Oregonian/March 28, 1909/Wants Judge Bean to stay

WANTS JUDGE BEAN TO STAY

Too Valuable a Man to Leave Oregon Supreme Bench.

PORTLAND, March 27.—(To the Editor.) Having noticed that a petition is being circulated among the lawyers of Portland to have Judge Robert S. Bean appointed to fill the Federal Judicial position lately created in the District of Oregon, I deem it the duty of persons interested to make known their views as to the desirability of such appointment.

Judge Bean has been a member of the Supreme Court of the State of Oregon for 18 years and has become thoroughly acquainted during that time with his duties as a member of our court. At the time of his election to the supreme bench Judge Bean was Circuit Judge, and I believe residing at Eugene at that time. There was opposition to his becoming a candidate for the position on the supreme bench made by residents of his circuit, for the reason that they had confidence in the administration of his office and regretted his departure. His conduct on the bench has been such that the people of the State of Oregon cannot well lose his services. Prior to his appointment there were some charges of partiality, but since his election there has never been any complaint made against our Supreme Court, but on the contrary, everyone has had confidence therein, and has considered Judge Bean, he being the oldest member, the stalwart of our bench.

Since it has been published that a petition was being circulated, several attorneys, have mentioned to me that there might be a disposition on the part of persons interested in circulating the petition to have Judge Bean leave our Supreme Court in hope that a person more subservient to certain corporate interests might be appointed to fill the place now occupied by him. The people of the State of Oregon are only slightly interested in the Federal appointment in comparison with their interest in who occupies the position which would be vacated by Judge Bean. Not only have our citizens respect for and confidence in our Supreme Court, but since Judge Bean's occupancy of the bench the decisions of the court are recognized and followed by Judges in all the other states.

Like each and all of the other lawyers knowing Judge Bean, I would cheerfully Join In any movement for his betterment, but I doubt whether his service as Federal Judge would be of any considerable benefit to the people of Oregon in comparison with the good he can do by remaining on our bench. The Federal appointment is for life, but I believe that Judge Bean might consider that he can occupy his present position for life should he desire so to do. The Supreme Court of the State of Oregon cannot spare Judge Bean. Respectfully.

GEORGE W. JOSEPH.