The copper era and Morenci leader., 1918-11-01
BAKER DECLINES
 APPO|N I MEN I

III UIV l MIVI Judge A. c. Baker this week declined the appointment to the place on the supreme court bench made vacant by the resignation of Justice Alfred Franklin. In a letter addressed to Governor G. w. P. Hunt, Judge Baker states that he will be unable to ac cept the appointment on account of several suits in which he is engaged as counsel and which he must dispose Of before he. can go on the bench.
 The refusal by Judge Baker to ac- cept appointment at this time to the place for which he is an aspirant be- fore the people at the election on Nov gives rise to much speculation as to the action now to be taken by Gov ernor Hunt.
 No Assistance to Court. ..>
 It is known that the other mem bers of the supreme court would have welcomed Judge Baker filling the va cancy, as it is conceded that he will be elected on Nov. 5, and will as- sume the duties of the office on Jan. 1. His acceptance of the position at this time, it is said, would have been Of great assistance to the court as the work would have gone on unin- terrupted.
 Among the leading attorneys of the city today the opinion prevails that the appointment of some one other than Judge Baker can be of np assist ance to the court, but on the other hand will retard the work of that tribunal. A new appointee would have but two months to serve and would hardly have time to familiarize himself with the matters before the court before he would retire from of fee.
 Several Are Mentioned.
 However, the opinion prevails that the governor will make an appoint ment and speculation is running rife as to who will be appointed The name most prominently mentioned as possibility is that of F. c. Struck meyer. Along with that of Struck meyer is that of Thomas Nealon. Both of these were of counsel for Hunt in his contest with Campbell for the governorship
 l.. c. Whitney, at present member of the commission on state institu- appointee. It is understood that
 
 tice of law after the first of the year. As a matter of fact, notwith- standing that the law creating ,ethe commission on state institutions pre- scribes that the members must not engage in other business, Whitney has continued his private practice and has appeared in court several 1 times IS attorney in suits Judge Bakers Destination.
 Following is the letter of Judge Baker to Governor Hunt, declining the appointment to the supreme court bench:
 October 2S, 1918. Dear Sir:
 I desire to acknowledge the receipt Of your favor of the 18th, inst, noti- lying me of my appointment to the Judgeship made vacant by the resig- nation of Judge Alfred Franklin.
 thank you very sincerely for your kind consideration in designating me to fill this exalted and dignified office 1 and I assure you that I would accept the honor and enter upon the dis charge of the duties thereof at once only for the fact that existing prof fessional engagements preclude me from assuming these duties.
 Several important cases in which I have been retained and paid fees are pending trial in November and De. cember. These cases have been in. trusted to my care by clients because they relied upon my individual and personal efforts in their behalf, and they are such cases that I cannot pos sibly transfer to other attorneys. It is my bounden duty to these clients to continue my present attitude until l. can try and dispose of these cases It is for this reason, and this reason only. that I must beg you to excuse me from accepting the honor you sc kindly tender me.
 Tn the event of my election by the Deople in November to the iudgeship I would remain free to try and dispose of such cases before my induction in to the office in January.
 Assuring you of my high personal regards, I am,
 Very truly yours