Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-09-09

ed man, was the reappointment to the
BENCH of Ex-Chief Justice Whitehouse
and the present Chief Justice Savage.
who We're accredited as Republicans
while Gov. Plaisted was a Democrat. 1t
showed the citizens of the State worthy
determination. on his part TO keep that
Court out of politics.
From my personal observation and
from all information that l can obtain,
our State Supreme Court is worthy of
the endorsement of every citizen 1t is
not only non-partisan Court in its
work, but one which commends itself as
progressive in its conduct.
As believe the political fight in the
state of Maine Is shaping itself as a con-
and myself. am prepared to make this
statement and pledge-that, If am elect
ed Governor and am called on to make
appointments to the Supreme Court [
shall consider previous terms of service
and the personal and professional quail
LEGATIONS of men to be appointed or re-
appointed without regard to their past
or present political Affiliations. and I pub
licly ask Oakley c. Curtis, the Demo-
cratic candidate for Governor, IL he will
make the same pledge to the citizens of
the State of Maine.
l recognize that in other states the
courts have not the same regard for the
peoples rights as in the State of Maine,
and were | resident of those states. l
should strive with all my power to have
the present judges there, and those who
moved from Office, or their powers limit
ed SO that the rights of the people might
be secured through proper judicial de-
cisions.
which retired Chief Justice Whitehouse
on pension of $500, at a time when his
services would have been beneficial to
the State and when in his retirement his
ADVICE is sought by the most important
citizens and corporations OF the State,
was pernicious law, designed only TO
promote party workers to the bench of
Maine. l believe that law should be re-
peaied, because Ii is not only likely to de-
prive the State of Maine of able jurists,
but imposes a burden upon this State by
increasing the pension list of men who
would be willing to devote their talents.
their learning and their experience TO the
promotion of justice in our State. re-
call that, when an effort was made to re-
peal this law so as to retain the services
of Chief Justice Whitehouse, that effort
was rendered fruitless through the ac
tive work of Congressman Peters, who,
as speaker OF the House. went before the
Judiciary committee in secret session and
spoke against its repeal. His arguments
were endorsed by other members of the
Judiciary committee among whom was
Ira p. Hersey, receptive candidate for
judicial appointment, and, as l am in
formed. the opposition to the repeal OF
this same law was actively supported by
Mr.. Pattansall in the third branch, or
lobby of the Legislature.
That such law may not deprive us of
the services of such men as Chief Justice
Whitehouse and Chief Justice Savage,
say my opposing candidates, Governor
Haines and Oakley C. Curtis, whether
they, IL elected, will strive to have the
law repealed so that the State OF Maine
may receive the benefit of the judicial
services of such men in the future while
they are qualified to fill the position, or
at least the time limit be so far extend
ed that the State shall not lose their SER
vices when they may be most able 10
give their services. Let the pension be to
them an acknowledgment for services
rendered and not an indirect penalty to
force them into retirement
Sincerely Yours,
(Signed) II. P. GARDNER.