Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1916-02-27
SORRtLLS CONSENTS
 TO ENTER PRIMARY
Circuit Judge Charges Opponents A. tempt to Secure Nomination
 Violation of Part.

0lTCult JuuSS W. D. SOliellS HdS formally announced his candidacy for the Democratic n0l ination for circuit judge. although the term Of the late Judge A. B. Grace, which ne is filling by appointment Of Governor Hays. does not expire until November, 1918, and the supreme court recently held that candidates for circuit judge are not required ta run in the March primary for the nomination for tn term beginning in 1918.
 On the fact of the situation, it aD- rears there Is no need for aspiranti to the judgeshiD to go before the Democrats in March. and this 's Judge 'Sorrells view. But
 Attorney s. ]. Hunt, who was all applicant for the position made vac ant by the death of Judge A. R. Grace. has formally declared he would be a candidate for the judge ship dn the general election in No vember or in first special electicn. Judge Sorrells declares that Mf. Hunts effort to obtain nomination in the March primary Is in direct violation of written agreement be- dween them to tAc effect that neither d less the supreme court held this ac- ticn necessary. The court ruled can- didates are not required to enter the March primary.
 Judge Sorrells declares he would not have the office except as the nominee of the Democrats Of the dis trict, and so. in order 10 prcV.de for the remote possibility of special election being called. he deems 1t ad- visable to enter the March primary and give the Democrats opportunity to record their pr ferment Judge Serrells feels this is a duty he owes to the Democratic party, and to pre- vent possible confusion he agreed to enter the March primary It is to discharge this .Auty to the Democrats and give them a chance 70 be heard on the iudgeship that Judge Sor- .ells says he. has decided to enter the urinary. despite the fact that MT. Hunt is ignoring written agreement -an agreement binding him to re- frain from participation in the pri- mary.
 Judge Sorrells' Friends assert that his decision is iudicious in that lfs carrying out VII mean cessation or the agitation ever the iudgeship be- cause the Democrats will speak so positively their endosemsnt of Judge Scrrells that he will be enabled 'a enjoy the men al attitude necessary to the fulfillmenS of his ambition; "to make the people the best circuit fudge the district has ever had."4
 Since his appointment. Judge Sor- 1ells, has conducted court in each "i the, three counties comprising 'ne district. His demeanor, rulings ana conduct of his court have won icr him strong commendation from bar and nuhlic as a courteous. impartial : and learned iu.ist. and the prediction has frequently been heard that ns will prove "one f ihe best judges VI the country" e4 cg :.
 Judge Sorrells father was 2 circuit iudge. and the son had long cherished the ambition to attain similar pos iion. He was a close friend of Jude A. R. Grace, and in the conduct of conrt has followed the wise and eco n0ntcal methods inauguratea by 'hai lamented man. as85
 man posss sssing the courage re cuired in an, arbiter of law and jus flee Judge Sorrells realiZes his dut: to the public. and it is realization CT this duty and desire to discharge l. that will prevent him from mak,n 5 trip over the district to discuss his candidacy with hs friends.
 A busy term Of court Will open isl Jefferson county on March 6, and the ,egal battles to he fought will require his undivided attention. Hence, ne will be unable to call upon voters voters of the circuit to discuss with them his attitude, but his supporters nav. teclared that this IS uanecs ssars :, that he has shown his enEre fitness for the place; that rich and poor r,gh and low, recognize that in his court they can obtain justice. ana "a that the Dsmacrats will endorse h;s attitude and display appreciation oi his course by giving him their un- divided support in the March pr'- mary.