Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 November 1902 — A Justice Muddle In Union. [ARTICLE]

A Justice Muddle In Union.

Squire Tom McGowan was in agam Thursday and took his oath of office before Clerk Major, but until his commission is received . from the governor, which probably will be - today or tomorrow he will not be authorized to transact business. It is not likely that either of the other' newly elected justices in that topnship will qualify. In fact there is only room for one of them to do so. for it seems that although three were elected in Union, the township is only entitled to two, by the order of the commissioners, ,®®de a number of years ago. There has been some talk, from Democratic sources, that the recent elected of justices there is illegal, because of this fact that the town--Bh’P is only entitled to two. But as Mr. McGowan has been certified as elected, and has been or will be commissioned by the governor, he will hold the office unless a contest is made. That reminds us, by the way, that the township has enjoyed th® luxury, illegal though it was, three justices since Oct. 1901, when the commissioners appointed 8. M. LeMoine, of Fair Oaks, namely James Wiseman, of ytrgl®, Thos. Fay, of Parr, and LeMoine, aforesaid. LeMoine’s appointment, by the way, was illegal, and lhere is much doubt if any of his acts asjustice are legal-