The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-11-18
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Ihere is ample reason for the peo-
pie of Astoria to desire the service
of competent attorney, for mar
well fitted for the post Of legal guar
dian Of her interests, of one who will
lend conscientious and efficacious aid
at all junetures. where the law must
intervene to protect her against in
vasion, loss, or mistake. This is es-
sential and self-evident and is ad-
mitted On all sides: but there is far
too much stress laid upon the fiction
that the Office demands the attain
ments Of years and the fruition Of long
training, for the prosecution of it's
duties; that no one except he be a
profound and expert lawyer, can
handle successfully and happily the
issues that reach the Office and the
courts.
Municipal law is like any other of
the elements of jurisprudence, it is
one long, expansive lesson, of which
''time is of the essence, "in the ac-
F.. quirement of its last and best fea-
lures; and any bright, capable man,
with the instinct of legal student
and the pride of a man who wants to
succeed, can safely and easily master
it, to the advantage of the city and
his own personal credit 1t is part
and parcel of the curriculum Of the
modern student Of law and its prac
tice does but amplify the lessons he
has learned in his chosen school.
The question of competency does
not figure in the public considera-
tion evoked by the nomination of
Charles H. Abercrombie, however
much a certain few in this city would
like to inject it in the pending elec-
tion. He is in possession of every
attribute and qualification necessary
to make serviceable, successful and
dignified municipal attorney, and hon
est enough to thoroughly eqip him
self for the administration Of the Of
flee, wherever he may find such equip |
ment needed. He does not pose as a
man to whom all law is as an open
book. Heis simply a straight forward, |
earnest, honest lawyer, with an ambi-
tion to serve in position Of trust
incidental to his profession, and if |
elected, he will do all that is required |
of the incumbent of such an office in
behalf of the people.
No man who knows him will deny
his fitness for the place, nor in de-
fault Of any known impediment, be-
Crude him the honor he is seeking.
That he has not the weight Of years
and practice behind him In this quest
is no fault of his, and is likely to
cure itself in time; that he has the
weight of honest courage and high
purpose and the measure of merit that
goes with a balanced, legal mind,
well-stocked with such fundaments
as faculty for adaptation, close ana
lysis, professional judgment and de-
termined purpose, would seem to put
him in the foremost ranks of accept
able material for this, or any other
office.
In view Of the compIacency with
which the Republicans Of Astoria have
and aided in, the re-nom-
ination of Mayor Herman Wise, and
the fact that the field has been left
entirely clear of, practically all, con-
test, it would be a graceful thing for
the Citizens convention on next Tues
lay night to make Mr. Abercrombie's
nomination unanimous and so further
'elieve the campaign Of any stress or
a move that would
pave the way for the kindlier dispo-