The Devils Lake world. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1911-1911, 1911-02-24
4.rEAcH[!a 2. OF DISTRICT
49,. JUDGES.
JUDGES.

For the second. time in the history
of the state. the luminosity engender.
ed by local fractional fight aided by
the bitterness. and revengful desires Of
defeated htigants, is seeking to depose
one of our District Judges by impeach-
ment proceedings before the Legisla-
tive Assembly. The present proceed
ings against Judge Cowan of the Sec
ond District seem to be but counter.
part of the proceedings of twelve years
ago against Judge Glaspel of the Fifth
district, and are deserving Of the same
end.
Jas will be remembered the impeach-
nient proceedings against Judge elias
pkl grew out Of the Fancher. Glaspel
ffctional light at Jamestown, and ev-
e&yone who had been been defeated in
allawsuit in sGlaspel's court, and was
Nursing a grudge, rushed into the game
SEEING a chance to get even. Good
sinse and sane judgment prevailed,
htwever, and the Impeachment proceed
i4gs came to naught Now the bitter
f&ctional fight that has BEEN raging in
tie city of Devils Lake for the past
ykar, has developed a similar attack
UPON Judge Cowan and Legislative
Investigation looking towards impeaeh
ment proceedings is on at Bismarck;
aid every one who is nursing a grudgc
BY reason of having been defeated in
al lawsuit, in Judge Cowan's court is
rushing to Bismarck to do what he can
to get even, or bringing such pressure
as he can to bear upon the members
from his district. We know little or
nothing Of the merits of the charges
OF pretended charges that are being
urged as grounds for impeachment
against Judge Cowan, but the proceed
iAgs, coming as it does as result of a
bitter local fractional fight at Devils
Lake, brings with it bad odor, and
a. faint of improper motives and re-
vengeful desires which ought to be
sufficient to kill it in the mind of ev-
cry fair minded legislator.
Under our constitution the power Of
Impeachment Of our judges lies with
the Legislative assembly, but good
sense and sound judgment teaches us
that it is power that should be very
sparingly exercised, and never i'll any
case except where honest and proper
motives are back of the prosecution,
and sufficient legal grounds are shown
to exist.
If District Judge was liable to be
iMpeached every time any litigant in
His court became hostile, on account of
an adverse decision, the stability and
Integrity of our courts would be utterly
destroyed, judge would not dare to
render a decision against powerful
ltigant for fear of being impeached
and the administration of justice in our
Jourts would become a farce, the weak
er litigant never standing any show
whatever to win.
Judge Cowan undoubtedly has his
faults and has doubtless made some
mistakes. Which of US has not9 But
that he is guilty Of any intentional
wrong or ma1feasance in office sufi
Gent as a ground Of impeachment We
are 10th to believe. Being of strong
and positive character, and possessed
Of great legal ability and discernment
Snd strong innate sense of justice
e is pronefo "butt in'' on the trial
e case'before him and take part
himself in the trial and not leave il
Entirely to the attorneys, but we be
1ieve always with the idea and intent
that right and justice may prevail
He has some very bitter enemies, but
has many warm friends, especially a
hong the members of the bar, who
say Of him, that if they are on the right