The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-10-02
DEMOCRATS MAKE SACRIFICES In
BEHALF OF PRESERVING NON
PARTISAN BENCH
TWO PLACES LEFT VACANT
There Are No Democrats on the
Ticket for Either of the JUS
tfcesh1Ds of the Su-
preme Court.

Important action was taken by the
Democratic state central committee yes
terday in passing on the declination of
Judge J. c.. Nethaway, of Saltwater. to
accept the nominate for the supreme
bench, which was followed by the re-
ceipt by the committee of a letter from
Frank C. Brooks, of Minneapolis, the
other nominee, which was as follows:
Minneapolis, Oct 1. 1896.
10 the Democratic State Central Com
mittee of Minnesota-Gentle Al tie
late Democratic state convention, held at
st. Paul on the 9Th day of September.
was nominated for the exalted office of
chief Justice Of the supreme court of this
state: This action of the convention was
wholly unsolicited on my part, and has
been supplemented by urgent appeals
from many political anN personal friends
that l accept the noninatio1.
AS a general rule, I believe that the
individual should subordinate his wishes
TO those OF his party when drafted into
the high honor that I thus received at
the hands of Democratic party.
But in view of the character and at
talnments of the Republican nominees,
l, IN compliance with what [ believe to
be the prevailing sentiment in the party
In FAVOR of a non-partisan supreme court
earnestly request your permission to
withdraw from participation as a candi-
date in the ensuing campaign
1t is, believe, the wish and aim Of the
Democratic party to keep the highest
court Of the state removed as far as pos
S1ble from the field Of partisan Iolitjcs
And no doubt the action of oar recent
convention, in seeming contravention of
this AIM was largely due to the fact
that our political opponents have not
in recent years thought best to act in
accord with US in this important matter.
This should, however, in no manner de-
ter those who believe in the principle CT
a non-partiSan judiciary from furtheTing
so far as can it's attainment The fact
that two years ago the Republican party
removed from the supreme bench, upon
partisan grounds, experienced judges of
the highest character and ability, does
not justify us in undertaking to defeat
for reelection other judges of like char
acter, who were In no way responsible for
the. defeat of their former Democratic
associates.
The sentiments which I have expressed
are those wnich entertained when sthe
convention was. held, and when l re-
ce1ved notice of my nomina ton. But [
have desired the acquiescence of this
committee in whatever action [ should
take concerning the nomination, and
ton until the full committee should come
together.
l trust and believe that my conclusion
will meet your approval, and that 1t may
summation desired by all who aim TO
have the selection of the judges Of our
supreme court removed from partisan
strife. Very respectfully yours,
Frank C. Brooks.
W. H. Leeman. Of Henderson, had been
mentioned as a possible successor to
Judge Nethaway on the ticket, but after
long discussion Of the situation. the
committee decided to leave both places
vacant, stating It's reasons therefor in the
following resolution:
The Democratic state central commit
tee of Minnesota has heard read tho
communication received from the Hon.
Frank G.. Brooks, the Democratic noIni-
nee for chief justice Of the state supreme
court, asking that he be allowed to de-
cline the nomination.
We appreciate the patriotic grounds as
signed for his declination, and fully in
dorse all that is said concerning the at
titude of the Democratic party respecting
non-partisan supreme bench. While
we believe that the action Of the Repub-
ican party of this state, at the election
of 1898, was an emple excuse for the ac-
ton of our late convention, nevertheless
we concur in the recommendations con-
tained In this communication.
Trusting that the Republican party or
Minnesota will appreciate this sacrifice
thus made in behalf of non-partisan
judiciary, and will hereafter show it's ap-
preciatio of the same by honest effort TO
make our supreme court a non-partisan
body;
Be it resolved by this committee, that
no nominations be made by this COM
mittee for chief justice or associate JUS
tice of the supreme court, and that no
effort be made by our party to defeat the
Republican nominees.
The most hopeful tone prevailed in the
committee. it being felt that Gov. Lind's
reelection was assured beyond peradven-
ture. and there were reports received
which indicated a prospect OF success IN
some of the congressional districts which
exceeded the most sanguine expectations
of the leaders In previous campaigns.
The tremendous ovations given the Bryan
party throughout the state were a source
of great encouragement. and after set
ting the judicial question the committee
adjourned to take part in the demonstra-
tons Of last evening.