Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1910-11-04
JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT.

The appointment by the Governor of Mr..
Edward c. Peter as successor to Judge
James B. Henderson on the bench of the
Sixth Judicial Circuit of Maryland, COM
posed of Montgomery and Frederick coun-
ties, brings to close the judicial service
of one and constitutes the beginning of
like service by another distinguished citi-
zen and lawyer of this county,
Each of these gentlemen was reared in
this county, of sturdy. hieh-minded and
philosophical parentage; and, though in
positions of influence from which they could
secure the emoluments of Office both State
and Federal. neither of them ever yielded
to temptations of this kind and each of
them cOntented himself with the official
experience and preparation involved in
the position Of States Attorney for this
county. The character of their respective
services in this regard is indicated by their
reelection for second terms
Though both of the type of men of pride
and ambition 10 succeed in their every I'M
dertaking; each of them, in the discharge of
his duties as prosecuting officer recognized
that even the criminal was entitled to a
fair consideration of all facts which might
tend to justify his offense or ameliorate
his punishment; and that the ambitions
of lawyers should not interfere with the
administration of justice at the hands of
officials elected by the people to conserve
the public interest.
1t was no surprise therefore, when Judge
Henderson went on the bench that he uni
formly ignored all considerations of per-
sonal associations and former business or
political affiliations in his determined and
fearless stand for right and Justice, which,
for sixteen years. he has administered,
according to the dictates of clear judi
cial conscience, without fear or favor.
Judge Henderson retires from the bench
at the end of his term with the confidence
and esteem of the best people Of this judicial
circuit, meritine the enconium of an able,
just and upright judge. May his life be
prolonged and his ripened wisdom continue
to be a potent force in the conservative
development of his county and State, along
lines of enlightenment and justice.
A worthy ambition is a God-given i'm
pulse, and, while often times it leads men
through vicissitudes and conflicts, the ORR
gin and underlying purpose are such that
the attainment Of the object so broadens
and tempers the possessor that he rises
above all past conflicts and thinks only of
the responsibilities he has sought and
assumed.
So il is predicted will be the case with
Judge Peter, who formed his ambition for the
position to which he has been appointed.
and TO which he will later doubtless be
elected, while a mere youth. By dileent
effort he was admitted to the bar, per-
formed well his duty to each client who
employed him, and sought and obtained a
majority of the votes Of his county for
States Attorney in two successive cam
paigns for that office. His record was such
that he soon pressed his way to the very
front rank Of this bar and is now recoe-
nized as one Of the most able and successful
trial lawyers Of Western Maryland Being
man Of strong personality and hard
fighter, both before jury and on the
hastings, he has suffered and given many
wounds in his remarkable career: yet to-
day, when the goal Of his ambition is
reached. there is to be readily discerned,
with the dignity Of prowess the mellowness
Of heart and difference to the ideas and en-
vironments Of others, which. taken in con-
nection with his uniform courtesy and
consideration for the members of the bar.
his great ability and his high standard Of
right and official integrity, Justify the pre-
diction that in Judge Edward C Peter the
Sixth Judicial Circuit is to have a worthy
successor to Judge James B. Henderson