Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-12-24
WAS UNS[[NLY HASTE
Shaw Hurries to Appoint an
Anti.Cummins Judee..Caus-
es Great Surprise.
Judge Mcvey Was About Only
Lawyer In Des Moines Not
For Cummins.
Great Interest in Possibility OF
More Vacancies on the
Supreme Bench.

Special to Times Republican,
Des Moines, Dec. 24-It has been a
long time since Gov. Shaw or anybody
else SO we'll succeeded in stirring up the
animals here In Des Moines as he did
last evening. Gov. Shaw started out
early to do his days work. He was alb
sent from his Office in the forenoon and
engaged i'm consultation with his friends
in the city. In the afternoon he called
on Mr. Cummins and had consultation
with him. He called to talk over the
matter of the vacancy on the bench in
Mr.. Cumrins' home county, made va
cant by the death of Judge Conrad. The
courts adjourned until time in Janu-
so there was no occasions for haste in
the matter. The newspapers had printed
on what they had regarded as reliable
authority, that Gov. Shaw had said he
Noud not make an appointment. but
would leave 1t to Cummins after the
latter is inaugurated. They had also
said that an appointment by Shaw just
at the close of his term in Cummins
town might be regarded by the latter as
an affront or at least discourteous. It
had also been said that if Shaw left the
matter until after the expiration of his
term 1t might be regarded as shifting a
disagreeable responsibility to his sue
cessor. Gov. Shaw's bold and startling
proposition yesterday afternoon was to
the effect that Cumnins Join with him
in considerations of the claims Of the
candidates and that they try to reach
an agreement as to suitable person.
Mr.. Cunmins refused to do so but said
that he would consider the matter when
1t comes to him If 1t ever does. He did
say. however, that he would not regard
an appointment by Governor Shaw at
this time as discourteous to Cummins
nor would he feel that leaving the place
vacant was at all improper In shcrt, he
gave Governor Shaw assurance that he
had no feelings In the matter and did
not want to consider matter of that
kind yrless the appointing power lay
WITH him. Mr. Crinnlins did not care to.
be drawn into a matter OF that kind
with another having the fun power to
act. He foresaw the danger of sucn an
attempt at division of responsibility.
The fact of the interview quickly spread
about town and there was great inter-
est among the lawyers for it wac ,rnme-
dfately reported that Shaw was going to
makestte appointment. Before night he
had appointed A. H. McVey to be judge,
the appointment being made very soon
after Cummins has refused to take any
responsibility for an appointment. AS
soon as the news of the appoint ntment
got about last evening there was much
surprise expressed. James A. Howe. one
of the most prominent candidates for
the place, had understood the governor
to say that he would not make an ap-
pointment but would leave it to Cum
minis. Upon this assurance large
number of candidates had been an
nounced and others We're preparing to
come out. The funeral'of the late Judge
Conrad had occurred SUNDAY afternoon
and most of the candidates felt that was
but right they should not be in too
great haste in asking Endorsements.
They were preparing to secure sigma
lures to petitions the next two weeks.
Now Governor Shaw says he never told
anybody he woud not make an appoint
ment. But whether he did or not the
got out and as result On
the appointments made last night there
will be great disappointment and not a
few bitter words.
In,