PLAN No. 683. HE BECAME POLICE JUDGE
After winning an election as justice of the peace, it is always the ambition of the justice to become police judge of the city. To win this position does not only mean the increase of one hundred or more dollars a month in salary, but also gives a good opportunity for a lawyer to build up a reputation, which may lead to a judgeship in the superior court. Of course, the mayor and city council of a city determine which justice will be the police court judge, and a friendly standing with them will aid in determining whether or not a candidate will be police judge.
Most of the people of a city and the county know more about the police judge than they do about the superior court judge. As a matter of fact, the newspapers of the community give far more publicity to the doings of the police court than do those of the superior court. Every little matter that comes up before the police court, serious or otherwise, is printed in the local daily, and all questions of any consequence that are to come up will first take place before the police court. So a lawyer, who occupies this position, and has good judgment, and takes his cases seriously, has an opportunity to make a good record for himself, and if he handles his opportunities in this position properly, he can become judge of the superior court.
This work brings him in touch with all the police branches and their work, and the county prosecutor’s office as well. As a matter of fact, many persons in the profession believe that it is best for a man who desires to become a superior court judge, to first become justice of peace.
PLAN No. 684. ILLUSTRATOR FOR U. S. GOV. SEE [PLAN No. 217]
PLAN No. 685. HE WANTED TO BECOME CITY COMMISSIONER
There were at least thirty persons aspiring for the $5,000-a-year job and he was but little known. Although he felt that he was strong enough to get the nomination, yet most of his friends advised him that they did not think that he could succeed, but they would do their best for him. He went in for all there was in it; he worked both night and day; he obtained the support of many young men in the city. He had stalwart friends in the police department and with their support and the support of their friends he gained the nomination.
With the nomination secured, he felt sure of election. However, he did not give up his personal efforts but worked both night and day until the night of the election, and then he did not give up until all of the votes were cast. The way he had worked for himself was an inspiration to his friends. However, it might be said that he had three or four friends who were especially valuable to him, and knew the political situation far better than he, and they did not hesitate to support him to the limit, as they believed in him and felt sure that if once elected he would make a good record. When the votes were counted, he had won by a large majority.
Many men believe that it is unbecoming for them to work for themselves, but this man did not think so. He felt that the enthusiasm of his friends would lag if the man who was running for the office did not believe enough in himself to work with them.