The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1915-05-29
Thinks Judges Should be Recalled.
Editor CoUdr Chronicle:

Thinks Judges Should be Recalled.
Editor CoJdr Chronicle:
/ herewith enclose you a clip.
ping which / would love to see
published in your paper, the opin-
ion of Justice Clark, of the North
Carolina Supreme Court.
have for sometime been of
the opinion that judges should
be recalled, as the courts, or the
judicial department of our gov
eminent. practically have absorb
ed and usurped the powers of
the legislative and executive de-
partment.
Corporations under past Re-
publican administrations have
filled the Federal bench with
judges who were in the past cor
poration attorneys. They learn
ed long ago that it was better to
have a friendly court than legis-
lature. Any Federal Judge can
set aside the will of a sovereign
State.
The question has long been
asked: What is law? And lately
answered: Law is the last guess
of the court of last resort.
We are after all ruled by the
courts. The Judges are our rul-
ers, and the people should learn
not to worry over who is clerk,
sheriff, assessor, or other officers
of a ministerial character. Of
course don't mean that people
shouldn't elect efficient men to
these positions, but these do not
begin to compare with the i'm
portance of who are our judges,
No Judge should fear the re-
call who renders a decision based
upon law, common sense. justice
and reason, and the Judge that
strictly adheres to this rule will
not be defeated, much less re-
called.
/ hope youwill see fit to give
this opinion of Justice Clark
in the Chronicle.
Yours truly, OBSERVER.
The clipping is as follows:
COURTS FAVOR RICH, SAYS JUDGE.
Washington, May 10. Courts are too
much inclined to favor corporations in
litigation with the poor man, because
judges and lawyers have not kept pace
with progressive legislation and the
trend of public opinion, is the belief of
Walter Clark, chief justice of the North
Carolina supreme court, who testified
to-day before the industrial relations
commission.
Justice Clark was the first witness
called in the commissions investiga-
ton of the relation between labor and
the law. Other prominent barristers
followed him on the stand.
What is responsible for the appar-
emit reluctance of laboring men as indi-
viduals and labor organizations to SUBJ
NIT issues to the courts?" Justice Clark
was asked.
my observation u.s." he replied,
''that as rule, the courts are slow to
adopt progressive economic ideas and
advance legislation enacted. Courts
ordinarily are composed of elderly men.
Most of them as lawyers have been
employed by great corporations and
when they reach the bench they are
unconsciously biased by the views they
held at the bar"
now can THIS De mooined!
"Only by the slow process of educa-
ton and development of public opinion.
As older men pass away, their places
on the bench may be taken by younger
men imbued with progressive ideas of
the time"
Justice Clark referred to q child la
Dor decision in North Carolina in which
he held corporation responsible for
injury to an eight-year-old child.
'::This decision was in advance of ex-
isting law" he said. hut l took the
ground that we must consider economic
conditions and decide it on the ground
of justice and common sense"
The witness said he DISAGREED With