The Richfield recorder. (Richfield, Idaho) 1909-1931, 1914-11-12
Gossip Of Idaho State Affairs
Land Tax Decision, Utilities Commission Changes Su-
preme Court Speculation, Inaugural Ball.

There are a number OF interesting
things afoat in political circles in Boise.
One of these is the decision from the
state supreme court, written by Judge
Truitt, that reclamation act lands on
which final proof has been made, are tax
able for the holders equity therein. AS
the water payments have been extended
so that it will be many years before a
patent is issued, the lands would escape
taxation altogether if the theory held
true that taxes could not be levied until
patent is issued. AS the land is trans
| ferrable, and the deferred water pay
ment is merely in effect first mort
gage, the court decision seems to be in
line with every dictate of common sense.
1t is presumed that this decision will
settle also the patent question on Cary
Act lands.
Judge Standrod, for the past almost
two years a member of ihe state public
utilities commission, has handed in his
resignation, in the following terms:
October 27, 1914 : Honorable John M.
Haines, Governor of Idaho, Boise.
Sir-I hereby hand you my resignation
of the office of commissioner of public
utilities commission of the state of Ida
ho, and ask that the same be accepted
at your earliest convenience so that |
may be relieved of further duties.
l have heretofore expressed to you in
coloquy the reasons which have tempt
ed me. Be it known that these are per-
sonal to myself.
l am leaving no work undisposed of
with which l have had concern. The
cases in which have sat are all ready
for disposition. The annual report of the
commission to you, as required by law,
has been prepared and is ready for the
publisher / again wish to express to
you my deep appreciation of the high |
consideration shown me and to thank |
you for the kindly support you have
lent the commission during my incum-
bency.
With an earnest regard for your fu-
ture successful administration, am,
Yours respectfully,
D. w. STANDROD,
Commissioner.
Mr.. Standrod was the six-year mem
Der of the board. Governor Haines will
have the appointing of his successor,
for four-year term. j. A. Blomquist
of Boise, drew the two-year appoint
ment, and his term will expire in April;
his successor will be chosen by Govern
or Alexander. 1t is rumored in Boise
that Blomquist may be named by the
present governor to succeed Standrod,
thus giving him four more years in Of
flee; and that some new man will be
named to fill out the four months of
unexpired term. This is
merely gossip, however. If it should
De done, it is quite possible that E.
Callet the secretary of the commission,
night be named for the short vacancy.
The selection of successor to Judge
Stewart on the bench, is interesting
many. Judge Walters and Judge Bulge
ire both being urged for the place.
either would be good selection; there
ire not two more capable, bigh-minded
Judges in any state court, anywhere.
udge Walters has failed of election to
he supreme bench, by microscopic
'ut nevertheless decisive majority
gainst him. 1t is quite probable that {
e would accept, if the place were offer
d to him; and that he would fill it en- '
nently we'll if named. Judge Bulge, y
90, is fully qualified, and strong pres 6
ure will be brought to bear by his
riencs who have for years tried to get a
i'm on the supreme bench. If the
heory put into practice by the govern b
RS appointment of Judge Truitt---to a
i've an unsuccessful primary candidate e
he first chance after the man who beat '
im---were carried out, Judge Bulge il
'ould have the first chance at the place; n
3r he was the unsuccessful candidate s.
gainst Judge Stewart who is now dead Il