St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1917-01-17
vermont Courts and Expenses


statement regarding the courts of the
states and their expenses. The facts
given speak for themselves but the
statement has another significance,
namely, that the attornies of the state
are solid in their support of the pres
ent large number of judges in the
courts of Vermont. The statement
follows:
''Thc Judges-Up to 1906 the SUI
preme court judges did all the work
in the county and supreme court. In
1850 the population of this state was
314,12O: in 1910, 355,956 So the in
crease in population affords no good
reason for the great increase in the
number of judges or expense. Nor
can it we'll be claimed that the judges
of 1916 can assume superiority in
knowledge or ability over those Of
1850, and later and earlier. Legal
business has not grown. 1t may
safely be asserted that the cases of
earlier times were of more importance
than are those of today.
AT the first, three judges did all
the work jim aboth courts; then four;
in 1928 the number was increased to
five; in 1916 the number was increas-
ed to six, and the form of the court
a little changed; three sitting in SUI
preme court, and three in county
work. The number remained at six
till 1870 when a seventh was added.
From 1870 down to 1906 these seven
judges did all the work. In 1906 the
legislature elected eleven judges; five
for supreme court and six for county
court. Governor Graham recommends
that there be nine judges of the SUI
preme court, and that these nine
should do all the work now done by
eleven.
'Salarics-There is no office more
sought after than that of judge; and it
is a fact that should be known, that
many of our judges in recent years
have been elected from the legislature
from that body--a thing impossible in
many of the states. The Verrl ont
constitutional wise old document
among other big things provides:
Whenever an Office, through increase
of fees, or otherwise, becomes SO prof
liable as to occasion many to apply
for it, the profits ought to be lessened
by the legislature
"Vt. lConstitution Part 2 sect %
In 1904 the salary was $1,000 to the
chief justice and 5000 to the other
two, but no expenses. In 1926 the
salary was increased to $1,000; later
to $1,3F5, where it remained till 1854
then S1,5OO till 1858; then $500 till
1864; then at $4,000. In 1866 the
salary was fixed at $4,000 and it ,e-
manned at that figure till 1885 when
it was raised to $4,000 and actual ex-
penses, >but not to exceed $500 annual
ly. Before then the judges paid their
own expenses. In 1908 the salary was
again increased to $4,000 and all ex-
penses; and eleven judges are now
drawing the last named sum and ali
expenses.
municipal Courts-There arc now
in full operation sixteen municipal
courts in Vermont. Certain cities
some twenty odd years ago obtained
charters and provided for city courts
in those cities. At first, in accord
ance with the principles of our state
these judges were elected by the PEG
pie. But at certain time a certain
city judge who felt that he was sure
of defeat at the polls, secured legis-
lation by which the city judges were
appointed by the governor. Up t.
1906 there were city courts in Barre
Burlington, st. Adams, Rutland ant
Montpelier Then came an excellen
crop of municipal courts; so at Thu
time there are sixteen of these court
in full operation.
''SalarieS-In Burlington and Rut
land the salary is $500 and aetna
expenses when away from home ant
$500 allowance for rent, etc. In wind
ham county there is one such cour
at Brattleboro, and another at Bel
lows Falls. In Chittenden count,
there is one such court at Burlington
and another at Winooski three mile
away. The salaries vary; but onl
one judge is paid less than $1,000 an,
actual expenses with $500 allowanc
for rent, etc; that is Essex count
where salary is only $500. In OrIean
the salary began at $500; increase
TO 5000 and now at $1,000. The judg
in that county. is also clerk of tn
court at a salary of $500. What rea
son can there be for having SO man
of these courts? The suggestion G
the Governor is that the state be dI
,ided into districts.
Probate Courts-There are fourlee
counties in Vermont and twenty PR
bate judges. The judges of this cat,
are not overpaid; but every one seen