Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-08-11
SMITHS REASONS.
THE MICHIGAN JUSTICE Ex
PLAINS WHY HE DECLINES
TO COME TO NEW MEXICO.
Statehood would Leave Him Portion.
less.-Gives Excellent Reasons Why
New Mexico juases SHOULD be chos.
EN-.

lcSS.-SlVeS ESGtiEent Reasons Why
New Mexico Judges SHOULD be chos.
en-.
Judge Clement Smith has sent the
following letter to the New Mexican
in explanation of the reasons why he
declined to accept a position on the
bench u Nes Mexico:
HASTINGS. Mich. Aug. 6. 1909,
Editor New Mexican.
1T is with much reluctance that !
have decided to decline the appoint.
ment Of associate justice of the SUI
preme court Of New Mexico rendered
me By President Roosevelt.
THE cordial reception given my
wife and myself by the citizens Of
New Mexico makes my decision much
harder than otherwise. Everywhere
wi went we were accorded the most
courteous treatment and given mmis
taxable evidences of a heartfelt well
come, We were greatly impressed
with the sterling qualities Of the PEG,
pie of New Mexico. Again, while the
season Of the year in which we made
u journey was not the most favora
Bile, vet we could not but be con
WINGED that what has been said con
corning the wonderful climate of New
Mexico is the very truth.
81 would not have you understand
that we are not loyal to Michigan. We
love our own state and its people,
and especially the town and people Of
Hastings. We could not think of leav-
ing here without many regrets. Not.
withstanding all this, il for no other
reason than to enjoy the peerless eli
mate of New Mexico and to secure
the better health that | feel 1t would
surely bring. Mrs. Smith joins me
in this feeling although she would nat.
urally leave her home here with even
greater reluctance than l. | should
at once be brought in touch with your
people through my duties Is a Judge,
while it would naturally be more diff
cult for her to become adjusted to
new surroundings.
The deciding consideration in
bringing me to my determination Is
the prospect of statehood. Statehood
for New Mexico is in my judgment
not far off, and | do not believe 1t will
be withheld much longer. When state
hood comes the Office to which | have
been appointed will lapse. In the
place Of the present Judiciary of five
members, there will probably be one
federal Judge for New Mexico and a
supreme court consisting Of not more
than five and possibly not than
three judges.
Il have never been a politician OF a
seeker Of political preferment. 1t is
my desire to remain on the bench, but
| have no aspirations for senatorial,
congressional, gubernatorial or like
honors, and If | had ! should be sadly
handicapped when the territory be.
comes a state, among the bright, en-
ergetic men Of New Mexico. ! have
met some of the associate justices of
the supreme court Of New Mexico,
and | have heard from trustworthy
sources Of the others; and ! am great
" impressed with their judge.like
qualities. I know that the bar and the
people generally respect them and be-
lieve In them. have also met q num-
Der Of the members Of the bar Of the
territory, and | have been most favor.
ably impressed with their ability,
learning and high character. With
the coming Of statehood the POSSIBLE.
titles Of my being selected for either
the federal position or for the state
supreme bench would be greatly les.
sened by the long service and high
character OF the present bench and by
the greater acquaintance, excellent
reputation. and fine legal abilities Of
the New Mexican bar.
"For these reasons I do not feel
that I should be justified In resigning
present position in Michigan and
accepting the appointment rendered.
Il wish to assure you, and through
the columns OF your paper, the PEG
pie 81 New Mexico, that to turn from
this appointment is not an easy thing
TO 40. | wish also 10 assure you and
the residents Of the territory that
both Mrs. smith and | are deeply ap-
preciatlye Of the more than kind trea.
ment we received while in New Mex.
ico ana will ever have pleasant mem.
cries OF our visit there.
Very sincerely, your friend,
CLEMENT SMITH