The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1903-10-29

A report is in circulation that
movement is on foot in GER
tain parts of the Seventh judi
cial district to secure the retire
ment, at the end of his present
term, of Judge L. L. Baxter of
Fergus Falls; the senior judge
of the district. 1t is said that
the movement was started in the
interest of a prominent Republi-
can lawyer of Fergus Falls, and
that a number of Democratic
lawyers of the lower end of the
district are not averse to seeing
the judicial ermine decorating
Republican jurist at the north
ern end of the district in the
hope that at some future date
there might be vacancy at this
end of the line when the non
partisan cry would again be in
voked. 1t is stated that a round
robin is being circulated among
the attorneys of the district
favorable to the movement.
Judge Baxter recently declared
himself candidate for re-elec-
ton next year-and the veneer
able Judge is pretty strong at
the polls. -Journal-Press.
The HERALD cares little for the
persons who are behind this conspir-
acy-for 1t is nothing more-to
deprive this district of the services
of a Judge in whom the people not
only have the most implicit conf
dence so far as his integrity and
ability is concerned, but who is
firmly intrenched in their affection,
ate regard. The Seventh district
has bench without it's superior in
the state, due to the fact that parti-
zanship has never been considered
in the selection of it's judges. Judg-
es Searle and Baxter were selected
originally for their recogized fitness,
and certainly their years of honor
dUIC sci tlCC hdfC hOU 1h6uO IACLh
less competent. Both are in the full
vigor of splendid mental and physi-
cal manhood. They are exception
ally we'll equipped by legal learning,
ripe experience and public conf
dence to fulfil the duties which so
nearly and vitality touch the very
foundations of society. Judge Bax-
ter's term will expire with the next
calendar year, and the HERALD does
not hesitate to say that it would be
more than criminal, it would be in
excusably stupid, to name any other
than himself as his successor. The
judiciary is above and beyond parti-
Fan conslderation-and to drag the
ermine through the filth of practical
politics is to engender disrespect for
law which too often finds expression
in red handed anarchy. This may
be strong language, but none too
vigorous for the occasion which
prompts it.
1t is not to be wondered at that
the cowardly resort of the Ground
robin be employed-if such an eff
fort be made. 1t is a clear indica-
ton that no man in the district has
the temerity to head the list. One
thing, however. must be borne in
mind-every signatory attorney
will be marked by the people of the
district who will with one consent
declare that the ermine is not for
him.
The courts whose judgments are
and quoted-who make
law-are those which have long and
continuing terms of Office. FEEDER
al judges are appointed for life, and
no bench On the face of the earth
receives greater consideration at
home and abroad. A bad Judge can
have none too short term-a good
one none too long. Does any attor-
ney of the Seventh District declare
that Judge Baxter is not a good
Judge?
If there be any state in the union
where partizanahip is ever at white
heat, that state is New York; and
vet, when the democrats renominat-
ed Justice O'Brien of the court of
Appeals, the highest tribunal in
hat commonwealth, the republican
convention, recognizing his ability,
md adbering to the principles of a
bench, unanimously en-
lorsed his candidacy. Are the re-
publicans of this judicial district
wiser or more loyal than their fell
lows of the Empire state?
Tn an address recent1y delivered at