The Carbon County news. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1924-1931, 1924-11-20

-"
inches tall, weighs 2l5 pounds and is
go years of age.
From boyhood he has steadily
fought his way upward. Every inch
Of his splendid height, every ounce
of his poundage, every bone and sinew
of his being is vibrant witt that iale-
pendence and self-relance that has
elevated him from the lowly lot Of
frontier farmer boy to the governor
ship Of the Treasurer State.
Judge Erickson has been before the
people of this state for 30 years. He
was three times elected county attor-
ney, and he was three times elected
Judge of his home district, the Sew
enth, until at last he refused to hold
the office longer and resigned the
post.
My life has been hum-drum one"
Judge Erickson has stated. AS judge
1 have been called upon to settle diff
ficulties Of friends and neighbors. As
an attorney have had for my clients
small business men, farmers and
workmgmen.
THE large industrial concerns have
no interests in my locality. | have
never had item for my clients nor
passed on their lawsuits. My prac-
tee has been among the plain people"
A Humane Judge
As district judge, john Z. Erick-
son was a sticker for law enforce
ment, but he knew how to differenti-
ate between the letter and the spirit;
knew how to temper justice with mer-
cy.
Among the stories told Of him is one
that has to do with violation Of the
game laws. According to a kalispeii
resident, a humble tie cutter was ar
rested for a violation Of the game
laws. Tie had Slot buck door out Of
season. There were thousands Of deer
on the hills and this mans family was
in dire need, bat he had broken the
law, the game warden had caught him
red-handed and had preferred com
plant.
The man was arrested and brought
into court before Judge Erickson to
plea to the charge and to have his
bail fixed.
When the matter was called the tie
cutter asked: May | speak to you,
iudge?'
ANY man may speak to this court, =
the judge answered. well, then,
your honor" Il am guilty. | have
been unable to get work to support
my family. My wife is an invalid.
My family was hungry. had no mon
ey; no credit. There was nothing to
eat. shot the deer. / broke the law.
am ready to plead guilty and take my
punishment"
Court Was Moved
THE court stared hard at the blank
wall opposite the BENCH" the Kalispell
relator went on, land something
seemed to move in his throat.
Gould you furnish bail? 2" the court
finally asked, in slow voice.
No, your honor, could not, have
no friends with money or property"
the tie cutter made answer.
WELL" said the court, the shadow
OF pity fitting across his face, ''this
court has come to the conclusion that
you don't need to furnish bail. /
know we can find you when we want
you. Go home to your family and do
your best for your wife and little chill
dren. When we want you, will send
for you"
THAT was several years ago" said
the man who told the story, "anc
Judge Erickson hasn't sent for that
tie cutter yet"
John Z. Erickson was born in a los
cabin in Wisconsin shortly after hi,
parents, farmer people for genera
tons, had cast their lot with the new
raw state.
Moved to Kansas
The life Of a Wisconsin farmer wa
one Of unremitting toll in the earl,
SOS and the elder Erickson, after bat
fling with gigantic stumps, roads tina
were hub-deep or almost bottomless i
rainy weather, with long hauIs an,
low prices, decided to follow the sta
of empire still farther west, and. ga
thering his little family about him
Joined the tide of emigration that ha,
set in for Kansas.
The Ericksons located near the tow,
of Eureka beside a small stream, tn,
banks Of which were covered will
trees. 1t was this small woods tina
furnished the logs for their new home
This simple house of logs, with sucl
additions as were made necessary b,