New Britain herald., 1930-02-01
WHEN THI. JUDGE RETIRES

WHEN THE JUDGE RETIRES
 Universal regret throughout the city is expressed at the pending re- tirement of Probate Judge Gaffney. Having served the community for 26 years in a position Of trust and confidence. and during that long time earning nothing but the high est praise for his administration or the office. he will retire with record such as comes to few men in public office. As everyone knows, for years there has been no dis agreement among the political parties as 10 who should be the nominee for the probate courtship; both parties united upon Judge C;affney until it became an un- breakable habit,
 The fact that the judge will pass his roth milestone during his next term, when by law it becomes ncccs- sary to relinquish the office, IS the reason for the judges decision to re- tire. He could be nominated asaln and elected. Of course; but after go- ing into office he would be forced to retire within a short time on ac- count of this artificial age lImlta- lion, Rather than retire during q r,rm the judge thinks it best to step down before that is necessary. It IS a resrettable step, although one or prime logic.
 Oyiously, the law is at fault. Any one knowing Judge Gaffncy realizes fully that he remains at the zenith of hi, mental powers Everyone knows that he fulfills his duties with 100 per cent perfection, and that 1t will require any successor, regard less of his knowledge of law or hls talent, years to acquire that finesse Of probate administration which comes to the judge alter 2G years Of intimacy with the probate procedure and it's peculiar problems.
 If such law were in evidence m Washington Justice Holmes Of the Supreme Court would have been rc- tired years ago; and Chief Justice Taft likewise would have been rctir- od. Others O. this court likewise arc at or near the age Of 70, They can retire with 2 pension al 7o. but it i. not mandatory. When they find themselves in possession oi thoir romplete powers they usually con lIrue in harHoss. Tine nauon salns rather than Ioscs aa result. sjT'1- larly. tm7 city would s@io if Judge ,;erfacy roeld rcmasn w office he- ,ond tac asa c, 70. l. .e a law ioo' cheats lhc coan1uwuea 0. tbe aer'- l,e7 0. men whom they can scarce. ly spare.
 Throughout h!s career as heaJ 0. ,he Probate Court. Judge Ga'fney has conducted 1t iu an idea! fashion. He knew well what 10 guard against. Lawyers having estate case" were treated with courtesy and con them. to anyonc's knowledge. ever obtained an iota oG advantage in his court. II vas a place where c'cry- one. including tho losa. fraternity eood equal and 9"y the facts m ..aui,y cooutc4. The mIl1 of human Kindness shared cquaI rights ~I'h the sub,lcllcs o1 the law in the judges colrt.
 It is frequently sad that judges should not be elected, but should DC appointed. When judges are elected by popular vote, Il is cX- piained, the judiciary is thrown into poIltics, with q consequent lowering O. the prestige and dignity Of the Judiciary. How brilliantly have these criticisms been nullificd by the carccr of Judge Gafinoy' IT the 'eo- pfe were incapable Of dct@rm'n'u- 'ln qhr3rs. Of ~ judS", ho" l' 't a hte b. n, in an cIeciI>e o"'rr ''' 'arf' 'tnd going il step 'urtIl'r. o' nny aI2ointj'c jldses m "u"r covrls have shown better 'rrord Or have stood as n's7 III pao5c seem?
 The Facts arc that politics enicrs much more in the appointment or judges It is difficult to name many