Arizona republican., 1919-09-19
SENATOR SMITH TO BE
 J. $. JUDGE LIKELY, POLITICIANS ASSERT

The one thing more talked about in Phoenix yesterday than any other was the rumor to which The Republican gave publicity that United States Senator M. A. Smith has been slated for appointment to the federal judge ship to be created by the bill now. pending in congress. Though so far it is a rumor of uncertain origin, it is only known that it started in Washing ton, but politicians see in it many req sonable possibilities.
 It is remembered, in the first place. that MT. Smith was once before in- clined to such a position. Though he had been nominated and elected to the United States senate in 1911, there was some consideration given by him to the federal judgeship to which Judge Sawtelle was a little later appointed on the recommendation of MT. Smith.
 It is also known that most of the democrats of this state whose names have been mentioned in connection with the judgeship would fail of con- firmation. There is no guess work about that, but definite information re- ceived from absolute sources. 1t is also realized that the nearer the end of the term of President Wilson the more difficult it will be to secure from republican senate the confirmation of the appointment of any democrat.
 It is now regarded by republicans that so certain is the election of a republican president in 1920, that if the federal judgeship vacancy should be held open or only temporarily filled until March 4, 1920, the place would ultimately be filled by republican. l l1a
 ing stronger and stronger by republi- cans until at last some of them, at least, would oppose the confirmation of any democrat, however worthy and able. Nor has it been forgotten that the democrats on the eve of the re- tirement of President Taft held up the appointment of Judge Sloan.
 It is said, though. that if there is a democrat living who could secure confirmation in the present circum- stances, he is MT. Smith who is very popular in the senate and who would undoubtedly secure a sufficient num- Der of republican votes to insure his confirmation. That is, he could secure them some time in advance of the end of his senatorial term when he would have something to offer in exchange that is, an uncompleted term to be filled by a republican.
 If such an arrangement can be en- tered into by MT. Smith, by the leaders of the republicans in the senate and by the administration, it is thought that whatever opposition exists to the new judgship bill will be withdraw and that the new place will be created Otherwise, it is believed that, though the bill will be passed, no appointment
 made by the president could be con- firmed and that the appointee could
 hold his place only until new admin istration succeeds.
 MT. Smith is also aware that h. could not secure a re-nomination fol United States senator without a ser ious and most doubtful struggle, ant MT. Smith, when he was much mor' vigorous and aggressive than he il | now has shown an averseness to doubt | full struggles. He kept out of one il | 1894 and again in 1898, though in tn | latter year it was proved that his fear
 were groundless and that he woult | undoubtedly have been elected if h l had been a candidate.
 | There are many democrats in Ari | zona who would like this denouemeni | The retirement of MT. Smith woul | remove the causes of discord by a | least one, and every little helps whel II there is so much discord.