature from the counties in
Guided in the new circuit-McIntosh, Lab
erty, Bryan and Efhngham-and those
from Chatham county which is regarded
by many as having as much interest in
the selection of the new Judge as the other
counties. The judge of the Atlantic cir
cult viii preside in Chatham County Su-
periOr Court to a considerable extent it is
claimed, ana this viii be the basis Of the
position taken by the Chatham delegation
in case 1t takes a stand Tor a candidate
for the judgeship. Efingham's representa-.
tive, a. is safe to say, will support Mr.
Seabrook for judge. In Bryan, Liberty
and Mcintosh his friends viii also en-
deavor TO get representatives chosen who
are favorable to his candidacy The leg
islators from those counties win be un
der no instructions from a grand jury but
il Is fair TO presume that every effort will
be made to secure pledges from them for
one or the other of the candidates before
the election at which they wall be chosen
Much will depend upon the position taken
by THESE representatives when the legisla-
ture meets, and no effort VIII be spared
70 get them into line for Mr.. Cam or
Mr. Seabrook. Indeed, the matter of the
Judgeshlp of the new circuit promises TO
become the controlling issue in the legisla-
tive election in these counties
the judgeship may cut a decided figure in
the senatorial race. Many politicians, ana
others, too, IN Chatham, are opposed to
the rotation system, under which this
county secures the state senator but once
In san years. Under this rotation system,
which has been in force about twelve
years, Efhngham would this year be en-
titled to the senator. This would practi-
cally, IL rs claimed, assure Mr. Seabrook
of the support of the senator If the
lotation system Is overturned, though as
there Is at least a possibility, that tower
of strength might be denied him. Already
there Is gossip of Chatham declining TO
longer countenance a system under which
the small country counties, with meagar
local legislative interests. secure the SEN
ator four years out of six. If this feet
ing should grow between now and the
meeting of the senatorial convention. two
or three months hence a hot sduabble
may be preCipitated.
Some Savannahians are said to be in
favor OF dlsavoWing the rotation system
but at the same time giving the senator
ship to the country this time to complete
the circuit. Bryan has just had the senn-
torship and If bingham is allowed II
this time it would come to Chatham two
years hence, and then the revolution de-
sired by sonic might be accomplished with
less rupture of the good feelings existing
between the three counties comprising the
First district.