The Sentinel=record., 1914-02-01

will end on October 31, 1914, or or October 31, 1916 When l first as certained that there was any ques- tion as to whether i was elected at the general election of 1912 to a four years terms, as all other circuit judges in the state are elected, l stated to some members of the local bar that | would submit the question to the attorney general and would be governed by his opinion, not hay ing at that time the slightest idea as to the nature of his decision, al though | gave him credit for being at least an average lawyer Attorney General Moose rendered me an opin ion, stating that he did not think there was any doubt but that 1 wa | elected for q term of four years, as prescribed by the constitution, at the general election of 1912. and that my term of office would not expire un til October 31, 1916 It is true thai this was not an official opinion and unless it is good law should have no more weight than the opinion of any other lawyer of equal ability. l mere ly refer to it in order to show my own attitude with reference to this matter.
 T feel as sure as I can of any le- gal proposition that my term of of l fee will not expire until 1916, and with this assurance t would be folly indeed for me to Become a candidate for an office which l already have, and waive my right to serve out the two years left of my term of office. I shall not stutify myself by becom- ing d candidate for au office which 1s not to be filled at the general cleo ton or primary election of 1914. II l felt, however that ] had not per formed the duties of sthe high office which I now hold to the satisfaction and approval of a majority of the people of this judicial district, would not hesitate to resign and give place to some other who could gain their approval. I have no desire to hold any office against the will of the people.
 If other attorneys see this ques ton in a different light, and see fit to become candidates for the office of circuit judge of this district, that is their privilege. l have no quar- rel with them. l shall continue to treat them with the same considera ton which l have at all times ae- corded them. If the Democratic Cen trai Committee of Garland and Mont gomery counties are in doubt as tc whether a circuit judge is to be nom mated at this primary, and if the boards or election commissioners ot the respective counties are in any doubt as to whether there is a circuit judge to be elected in September they can secure the opinion of the attorney general with reference to this matter.
 "I regret exceedingly that any doubt or confusion has arisen with reference to this question l have just concluded a legal battle through the supreme court of the state at my own expense. to require the state to pay all of the salary of the circuit judge, thereby saving Garland coun- ty S2,000 per year. ] have not been able to see why l should also assume the burden of going into the courts to settle my title to the office of cir cult judge for two years more, when I do not think there is any question or doubt about it. Let those who entertain a difference opinion assume this burden, Until the supreme court of Arkansas says to the contrary. l shah assert and contend that my term of office as circuit judge does not expire until October 31, 1916.
 "Very respectfully
 "CALVIN T. GOTHAM"