The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1908-06-19

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highest judicial tribunal of the state.
For what purpose do they seek
control of this branch of the govern
ment?
A partial answer is found from
certain facts connected with Judge
Spalding's career on the bench. The
criminal laws Of the state had long
been worse than a dead letter in the
state capital. The conditions pre-
vailing there were a disgrace to the
state, and the subject of regret and
shame on the part of all law respect
ing citizens. The cry had arisen
that the city of Bismarck be cleaned,
of it's notorious and principal hotel,
of it's notorious and pricipal hotel,
the person most responsible, be made
to obey both the laws of the state
and of common decency. The sent1-
ment on this subject vas n of the
potent influences defeating Gov.
Sarles and electing Gov. Burke by a
change of more than $4,000 votes.
When an adjournment of the legis-
lature permitted, the governor
sought to enforce the demand for
decency in the capital city. He found
no justices of experience to take
charge Of the hearings. He knew
what sort of a fight might be ex-
pected.
The judges of the district and SUI
preme courts are made by law COM
hitting magistrates. 1t is their duty
under the statute to issue warrants
and hear complaints when necessity
requires. A complaint was taken to
the Judge of the Bismarck district
with clear evidence Of guilt. He de-
clined to issue a warrant. Gov.
Burke then called upon Judge Spal-
ding to take jurisdiction and act. He
did so with the result that Patter-
son, after exhausting all his resour-
ces as a buffer and a bulldozer,
waived examination and was held to
the district court.
The testimony taken under the
terms of the law disclosed condi-
tons worse than had been expected,
and which should not be tolerated in
any civilized community.
Judge Spalding did not seek the
opportunity to rebuke these things in
the capacity of a committing magis-
trate, but the people of the state
owe him their gratitude because he
did not shirk and for the fearless
manner in which he did the disagree
able duty when called upon by the
governor. 1t resulted in a remarka-
Bile change for the better in the capt.
tai city. Officials who perform their
duties without fear or favor are not
such as Patterson and his friends
seek. They have no use for Judge
S%palding, but have picked Hon. D..
H. Wright of Fargo, for the position.
If the republican voters know n
facts and prefer to rebuke the law
breaker rather than the official who
does his duty without favoritism,
they have. the opportunity to say so
by voting to nominate Judge Spal-
ding on the republican ballot at the
primary June Gath.
Who is Mr.. Wright, and why is
he the candidate of Patterson and
his crowd?
First-His conferences are with
them when in Bismarck, or wherever
they are.
Second-Although not appearing
as counsel for Patterson in the legal
proceedings referred to, he volun-
teered to aid for several days in
some of them in finding law and
furnishing him comfort.
Third-He wants Office and seems
Indifferent to the kind of support
which supplies this want or the obli-
cations which it places him under.
This is what they like in a candi-
date. They then feel that they may
call upon him for return Of favors
when cases like the capital commits
sion case or the criminal prosecu-
tons occur. If there is any official
who should be free from obligations
of this kind, it is a Judge.
Mr.. Wright has resided in the
state eight or nine years, and his
residence has been divided between
Wimbledon and Valley City in
Barnes county, and Fargo. For one
Of his age and an experience largely
as a member of a firm making farm
machinery collections therefrom, he
is al able lawyer. Notwithstanding
he boasts Of the number of his cases,
his income is inadequate to pay the
expenses of the campaign which he
has been conducting.
His card appears in nearly all of
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