Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-05-24
SENATOR EXPLAINS |
POLICY ON JUDGES
The Atlanta Journal News Bureau.
623 Riggs Building.
By THEODORE TIL.LER

WASHINGTON, May 22.-In re-
Spouse to limitations in Georgia
that in attempting to have authorized
an additional federal judge in the
state he was actuated by political
reasons, Senator Williams ]. Harris
has issued a statement flatly de-
nying such insinuations or charges.
Senator Harris asserted that conges-
ton in the courts of the northern
and southern districts is his only
reason for introducing his bills.
He also reminds Georgians that
under the Republican administration
he would have nothing to do with
the distribution Of patronage should
another judge be allowed. He would,
however, oppose confirmation of I'M
worthy appointees. AS previously
published, Attorney General Daugh-
erty has told Senator Harris that on
July 1, when the department of JUS
tice receives the report for the fiscal
year from the northern and south
ern judicial districts in Georgia, the
administration will decide whether
IL Will SdPpSAS SAAO pan All
federal judge or a new judicial dis
trict.
The formal statement issued by
Senator Harris today reads:
Newspaper articles in several
Georgia papers have carried the in
timation that I have become inter-
ested in a proposition to have an
additional judge or another district
court for political considerations and
reasons. I have not heard directly
or indirectly from any lawyer about
the possible appointment of officials
should a new district be created
That is a matter of Republican pat
ronage with which I shall have moth
ing to do.
"Numerous Georgia lawyers and
business men have written me about
the congestion of business in the
courts, due to no fault of the court
officials but mainly on account. OF
the development of our state, and the
narcotic laws. 1 have tried to in
vestigate the situation, at their re-
quest, as I do every matter presented
to me by my constituents. On my
ing an investigation. Nothing will
be done unless he recommends the
legislation, and his decision depends
on the status and volume of bust
ness.
Il do not intend in this matter nor
in any other legislation to be a party
to the creation of any position, I'M
less there is necessity and that clear
ly demonstrated. There are three
United States district courts in Ala
bama and there is more business in
Georgia, according to recent reports.
In this connection. I wish to say
that the Republican administration
has not and will not consult me
about their appointments and patron
age in Georgia. [ am a Democrat,
and expect to remain one, and do
not propose to be a party to reorgan-
izing or building up the Republican
party. in Georgia: 4o,,,,
wants to strengthen his party in
Georgia, and while I do not agree
with him in such political matters,
our personal relations are most cor
dial. 1 shall be glad to cooperate
with him and his administration in
in concerned, but as a Democrat L
would not attempt to distribute Re
publican patronage in Georgia II the
administration were in
clined to consult me. Under the con-
stitution, the president can appoint,
with the advice and consent of the
senate. I do not believe President
Harding will knowingly appoint I'M
worthy persons to Office but he can
not possibly give his personal atten-
ton to the fitness of the several
thousand he must appoint. AS
senator 1 shall oppose the confirma-
ton of any negro; any person I'M
people they must serve, but l shall
not try to dictate appointments"