The Press.
London, England, 1856-02-09 00:00:00

THE IRISH JUDICIAL BENCH.

WE in England are in the habit of regarding
the occupants of the Judicial Bench as above
favour or fear. But in Ireland it appears to
be thought that the judges should pay some
regard to the exigencies of Ministerial patron-
age, and that if gentle hints are not sufficient
to induce them to resign when their places are
wanted, a certain amount of pressure should
be put upon them to render them more com-
pliant. LORD CHANCELLOR BRADY has, it is
stated, thought proper to call on Mr. BARON
PENNEFATHER to retire from the Bench—a
demand with which that able and learned
Judge has declined to comply. He is still in
the full and vigorous possession of all his
faculties, and, notwithstanding his physical
infirmities. LORD CHANCELLOR BRADY must
himself be aware that there is not a judge in
Ireland who more ably discharges his duties.
To his acute judgment and profound legal
knowledge the Chancellor, when Chief Baron,
was frequently indebted, and at that time was
wise enough to avail himself of Mr. BARON
PENNEFATFIER'S superior abilities.
The excuse for the Chancellor's interference
is curious. He is reported to have hinted,
" that the force of public opinion would pro-
" bably coerce the Government into not offer-
" ing opposition to SirJOHN SHELLEY'S motion."
As it happens, the letter in question, with
BARON PENNEFATHER'S reply to it, were both
known in Dublin on Wednesday, the 30th
ultimo, while Sir JOHN SHELLEY'S notice of
motion in the House of Commons was not
given till Friday, the Ist of February, two
days afterwards. How did the Chancellor
become aware of Sir JOHN SHELLEY'S intention,
previous to any public notification of it? Are
we to suppose that the Honourable Member
for Westminster corresponded with the Chan-
cellor, and that there was a preconcerted scheme
to frighten BARON PENNEFATHER into resigning ?
If the question is to be raised in any shape
whether Mr. BARON PENNEFATHER is incapaci-
tated for the discharge of his duties, or whether
he continues to ably and faithfully fulfil them,
the issue cannot be doubtful. On a recent occa-
sion he delivered a lengthened judgment so
sound and luminous as left his colleagues
nothing further to observe than to express
their assent and admiration. It is very much
understating the case to say that he has
efficiently discharged all the duties of his post.
He has done more. Additional labour has
been thrown on him by the removal of Mr.
BARON RICHARDS to the Encumbered Estates
Court, and by the long-continued absence from
ill-health of CHIEF BARON PIGOT. Still the
public interests have not suffered. The business
of the Court has been efficiently performed.
Whenever the Learned Baron shall think
proper to retire he will do so with honour to
himself, and carry with him the respect of the

Irish Bar. But it would be an ill reward for
his long and faithful services to push him from
his seat. Certain legal functionaries of Ire-
land must be content to wait for their pro-
motion a little longer, as we find the Honour-
able Member for Westminster last night altered
his motion so that it may be carried without
having the effect which CHANCELLOR BRADY
anticipated from it.