The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-10-06
Trains Goinn West.
FORUMS TO BLAME.

The Forum inadvertently caused GER
tain lawyers of the state to get lot
of abuse. Some of them are being call
ed hirelings and others dictators, still
others corporation tools-and things
like that
The last legislature enacted a law
to remove the judiciary from politics
and there was provision for the NOM
ination of twice as many candidates as
there were positions to fill.
Under the unusual conditions aris-
ing from the enlargement of the court
from three to five members, and the
expiration of one term, there are three
judges-or a majority of the court-to
elect this fall.
After the primaries-with six candi-
dates still left from which the voters
must choose-and the matter having
been made nom partisan so neither the
republicans nor the democrats could
consistently, as organizations, urge the
election of any particular three-The
Forum suggested that the lawyers of
the state take the matter up and des-
ignate the three best men.
1t was asserted that the attorneys
should be the best qualified men to
pass on the abilities of the candidates.
The Forum felt somewhat competent
to say who would make a good public
printer-but it's great modesty prevent
ed it from singing out any three can
didates for judge. Then it, having been
in comparatively few libel suits, had
not sufficient expert knowledge of these
attorneys to say which was best fitted
by ability and temperament for the
positions.
Many Others in the state, doctors,
bankers, farmers and other voters also
felt the necessity of some guidance.
The average man takes certain pride
in the highest court of the state-and
whether he ever has a case before it
or not-likes to feel it is composed of
the highest legal talent obtainable and
compares favorably with the courts of
other states.
1t was with this object-soleIy this
and nothing more-that The Forum
several weeks ago urged the lawyers
should take some official action and
designate the three most desirable men.
The idea apparently prevailed and a
meeting was held. committee was
appointed. 1t is said to be composed
of 1877 of the leading attorneys of the
state. Many others favor the plan and
endorse the candidates selected-but
fear to identify themselves with the
movement because they have business
before two of the other candidates
who are district judges.
This committee selected Judge Fisk
of Bismarck, present member of the
court-Judge Ellsworth of Jamestown
appointed as a member of the court by
Governor Burke-and Attorney Cooley
OF Grand Forks, recognized as one Of
the states ablest attorneys.
The Forum assumes these men mus
be well qualified or they would MOI
have been endorsed by so many attor.
neys Of such high standing. 1t has
given publicity to the selections. 1t has
no fight against the other three candi
dates. On the other hand The Forum
nanagennent is personally friendly with
Judges Goss and Burke and admirel
both Mr.. Anderson of Devils Lake ii
less well known locally, but is said bs
his friends to be most delightful gen.
tIeman.
AS neither the republicans nor demo.
Gratis can break into the political game
and there is multiplicity Of candi-