Omaha daily bee., 1920-02-01


V1ews amd Reviews
How w. ID. McHugh Gained By
Losing Seat ON Federal Bench
These are the days Of farewell dinners to
Judge McHugh on the eve OF his departure
from Omaha to become head law officer Of one
/ Of the biggest corporations in the country and
he is indeed entitled to congratulations. His
is really 4 wonder story to serve as an inspira-
ton to the boy determined to rise in the world
by his own abilities. remember a newspaper
headline over the encouragement OF the appoint
ment by President Cleveland Of McHugh to be
United States district judge, reading from
cobbler's bench 70 federal bench" emphasizing
the fact that in his youth he had been appren-
tced to shoemaker. The career as judge, as
we all know, did not last the name being with
drawn because confirmation was blocked by
Senator Thurston, who in so seeking to IN
jure him unwittingly rendered most valuable
service in keeping him in the active practice OF
law and on the highway to Advancement tar be-
yond his then prospects.
In this connection it is pertinent to recall
that Judge McHugh was seriously considered
by President Taft for position of the supreme
court of the United States, the highest of all
judicial tribunals. To this particular vacancy
several circuit judges aspired to promotion, but
because of the importance of certain pending
cases appealed from rulings made in these lower
courts and the desirabity Of final decision by
full bench, with all Of the justices participat-
would 60 elsewhere. happened to be in WASH
ington at the time and had occasion. to talk
over the high qualifications Of Judge McHugh
with the president, who seemed inclined to
favor him, but deferred action and in the mean
time allowed his scruples against promoting a
then accorded to Judge Vandevanter. Had
Judge McHugh gone on the supreme court
bench at that tinne these testimonial dinners
would have come ten years ago.
I said something last week about census
taking and the disastrous consequences of the
fragrant padding that made Omaha's census
population of 1890 doubt what il really was
| have the boom volume on Omaha issued by
the Board Of Trade just following that enum-
Grafton, on thu: title page Of which is blazoned
1855, Population 0--lSol Population l40,4s2,"
and this is the boast INDUCED on an inside page:
... Omaha in 1890.
y The largest city in the Missouri Valley.
Increase of 24,05s.ih population over 1889.
A greater proportionate increase in ten
years than any other large city.
The healthiest Of the leading cities,
Real estate transfers in 1890 over $lS-
a, Building and public improvements over
Packing output, s2ooooooo.
Total manufactured products, $54,000,OOO.
Wholesale trade, $47,000000.
Bank deposits over $21 100000.
Bank clearings over $255,000000 =
Actual valuation over $300000000
Assessed valuation, $20O00000
Internal revenue collections over $780,
000
Two bridges. across the Missouri River
and another projected.
The largest smeltints and refining works
In the world.
The largest lnseed oil mill in the country.
The largest white lead works in the United
States.
The third largest packing center in the
country.
The third largest lumber distributing point
in the United States.
Ninety churches, and other church
property valued at $4,500000
One electric light plant, with 100 miles of
wire. supplying 1000 incandescent and 400 arc
lights. -. =
Eighty miles of gas pipe. -
Sixty-one miles Of paved streets -"
Eighty-hve miles Of sewers
One hundred and twelve miles of curbine.
One hundred and twenty.six miles Of grad
One hundred ffty.hve miles of water
mains.
One hundred eishty-four miles Of side
walks
Two hundred and six jobbing firms; cap
ital $l4,l66O00
One hundred and eighty-six manufactur-
ing firms; capital, $791500O
Twenty National, State and SAVINGS
banks; capital, $7,30O,0O0.
Postoffice transactions 1l months), ST.
267,40O T-'
Fifty-one public schools; value s6o6ooo.
School cepsus, $24,520.
Street railways: Electric 52X miles:
cable, miles; horse, 261z miles; electric
bridge motor line, 16 miles-102 miles.
Felicitations to my. old friend Al Sorenson,
on passing his SEVENTEEN milestone. Al is q
shining example of the man who attains the
proverbial three. score and ten without doing
anything or emitting to do anything for the
express purpose of lengthening his life. Al was
reporter, city editor and local staff for the Bee
in its infancy and a mighty good one too.
Here's wishing you many more happy birth
days.
Q@o Rm
The Bee Refpcted hu Tte H1ctoro,