The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-09-10
SOUTH DAKOTA TOPICS

ColllluSHl VI eieCtlIlS MIN. FOuT years
ago the circuit, composed of the counties
of Codington, Brookings, Clark, Hamlin
and Deuel., gave Mckinley 1900 majority.
The next year-judges were then elected
in the off yearS-Bennett, a democrat,
carrid the same territory by about 700. 1t
is understood that Cheever of Brookings
and Cove Of Codington were candidates
for the appointment. but the governor has
done the graceful and appropriate thing
by naming the regularly nominated repub-
lican candidate. Sos
y Next to Judge Bennett the most pop-
ular and influential democrat in the cir
cult seems to be John Hanten Of Water
town and it is predicted his party will
nominate him against Marquis. All of the
counties in the circuit are strongly re-
publican and Marquis will likely be
elected, tho probably by a reduced major
ity. Hanten has been a state senator and
is man Of convictions and character.
Had he the personal popularity of the late
judge the result would be in doubt.
Physically Judge Bennett was the
largest man on the bench in the United
States and mentally he had a frst-class
equipment for his office. He weighed 440
pounds at the time Of his death and had
frequently weighed ten and twenty
pounds more. By systematic treatment at
sanatoriums in the east, and walking long
distances each day, he reduced his weight
to $50 pounds at one time. While it was
thought the end would come suddenly, no
one was prepared for the lightning-liks
transition from life to death.
Mr.. Bennett had the judicial tempera-
ment and liked the bench. In court he
was all business and was perhaps more
popular with the people than with the
bar. He had a wide reputation for
rugged honesty and incorruptibility. Out
of court he was jovial and attracted and
held the friendship of the common peo-
pie. He was not widely known over the
state, except by reputation being content
to serve his circuit For years he was
the only democratic judge east of the
Missouri and had but one democratic con-
temporary in the entire state, Judge Levi
MCGEE Of the Rapid City circuit in the
Hills. His salary was but $4,000 year,
yet he never accepted a railroad pass. His
estate consists of a section of South Da-
kOta land and limited amount of per-
sonal property.
A notable incident in his career was a
personal encounter with George Case, an
attorney of Watertown, who was a candi-
date for the republican nomination before
quis. The latter took offense at the at
titude Of the judge regarding certain
court order, and remarked with much
neat that If the court was not in session
he would then and there chastise the
judge. Mr.. Bennett was perfectly cool in
the early stages of the controversy, but
turned to a blaze as the threat was ut
tered, and with the remark, This court
is now adjourned" landed heavily upon
the face of Mr.. Case. The latter, az
soon as he could recover from the blow,
started for the judge with an uplifted
chair, but was restrained by other attor-
neys, and the clash closed with no fur
Their casualties.
No executive Of the state has had SO
many and important appointments to
make as Governor Herreid. The death Of
James H. Kyle left a vacancy in tia
United States senate which the governor
filled by the selection of A b. Kittredge-
a selection since ratified by the voters by
an overwhelming majority. When the HUI
ron circuit was created, the ninth in GiHs
state, Governor Herreid appointed Whit
ing Of DeSnaet to preside over it and the
latter has since been nominated for full
term. An attorney general had to be ap-
pointed to succeed John L. Pyle of HUI
ron, who died in office. and this week an
other appointment to the bench was made
necessary by the death of Judge Ben
nett. In all his appointments Governor
Herreid has shown superior judgment and
foresight and has strengthened himself
with the people.
One Of the hottest and most significant
political fights ever known In HUGHES
county ended the other day in another
overwhelming victory for the Sutherland
faction, which held a mass convention and
elected delegates to the legislative dis
tr1ct convention for Hughes Sully and
Hyde counties The faction led by Con-
gresham Burke and State Senator Stew
art elected it's delegates by the primary
system, in vogue in Hughes county for
several years, and thus two delegations
went to the legislative convention.
The followers Of former Insurance Com
missioner Shober from Hyde. whose slo-
gan is primary election law found it
to their interests to join with the dele
gates elected at the county mass meeting
in Hughes and thus controlled the situa-
ton and nominated both Shober and
Sutherland for the legislature. The
Sioux Falls Press spoke Of it as demo-
cratic legislative convention" which is
not SO strange in view of the fact that
five or six years ago Mr.. Sutherland ran
for the legislature on the demo-pop ticket
and that Shober is distinctly out Of stand
ing with the party organization in the
state.
The state campaign is running itself
No work is being done and very little is
planned. When Frank Crane, chairman
of the republican state central commit
tee, was asked by Mr.. Cortelyou what he
needed, he replied. Send me a half dozen
campaign buttons" The republicans
have an overwhelming m ajority Further,
their opponents are divided and the mid
road populist element is planning to hold
another state convention this month. Tho
mfdroaders, who will not go to Parker,
and the populists who surrendered to him
and joined with the democrats, are fur
nishing about all the spice the campaign
has known. Republicans look for plr-
rality Of about $4,000 for Roosevelt and in
confidential moments democrats concede
them about as much.
The vote will be heavy. in view Of thu
interest taken in capital removal. Tho
Milwaukee road is backing Mitchell and
the North Western is behind Pierre Both
cities are well organized and bith expect
to win. Former Governor Lee is out in 4
strong statement for Mitchell and will I'M
doubleday influence many votes. Pierre
and the NORTHWESTERN road are running
Sunday excursions to the Missouri river
country and entertaining on an expensive
scale. John Lockhart, former state Of
fetal, is master of ceremonies and shows
the eXcursionists about and delivers
speeches in behalf of his home town.
Mitchell has entertained an unusually.
large number of conventions, which goes
to demonstrate it's centrality and accessi-
bility, and will aim to make its annual
fall festival season a winning card It has