Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1912-08-16
ADVERTISEMENT.
An Open Letter by a Friend in De-
tense of Judge L. K. Watkins.

To the Voters of the 2nd Supreme Court
District, louisiana:
| am well acquainted with Judge L. K.
Watkins and knowing him and his rec
ord as lawyer and character as pri-
yate citizen, have espoused his cause and
feel it my duty to him as candidate
and man to show the utter falIacy Of
some Of the objections made to his candi-
dacy for the Supreme Court by the sup
porters of Judge Land and the statements
issued from his headquarters. Why they
go so far as to make it appear that Judge
Watkins is not as competent as Judge
Land for the position because Judge Land
has served so long on the Court. This is no
test of fitness, and if it were Judge Wat
kins has had four years experience as an
Appellate Judge as against Judge Lands
nine years, and it stands to reason that
an active practitioner at the bar, fresh
from the practice before the trial Courts,
will bring to bear more vigor and ex-
perience in the decision of cases than an
old Appellate Judge who has long ago
perhaps forgotten all he ever knew about
the real scenes surrounding the trial Of
case in Court. Then, they try to make
it appear that Judge Land has the sup
port Of ths lawyers, but the lawyers are
not electing judge this time and if they
were, Judge Watkins has the friendship
and support individually of practically all
Of them in this district. At least there
are but few opposing him and these are
personal friends or relatives Of Judge
Land.
There is no general demand for Judge
Land TO be retained ON the Court at his
advanced age. He was defeated on that
issue two years ago and the theory that
he should be retained on the Court be-
cause Judge Hall did not accept the po-
sition, is a myth. The vacancy is open
to all corners and there is no sound rea-
son why Judge Watkins should not off r
for the position, and many good reasons
why he should be elected.
But the opposition suggests that Judge
Watkins has forfeited his right 10 this
promotion by resigning his position as
Judge of Court of Appeals, and should
not be elected for this reason. This is the
first time sacrifice to duty has ever
been urged as cause for defeat and this
is the sum total of Judge Watkins act
in resigning the position. These who
know the facts and those who elected
him TO the Office make no complaint
against him. His duties called him away
from home and family, where his wife
and children needed him and the fact
that he obtained some good fees after re-
firing to the practice does not detract
from the noble impulses that made him
resign this honor and the chance of cleo
ton again without opposition. The place
was filled by appointment and there was
necessarily no cost attached to filling the
vacancy.
OH But they urge that Judge Wat
kins has big practice as a lawyer and
does not need the office. The facts are,
that he has only the practice of coun-
try lawyer in country town to make
living out of for his family. No property
except nice town house to live in, and
no investments or income at all Judge
Land, on the contrary, has bad the
salary of a Judge for over Is years
and having no family dependent on
him and all his sons and brothers hold
ing or seeking jobs in this election, does
not need the salary. Just what his bank
account is cannot well be ascertained,
but have investigated and know per-
sonally that he has $50, 900 in real estate
in Shreveport, and has sold property in
that city within the last few years to the
amount OF $3l, $1,000. / have no data
as to other investments and sales in New
Orleans and elsewhere.
The real issue is the one of ability of
the candidate to serve cut full term OF
twelve years with credit to themselves
and safety to the litigants.
Let the voters settle this issue. Old age
cannot impair Judge Watkins usefulness
and the possibility OF pension being
paid to him does not arise in his case.
Securing best service for full term at
least cost is the point to be considered.
Respectfully,
BURCH LEE.