Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-21
LEGAL AFFAIRS
Belfast Police Confederation OF
eodiss-Penobsco: Indian Affairs


The committee on legal affairs Tues
day afternoon got through it's list of
"a measures assigned for hearings
without any real redhot fireworks. al
though when House Bill No. 126, an
act to establish the police court in the
city of Belfast. was reached interest
began to awaken and before the mat
ter was dropped, had reached beyond
luke warm condition. to say the least.
The act was presented and favored
by Rep. BuZzell of Belfast, who stated
that the feeling was general among the
lawyers of Belfast and the county that
the position of judge of the municipal
court should be filled by member of
the bar and that some provision should
be made for the collection of costs in
cases Of $50 and under. which are
lacking under the present court. Mr..
Buzzell said that in many ways Judge
Lord had been an attentive, efficient
man but in other ways was not what
the position required and demanded.
The late Joseph Williamson. ST., had
been the first municipal Judge and he
and all others to the present had been
lawyers. What we ask is that the
judge be a member of the bar and that
we have a proper working act.
Arthur Richie, a Belfast attorney,
spoke for the remonstrants and called
Attorney E. L. Mclean of Augusta
who stated that his firms experience
with the Belfast court had been per-
,fectly satisfactory, everything being
correct. promptly done, neat and in
form. Questioned. he couldn't say
about the value of the judgments, be-
cause most of his cases had been de-
fault cases and handled by mail. Had
never practiced in the court. Knew
Judge Lord was a layman, but couldn't
tell that by his papers.
Mr.. BuzZell having read a petition in
favor of the bill, Mr.. Richie came
back with a remonstrance from Waldo
lawyers, and Mr. Buzzell countered
with letter from one of the later
signers. who later favored the bill.
A comparison of the present judges
ability with previous judges being
made. Mr. Buzzell admitted he was
better than one previous Judge, be-
cause anyone would have been. The
qualifications of various judges were
discussed until the committee cut it
short.
Asked if Mr.. Richie himself had not
objected to Lords appointment, he
said he had done so, but was glad to
say that he had found his error: had
been courteously and efficiently served
and was satisfied. The county attorney
praised the judges papers and used
them.
Mr.. Richie claimed that Judge Lord
has legal mind and is we'll qualified
by study for the position. Had no
doubt he could pass a creditable exam
ination for admission to the bar We
have many probate judges not mem
bers of the bar, also many police
judges and we respect their ability
Asked If he would recommend the
appointment of laymen to such posi-
ton. he said he would if the man was
learned in the law.
He also read a newspaper clipping
complimentary to the judge and the
aid of the court in the enforcement of
the liquor laws.
Rep. Buzzell then asked the direct
question of Mr.. Richie If he did not
oppose the appointment and received
the answer that the latter would say
the judge had occupied the position
with dignity and honor.
Pressed hard for direct answer, Mr.
Richie claimed that il had nothing to
do with the bill now under discussion
and rather evaded a yes" or no" and
when asked as to statements of his
own regarding certain alleged acts of
the Judge, would not state.
The measure was tabled for execu-
tive session.