The Alaska socialist., 1913-11-15
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authorizing the recall ot judges tor good cause for the past four years. During that time how many judges have been recalled Not one. A year ago an attempt was made to recall the trial judge, Judge Coke I believe, for laying down the law of murder too favorably for the defendant The prosecution were greatly disappointed and very indignant. They started petition for the recall of the judge, but it met with such general disfavor among the people that 1t was soon given up a S a hopeless case. Another tribute to the good sense, the sound judgment and fair play of the American people.
 Suppose they do make mistakes. No body claims that the people won't make mistakes. An infallible people is as i'm possible as an infalible individual.
 Because the people make mistakes in sometimes electing the wrong man, is that any reason for denying them the right to elect Because they sometimes make mistakes by nominating the wrong man, is that any reason why they should be denied the right to nominate The bosses are the only ones who seld om make mistakes, because they are elect ing men and nominating men, especially judges, for the selfish special interests of themselves and their big business allies
 The greatest benefit, however, of the recall provision i'll our constitutions will be the automatic effect of it. It will act as a mighty wholesome restrainging influence upon the judiciary.
 favor it as policy for the protection of the judge himself. I his whole jud- icia1 administration shall be responsive to the best intelligence, the highest con his people, it will not only conduce to a higher and better service but longer ten ure i'll office of an efficient magistrate.
 There is no public office requiring any higher order of talent, tact and temper ament than that of the trial judge You cannot tell who will make the most ser viceable and efficient judge, whether he be the office lawyer, the author lawyer, the trial lawyer, or a combination of each There is absolutely no way of fore l casting his efficiency except by giving him an actual trial on the bench. When he takes three days to try a case that should occupy but one, the public are losing one hundred dollars per day, the parties to the case probably as much more, and the cases to follow are being delayed and delayed because of the slow ness and the di1atoriness of the judge in the administration of j justice. If Il e newspapers give the proper publicity to his work on the bench, as above indie ated, the cobblers and potterers will be- corle known and can be recalled from the public. service as they are now re- called, removed or discharged from pri- vate service The recall election Is the only way to reach such inefficient judges who permit the senseless, ridiculous pet tifogging ill the trial of cases. It is one of the greatest hindrances and delays in the administration of justice, You can not impeach man for general in efficiency, but it is mighty important to the public to have the right to recall him.
 The hardest blow yet delivered to the judiciary of this country is the leaders i'll the movement against the recall of jud- ges. I want none of linear panegyrics upor established precedents, settled law and technical construction.