The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-01-02
SATURDAY, JANUARY ?, 1892
More Problems To Solve


 mans of the Superior Court early Thursday means more political pickering in demoeratie ranks. For some time it had been rumored about the state that the Andovef Jurlst would probably never be able to return to the bench should he ragain his health which had been failing him for some years. From the date of his appointment early Tn l9Z6 i'll health had handicapped his regular ap- pearanee on the bench of the superior court His last appearance was in May of this year following which he entered hospital Tor treatment.
 Prior to his appointment to the Superior Court bench he had acted as chairman ot the democratic state central committee being succeeded by James J. Walsh of Meriden. who in turn was succeeded by Judge P. B. CSullivan of the Superior Court in 1850. It was Judge OSullivan who conducted the successful campaign which resulted in the election of Governor Wilbur L. Cross. Judge OSullivan's appointment to the bench was made this spring while the Leg's- lature was in session.
 For some months now there has been mention of a successor to Judge YeomanS' since. as we stated above, it was believed there was little likelihood of his health ever again permitting of such exaetlng duties as those of presiding justice. There have been many names mentioned for the judge ship, all of them democrats. Of course, any appointment that Governor Cross may make now will merely last until the next Leqslature convenes, which will be in l933. At that time the governor, whether 1t be Governor Cross or somebody else, can re- nominate the incumbent or name new iwdpe. If Governor Cross is continued in office there will be no alternative name proposed.
 Offhand we should think that the gov ernor's secretary, Attorney Kenneth Wynne, of New Haven. would have the best chance of being named to the Superior Court bench. The office of secretary to the governor has been the stepping stone for many of our prominent judges in Connecticut. Federal Judge Thomas and Chief Justice Maltbie of the Supreme Court to mention only two, advanced from this office to the bench. There is plenty of precedent for such action upon the part of Governor Cross. But so general has been the knowledge that a new Superior Court judge was to be named that the governor may be called upon 10 make . decision that may affect the immediate future of the party, say the l932 elections.
 In addition Judge Simpson and John Rufus Booth are from New Haven, while Judge Baldwin is from Derby and Judge PtB. OSullivan from Orange. On the basis of geographical distribution it might appear as if some other section of the state should supply the new judge of the superior court. That might also work against State Senator Frank S. Bergin of New Haven whose name has also been prominently mentioned for the appointment. It might then bring into more prominence Democratic Town Chairman John Cornell of Bridgeport There are only two Superior Court judges in Fairfield county However, the eastern part of the state boasts only Judge Brown of Norwich and Judge Inglis of Middletown. There are wide open spaces here that might desire representation on the bench. Such factors as these cannot be lightly ignored by any executive in making important judi eial appointments.
 That Judge Yeomans should be succeed ed by democrat is unquestloned It fol- lows that Governor Gross attempt to make the bench and state boards bipartisan vii! be followed out in this case. Even so if political lines must be drawn on the bench the democrats are still far outnumbered due to republican indifference to democratic claims to right 10 be represented on the bench over the last ten or twelve years or ever since Mr Roraback strengthened bis hold on the party in the state. There. are many democrats available for appointment to succeed Judge Yeomans We feel sure that whichever way Governor Cross turns he will seek the candidate whose qualifications are the best.