The Daily Alaska empire., 1936-08-03
JUDGE TRUTHS RECORD


 of about five weeks away and campaign promise. being tossed around like posies at May Day fete it is sometimes enlighening to turn to the record Deeds, as ever, speak louder than words
 Let us for moment look over the record of At. torney General James S. Truitt who is candidate to succeed himself. The Judge frankly states hi. record in office presents his platform and his only prediction promise to perform the duties of his office in an honest and capable manner. Obviously this is the only promise any honest and capable can didate can make The Territorial Legislature enact the laws prescribing the duties which, together witt Federal statutes must be considered and construed Any candidate for the office of Attorney General who expatiates regarding his personal beliefs, is either ignorant of the actual duties prescribed ol merely hopes to msead the Alaska voter into voting for him. Assuredly the duties of the Attorney Gen erals office if well and faithfully performed art quite sufficient to keep that official busy withou assuming extra tasks and duties outside his province
 When Judge Truitt assumed the duties of the office of Attorney General of Alaska, March l933 delinquent tax roll was presented of approximately $200000 part of which delinquent for four year or more The Judge set about reducing that roll anc has been successful through suits, persistent forma demands and settlements out of court in reducing the tax roll to a minimum and in repenishing the Territorial Treasury in the approximate sum of $300 000 which amount also includes escheats. At tht present time there three escheat suits pending and to be filed representing in all about SIP 900
 Of the many suits in which the Territory has been either plaintiff defendant during Mir Truit term of office, not has been lost nor has the Territory been required to pay costs on account thereof.
 Immediately after the 1883 Session of the Terri torial Legislature attempt made by some 150C nonresident fishermen resding in California; tc invalidate and declare unconstitutional our license taxing statute. By injunction suit these non-resi dent fishermen sought to prohibit the Territorial Treasurer from collecting this nonresident tax, or if collected prior to the settlement of the case from paying out the taxes, which amounted under this Statute to more than s137OOO. That was tried and won the non-residents appealed it and the Territory won again. thus validating the Statute. re- taning the money collected and making obligatory for all on-resident fishermen to pay in accordance with the requirements or be prosecuted Had the plaintiffs been successful in that case the Territory would have been liable to refund to such non-resden fishermen the aforesaid sum of money and the Terri tory would have been required to grant to all non resident fishermen the privileges granted tt resident fishermen
 Another suit filed to enjon the Territoria Treasurer from paying out of the Treasury the sun
 
 benefit of the Pioneers Home, widows orphans anc indigents. That was won in the District Court was appealed and again won by the Territory Had the Territory lost that case, the doors of tho Pioneers Home would have been closed the payments to Pioneers, mothers widows children, aged and ind gents would have been forbidden
 Many have been tried in the Commissioner Courts in addition to those the District Courts ano Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco The Ter rtory has not lost and many estate of long standing have been settled and all contemporaneous cases promptly adjusted.
 There other duties for the Attorney Genera almost too numerous to enumerate He is required to furnish opinions to all Territorial Officers and the Governor regarding the proper interpretation o1 Statutes. Oftentin1es opinions must be furnished others, when any question is involved touching upor the interests of the Territory He is required to pre-. pare bills upon request for presentation to the Legis- ature He must gather information regarding needed legislation from various civic bodies and have sucf data in workable order for the Legislators He must serve as legal advisor the Board of Administration the Board of Liquor Control the Board of Examiners the Pioneers Home Building Commission the Boarc of Claims, the Board of Law Revision and serve a. Chairman of the Board of Law Examiners for Bal Admission Suffice 1t to say if the duties listed above are faithfully persstently and conscientously per formed they constitute full time job No ministeria executive officer would be justified in promisne more of service to the Territory than prescribed fol him.
 It is certain that man who has served this Ter ritory with gratifying results for years is vel able to continue such service and may be depended upon to uphold the office with dignity and integrity
 Judge Trutts record is an enviable one It is on he can stand on firmly and fearlessly It is ever voter in the Territory should consider carefully whel