The Washington times., 1904-04-30
BAR DISAGREES
AS TO CRITICISM
Divided Over Censuring
Stafford Appointment,
MAY ADVISE LEGISLATION
New Course Proposed to Restrict Dis
trict Bench to Residents of
City and County.
MAY ADVISE LEGISLATION


ford, Of Vermont, as successor to Justice
Pritchard, on the District bench, without
consulting the wishes of the people of
Washington.
Some think criticism would be unwise
under any and all circumstances. Others
say 1t is well to let the Presidenl know
the sentiment of the lawyers Of Wash
ington in respect to his action in order
that IT may have a salutary effect on
his actions in the future. Many hold
that he should not be criticised because
he has only done what his predecessors
have done under similar circumstances,
while a majority think that cny action
in the matter should be agreed upon only
after due consideration and by the voice
or the whole membership of the bar,
young and old.
This last sentiment dominated the ac-
ton of the meeting yesterday afternoon.
and resulted in a postpOnement of ac-
ton until full meeting of the bar can
be had Saturday next.
A large portion of the bar, however,
believes that the matter will be dropped
so Tar as an effort at criticising the
President is concerned, and that the in
fuence of the Washington bar will be
turned TO procure legislation by Con-
gress, which Will relieve the situation.
Criticism of the President.
ing yesterday afternoon, at the City
Hall. IN no half terms. expressed dis
approval of the action of the President
in appointing a successor TO Justice
Pritchard. as associate justice of the
District Supreme Court, without afford
ing the local bar an opportunity 10
state their wishes in the matter.
Acquiesence in the mature judgment
Of older members of the bar alone pre-
vented the adoption OF resolutions ar
lasgning the President, for ignoring the
purpose of the members of the Wash
ington bar, TO meet for the purpose Of
naming a candidate as successor 10
Judge Pritchard.
Expression to the Indignation felt
by a large number of local lawyers
because Of the ACT Of the President,
has been postponed, however. until next
Saturday, at II a. m. Then another
meeting Of the members OF the WASH
ington bar will be held 10 consider the
subject.
Purposes of the Meeting.
Yesterdays meeting was called for
the express purpose of obtaining the
sentiment of the bar on the choice OF a
successor TO Justice Pritchard, and to
make a unanimous recommendation 10
the President in reference to the mat
ter About an hour before the time
set for the melting, however, news was
rec eived at the City Hall of the ap-
continent to the post of Judge Wendell
Phillips Stafford. of Vermont 1t was
also intended that resolutions express
ing the regret Of the members of the
bar for the loss il sustains In the re-
sIgnation of Justice Pritchard also be
offered at the meeting.
When the assemblage was called 10
order. I'm Criminal Court No. 2, by }
HoiswOrth Gordon, president OF the
Washington Bar Association, he ex
blamed the object for which the cali
was madeA Some one suggested that
the appointment of Justice Pritchard
successor made the meeting unneces-
Sary.
Pritchard Resolutions.
D. w. Baker secured recognition from
the presiding officer and offered resolu-
lions expressing the regret Of the mem
bers OF the bar for the loss sustained
IN the resignation Of Justice Pritchard
as an associate member Of the Supreme
Court Of the District. The resolutions
We're unanimously adopted.
II was then that the feeling OF the
members Of the bar began TO crop out
They were given expression by Andre"
y Bradley, who moved that a commit
tee Of five be appointed 10 draft reso'
buttons expressing the indignation Eel
by the members Of the bar because OF
the action 0L the GEtS4uElll III lAAo 4Ae1' -
10 I'll the vacancy caused by the reslg'
nation Of Justice Pritchard. without per
hitting the local lawyers 10 express any
preference in the matter Mr. Bradley
said he thought il was time for the bal
10 protest against the action or the
President in so completely ignoring tht
wishes Of the people OF the District
The motion was seconded by large
body Of lawyers.
Moderation Obtains.
Then objection was raised to the
method Of procedure. Many expressed
sympathy with the view held by Mr.
Bradley. but deemed It unadvisable tc
draft and adopt resolutions condemn
atory Of the action Of the President. or
the ground that he has only followed
the course in this particular matter
which has been pursued by his pre-
decessOFs in Office.
Al this stage OF the proceedings at
tention was called 10 the fact that tn
meeting was under the auspices Of tn
Washington Bar Association. and Their,
were many persons present who hat
been invited for a special purpose. tn
necessity for which had disappeared.
1t was then decided that the meeting
be adjourned and q mass meeting or
gained. This was done and Mr.. Cor
don was chosen chairman. and John E
Laskey secretary.
The Bradley resolution was made IN
special order and q lively discussion
took place. Henry r. Davis took par
ia the debate and said while he fel
pretty much as Mr.. Bradley did n
thought IL inadvisable TO adopt the resO
buttons suggested, as they might b
construed as an objection 10 the per
sonality OF the appointee OF the Presi
dent
No Quarrel With Appointee
Mr. Bradley explained that the ban
SO far as he knew. had no quarrel wit
Judge Stafford, and that there is no in
dignation IN so far as he is concerned
The indignation. he said. is felt for tn
man who appointed him. Plenty Of goo
and qualified men are in the District
Mr.. Bradley said. 10 ill the offices O
the District, and there IS no need tina
the President should go outside 20 I'm
men 10 fiji Offices here. These remark
were received with tumultuous applause
Lorenzo A. Bailey. who took part d
the discussion. advised that action o
the Bradley resolution be postponed. RI
urged the adoption Of resolutions NJ
pointing a committee 20 express the sen
riment OF the bar, stating their obJec
ton and sense Of injury Al being ignore