Norwich bulletin., 1921-04-20
.lsnecial to rhe Bulletin. )

 here this afternoon at hearing before the Judiciary committee in the old sen ate chamber at the state capitol to spon- sor the cause of Judge John H. Barnes for re-appointment as judge of the city court of Norwich for a two year. term. Judge Barnes, who has held the office of city court judge for the past six years, was opposed by ArthursF Libby, law yer, who has been nominafed in Dih introduced by Senator Allyp L. Brown of Norwich. Judge Barnes has been nominated on a house bill introduced by Representative c. v. Penaleton of Ner-' wich.
 MT. LibbS's supporters numbering something over forty, included nearly 3 dozen women, two of whom, Mrs. Willis Austin and Mrs. Frank A. Mitchell, spoke in favor of MT. Libby's appoint nent.
 Arthur M. Brown, well known Nor wich lawyer acted in the capacity Of voluntary counsel for Judge Barnes, MT. Brown making it clear to the judiciary committee and those present at the hear ing that be was not serving Judge Barnes' interests as a paid attorney but as an act of friendship. Representative George Thompson of Taftviiie had charge of the opposing forces.
 There were originally four nominations for the office. the nominees being Judge Barnes, Henry H. Pettis, deputy judge of the city court, Frank M. Gardner and Arthur F. Libby. The first two named were nominated on bills introduced by Representative c. V. Pendleton and the latter two on bills introduced by sena- tor Brown.
 At the hearing Mr. Garlner announced his withdrawal in favor of Judge Barnes lAf ,10fw tn fhd committee that he was in no way can didate for the judgeship as opposed to Judge Barnes Judge Pettis has been nominated for reappointment as deputy judge.
 For two hours steady stream of rep lresentatiye lawyers and business men oi Norwich appeared before the committed 1 in behalf of Judge Barnes candidacy several of those appearing undergoing 2 severe cross examination led by Senator Brown, who is member of the jndiciarl committee.
 The remainder of the time was taker up by the opposing forces, who in thu opinion of Mr. Brown Judge Barnes counsel, failed to show any reason wh! a "good judge should be removed fol another good man." t
 The judiciary committees report Sr the bills will probably not be knowl until about May 1st. The hearing laste' about two hours and forty-fve minutes
 The hearing was scheduled to open a 1.3o o'clock but it was before the gath ering was called to order.
 Attorney Arthur M Brown of Jewet City, member of g well known Norwicl law firm, took the floor T represen Judge John H. Barnes and would hk
 to state I am not here as paid atterne. but am here simply as an act of friend ship" said Mir. Brown. T have know
 Judge Barnes for twenty years. Fo six years he has been judge of the cit. court of Norwich, and I know of Nnothinl | that would disqualify him for re-appoipt ment. Judge Barnes has represented hi
 town as representative to the leeislatur
 and he has served three terms. as stat
 senator. He has the endorsement of tn
 republican town committee" MT Brow
 here read a resolution passed by the re
 publican town connittee endorsing J9dg
 Barnes for re-appeinHnent and prssente
 the petition to the committee.
 Judge Barnes has the endorsement (
 the town. selectmen. said MT. BroYn, an
 First Selectman Bailey is here to appes
 for him. Mayor Lerou has endorsed hi
 candidacy, he continued.
 Two Petitions
 MT. Brown then exhibited and laid i
 petition signed by merchants and bul
 mess men of Norwich endorsing Juds
 Barnes. How many signatures are thes on this petition, asked me1nher of th } committee. I didn't count them, aI swered MT. Brown. CTheTe were abot : one hundred signatures on the petition Mir. Brown also laid in petition Whic 7 he stated was signed by all but six {
 the attorneys of Norwich. Most
 these men are here today" he said.
 would like to leave this petition with Il
 committee"
 T am not here to attack anyone
 said MT. Brown. Mir. Libby is a youn man of high character and he is frien
 of mine But I see no reason why man who has served as yell as Juds : Barnes should be replaeed.r
 s Representative Bendleton spesks . MT. Brown then called Representativ c. V. Pendleton of Norwich who he sal l would appear for Judge Barnes.
 T am for Judge Barnes" said M Pendleton. T can see no reason ar
 haven't heard of any reason why thel
 should be change. The town is ge, f orally satisfied. There should be goo
 reasons before man who is serving we i should be replaced. Doubtless the oth z candidate has a great number of frien, n who would like to see him appointe . But I think the general sentiment
 Norwich is that the town is satisfied q ]. does not desire change"
 f Has the question been agitated vel 2, much?" MT. Pendleton was asked. Som s what-Not very much" was the answer 0 Mayor Lerou endorses Judge Barnt
 the corporation counsel endorses him al
 sincerely 7 trust your committee W
 report favorably," said MT. Pe1dleton . Sen. Brown-"Do I understand you 9 relative of MT. BaiIey?r
 Rep. Pendleton-'I am first cousin : Sen. Brown-You have heard the TUT | or that Mayor Lerou has to attend eou y to have cases prosecuted?"
 Rep. Pendleton-1 have heard t 2, rumor."
 | Sen. Brown-"From whom?" Rep. Pendleton.-'Frcm Sen. Broyr . Questions Mr. Bradford a George H. Bradford, of Montyille, de 't uty motor vehicle inspector for New Lo is don county, and q county commission e for New London county, appeared in | U half of Judge Barnes MT Bradfo n stated he favored Judge Rar9es' appoiI e ment.
 E. The witness underwent a rapid f
 cross questioning at the hand of Sen ss tor BreBn in regard to whether or T g s his opinion of Judge Barnes eharaci 'I had been shaken as a result of the { ls velepmsnts in the superior court e y of John A. Moran, Adm. xs, George 0i Bradford, Adm in which Judge Barr
 vas a witness for the defense.
 Sen. Brown-"Do understand yc / opinion of Judge Barnes is that he is ' competent man for judge of the q y conrt?"
 i MT Bredford-'Yes.'