People's Pilot, Volume 2, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 February 1893 — NAMED A DEMOCRAT. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

NAMED A DEMOCRAT.

President Harrison Nominates Howell B. Jackson, of Tennessee, to Be the Successor of the Late Justice Lamar on the Supreme Bench. Washington. Feb. 4. —One of the first judicial appointments made by Mr. Cleveland was that of Howell Edmunds Jackson as judge of the United States circuit court for the Sixth judicial district; one of the last judicial appointments made by President Harrison was that of Howell Edmunds Jackson to the supreme court bench. The nomination creates surprise. This nomination, sent to the senate Thursday, was one of the few on record — if not the only one—in which a president named a man outside of his party for a place on the United States supreme court bench. Mr. Harrison has chosen democrats for the circuit courts, and the courts of appeal, but it has been the unwritten law that the appointments to the highest court in the land should go to members of the party to which the president belonged. Much has been

brought to the attention of Mr. Harrison, however, to recommend Judge Jackson. Only Wednesday Mr. Justice Brown of the supreme court called at the white house and urged Judge Jackson’s selection. Before Justice Brown came to the supreme court he was on the district bench in Detroit, and his district was a part of the circuit over which Judge Jackson had jurisdiction. Although opponents in politics the two judges were warm admirers of each other. Ex-Solicitor General Taft also had much to do with the selection. When he was recently appointed to the court of appeals his duties took him to Cincinnati, which is a part of Judge Jackson’s bailiwick. Another personal factor of strength for Judge Jackson was the friendship of the marshal of his court, who happened to be a brother of President Harrison. Mr. Carter Harrison has been here for the last week as a guest of the president at the white house. It is natural that the marshal of Judge Jackson’s court should have fully informed his presidential brother of the good features of the appointee. A question has arisen as to the confirmation of Judge Jackson. The senate has a distinct republican majority which may not be inclined to accept Mr. Harrison’s nomination of a democratic supreme court justice. Indeed, this feeling is already being expressed by senators, and dispatches are being sent to leading republican organs severely reflecting on the lack of party judgment by the president. It is stated that Mr. Jackson has made a fine circuit judge, and that no doubt is entertained as to his making a good justice. The appointment was a great surprise to the Tennessee delegation in the house. The two republican members felt sore over the selection of a democrat and a state’s right man, but when asked as to Mr. Jackson’s personal fitness conceded that his character and abilities were all that could be desired. The nomination came as a great surprise on the senate side and was received while the senate was in executive session. There will be no comment made on the floor, hut the republicans gathered about and discussed it. With the exception of a few who think the president should have appointed a republican the nomination was well received. Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 4.—Judge Howell E. Jackson is at home and is holding court in Nashville. Soon after the news of his nomination reached the city he was seen, and said he would accept the appointment if confirmed. He further said he had no information from President Harrison that he would tender him the appointment. Judge Jackson has been the recipient of congratulations from citizens, irrespective of party, since the information reached the city. Howell Edmunds Jackson was born in Paris, Tenn., April 8, 1832. He received a classical education, graduating from the West Tennessee college in the summer of 184 a He afterward took a two years course in law at the famous law school of the University of Virginia; he then read law under his kinsmen, Judge A. W. C). Totten and Judge Milton Brown In 1835 he entered the Lebanon law school, graduated the following year (1856) and was admitted to practice at the bar of Jackson in the same year. Three years later he removed to Memphis and engaged there in the practice of his profession. He served twice as judge by appointment on the supreme bench of the state and was quite prominent as a candidate before the nominating convention for supreme judge. He returned to Jackson in 1876, and was elected to the Tennessee house es representatives as a state credit democrat in 1883. The 'same year he was eleoted to the United States senate to succeed James E. Bailey (democrat), and took his seat March 4, 1881. In 1886 he was nominated by President Cleveland and instantly confirmed as United States judge for the Sixth judicial circuit in place of Judge John Baxter, deceased. The circuit comprises the states of Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky. Mr. Jackson was indorsed for the position by the entire Tennessee delegation with the exception of Senator Harris, who was Mr. Jackson's political opponent.

HOWELL E. JACKSON.