Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-08-08
WITHDRAWAL OF JUDGE SMITH.

The news contained in last nights
Optic OF the decision OF Judge Glenn
ent Smith Of Michigan not to accept
the presidents appointment TO the
judgship OF the fifth district was re-
ceived In this city as doubtless else
where throughout the territory with
the uyeliest interest.
II Is a great pity that as soon as
Judge Smith came 10 The territory
and it seemed more than likely he
would accept the high position, that
newspapers began TO fawn upon him.
II is 10 be feared that Judge Smith Is
not fully convinced that New Mexi-
can as a whole, are sincere In their
expression Of desire for home rule.
II such be the case, his message %
the influential friends who supported
him may not aid New Mexico, at this
juncture In her fight for a Judge cho-
sen from among her own people.
However a good part of the New
Mexico press and many influential cit
liens made 1t clear TO the able jurist
from Michigan that while they had
nothing against him. they would not
receive willingly any more officials
from outside the territory. Doubtless.
a realization of this feeling operated
to some extent at least In the determi-
nation OF the Judge TO remain In
Michigan.
Judge Smith Ii. beyond question,
Iandably ambitious. He was q proml-
nent though unsuccessful candidate
for the position OF district Judge IN
Michigan. He Is at p~resent circuit
Judge in his home state. Probably,
a New Mexico judgship has little Of
additional advantage to offer. But
the main fact Is, the Judge has declin-
ed and the position Is once more open,
The Optic does not believe that
over the protest Of the people OF New
Mexico. another outsider will be ap-
, pointed.
+, President Roosevelt expressed re-
greet that he had promised the first va
cancy to Judge Smith and therefore
was not free to carry out the declared
policy OF the republican platform. The
Encouragement declared himself In
favor Of home rule. but said he was
helpless. Delegate Rodey made such
I timely and indignant reconnaissance
because OF the reputation Of a plank
In the republican platform that the
whole nation took up the matter. The
readiness with which Judge Smith re
ccived assurance that he was exact
" the man we wanted. isn't known
10 the nation at large. The story that
/ went abroad WAS Of hitter resent
ment at another betrayal.
Now Is the time for the people o.
New Mexico to make their position
on the matter clear TO those in M
thority. Let the sycophants and the
once seekers have the decency a
least TO keep quiet while the great
body OF voters arc making a united
dignihed and forceful request FOL
simple justice, for the carrying out Of
pledges az sacred as were ever made
10 4 people In bondage.
II In not 4 matter for the Fifth lis
trict alone, Unfortunately. the Fifth
district. the most directly interested
cannot be depended upon to do heI
whole duty. Witness the recent full
! some assurances made to Judge
Smith. A principle that Is vital Is In
yolved. New Mexico has long as
serted her right to be al free and In
dependent as any commonwealth ir
the union. She cannot afford to make
: the least concession To the tendenc,
OF eastern politicians to pay political
debts by sending carpet bag officials
to New Mexico. The whole nation
will support her In her demand fol
decency and fair play. Now is the