The Churchill county standard. (Fallon, Nev.) 1908-1920, 1912-07-31

Under date of July 18th the Standard
mailed to all attorneys of Nevada 9
letter asking them to express then
preference among the three Democratic
candidates for Justice of the Supreme
Court. This was done at the sugges.
tion of several attorneys. and in view
of the fact that the bar association OF
the state and several newspapers haC
already suggested the desirability OF
securing the opinion of the bar upon
this subject, as a sort of advisory
board, it being generally conceded that
lawyers have better opportunities for
knowing the qualifications of candi-
dates for the bench than the average
voter. In closing this letter stated:
1T chances that they are all
Democrats. and seemingly well
authenticated report is current that
there will be no Republican candi-
didate, which eliminates all parti-
sanship from the contest and re-
solves it into question of personal
fitness of the three gentlemen for
this exalted position. You owe it
to the voters of the state to give
them your expert opinion on this
phase OF the proposition.
The result of this ballot, so far as the
returns have been received, is Heer 81,
Bartlett Ia, McCarran z. Mr.. Heer
received an overwhelming majority,
more than two to one against the COM
bined vote of the other two candidates,
three to one against Mr.. Bartlett, and
more than six to one against Mr.. Nc
Carran. These votes came from every
county in the state. Though some have
not responded, either because of alb
sence from the State upon their sum-
mer vacations or private reasons, it
represents a fair average proportion
from each section and the general opin-
ion of the bar of the entire state.
This wide spread vote can be taken
as unmistakable evidence that the Me-
vada bar wants A. A. Heer to occupy
seat upon the supreme bench. 1t is
doubtless fairly acurate expression of
the entire membership Of the bar, as it
is not within the realm of probability
that there could have been any motive
Of personal prejudice or friendship op-
Grating in concert over so large an
area. The more reasonable view is
that these lawyers have based their
vote upon personal knowledge of the
character of the men and their ability as
lawyers, or their reputation within the
profession, and were guided merely by
a desire to promote the candidacy of
one who commands the respect of the
entire bar because of his established re-
pute for honesty of purpose and legal
ability.
As stated in the letter addressed to
the bar, the opinion of its members on
the qualifications of these three candi-
dates for the supreme bench was sought
because theirs is conceded to be ex-
pert opinion. and with no idea that the
people will ever surrender their rig hit
to nominate and elect their own JUDGES.
In like manner physician can form a
more acurate estimate of the skill of a
brother doctor. blacksmith is the best
Judge of che work of another of the
craft, miner knows the limitations of
the man working on the same shift
with him. 1t is so in every trade and
calling, and the legal profession is no
exception. If you believe man is on
the square in recommending one engag-
ed in his own calling, you will rely upon
his judgment without question. That
is what these lawyers have done who
recommended to you man for Justice
of the Supreme Court, and there is no
reason to doubt their sincerity.