The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-04-03
new COURT OPEN.
George III. WhitcOmb Is Formal
ly Installed as Judge.
Capt. j. G. Waters Makes the
Introductory Speech.
MAKES A RESPONSE.
New Judicial Officer Says It's
HappieSt Moment of His Life.
Judge Dana Lends His Endorse.
ment to the Appointment.

For the first time in the history of
Shawnee county two judges of the dis
trict court sat this morning with con-
current Jurisdiction. 1t was the open
ing session of the April term of court
and the initial appearance of G. H.
Whitcomb as judge of the newly
created second division of the court.
Ceremonies were in charge of mem
bers of the Shawnee County Bar asso-
citation and Captain ]. G. Waters, as
president of the organization. presid-
ed at the meeting.
The opening session was held in the
chamber of the new second division of
the court in the north wing of the
court house. Judge A. w. Dana, judge
of the first division, and Judge G. H.
Whitcomb of the second division, both
occupied positions on the bench. The
desks of both judges were decorated
with flowers and for 20 minutes Cap
tain Waters and Judge Dana said nice
things about the new judge. Then
Whitcomb responded and said it was
the happiest minute of his existence.
1t was Captain Waters, president
and dean of the bar association, who
opened the ceremonies in the pres
ence of more than 100 members of the
Shawnee county bar, a number of
visiting attorneys and court attaches.
Waters said kind things about the
creation of the much needed new
court. He complimented the bar on
Securing the appointment OF Judge
Whitcomb and predicted a high grade
of justice from the bench of this
county.
Then Judge Whitcomb responded.
'"This is honestly the happiest min
ute of my life,' declared Whitcomb, as
he smiled and tried to show his ap-
probation of the reception given in his
honor. you really don't know how
much 1 appreciate this. I appreciate
the kind courteous treatment of the
bar in the past, but 1 appreciate the
hearty cooperation of the bar at this
time more than any event of my life. y
After Whitcomb had finished his
short talk, Judge Dana added few
more bouquets. Dana was glad to re-
ceive so able a colleague as the new
ing in the road of high grade justice
in this county.
CT want to congratulate the bar on
the unanimous support which it has
given Judge Whitcomb," said Dana in
the course of his speech, land 1 want
to say that I am especially grateful
to have so able a lawyer and jurist as
my colleague in this work. I want to
congratulate the governor on his ap-
pointment. He has done well. 1 must
say most heartily that he has done we'll
in his Selection-for once"
This reference to the chief execu-
tive's guesses in the past amused the
lawyers For several minutes there
was a hearty applause. When it had
subsidized sufficiently to continue his
speech, Judge Dana heaped few more
roses on the new judge. Then the
meeting was over.
Judge Whitcomb called the week
assignments and prepared for the work
in his division, which opens Wednes-
day morning. Judge Dana adjourned
to the south wing of the building,
called for order, admonished the new
Jurors on their work for the session
and the April term of court was under
way.