Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-21

Tor the appointment OF officers OF the U. States.
This last think is the best mode of appointing
Judges. and perhaps also, of militia officers, too
above the grade OF colonel, from the ncouv cnience
which might attend the appointment of general
officers in different manner. But in whatever
mode the Judges maybe appointed, the concur
ring opinion OF almost every state in the Union is in
favour OF their holding their Offices during good be-
haviour. think that those who have the power
OF deciding upon tho life, the liberty and the pro-
perty Of their Fellow Citizens, and the power too
Of deciding upon the consttutionality Of the Laws
passed by the Legislature, ought to be appointed
with great delibcratcn and circumspection--but
that when appointed, they ought not to be yem0o-
able except for MISCELLANEOUS in office; and should
depiore IT as calamity upon the state Of Virginia,
TO see different tenure Of Judicial office estab-
lsl.ed. Although 1 should be unwilling that the
Judges should be removable from Office except for
misbehaviour, should nevertheless be glad to see
constitutional provision adopted, which would
guard against the Inconvenience arising from re.
tanning supersnnuated Judges on the Bench.
There is anoiher part Of the Constitution, con.
corning which know the people Of this county
feel very great interest, and concerning which, 1
confess. have felt more doubt and difficulty in
my own mind than upon any other subject, which
will probably occupy the attention Of the Conven-
uon.-that is, the County Cotu1 system. In theo-
tratcs is highly Objectionable aud anii.republican
They were originally appointed by the King.
representatives, anu they have, since the adoption
OF the constitution. continued to appoint the mem
oerS oil their own body as totally independent of
the people, directly or indirectly (as the mode OF
appointinenD as is The King of Great Britain him
self. As we'll might the Judges Of the Court of
Appeals or general courts supply vacancies in their
respective courts, as for the county court magis-
traes to supply vacancies in their body. But while
this objection to the mode Of appointment is fully
admitted the difficulty is in suggesting the mode Of
appointment which ought TO be adopted. This
mode is different in the different states and con-
fcss that my own mind has not yet come to def
ni,ive conclusion TO the best mode of appointing
and compromising Justices of the Peace. 1 am
open TO conviction on the subject, and l am rea-
dy TO adopt any mode which may be suggested.
more republican in us nature, di,d tchich tpiH
secure equal respectabiiity to the Justices
when appointed. The peace, the good order
and weli-being OF society depend more upon
the Justices of the Peace than upon all the other
officers OF the commonwealth together; and hence,
every citizen s deeply interested in such mode Of
appointment being adopted, as shall bring into the
olcc the best citizens of the different Counties;
and should be un,riiiing TO adopf anu mode Of
appointment ,chich ,pouid not render 3.sfiees Of
the Peace respectable ,r7ien appointed, and ochirh
'could not induce The best qualified aud most re.
spectacle citizens to accept the office.
While admit that the present mode Of appoint
neutrality-suspicious. ia Objectionable in the
ory, am unwilling to on in the hue s. cry which,
some persons are disposed to raise against the
county courts. Although have no doubt but that
one hundred men as well qualified for the office as
the Justices Of the Peace now in Commission
could be found in Accomack, yet do not believe
that better Justices will be obtained by different
mode OF appointment, nor do believe th.,t the
public business will be better done than it has
heretofore been done. or with less expense TO the
people, or in faci with so little expense. But lei
II not be understood that mean 10 express an un
qualified appreciation Of alb the acts Of the county
Napi9trataa acti oil ipif Nv
..!Ao any oshes human uis0na. iiey nave erred
what intend Is, to express my confidence in the
integrity and responsibility Of the Justices gener.
ally, and my appreciation Of their general, faithful
and punctual performance of their duties.
But if no better Magistrates may be obtained
oy different mode OF appointment, yet if as goos
Magistrates can be obtained by appointments
made in more republican manner, il will be &C
comprising an important change, and one which
vii! meet with my cordial cooperation. If change
| should be made in the mode OfappontinG and com
pensatng Justices of the Peace, change in TIT
mode OF appointing Sherifs would no doubt follow
safely be s 'np pso PIE aS sss n
objection 10 the appointments Of constables in the
same manner.
think that every court should sppoint IL
own clerks, Attorney for the Commonwealth ani
| Commissioner in Chancery. The Courts seem
10 me 10 be the best judges OF the qualification.
necessary for these different offices, and the prac
with the idea. To give to the people the appoint.
ment OF every officer OF tho Commonwealth, Mi.
ilsary, Executive, JUDICIAL and Legislative, ant
tue officers OF Courts too, would be TO require al
most their whole time in attending Elections. and
in previously discussing the pre.ensions OF the
candidates,
some dare say, may suppose that my opinion:
have been in some degree affected by my appoint.
ment as clerk, but they are greatly mistaken. +
| know my own heart. would agree to every
change OF the constitution now, that would have
agreed 10 betoSe was clerk, and 10 no other. II
gratitude to benefactors were TO influence my
opinions, to whom ought | ta feel most udebt
edo The people at large, or to the Coun.
" Couri! Certainly to the people at large
respect The gentlemen who now fill the office OF
Justices OF the Peace as highly as the same mum
Der OF any other persons in the county, but nc
more. Indeed, almost (aye, perhaps quite) half Of
The Justices Of this county, would be willing TO
sec the mode ofappoiDting justices, changed, il
less Objectionable one can be adopted; and dare
say the greater part Of them are in favour of ex
lending the right Of suffrage.
nave thus given you fair and candid exposi.
Ion OF my views and opinions on different subjects
OF Importance, (which probably would come before
convention toreyise the Constitution oflhe state
II, with this exposition of my opinions, the
Delegates should think proper to nominate Inc az
candidate to their Fellow. Citizens, shall feel
proud of the distinction conferred upon me, and
VIII render, II elected, the best services my ii.
mited abilities will enable me- But if the De.
iegates should nominate another, whose political
opinions may be more accordant with their own,
or whom they may think better qualified TO sarve
The public, will cleerfully submit 10 their de-
cision, and shall console myself with the reficc-
ton that they could not nominate one more ar
IDENTIFY disposed to subserye the best interests Of
Tie state, without regard to his own personal and
particular interest
Inyour letter you say, that 'you hope YOU will
see me at Ben Haven, The day Of the meeting Of