The Nome nugget., 1949-07-27
AN OPPORTUNITY. NOT A PROBLEM
(Aichorage Daily Times)

on the U s. Supreme Court left by the regrettable death of Justice Frank Murphy, is an opportunity for greatness.
 Judge Anthony J. Dimohd of Anchorage would be a most commendabe public servant for that high posi- tion acceptable to all men who have the best interests of the nation at heart.
 The selection of Judge Dmond would be acclaimed around the world as the first time American citizen residing outside of continental United States has achieved such high position It would be evidence for the world that the democratic principles on which this great nation was founded still operate freely
 AlaskanS need feel no cOmpunctOn in pressing for the appointment of their friend and neighbor His rec ord as public servant is outstanding. The admiration and respect for him is universal among all those who have had the privilege of knowing him.
 Press reports from Washington indicate that Presi- dent Trumans task of selecting successor will be diff ficu one In political circles is believed that Robert P Patterson of New York slated for the next va cancy But tradition requires that Justice Murphy sue cesSor be Catholic.
 Because of the religious angle Sen Joseph c. OMa- honey of Wyoming has been suggested But he is serV- ing the nation well in the upper House of Congress where under the seniority rules be is chairman of i'm porant committees. It would be loss to the Senate to take him out of his present position.
 The appointment of Judge Dimond would bring into the federal family at Washington a new personality. The nation would benefit from the addition of Judge Dimond's wisdom and leadership. His appointment would be more than mere shuffling of the present tal entS in Washington.
 President Truman would be aiding the cause o State hood for Alaska well strengthening the leadership of the nation The Democratic Party and the President are obviously failing to keep their pledges to State hood Recognition of Judge Dimond by this appoint ment would bring before the nation most forcbly the fact that Alaska integral part of the nation and that Alaska can and does develop great Americans.
 Judge Dimond is an Alaskan as smoked salmon He came to Alaska in his youth, starting his remarkable career as school teacher in Valdez in 19OO He pros pected and mined from 1904 to 1912 entering the prac tice of law in 1913
 Since then he has been U. S. Commissioner at Chi sana special assistant U S. attorney at Valdez served four terms as Senator in the Territorial Legislature and mayor of Valdez for nine terms. He gained national prominence and recognition during 12 years as dele gate to Congress- Since 1945 he has been judge of the Third District Court and singe-handed has conducted successfully and we'll the busiest one-udge court in the entire U. s. Department of Justice
 Judge Dmond's record on the bench more than qual- flies him for the Supreme Court Only has higher court reversed decision made by him, record that is truly remarkable.
 In Congress Judge Dimond was known by virtually every member of both Houses Their respect for him was demonstrated on numerous occasions and his ination should win ready approval in the Senate.
 Judge Dimond'S personal life has been exemplary and his party regularity throughout the years beyond ouoctiOn