Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1830-03-18
THE SUPREME COURT.

The last number of the American Quarter
~ Review contains . most interesting and edo
quent article upon the Supreme Cont of the
United States. The character Of that tn ou-
nal of justice, the acknowledged learning and
unblemished integrity Of its members, and a
bsvc all, the confidence which its impartiality
ard independence have won for it, ia every
part Of the country, reader it's powers, duties,
and responsibilities subjects for the most en-
iightened and liberal reelection. The follow
ing passage from the review before us will be
regarded as equally just and well timed. A
dispa.sionate consideration Of the tendency OF
highest judicial authority Of country to en-
large it's own powers, May at this particular
period, when the late discussions in our Ma
tianaliegisiat,re have cailedpublc attention to
the subject be of Importance, in settling the
question whether the Supreme Court is TO he
looked upon as the arhiter between the Gen
erai Government aud the States-and as the
conseryater of harmony in the decision OF
questions arising out of3'the nature and ne
cessties Of written censhtution."- Bot. Gas
"'The Constitution Of the United States, as
it came from the hands that framed it, was
necessarily an instrument Of great and funda-
mental principles. charter of broad outlines
and established limits, but 1t could not, and
did not pretend to prescribe and provide for
every thing that the general welfare" might
demand, in detail, and which experience
would elicit. Even in those parts in which
il was attended to be exact, the intention
could be expressed only by the use of ordina-
ry language, which is frequently liable to diff
terent interpretations, sometimes from intrin
sic difficulties, aud sometimes created by va
rious judgments and more various passions
and interests, notwithstanding the utmost
care is TO he plain and precise. To fix these
Of construction by some dignified and indie
pendent authority, to which all must SUBMIT
to supply. define, and enforce the necessary
andiacidental powers, without which the sys-
tenn would be imperfect, irregular, anc m
safe; were matters of high trust aud incalcu-
liable importance. The judiciary is obviously
the department Of the government to which
this authority belongs, and by which it can be
exercised with the most certainty, the most
elaboration and ability; the most uniformity
and safety. The judges, once appointed,
have nothing to fear but from an unfaithiul
discharge of their duties, and, generally, nothx
ing to hope from promotion. They enjoy no
political function to involve them in the pas
SONS and interests of political sects; they are
not called for advice or assistance IN devlsing
or conducting the foreign or domestic policy
ofthe couatry; can he compromised on no
question likely to be presented for their deci--
sion. In short, their habits, their duties, their
fame and security, eoniine their attention,
their labours and their ambition, to the adj
ministration of justice, and to the faithful and
enlightened execution OF the laws The
judges are insulated and set apart from the
other public ftnctionaries, moving ina sphere
of their own, and held aloof FROM temptations
which might divert them from their duties.