The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-06
Special Dispatch to the Post-InteIIgencer

Special Dispatch to the Post-Intelligencer
PORTLAND, May 5.-Alaska's new
district Judge, the Hon. Melville {.
city today on his way to assume the
duties of his office, he having recently
been appointed. He goes TO the extreme
mind, firmly disposed to accomplish the
greatest possible results in the way OF
organizing judicial work and relieving
the reported congestion of litigation.
His Plans of Work.
Judge Brown has never been in Alas
ka, although he is familiar with all parts
of the Pacific Northwest, including Ore
gon and Portland in particular. one, Of
the best evidences that he has studied
Alaskan conditions is observed in the
plans of work already formulated. These
have been laid out so, far as it will not
be necessary to alter them because Of I'M
foreseen conditions. First, he viii take
up the litigation of Juneau, Skagway,
sitka and other southeastern points; This
course observing all due consideration
for reasonable time, after which Judge
Brown hopes TO be clear for whatever
may arise in and about the Cape Nome
district.
VIII Go to Cape Nome.
Because of the immense rush there
this year, and the rather involved condi-
ton of titles and laws. Judge Brown
apprehends many keen questions. He
hopes to be able to open court there by
when business is fairly under way .and
viii be the greatest. Ali these arrange
ments are contingent on the action OF
the territory of Alaska. Should that bill
pass and three Judges be appointed, as
is provided for, of course the one residing
over the Nome district. Judge Brown
cannot forecast far ahead on this ac-
count, without inserting a strong saw
likelihood that the bill Will not reach
the final stages this session of congress.
Judge Brown waited some time before
be enacted into law, and finally was
tnat ne WoU4d ucst ploceed and pegin
work. az the bill might not get through
the house before adjournment in June.
There is another consideration that
would naturally lead Judge Brown to go
on with his work at once, as it Is com.
monty understood that he will be one of
the three district judges appointed should
the bill pass. This fact is conceded gen.
orally, and even IL the new law went
into effect he would not Immediately have
to disturb his arrangements materially
Judge Browns Long Experience.
Judge Brown has long experience on
the bench, besides a large and lucrative
law practice in Wyoming. He refused
election to a state judgeship because he
did not care to leave his practice. but
finally accepted the position on the fed
eral bench in Alaska. Instead of being
appalled, by the accumulation of litigation
in Alaska, Judge Brown Is pleased with
the prospect of work He looks with
eagerness to the knotty questions arising
from mining and various other conten-
lions. And this eagerness verifies in one
instance at least the wisdom of striking
from the Alaskan civil code before con-
gress the provision that a man of So years
or over of age could not be chosen for
a Judgeship there. Judge Brown was
slightly over this age limit. and while
this restriction existed would not accept
a position on the Alaskan bench, as the
passage of the new law would mean his
retirement from work barely begun.
Comes to Seattle Today.
Judge Brown will go to Seattle tomor-
row. There he expects to meet Judge
Johnson, his predecessor, and also learn
much concerning the present status of
affairs. He sails from Seattle on the
Cottage City May 10.
AS a travelling companion TO the new
Judge. w. ]. Hills. also of Wyoming. is
going to the north. Mr.. Hills is a lawyer
of considerable experience and many
friends, and is going to Alaska to look
the country over. with the possible result
Of entering into business somewhere in
the north.