The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-10-10
PECK WINS CAUCUS THOUGH PLAYED Senator JudsOn Excoriates Former Political Friend
 in Bitter Terms Charges Peck Used Influence Against Utilities Bill and
 Overcharged For
 Services
(special to The Farmer

Stratford, Oct. 10.-The Republican caucus, last night, was a= cross be- tween a dog fight and a head on col lision. States Attorney Stiles Judson flayed his former friend and political associate, Judge Charles H. Peck, in a speech that hissed like serpents and bit like scorpions.
 But two years ago Senator Judson had nominated Peck in Republican caucus, giving to him such tribute as made him less than angel and a, little
 more than human.
 But last night the judge was made to appear a cross between Faust and BeeIzebub, and one who should by no means receive the nomination for
 Senator Judsons remarks were based upon the circumstances that Judge Peck had made a high charse for settling an estate, and that he had advised divers members of the last General Assembly to vote against the public utilities bill
 Judge Peck had the votes and was nominated by a, substantial plurality
 The caucus made the following nominations: For representatives, Alexander H. St. John, John Henry Charles H. Peck; for justices of the peace. Charles H. Peck, F. J. Bevans, " H Crawford H F. Meachen, F. E. Blackman. w. H. Hart.
 This result was reached after the storniest session the party has wit messed for years. The fight was cen
  nomination and who won out after a bitter struggle in which States Attor- ney Stiles Judson was defeated for the first time in this town. The ex-Sena- tor from the 23rd and the representa- tive from this town cIashed over the public utilities bill in the last 1egis- had set out to defeat Judge Peck for any renonainations. Previously the smiling judge had held about every office in the town which could be fTo% %nd in ind jyvid a was representative, judge of probate and trial justice of the town He was openly charged in the caucus last night with padding his bills of costs in local cases and that the higher courts pared them down to what was considered the proper sums
 Judge Peck moved for the nomlna- ton of a candidate for judge of pro- bate. @s Senator Judson offered an amendment to first nominate the rep resentatives. To the amendment ing to be Jby check list and by ballet. The amendment was lost 102 to 15G and the caucus proceeded to norni- nate for judge of probate. David L. Rhoades nominated Judge Charles H. Peck in complim entary speech. B. H. Beers nominated Ivan l.. More house and Stiles Judson seconded the nomination. .
 Senator .Judson made an extended attack upon the record of Judge Peek both in the House and as trial jus tice in the town. He also reiterated the charges of irregularity made by the Perry heirs which have been free 1y circulated about the town. When it came to the vote Complications arose for the check list was called for and it was discovered that about one-third of the eligible Republican voters in the hall were not on the list. These clamored for, recognition and it was agreed to allow all who prom ised to support the nominees of the convention to vote. B. W. Hall, a prominent coal dealer and member of the board of relief on the Demo- cratic ticket last Monday, was chaI- lenged by Chairman F. s. Beardsley when he attempted to vote. He de- c1ared that he would support the nominee and was allowed to vote af- ter a chorus of yeas had come from the floor. This action on the part of a lifelong Democrat was surpris~ ing. This morning MT. Hall said that he did not care to give his reasons for last nights action but he had good ones and he would explain him. self privately if it was necessary. He was much amused at the furore his