The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1901-02-28
"vOter' Speaks of the Splendid Quail
ficatons OF the Racine Man for
the Position He is Seeking.
NECESSITY OF AN HONEST MAN
A Voter From This City Gives Some Facts
Worth Considering in the choice of
Man TO Fill the Circuit Bench.

st JuUlCIdI A1ICu1l Will SOON DS
called upon to elect a new Circuit
Judge. In this selection party politics
will not enter, and the only question
to be decided between the candidates
is one of fitness for the position.
No court in this or any other coun-
try has broader jurisdiction than our
circuit courts, aud none in which
vaster interests may be involved. The
dignity and responsibility devolving
upon Circuit Judge are as extensive
as the jurisdiction, and it seems to me
it is of the most vital interest to all
classes in the community to see to it
that the best possible choice be made
in selecting a man to preside over this
court.
Unlike some other tribunals, the Cir
cult court is one in which each party to
an action is expected to fight for the
victory. The judge is the arbiter be-
tween the parties, and in most in
stances his decision becomes final.
For this reason it appears to me that
years and experience III the study and
active practice OF law is the most es-
sential requirement in judge. Fan1il-
iarity and distinction can be acquired,
not by the study of law books alone,
but by the active and varied participa-
ton in the preparation and trial of
cases.
When one needs lawyer he tries to
engage the best one to be found. The
interests submitted to his charge are
vast and sacred. So in the selection
of judge, the best obtainab1e should
be selected. He has in his charge and
submitted to his judgment, not only
the most valuable of property rights,
but also the question of personal and
| individual liberty aud of character and
reputation.
The ideal judge should be of unques-
toned honesty, lofty in his conduct,
life and aspirations, we'll and deeply
read, not in one branch Of the law, but
| in all of them, furnished with the
light of experience gained from active
practice of his profession, and endowed
with what is commonly called a judiC-
ial temperament.
Such man is presented in John B.
Simmons, who has assented to the de-
sire of his many friends and admirers
that he become a candidate. He is a
man who would not allow his name to
be used except at the earnest request
of those who recognize his worth, fit
ness and pre-eminent ability and quail
ifcation. His personal honor is I'M
assai1ab1e. His habits, both of living
and working, are honorable. He is a
student, an able and successful lawyer
whose many years of varied experience
fit him adnira bly, to fill judicial posi-
ton; and he is gifted by nature as we'll
as training with those qualities ard
attributes which are the adornments
of our most eminent jurists. He is in
no sense of the word politician nor
party man.
The First Judicial Circuit has hereto
fore had upon it's bench men in whom
the people of the state rightfu11y took
great pride. When we recall the names
of Senator Doolitt1e, Chief Justice
Lyon and Associate Justice Winslow,
we involuntari1y recognize the high
character and eminent position at
tanned by the judges of the First Cir
cult.
From my personal acquaintance with
Mr. Simmons, extending over period
of twenty years, and from an intimate
acquaintance with his life and prac-
tice, am convinced that he will prove
worthy successor to those who have
preceded him upon the bench
The people have the greatest interest
at stake in the selection of Judge. No
one can tell how soon his property or
liberty may be brought before the
Judgment of the circuit court. From
this it will appear how great is the
necessity or each and every one to
carefully weigh the question presented
by the qualifications of the candidates.
A judge should be the equal or superb
or in mental and legal training, in ex-
perience, in the conduct of cases, and
in the power to come to a conviction,
Of any man who practices before him.
The difference between a good judge
and an Indifferent one has meant ruin
to many good man.
Realizing as I do all that fits Mr..
Simmons for the position of Circuit
Judge, and recog nizing his wonderful
ability to prove an honor to the posi-
ton, cannot refrain from impressing
upon the voters the necessity of care
fully weighing'the question presented
to them in this canvass, and the over
whelming arguments in favor of the
selection of Mr.. Simmons. VOTER.
PLEASANT BIRTHDAY PARTY.
Mrs. ]. K. Balloon entertained a
number of friends at an afternoon