Norwich bulletin., 1913-04-23
Arguments Before Judiciary Committee in Behalf
 of Judge Colt and Lawyer Charles E. Hickey
TANNER BELIEVES BELCHER SHOULD GET OUT
Although Representative is Pledged to Him. He Would Ad wise His Withdrawal-Ex-Mayor Beckwith Makes At tack Judge Cot-Contestants From Putnam and Stonington HeardHOther Legislative Matters.

I Beckwith told the committee that Judge Colt was unfit for the position.
 and referred to & case he had in the
 police court that was not given proper trial.
 Tanner Apologies for Supporting Bel cher.
 Representative Tanner said he was
 in a peculiar position. He informed the committee that no agreement had
 been reached whereby Nathan Belcher was to withdraw. He said effort had
 been made in that direction, but with
 out result, and therefore he was some
 what embarrassed. He said he agreed
 with all that was said favorable to MT.
 Hickey, he had nothing but the highest praise for his character and ability, and added that he had sincere friendship for him. MT. Tanner said that in the early part of the session he received the Belcher resolution for presentation, and held it several days for delfberation and consulta ton with democrats, and the name of MT. Hick- ey was not mentioned. He presented the resolution and considered himself as hOnor-boun to stand for MT. Bel cher. He said he had tried to reach an agreement just before the meeting gone home, and MT Tanner considered he should stand by MT. Belcher so long as he was 8, candidate. If MT. Belcher could be reached he would ad- wise withdrawal. Having pledged him. self to support MT. Belcher he consid- cred he was doing his duty.
 The Putnam Contests.
 Hearing was next given on resolu- tions appointing NJ. II. Teissler dep uty judge and J. Henry Mann, Lucius Fuller and Eric Johnson. judge of the city court of Putnam. Senator Welch, Represen tative Besetti and COmptrol- Ter Dunn, of WiIIimantic, advocated the interests of MT. Mann. Represen- tatfve Macdonald of Putnam spoke in favor of MT. Teissler as deputy judge to whom there was no opposition.
 Few Democrats in Putnam.
 State Attorney Charles L. Searls spoke strongly in favor of the reten- ring to his ability, Integrity, honesty and satisfactory conduct of the court. MT. Searls said if local politics were to be considered in the appointment, MT. Fuller should be retained, as there were but few democrats in Putnam, not enough in the town to appear be- fore the committee to urge the claims of the democratic candidates, so Will limanttc furnished the communication Several others spoke in favor of Judge Fuller.
 The Stonington Candidates.
 The resolution appointing Wurten A. Breed and Herbert W Rathbun, judge of the town court of Stoning- ton Attorney Elias B. Hinckley spoke in support of Mir. Rathbun's candidacy. He informed the committee that they would not be burdened with politics in the Stonington matter as both can- dtdates were republicans. He said Mir was a self made man and was 8 lawyer of known reputation and experience and had formerly served as judge of the court to the full satisfaction of the people of Ston- ington: He said the majority of the townsp eople were favorable to the ap- pointment of MT. RatIrbun./ He knew the law and had the faculty of ex- it in detail. MT Efnczley said he represented the business and men of the town in advocat- ing MT. Rathbun as he was best qual- filed for the place.
 30 Per Cent. Favor Judge Breed.
 Archie Thompson and Selectnan Henry 4. Stah1e of the Pawcatuck dis trfct, also spoke favorable to the ap- l pointment of MT Rathbun
 Representative Joseph Chesebro con- 1uctsd the hearing in the interest of l Judge Breed. saying that the reten- 1 lion of the judge would meet the ap- | prova1 of large majority of the peo- 1 ole of Stonington. If tested by bal 1 lot he believed that at least 80 per 7ent. would favor Judge Breed He | was an experienced lawyer and well qualified to continue as judge of the | town court.
 No Opposition to Wheeler.
 Representative Heman J. Holdredse Lester Johnson and Burrows Spaulding | also sounded the praises of Judge | Breed. There was no opposition to the | of Silas B. Wheeler as | deputy judge.