Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1911-02-25
The Associate Judgeship

The Princess Anne Marylander and
Herald Of last Tuesday has much to say
anent the approaching Judicial nomina-
ton. If we are correctly informed the
Herald is in error in saying the nomina-
tion will be made in convention. II will
be made by a direct vote of the people.
The editorial setting forth the claim of
Somerset and Somerset's candidate is
as follows:
At the next election it is to be deter
mined who is to succeed Judge +. Stan
ley Toadvin, of Wicomico County, who
was appointed successor of Judge Chas
+. Holland, now upon the retired list,
as Associate Judge of the First Judicial
Circuit. Ii is understood that Judge
Toadvin will be candidate for the nomi-
nation and it is also reported that Joseph
l.. Bailey, Esq, of Salisbury, will be in
the field. Somerset County has also an
aspirant in the person of Henry l.. D..
Stanford, ESQ.,. of the law firm of Miles
g. Stanford, of Princess Anne. These
are the only Democratic candidates spo-
ken of at this time and if Republican
candidate has been suggested we have
not heard of it.
The judicial nomination is very inn
portant one. II is essential that the per-
son selected shall be a good lawyer of
long experience. hard worker, and
whilst not too old to thoroughly perform
the work, yet old enough to lend dignity
in the Office. In these respects Mr..
Stanford stands out preeminently and it
is the general belief that he would make
most competent and conscientious
judge. During the period Of his extern
sive law practice he has not permitted
himself to be named for any public Office
but once, when as member of the House
of Delegates in 1908 he distinguished
himself as tireless worker and fear
less champion of public duty.
In 1910. when Judge Holland was
retired, Mr.. Stanford was candidate
for the appointment and had the indorse-
ment of large per cent of the bar men,
bership of the four counties. The Gov
ernor, however, gave his preference to
Judge Hollands county and the appoint
ment went to Mr.. Toadvin to fill the
term until the next general election. 1t
will now be the province of the people
to say whom they wish to be the Asso-
ciate Judge of the Circuit.
Mr.. Stanford's friends believe that he
is not only the logical candidate but also
the one who most nearly possesses the
qualifications for this important posi-
ton. When the Democratic Judicial
Convention assemblies, therefore, his
friends may be expected to hustle for
his nomination.
The argument that the nomination
should go to the county of the retired
judge does not carry much weight espec-
tally when it is remembered that Somer-
set was not considered at the time of
the retirement of Judge Page; and
besides Wicomico has already been hon
ored with the judgeship for many years
and, with due respect to Judge Toaovin.
there is no valid reason why the Office
should not go TO an adjoining county.
The main thing after all is to secure a
man thoroughly equipped for the posi-
tion and if Somerset possesses person
especially so equipped. neither sentiment
nor mere political adjustment should be
permitted to obtrude itself into the con-
sideration. Mr.. Stanford county wants
him to be judge and we believe his nomi-
nation would be gratifying to the entire
circuit.