A 'Non-Partisan' Judgeship Descends Into Mud, Ink and a Socialist Wildcard

The all-absorbing topic of interest in Stevens county politics at the present time is the non-partisan contest for the office of superior judge. The candidates are Judge D. H. Carey, the present incumbent; John B. Slater and George A. Allen, of Colville, and J. M. Harkness, of Northport. While partisan matters are not considered in this connection, it is well to state the political allegiance of these men, which are as follows: Messrs. Carey and Allen are Republicans, Slater a Democrat and Harkness a Socialist.

As far as the first three are concerned the campaign has become one of exceeding bitterness. Mr. Allen is stumping the county in the interest of his candidacy and devotes his whole time to a tirade against Judge Carey. Mr. Slater is a leading stockholder in the Colville Examiner, in which are appearing lengthy attacks on Judge Carey, which are being circulated throughout the county. The Statesman-Index, which is supporting Judge Carey, comes out with a lengthy attack on Mr. Slater, in which it is made to appear that the gentleman is unfitted by past business transactions to sit upon the bench.

It would seem, therefore, that the legislature, in endeavoring to create a non-partisan judiciary, has, in Stevens county at least, plunged the judiciary into dirty personal warfare. Mr. Carey, while an active candidate for re-election, appears to be conducting his campaign with the quiet dignity with which such an office should be sought.

Thus far in this campaign The Miner has supported Judge Carey, and will continue to do so until some better reason for not doing so is brought forth than his opponents have yet been able to muster. From the endorsement of Judge Carey's official career which has been offered by all but one of the Republican attorneys of the county seat, and that one Mr. Allen, himself a candidate; by the bar of Ferry county and leading men of the Spokane county bar; it would seem that Mr. Carey has treated attorneys alike with a fairness and courtesy that is greatly appreciated. Further than that, many of the people of this section who have had business in his court speak in the highest terms of his manner of conducting same. It is true that Mr. Carey will receive a large vote on this side of the county, and that this vote will be strictly non-partisan, Democrats and Republicans alike recognizing his judicial qualities and extending their support.

The candidacy of Mr. Harkness, who is a Socialist, is keeping the other candidates guessing, as it is claimed that there will be at least 800 votes for him. One thing is sure, the Socialists will have their votes out, and it is up to the people of this county who do not desire to see the principles of socialism represented on the bench to get out and vote at the primary.