The Corvallis times. (Corvallis, Or.) 1888-1909, 1905-02-25
NAMED A REPUBLICAN.
Democratic Governor Did New Judge
IN Second District.

IN Second District.
By appointment of Governor
Chamberlain, Hon. Lawrence T.
Harris of Eugene has become a |
circuit Judge in the 2nd judicial
district. He serves the district as
a colleague of Judge James Hami1-
ton, holding court in Lane, Benton
and Lincoln, while Hamilton will
preside over the courts of Douglas,
Coos and Curry. 1t is supposed that
Judge Harris will preside at the
coming term of court to be held in
Benton beginning the 4th Monday
in March, which incidentally, will
be his first appearance on the
bench. He has ten days from the
date of his appointment, in which
to qualify.
The new position was created by
the late legislature. The bill ap-
peared in the House early in the
session, and was introduced by
Bingham of Lane. It promptly,
passed that body, but in a form
differing somewhat from that IN
which it passed the Senate. Orig
inally it provided that the new
judge should hold court, in all
parts of the district, sitting either
for the law or equity bracnh as
should be determined by the two
judges, - all after the fashion in
vogue in the 3rd district. In the
Senate, however, an amendment so
changed the plan that the new
judge must reside either in Lane,
Benton or Lincoln, and can only
hold court In these counties.
The real effect of the new ar
rangement, so far as the judgeships
, are concerned, is to divide the
district and create new one out of
the three northern counties. In
the case of the district attorney, no
change appears however, and Geo.
M. Brown will continne to serve
the six original counties in
: the district as public prosecutor.
Ultimately a complete dis1ntegra-
ton of the district and the election
, of a prosecuting attorney for the
three northern counties is likely to
be provided for. It will not be
!, necessary, perhaps, but, that will
not stand for much if future leg
islature determines upon a change.
{ As it stands, the new judge will
serve by apt o:ntmelt t until June 20
when there will be an election, and
; in the election all the six counties
, OF the dis wSl participate.
! copsid interest attasffs 10
: the appointment of Judge Harris,
: for the reason that he is republi-
can, and the honor is bestowed by
a democratic governor. The con-
: dition is so unusual that it makes
= the case of more than passing in
terest. This is especially true In
. view Of the fact that Hon. w. S.
= Nc Fadden of Corvallis and Hon.
: L. Bilyeu of Eugene, both life long
: democrats, were strongly urged by
their friends for the place. Judge
;, McFadden, in particular had an
= unusual following for the position.
a He had the united support of the
Corvallis bar, regardless of party,
!, as well as the bar of Lincoln coun-
ty. In both counties also, promi-
nent republicans and leading demo.
! Gratis strongly urged his candidacy
: upon Governor Chamberlain
, There was also very strong support
in the same interest from Douglas
!, county, and for some time there
! was much confidence AMONG his
= friends that Judge Nc Fadden
. would be named.
;. It was decreed otherwise, how
!, ever, and Tuesday the mantle O.
= er1nine fell on Judge Harris. By
the act the governor rose above
party lines, and put into practice
! his well known theory of non.
:, partisan Judiciary. In his own
election as governor, to the execu-
= tive chair, Governor Chamberlain
: received more than 1000 republi.
can votes. It is very likely that
this fact and desire to show his
q appreciation Of the republican sup
port he then received, may also
have exercised an influence in
causing him to name republican
over a well known democrat for
: the new judgeship. In any event
!. the important position with it:
{ salary of $1,000 year, goes to &
republican, and by the act, the gov
= ernor establishes good preceden
for non-partisan judiciary, fol
e lowing at the same time the exam
v pie of the republican electors of tht
S end district, who have repeatedly