New Britain herald., 1930-02-05
Retirement From Probate Court Of Judge Gafney May Be Basis
 Of a Political Battle Next Fall

GatfUcy at that time is given James | J. Desmond and George r. Spear. l two men who have attended probac" | conventions for a score of years or more.
 Several attorneys prominent in | the profession and in the activities | O. both major parties are now be- 1 ing mentioned as possible successors 10 Judge Gaffncy
 Although many months will oN- pIro before q decision must be made i considerable discussion of the DO | HUcal phases Of this question is a!- | ready being heard. The debate ccn- tors about the possibility Of con 'inued endorsement of a democratic 1 candidate, after quarter of a ccN- tury Of satisfactory service by a | F. prcscntatIve Of that party, or at tempted seizure Of the office or the ground that this is a republican community and the post should go to member Of the party to which the greatest number has sworn its allegiance.
 Political Battle Possible
 Any effort bN the republicans to place one Of that political faith n the office is certain to be met WI il strong resistance by the dcmocrt,S and another battle similar 10 the ola Wagcd in 1901 is likely 10 be the re- suit. Endorsement of democrat will make the election little diffc~- cnt from other biennial votes, in which the republicans almost invari- ably win, However. If whipped into real election day fight with an iHl- pCrtant local .ssuc, as the probate court judgcShip IS certain to be ra- garded, it has been pointed out that the democrats might turn the city IS they have in many maIoral elections and by pIlimg up a majority gan not only the office Of probate judge but also representation in the gel. eral assembly,. q vantage point from which they might displacc the two judges of the city and police courts and elect democrats
 One Of the extraordinary powers D' '' l'i D''' A' NOHI '' N'ilr " II lNtl .7 possessed by no other tribunal. ie the right to declare q man legally dead although he may be actually alive. Seven years of continued aO- scnCe during which time no word Df q mans whereabouts has been hcarI. i5 sufficient 10 make such q ruling, and the only way the order can ia, ,r 5., Il iu, l., humscli in the flesh such an ordtr vas passed in q rather recent casr and resulted in the appearance pf the man concerned shortly there after. This statute is invoked to make possible the distribution Of an estate when there is every reasonable cause 10 believe the original owner to be dead.
 The probate court is mamtaino1 and salaries of the judge and his aides paid on the fee system. Tine amount 10 be charged for each of the numerous services of the count is fixed by statute.
 Judge Acts As Cupid'S Aid
 Occasionally the cold recitals or legal opinions and citations in sup pert Of this motion or that. gty.s way 10 the service of Dan Cupid. This happens when purcntless min ors desire 10 Wcd and arc required 10 secure the consent Of the count. Judge Gattncy has sent hundreds O. youthful couples on successful ma rimonial ventures during his terms of office.
 Among the many functions Of q probate court may be found. Ap- pojntmeut of IeGal guardians: con- n,itmcnt of insane, commitment of minors 10 county homes; jurisdiction over adoption Of children; appoint mcnt Of conseryators over Incap- ab}os admission of wills and ap- praisals of estates and approval Of administrators and executors; gen craI supervision over the estates oi deceased persons and incapablcs.
 Each Of these groups sub-diyides itself mto hun Ircds Of parts. requir- ing q thorough specid}zed knoW.- cGge Of inc law. In this respect. ,juds" Gaffncs w@s considered one Of Inc outstanding members Of the Der.
 In recent 'rars, Judge Gatfn4N has devoted his time aImosf ca- clusiycIy 10 his official position. He las found time for service on the boards of several corporations anI
 institutions aud has been employed aa counsel for several nearby towns. For nearly a score Of years he was . chairman of th- school board. IIa position ai 'J. bar recently won him the honor alta .h'd 10 the prrsjd,n.! 0. inc Hamfo.d roHn'y Bar gssocl- atton, an office which he now fills.