El Nuevo mexicano., 1919-06-12

Recurring TO the subject Of the pre-
bate court files, we are OF Opinion
that provision ought TO be made 70
Keeping them IN a vault, as protection
! against loss by fire. They are nov
kept IN an ordinary file case, outsid'
Of the vaults.
We find also that a large humble
lof plats or town sites, and addition
to towns, required by law to be fiIeI
in the clerks office, while kept il
a vault, are in a ~disorbered and di
lapidated condition without index d
other guide to them. They should b
kept in cases made for the purpose
numbered and indexed so that the.
can be readily accessible
All OF which Is respectfully sub
mitted.
Mr.. Lucero's Letter.
MI. Lucero's letter to Judge Wright
follows:
Santa Cruz, New Mexico
May "a
Hon. r. r, Wright.
Chairman, Santa Re County Bal
Association,
Santa re, New Mexico.
"Dear Sir:
"At a meeting recently held by the
Santa Fe County Bar Association reso'
buttons were adopted condemning the
conditions existing in the Clerks
office OF Santa Fe County. Steps
we're also taken by the Bar Associa-
ton toward assisting in improving
the conditions existing in the Clerks
office, The criticisms contained in
the fesoltions were so general that
they are Likely to be misinterpreted BY
the public, and in fact, to my know
edge, they have been misihterpreted.
"As you know the present condi-
ton OF the Clerks office is largely
due to the in~efficiency OF the admin
istration of affairs during the two
years prior to my incumbency. l was
not aware of the actual conditions
untile sometime after / came into the
office. AT the beginning OF the last
term of court this matter was discuss
ed between me and Judge Holloman.
AT that time he stated to me that
something would have to be done to
improve the conditions, and suggest
ed the propriety Of employing some
one as deputy who was experienced
in these matters SO that an improve
ment in the conditions could be had.
Nh. "A. M. Bergere was appointed by
me as deputy to continue during the
term Of court, and during that time
did very efficient work. and a great
deal of work towards improving CON
ditions, but, Of course, owing to the
bad conditions, it was impossible for
him, in SO short a time. to get the.
office in such shape as desired.
"At that time it was impossible,
owing to certain conditions, for me to.
make a permanent appointment, but
! tacitly agreed with him that as
soon as I could make a change in the
office he would be given 4 position as
deputy clerk. circumstances are such
at this time that the change can be
made, and will be made in a very few
days.
subsequently to this understand
ing with Mr.. Bergere, the Bar Asso-
citation had another meeting and
Recommended Mr., Edward Stafford,
formerly deputy clerk in this judicial
district. Mr., Stafford, of course, would
been perfectly agreeable to me,
as I have no doubt Of his competency,
but there were two things existing
prohibited me from following
the Recommendations OF the Bar AS
sosiation: First, what / have stated
that ! had agreed to appoint
AR Unrnnpn IN nncn a oIrot.wn urAc
and, second, Mr., Stafford sug-
in q letter that he desired at
least $4,000 a month for his services,
and it is absolutely impossible to pay
anything like that amount for a dep
atty.
I'm my Selection Of Mr.. Bergere It
was not my purpose to Intentionally
run counter to the recommendation
made by the Bar Association, nor to-
The desires Of Mi. Stafford to have the
appointment, but because of those
matters above suggested, The aps|
)ointment Of Mr.. Bergefe during the
term of court was suggested by Ger.
ain members of the Bar, and no OBJ
Iections were made, SO far as I know
by any person, and his work was
satisfactory to all. so far as | am
to learn / am satisfied that with
aim in The. office conditions will great
y Improve. \
"At any time the Bar Association,
Is an organization, pr Individual mem
Ders thereof have any complaint TO-
make OF the conditions in the office,
L will be a favor to me for them to-