The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1916-02-10

at their hands. Later Munlclpal Juuge
Schmidt in asking that his papers be
circulated he attached ''note" with his
call reading:
The petition circulated for Judge
Kirwan is mere call and persons
who signed the same are not disqualiti-
ed or prevented under the law to sign
my nomination paper, if they desire.
[ state this so there may be no misun-
derstanding or doubt should the quest
ion arise" From legal standpoint
this is perhaps true, but 1T looks good
deal like taking advantage OF technic-
alities, a practice too often resorted to
| by attorneys in a case, when the facts
are lacking upon which TO base con-
tentention before court Does Judge
Schmidt think that men who signed
The call for Judge Kirwan did SO under
misrepresentation, or that they cha
nge their minds over night? The
office OF circuit judge is too important
| to be football in politics and still 1t
looks as though all the dignity OF the
office was TO be thrown to the winds
and ward politics played, IN an effort TO
defeat Judge kirwan.
Judge Schmidt has followed his note
up with circular according to the
Manitowoc News, in which he attacks
the present law as effects the terms OF
circuit courts and raises an issue, that
| cannot be rene lied at this time, either
by the election of Judge Kirwan or
himself He declares that our circuit
courts are out of date and that more
frequent sessions should be held,
having in mind the convenience of the
people. He says "Why not have the
court wait upon the convenience of the
people?" This sounds very well, but
what place has it in this campaign?
Can the Circuit Judge remedy this
evil? No So why try to inject some
thing into this campaign that is entlr-
ely foreign and not material to the lss-
ues involved. Judge Schmidt must
know that any changes in the law gov
erning the conduct Of our courts must
! be enacted at Madison where the law
governing body convenes. Again, If
the courts are SO badly in need OF an
overhauling, why has Judge Schmidt
remained silent until launching his
own campaign? The press takes issue
with Judge Schmidt on this question,
as it looks too much like playing politics
Judge Schmidt who has served in the
capacity of Municipal Judge would
have circuit courts placed on the same
plane, constantly in session and at an
increased expense to the people. The
expense in drawing juries is ample to
satisfy the tax payers now, but under
Judge Schmidt's plan the expense
would be increased and with no better
results than are gained today. Instead
of our courts being better, step back
ward would be the result, We have
all the courts in the land that are nee
essary in fact sometimes the average
citizen feels that there are too many
courts. Perhaps Judge Schmidt does
not realize it, but his attack on the
circuit courts is indirectly one on the
municipal court of which he is tae
head. What is the purpose OF coun-
ty municipal court but TO grind out
matters, many of which though minor
in their character, would be considered
by the circuit judge? With justice
courts, municipal courts, county courts
court comm missioners and circuit CO.
urt in session at least four times
year, where is there any justice in the
demands being made by judge Schmidt
for added circuit court sessions?
Judge Schmidt is municipal judge
Of Manitowoc county, position carry
my with it good salary, and his term
of office runs for some time into the
future. No one signed mis- call and the
only argument advanced at this time,
why a change should be made in the
judgeship, is being advanced by him
self.
Judge Kirwan has made a most etfic-
lent Judge, and in his campaign he
will not resort to petty politics, but
will stand on his record of achievement.
He deserves rejection, and when one
considers what he has done as a judic-
iary it is no reflection on any other
gentlman Of legal training in the dis
trict, to say that Judge Kirwan is head
and shoulders above them all.
Being municipal judge and circuit
Judge is a vast difference. We have a
municipal court in Sheboygan and we
have circuit court 1t is unnecessary
to make comparison, the people un
derstand readily the difference. AS
friend of Judge Schmidt, perhaps it
would not be amiss TO urge him to first
understand the full meaning OF the
circuit court and its duties before rails.
ing question that cannot be settle d
here but with the legislature. Last
year was the time to seek changes
when the legislature was in session
and not wait until after adjournment,
1t doesn't look just fair, aud friends of
Judge Schmidt don't like TO see him
hutting up against stone wall with
a political gun that is liable TO hit
| back-She boypan Press.