Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1916-11-24
APPOINTMENT BY
PRESIDENT COMES
AS SPLEASANT NEWS
HonolulanS Gratified at TeIe-
gram Telling of Selection
of JuriSt Here
TAKES STUART'S PLACE
ON BENCH OF ISLAND
New Official Has Been in Ha-
Waii 19 Years and Served in
Several Public Offices

l
(Associated Press by Federal Wireless)
WASHINGTON, o. c., Nov. 3D.
James L. Coke Of Honolulu was today
appointed by President Wilson as
third Judge Of the circuit court, first
circuit, Hawaii.
News OF "Jim" Coke's selection as
third circuit jurist was given by the
StareBulletin TO a number of inter
ested persons in court circles and
among the legal fraternity at noon to
day, when the despatch arrived, and
immediately the congratulations be-
gan to pour in on the popular attor.
ney.
Many weeks ago the Star-Bulletin
forecast Coke's selection, on the basis
OF authoritative news from Washing.
ton. Ii has been understood for some
time that he was the choice of the
attorney generals department, which
mad recommended him to the presi-
dent, and that the only bar to his ap-
pointment was the fact that he was a
territorial senator. and there is a pro
vision In the Organic Act making
members of the legislature ineligible
for such OFFICE.
Coke resigned his senatorship prior
TO the recent territorial elections.
However, the wording of the Organic
Act maintained his disability for his
official term" This term, 1t has
evidently been held by the authorities
in Washington, ended when his sue.
cessor was elected, that is, at the re.
cent general election.
II is therefore conjectured that as
soon as the president returned to
Washington and took up a mass of
official tasks demanding his attention
Just after election the appointment
Of the Hawaii iurist was definitely
settled and today's recess appoint
ment followed.
The appointment will come before
the next session for confirmation. but
there is no question but that il viii;
be confirmed. Coke has many strons
friends in Congress, besides the back
ing of the attorney generals depart.
ment
He takes the place LETT vacant when
Judge T.. b. Stuart resigned, accom-.
panying his resignation with the now
famous letter severely criticizing the
president, Secretary Lane, Governor
Pinkham and others.
Has Been Long In Hawaii
James L. Coke has been a resi-
dent Of the island for nearly 10 wears
He came from Coos Bay, Ore, where
he had taken two years study at the
University of Oregon, and completed
his law work by private study, later
being admitted to practise before the
supreme court of the state
After he was here a short time he
went to Maui in the latter part o.
1888 and remained there for IL years
He served on Maui as prosecuting and
county attorney with success. Com
ing 10 Honolulu in 1909, he began
practise. In 1912 he was elected to
the territorial senate, leading tn,
Democratic ticket with one of the
biggest votes ever given on Oahu. He
served tSo terms in the senate, re
signing as previously related
He has recently been serving as at
torney for the public utilities commits.
sion.
Mr.. Coke is Al years of age-one OF
the youngest judges in the territory
and married. he is a member of sew
eral clubs. societies and fraternal or
ders and popular citizen
"One of the gratifying things about
my appointment" he commented to-
day, lis that everybody tells me ii
has met general favor"
II is probable that he will be direct
ed by cable or mail to qualify at once.
Early this afternoon Mr.. Coke re-
ceived a telegram from Attorney
General Gregory, saying that the pres
ident today signed the commission
naming Coke as judge.