Los Angeles herald., 1905-04-03

n
Z one day."-Statemen of Governor +
I Pardee yesterday to The Herald's ]
Z representative at Sacramento. I
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widespread indignation prevails
among local judges and attorneys over
Governor Pardee's apparent delin-
quency in making the much-anticipated
appointments to the superior bench OF
Los Angeles county. Members of the
legal profession, in their wrathful mo-
ments, declare that the governor is
sowing the wind of political blunder,
the whirlwind whereof will be reaped
in the possible election of a Democratic
governor.
1t is asserted by the attorneys that
as the governor has signed most of
the bills passed by the recent legisla-
ture there remains little il any excuse
for his delay in appointing the new
judges, in view of the pressing char
acter of the judicial situation in this
county.
1t is argued that the progress of both
criminal and civil cases is being him
dered, and the trial calendars of the
superior courts have become greatly
congested to such an extent in fact
that the situation is now question of
grave import.
Delay Up to Governor
It is further argued that the governor
was in a position to claim he was wait
ing until the legislature had made the
appropriations necessary for maintain
ing the new appellate courts, but these
bills have long since gone into legisla-
tive history and it is now up to him to
protect the interests of the people who
elected him.
For three months the supreme court
has been acting on the theory that the
new appellate court is in existence, and
consequently the supreme court is not
considering appeals in felony cases.
They have been passed up to the newly
created court of appeals, which will
hereafter dispose of them.
This unfortunate condition of affairs
means that there are now persons Ian
gushing in prison, having been con-
victed in the lower court, who ace
awaiting the organization of the ap-
pellate court.
Many of the attorneys say that the
chief executive of the state is inclined
to poison and contaminate the judicial
department of the commonwealth with
an Objectionable brand of bad" poll
tics. They are also beginning to say
harsh things about the governor. The
feeling of rebellion which is abroad
may become a far-reaching one, unless
the list of judicial appointments is an
nounced forthwith.
Judge Chapmsn's Views
Judge John S. Chapman, one of the
foremost men at the local bar said re-
garding the question:
Il don't think that the governors
reason for not appointing the judges
is very good one. 1 don't know of any
public business which is more impor-
tant than the appointment of the
judges"
When seen at his home in Pasadena
Judge Waldo M. York of the superior
bench said:
ut seems to me that it ought not to
take but very few moments to make
those appointments. The delay is ex-
ceedingly embarrassing"
Judge NJ. T. Allen Of the superior
bench, who is said to be slated for one
of the new appellate judgeships, said:
"It is a matter of regret that the gov
ernor is unable to give his attention to
this question. Weere decidedly in need
of his help"
Il do not care to say anything about
it," said Judge Trask, who is busily en-
gagged in the adjudication of cases. He
declines to mingle in politics.
Judge Curtis d. Wilbur works over
twelve hours a day, but he told a
Herald representative he doesn't care
to criticise the governor
Mr.. Willis Strong Words
Ex-District Attorney Frank r. Willis
asked to be quoted as follows:
reference to the trial calendar of
last Friday in department shows that
in that department alone over 200 cases
are at issue The trial of that number
of cases will consume at least six
months, without reference to new BUSH
ness. Similar conditions exist in the
other four departments. If this eondi-
ton of our courts and the interests of
so many litigants are not sufficient to
warrant us in having a few hours
preference over other state business
then Los Angeles county has ceased To
be an important factor in the public
affairs of this state"
Il see no reason why the appoint
ments should not be made at once" de.
clared Deputy District Attorney DON
nell yesterday when approached on the
subject by Herald man. 1--WE need
the courts and think the people of Los
Angeles county deserve some consider
alton"
Mr. Einlavson Take