Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 November 1889 — A JUDGESHIP CONTEST. [ARTICLE]

A JUDGESHIP CONTEST.

A Judge at Butte, Mont., Begins Business Backed by Armed Policemen. There was a sensational scene in the District Court at Butte, Mont., Wednesday afternoon, when McHatton, Democratic, and Hamilton, Republican, rivals for the office of judge, appeared at the court house, expecting to mount the bench. It had been anticipated that there would be serious trouble, but this was averted by the temporary surrender of the Republican aspirant. Sheriff Lloyd, Republican, had a large number of depu ties on hand, and the Democratic sheriff elect followed suit. The city marshal, acting under orders from the Mayor, swore in twenty special policemen, who were stationed about the court-room armed with Winchesters. Judge DeWolfe, after hearing arguments of counsel for contestants, declined to seat either of them, and adjourned the court. No sooner had Judge DeWolfe vacated the bench than J. J. McHatton, Democratic Judge-elect, stepped up and took the seat, ordering Sheriff-elect Sullivan to convene the court. His orders were obeyed to the letter, and Sheriff Lloyd, and Hamilton, Republican claimant of the Judgeship, took their departure from the court room. Hamilton will go to the capital and apply to the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus against McHatton to compel him to show by what right he has assumed the. position of Judge. • A large number of convicted at the last term of court, are to be arraigned fo<* sentence, and Judge McHatton will undoubtedly order Sheriff Sullivan to bring the prisoners into court. As the keys to the jail are In Sheriff Lloyd’s hands, there will probably be trouble.