Los Angeles herald., 1908-09-20

nomination Is highly creditable to the
Democratic party, and his election
would be highly creditable to the pub
lie, irrespective of party.
Has Fine Record
Albert Lee Stephens was born in In
diana in 1874 and has been a resident
of Los Angeles twenty-five years. He
studied law at home, was admitted to
the supreme court by examination and
took special course in Stanford uni
versity. He began practicing law in
Los Angeles In 1900, also studying and
teaching law at the University of
Southern California, receiving there
from the degree of IL. B. in 1903.
In 1906, at the solicitation of many
members OF the bar, Mr.. Stephens was
l nominated by the Democratic party
J and the non-partisan committee for
the office Of township Justice. After
campaign noticeable for the unanimity
with which the lawyers, irrespective
of party. supported him, he was elect
ed by 1900 plurality.
Since taking office on January Z, 1907,
there have been 1905 civil suits filed in
his court, being far In excess of those
filed in any other Justice court.
His work has demonstrated that he
has the judicial temperament in the
highest degree. Soon after he took Of
fee lawyers began saying: stephens
is making good; he is superior court
timber" but he refused to entertain
the idea until the following letter was
given him:
april a. 1908.
albert Lee Stephens. esq, Los An
geles, CAL:
Dear Strive, the undersigned,
members OF the bar of Los Angeles
county. would like an expression from
you in the matter of allowing your
name to be presented to the public at
this time for the office of superior
judge at the election to be held in No
vember next. Very truly yours,
&c. c. De GARMO,
I'D. X. TRASH.
FRANK G.. FINLAYsoN.
JOSEPH HI. CALL,
AZ. A. ANDERSON,
"W. T. CRAIG,
an. X. YOUNG,
SGT. 70. GIBBON."
Which Mr.. Stephens answered as fol-
lows:
"MAY 2, 1908.
&c. G.. DeGarmo ESQ.,, L. A. Trust
Building, City:
Dear Sir-In reply to the communi-
cation signed by several leading law
yers relative to my prospective candi-
dacy for the superior judgeship desire
to state that / have delayed answering
in order to consult friends among the
attorneys and for full consideration.
These consultations. added to the
letter referred to- have given me great
encouragement, but the unpleasant
feature is in being an avowed candi-
date for a greater favor from the peo-
pie while engaged in deciding differ
ences among them daily. However, this
letter and the numerous requests from
mo 90 - ha wa Ia In
bent upon me to state my position.
IT should not be frank were to deny
that my present judicial duties have
given rise to an ambition to serve in
court of record; and since conditions
seem to indicate more than reason
able chance for success next November
am persuaded to withdraw my objeo-
tons to such candidacy. I therefore in
dorse any course which to the signers
OF the communication may seem best
in placing the matter before the pub
lie, either by the publication OF this
letter or otherwise.
Thanking you and each OF the gen.
tlemen who signed the communication
referred to. ! am very truly yours.
ALBERT LEE STEPHENS"
The Democratic convention decided
to nominate but one candidate for
judge, although there were four va
cancies, and without dissenting vote
nominated Mr.. Stephens. 1t Is a note
worthy fact that Justice Stephens did
not attend this convention. but was on
the bench when nominated. His quail
fications for this important office being
admitted by those who have observed
his work, he should receive, support
from the members of all parties upon
the principle of anti-partisanship for
the bench.
The Democrats have done their share
IN taking the judiciary out Of politics
by naming only one candidate, conced-
Ing three Republicans without con-