The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1903-05-02
JUDGES IN POLITICS.

1t is to be regretted that members
of our state legislature were so far
controlled by partisan greed for Office
that they could not support measure
to allow candidates for judicial posi-
lions to appear upon the primary ba-
lots Of both parties. Among the vigor-
GUS opponents of this measure, were
some young attorneys in the Henne-
pin delegation; one especially was
much worried over the prospect of this
measure becoming law. Can it be
possible he wants to be Judge and
knows that the only way by which he
can hope to reach the position is on
the strength Of his party? We are not
opposed to the dominant party having
control of all the patronage, all the
emoluments and all the favors which
60 with political Office, but it is much
to be regretted that. judicial officers
who are called upon to decide the most
sacred questions of personal and prop
erty rights should be made the tools
Of scheming politicians. We have had
politics enough in our judiciary in
this state and county in the last few
years. Recdverships have been used
by the Judges for political trading
stock and ugly rumors and recrimlna-
tons are all too frequent.
Judges are chosen because Of their
political standing and ability instead
of their training and experience, as
lawyers. In no position is greater
training and learning necessary than
in a judgship, and yet it has become
quite the proper thing in this county
for young lawyers just out Of school,
averaging in ability and experience
from very poor lawyers to Indifferent
or mediocre ones, to aspire to the
judiciary, and not without hope of
success. If elected to the bench they
are very poor material to start with,
and some Of them do not possess the
training and ability which are neces-
sary to Improvement. Their chief
function after being elected is to fur
nish work for the appellate court.
The politicians ought to keep hands
off the judiciary. A mans political
belief has absolutely nothing to do
with his qualifications for the judi
ciary. Neither is there any patronage
connected with the positions and the
occupant can be of no aid to polit-
ical party unless he is dishonest and
as we'll choose our ministers Of the
gospel on political lines, as to elect
judges in that way. 1t is to be hoped
that the people Of this state will rebel
against the methods which the poll
ticians are seeking to apply to the
judiciary. In most instances our judi
cial officers all over the country are
men Of ability, long training as law
yers and high character. But wher-
ever the political bosses have secured
control of the judiciary, the opposite is
the rule.
The great city of Chicago is troubled
with political judges. The Republican
judges of that city are absolutely un-
der the control Of the well-known poll
teal boss, William Lorimer. Lorimer
was candidate last November on the
Republican ticket for congress, from
the sixth district of Illinois. The con-
test was close, but Lorimer was de-
clared elected. His opponent filed
notice Of contest and proceeded under
the laws of Illinois to secure a re-
count Of the ballots. Mr.. Lorimer did
not want to have the ballots recounted,
so he applied to Judge Hanecy, the
Republican candidate for mayor Of
Chicago two years ago, for a writ en-
joining the election commissioners
from recounting the ballots. The writ
was promptly issued, although it
seems Judge Hanecy had no jurisdic-
ton whatever in the matter, and plac-
ed in the hands of the sheriff of the
county for service. The election com.
missioners called upon the mayor of