Los Angeles herald., 1908-03-14
FORD MAY
BE FLEMLVG'S
SUCCESSOR
PROSECUTOR DECLINES TO
AGAIN ACCEPT
WILL TAKE PLACE IN DISTRICT
ATTORNEYS OFFICE
Changes Expected to Be Made Today,
When Official Announcements
viii Be Made-Deputy
Pearson to Leave

Edward J. Fleming, who was on
Thursday rendered the position of city
prosecutor by City Attorney Hewitt,
yesterday declined the offer after twen-
ty-four hours consideration, during
which time a number of friends were
consulted.
Following the announcement the
statement was made by District Attor-
ney Fredericks that Fleming would re-
turn to his former position as deputy
district attorney, and would begin his
work at the court house this morning
None of the men directly connected
with the district attorneys office in the
court house will be disturbed by yes
terday's appointment, Fleming displac-
ing George w. Pearson. who as deputy
district attorney has been in charge of
the prosecution of state misdemeanor
cases at the police station
Fleming, however, will not be located
in the city prosecutors office, where
heretofore a deputy district attorney
has had his headquarters. In the flu
ture prosecution of state misdemeanor
cases no one man will be detailed for
this work, but the labor will be dis
tributed among the force of men under
the district attorney.
Find Place for Pearson
While no definite plans, it is said,
have been made for Pearson, the state
ment was made that an opportunity
will soon present itself whereby he may
again become connected with the
county prosecutors Office.
"Mr. Flemings decision to again join
my force of deputies gives me the
greatest pleasure" said District Attor-
ney Fredericks yesterday. "This is not
the first time have asked him to asso-
ciate himself directly with me, but the
good work hethas been carrying on as
city prosecutor has naturally made me
feel reluctant in urging him to return.
Mr.. Pearson's work has been in the
highest degree satisfactory, and the
fact that he is displaced should not for
a moment be looked upon as refiec-
tion upon his ability or the manner in
which he has conducted the cases
which he has been called upon to pros
ecute on behalf of this office"
Mayor Harper was unofficially in
formed last night that Mr.. Fleming
had declined reappointment as prose-
cutor, but no advices came to City At
torney Leslie r. Hewitt, who has the
appointive power Doubtless the de-
clination is in the mails.
1T can't say what 1 shall do until /
hear directly from Mr.. Fleming" said
Mr. Hewitt late last night.
"The ordinance creating the offices
will go in to the council on Monday,
and as far as / know the force will
remain the same in numbers as last
year. The council has the right to in
crease the force, however"
1t was freely stated last night that
Joseph Ford would be rendered the
place Mr.. Fleming declined. He has
served the office well, and city en-
ployes who in the course of their duties
go to Mr.. Ford for advice or for in
formation say he has co-operated ener-
getically for law enforcement.
Several councilmen when asked if
they would vote for confirmat ton of
Robert Laucks' name said they would
defeat the ordinance if his name was
proposed. Mr.. 'Laucks' friends have
been pushing the young Pomona law
yer's name for chief prosecutor.