The Republican journal., 1913-03-06
THE MUNICIPAL COURT
Hearing at Augusta on the Act to AboI

Hearing at Augusta on the Act to Abolish
Especial Correspondence Bangor Commercial.
AUGUSTA. Feb. 81 The hearing on the act
to abolish the Belfast municipal court and to
establish police court of Belfast, drew out
some spirited testimony before the committee
on legal affairs, Thursday afternoon The
proponents contended that there was abso-
lutely no politics connected with the move
| and the opponents contended that it was all
politics.
Carlton Doak of Belfast appeared for the
proponents and presented d petition signed
by several lawyers of the Waldo county
bar He pointed out that some of the signers
were Democrats. and that in fact one of them
was the Democratic county attorney, Eben
Lttefeld.
At this Juncture Senator Conant was called
and testified that when the bill was given him
he looked into the matter quite thoroughly be-
fore presenting it. and satisfied himself that
there was a demand for the change provided
in the bill.
Mr.. Doak then continu d with an expIana
ton that the present jurisdiction of the court
as regards civil cases, was not satisfactory to
the lawyers He also read a letter from the
county attorney in regard to large number of
defective warrants that were received from
the Belfast court. He attempted to point out
other reasons why the present court was I'M
satisfactory but, when cross examined by JOS
cumbent of the Belfast court, Judge knowl-
ton, he admitted that the sole object Of the
bill was to rid the court Of Judge Knowlton
He further testified that there were three
among the signers, including himself who
were willing to take the office now held by
Judge knowlton, if it were offered them.
Arthur Richie of Belfast testified that he
was asked to favor the bill before the commit
tee by the county commissioners, and pointed
out the large expense that was attendant up
on the present system. He claimed that judge
knowlton had signed warrants and sealed
them in court after they had been served and
the prisoner brought before him.
Mr.. Williamson told tine committee that it
was up to them to decide whether or not the
new bill was better one than the old one and
that If 1t was a case of throwing out the pres
ent incumbent. the proponents should avail
the mselves Of the laws providing for impeach-
ment proceedings.
Judge Knowlton, who is white haired gem
tleman of advanced years, rose to speak in his
own defense, and it was noticeable from the
start that he was deeply moved to find himself
the butt of attack from men whom he consid-
cred his friends and whom he claimed he had
benefited in many ways in the past,
He accounted for the signature of the Demo
cratic county attorney on the petition by say
ing that there was some bad feeling between
them. He admitted the possibility that he
made few clerical errors the same as any
man is liable to err.
Even my brothers here are liable to mis-
takes, if not, they are angels, and | would like
to travel with them along the road to Heaven"
said Judge knowton.
we may go the other way" said Mr..
Richie
The judge misunderstood this remark and
answered: "If l do, am certain that l will
have company"