The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-03-20
CHOICE Of JUDGE
AFFECTS FATE Of
EXTRAU.S. COURT
Anderson Promotion and
Hickey Bill Linked in
Discussions.

Speculation as to a successor to
Judge Albert B. Anderson as United
States district judge. should he be
named for the Circuit Court Of Ap-
peals. to succeed the late Francis E.
Baker, and as to the fate. of the
Hickey bill, which would create an
other Federal court in Indiana, was
rife throughout legal and political
circles today.
The two questions have become so
thoroughly intertwined as to become
practically one.
Judge Anderson left for Washing
ton Wednesday night to appear before
the Senate Judiciary Committee,
which is considering the Hickey bill.
A large delegation of advocates of the
measure from northern Indiana will
appear before the committee.
William L. Taylor, former attorney
general of Indiana, will present a
statement to the committee in opposi-
ton to the new court. The statement
contends that the calendar is not
clogged and that there is no necessity
for the court.
Candidates Numerous
There is a widespread feeling that,
should Judge Anderson be promoted
by President Coolidge. advocates Of
the Hickey bill would not push the
measure. Personal dislike Of Judge
Anderson and a desire to escape from
his Jurisdiction has played large
part in the move for another court,
according to opinions expressed by
lawyers.
Meantime. candidates for Judge An
derson's position. should he be ap-
pointed circuit judge, have sprung up
in all parts Of the State.
eff you want to know who wants
the position" a well-known Indian
apolis lawyer said. Just take the list
of Republican members Of the bar and
Republican Judges in Indiana"
The question rapidly Is assuming
Importance politically, and Republican
leaders are becoming active in sup
port Of various candidates.
Out-State Man Favored
Should the appointment fall to an
Indianapolis man. Judge Louis B.
FSyrbank Of the Indiana Supreme
Court and Homer Elliott, United
States district attorney. are consid-
cred among the most likely candi-
dates. Elicit Is Said TO be assured Of
the backing Of Postmaster General
Harry S. New. who is very close to
President Coolidge.
However, It is believed an out-State
man viii be given preference.
ca1arrfOD TudQa
Bakers successor IS by no means as
sured. Opposition to him is said to
be active among labor leaders and
Illinois Republican leaders have be
come active in urging selection Of an
Illinois man for the position.
COOIidge's Stand
According to Washington dispatches,
Judge Ewbank and Judge Julius c.
Travis Of La Porte have become active
candidates fer Judge AndersOn's PLACE.
Friends OF both have wired Indiana
Congressman urging their selection. 4
President Coolidge. it is said, is in
clined to believe that AndersOn's pro-
motion would create a difficult prob
lem in Indiana and might result in an
open split between the New and Wat
son factions In the selection of a sue
cessor.
Powerful Indiana interests among
the law enforcement element of the
State are said to have urged the
President to keep Judge Anderson in
his present position on the ground
that he is indispensable. II an Illinois
Judge should be selected, that State
would have four out Of five places on
-. S.f-,,,t+ Court of ADneals