The Ocala evening star., 1908-05-11
THE RACE FOR COUNTY JUDGE

Among the contests which are to be
decided in the primary election on
May 18th, none could possibly be
more important than the race for
county judge. There are only. two
candidates for this office, and the
choice Of the democratic voters as
made next Tuesday, will be conclusive
and final
This office is not political It's
duties are wholly judicial and minis
terial. These duties have a kmost i'm
portant bearing not only upoh the pri-
vate interests Of citizens. the personal
liberty and and property rights of in
dividuals, but upon the welfare of the
whole county as well.
When the elector, therefore, comes
to cast his vote in this contest it be-
hooves him to make wise and pa
tIiotic choice. A voter who should
cast his ballot in such an election, un-
der the influence of prejudice, or other
bad feeling, or under the sway OF
mere sympathy would be doing d
foolish thing. The question should be:
Which one Of these candidates is bet
ter fitted to exercise the power which
fnheres in this judicial office?
Well informed lawyers tell US that
an average of at least fifty per cent of
cases decided in the courts turn upon
questions Of pleading and practice
How necessary then it is that the
ccunty judge, in whose court origi-
nate many litigated cases of impor-
tance, should be man whose study
and training have equipped him with
skill and knowledge Of orderly and
II oper judicial procedure.
What good sense reason, or even
excuse. could exist for selecting for
such an office one who has absolutely
nc knowledge of the rules and the laws
which control litigation?
In the administration of estates
many grave and difficult questions
must necessarily arise requiring the
decisionN of the county judge. \These
matters affect the rights Of heirs.
widows and children. as well as cred
itors of decedents A will devising
property worth many thousands OF
dollars, may be contested in the coun
~ judges court. Such cases always
give rise to complicated questions of
law. All these questions must be
Lassed upon by the county Judge. The
not only of the parties i'm
mediately concerned. but of the COM
as ,well, lies in having them
decided right, and this requires COM
petent judge. =
Would a person, coming into posses
sion, by purchase or inheritance, of a
large stock OF merchandise. puts its
into the hands of one
without business experience and train /!
irg, unskilled in mercantile affairs?
Would the owner of a large herd of
stock entrust the care of his property
10 other than competent stockmen?
If you have turpentine, or phos- |
phate, or lumber business, you will |
secure managers and superintendent |
who are trained in those lines and |
'yho, moreover, are physically and |!
energetic, vigorous and ac- |
tive. to attend to your business. And |
IN a serious case of illness. you will |
call a physician of experience, trained |
than some empiricist, whose knowl- |
/, dge is confined to DR.. Gums family !
emedieS.
How, then, shall you cast your bal |
iCt in selecting a man to attend to |
your business in the county judges !
office? To look after this business in |
the right way. would it not be wise to |
employ a, man who is trained in the |
!aw, who is young, energetic. active. |
end who has already demonstrated |!
his capacity and fitness, rather than
tn elect another, who has waited until |
lie has passed the biblical age of three |
score and ten. to begin to acquire /
knowledge of the law and procedure?