The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1912-10-04
PEOPLE DIDN'T WIN THE WAR

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endured the ezar-like rule of G. III. Hanford The
fire. long smoudering, at last broke forth into flame
when Hanford, intoxicated with power, attempted
by injunction to rule the people of this state.
To protest against his arbitrary reign, the people
of Seattle held their famous meeting IN Dream
land rink and started the petition for the mpeach-
ment of Hartford. Then came the Leonard OLSON
Acknowledgement by Judge Hanford, on account of
the formers 'socialistc' leanings. This fastened
the impeachment resolution through congress and
the investigation began in Seattle.
All the power and the sinister influence OF spe-
cal interests were rushed to the Hanford defense.
Every possible step was taken In the desperate at
tempt to save Hanford. Business warned
not to testify against him. Lawyers fought shy of
giving their testimony. The reactonary bar associa-
ton retained attorneys for Hanford. The Chamber
of Commerce passed resolutions of confidence. En-
dorsements were rairoaded through other organiza-
tions. One corporation lawyer after another took
the witness stand to testify to the benign regime OF
Hanford. Clinton w. Howard all the way
from Bengham to give testimony too, to the effect
that everything charged against Hartford which
caused his final removal was totally absurd and
untrue
Then when in spite of all this powerful array
of special interest strength, the evidence against
Hartford became so overwhelming that it threatened
to entangle others besides Hartford, the word was
passed that Hanford must resign and thus terminate
the impeachment investigation. Hanford resigned,
and the people of Washington thought they had won
war, but they know it was only single battle in
the war that they had won.
But the people reckoned without the corpora
tons which are alert. And they reckoned with
out William Howard Taft
Like bolt out Of clear sky came the announce
ment that President Taft had appointed Clinton w.
Howard as Hanford' successor While the people
had been deludng themselves with the idea that they
had presented such strong against corpora
tiont tainted Judges that there likelihood that
in Western Washington at least Taft would attempt
to foist that kind of judge--for lifeupon them,
the corporation influences working diligently
and overtime.
And Clinton w. Howard was nominated by Tar.
But the people did not make their fight against
Hanford for nothing. They were not content to
make worthless exchange simply for the fun of
changing And they protested loudly and vigorously,
and presented their against Howard to the
ate of the United States. The senate result has
held up Howard s appointment. The senate refused
to approve Taft S appointment
Then congress adjourned. And when congress
is not in session, the president has the power to
make recess appointments So taking advantage of
the senate's adjournment, Taft seized the oppor-
tunity Of making Clinton W. Howard a federal judge
If for only short term. For, when congress again
convenes, Howard steps off the bench unless the SEN
ate confirms his appointment IF the senate does not
change its mind and still refuses to sanction his
nomination, Clinton w. Howard will in effect be re-
called from the bench in spite of his 20 years record
of loyalty to special interests in Washington, and in
spite of Taft.