Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-09-25

widespread and active discussion
On the side Vermont precedent which led to the
advancement of the Judges in order of seniority toward the
higher position regardless of any other considera
ton
On the other side the pronounced sentiment in favor
of the application Vermont of the precedent which OBJ
tans connection with the appointment of the Chief JUS
tce of the Supreme Court of the United States who not al
the oldest the bench either in point
of service.
AS the Rutland News we'll said at the very outset of the
discussion, "The appointment of in the prime OF lie
like Judge George NJ Powers would be generally commended
and this sentiment reflected in the columns of the
in various other sections of the State we'll
Other evidence of the need Of man at the head of
Vemont judiciary system possessing vigorous physique
and marked energy addition to the keen mentality which
all of the members of the bench
afforded by the recent action of the Wndham county bar IN
relation to court procedure and the meeting OF this eXpecta
and demand reflection the legal qualifications
Of any judge whatsoever
If this consideration to prevail in connection with
selection of chief Justice it reasonable also to make
vigorous health and good physique well as experience IN
the and legal learning requirements for the selection
of Judge to fill the vacancy the supreme bench as asso-
the promotion Of Superior Justice Taylor
of Hardwc who has been Judge since his election by the
Legislature upon the reorganization of the judiciary
system and the creation of superior judges this combination
of qualifications has been secured.
The thing true of former Lieutenant Governor
Leighton Slack of St Johnsbury who made superior
Justice succeed Justice Taylor usticeeect Slack is in
therefore has vgo in addition to other qualifications to be
considered in another connection.
Fletcher has thus selected for promotion three
in their best physical manhood in order that in the nat
al of events the people of Vermont may have the
benefit of their service for considerable period Chief
usceelect Powers who will succeed Chief Justice Rowel
the beginning of next month"; born in 1861 and is
therefore ytwo of Justice Taylor is nifty and
Justce-elect Slack orty-six.
To prime physical manhood all three of these men add
splendid other qualifications. Former Governor Mccullough
long said that the best thing he did executive
make George NJ Powers Judge, and from the way
in which Justice Powers has increased in favor men
and grown legal and judicial stature it is fair to conclude
Mccullough has had to change his mind
from that time to this.
The decision Of the Supreme Court Of the United
States in relation jurisdiction of States has served
to emphasize the fact that progressive laws often
much the result of Interpretation of existing enactment by
Of acts by the Legislature itself, and
this direction well in others Justices Powers and
Taylor have shown themselves to be fully abreast of the
times.
Justice Powers has been recognized exponent Of
advanced thought the bench and Justice Taylor enjoys
the distinction of having had less decisions reversed by the
higher court than other superior Justice Both of these
Judges only of broad legal learning and
nized able urss but they also thinkers who have
kept in touch with affairs and who have marked favor
throughout the State.
Justceelect Slack who is Junior member Of the firm of
Dunne Slack has been the Office lawyer and well versed
in the law, well intimately acquainted with State inter
ests AS States attorney State Senator and ieuten
well in his capacity of the members
of the commission he demonstrated the possession of
fidelity well as ability, and he is deservedly popular.
The reorganization of the supreme which thus
taken place unquestonaby sets milestone in Vermont
progress The decisions Of Vermont long
recognized throughout the nation of high order and
State has gained gratifying prestige result We
not content with past achievement however, and be-
eve the TRANSMISSION of blood will give to the
counsel expect from the older that element of pro-
nap.
front of American Jurisprudence.
We how 1t has taken courage the part
Of Governor Fletcher depart from precedent and take
the he believed would be for the best interests of
people and for the advancement of the commonwealth When
told that he would be criticised he has said he proposed do
what he thought the right thing to do considering the
matter from public standpoint matter what the effect
might be upon him personally
Governor Fletcher has handled difficult situation in
admirable He has had to dsappoint other able
beloved Vermoners but certainly it would be difficult
three who better represent the New Vermont for which
all striving than the justices of named
Powers Taylor, Slack