Evening star., 1907-11-12
BAR WANTS TO UNITE
Probable Suggestion When Time
Comes to See President.
JOHN G. CAPERs MENTIONED
Commissioner of Internal Revenue
Among the Probabilities-Gos-
sip at City Hall.

The name Of Associate Justice Ashley
NJ Gould of the District Supreme Court
is the only one mentioned about the city
hall today in connection with the position
of associate justice Of the Court of Ap-
peals of the District of Columbia. made
vacant by the sudden death OF Louis Z.
McComas. On all sides the appropriate
ness of the elevation Of Justice Gould is
admitted. and 1t is expected that he Will
have the support OF his associates on
the bench of the District Supreme Court
and of large number Of the members Of
the bar.
Associate Justice Wendell P. Stafford,
it can be stated on the best authority,
will not be a candidate for the position.
Justice Stafford was strongly indorsed for
place on the bench OF the Appellate
lowing the resignation Of Associate JUS
tice Charles H. Duell Judge Gould was
also a candidate, but after meeting OF
the bar had decided by a majority to IN
dorse Justice Stafford. he withdrew from
the contest and wrote to the President
on behalf Of Justice Stafford
Friends OF Justice Gould say that If
ever there was an opportunity for unani-
nous action on the part of the members
OF the local bar It is in this instance.
uey pOitt out t1dt AT the meeting held
prior to the filing of the Duell vacancy
It was the outspoken desire Of every
man there assembled that the vacant
place should be filled by the promotion
of either Justice Stafford or Justice Gould
AS Justice Staffords name. 1t is under
ident, they say, the bar should declare
by rising vote for the promotion of
Justice Gould.
Matter Of Agreement.
More than one executive has given as an
excuse. they declare. for the failure to
appoint a local man to a local office the
apparent impossibility of agreement on
the part Of the local bar. The present
gives an excellent opportunity, say the ad-
mirers of Justice Gould, for the refuta-
ton of the alleged statement that the
bar cannot agree on a candidate.
The only discordant note heard today In
the general chorus Of approval Of the pro.
posed elevation 81 Justice Gould to the
bench Of the appellate court comes from
few ot s!s admirers. who decry the con-
sequent loss of his services in his resent
judicial position. Even these will not let
their fears Of personal and general loss
stand in the way Of deserved promotion
for Justice Gould.
r
while declaring that it Is a little too soon
to take up the question of the filling of
the vacancy on the appellate bench caused
by the untimely death of Mr. Justice Nc
Comas. used the following language today
in conversation with a reporter for The
Star:
Il sincerely trust that the members Of
the bar will profit by their past expert
ence in such matters, and take I'D the
question and cons der 1t calmly and sansly
and sensibly. There should be no bick-
erlng. They should get together and SOL
idly support some one man for the posi-
ton. and If they don't they can have no
hope Of bringing about the appointment
of one possessing the requisite qualiflca-
tions for the place
Familiar With Local Laws.
1T is of the very highest importance
that we be given a man familiar with
the laws applicable to the District of
Columbia and we'll versed in our peculiar
forms of legal procedure. Justice Gould
of the District Supreme Court seems to
measure up to the requirements of the
position more nearly than any other man
and l think the bar would do we'll to
unanimously request the President to ap-
point him.
Justice Gould is thoroughly familiar
with our la VS. and Is in every way emf
nently qualified for the position of asso-
ciate justice of the Court of Appeals
Justice Gould has served this community
with conspicuous ability and acceptance
both as United States attorney and as
an associate justice Of the Supreme Court
Of the District. and. in view of his past
services. 1t cannot be doubted that he
would discharge the duties of a member
or the appellate court In q manner cred
liable to himself and to the appointing
power and to the entire satisfaction OF
the bar and the community in general"
outside OF Justice Gould the most promi-
nent name mentioned today In connection
with the position of associate justice of
the Court of Appeals is that of John G.
Capers. the present commissioner of in
ternal revenue.