Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-03-16


Mr.. Nicholas is member Of the pre-
cen, Democratic family. and tina, the
vote Was pretty nearly a party one
AT bis age t6S) and 10 the enjoy men,
Of a better paid and not very aTduous
ofice. il must be matter Of surprise
that he should have desired an appoint.
ment. the duties Of which will be ex-
ceedingly Iaborious-more especially
IS he had, for nearly twenty years. re-
tired from the practice Of the profess
sion.
JUDGE OF THE RICHMOND CIRCUIT
Philip Norborne Nicholas, Esq. for
lS years President Of the Farmers
Bank Of Virginia. was yesterday cho-
sen the Judge Of the ne~ circuit, COM
posed Of the County Of Henrico and
City Of Richmond. His competitor was
James Lyons. Esq. the choice Of nearly
the entire Bar and Of an immense ma
jori'y Of the People Of the new circuit,
gentleman Of high. and independent
character. Of acknowledged abilities,
and IN the prime and ,igor Of manhood
MIR. Lyons himself. entirely indifferent
to the office. for his practice Is far more
lucrative than the salary, consented TO
become a candidate in obedience 10
the solicitations Of the Bar. and the
public wish. His defeat Is a matter Of
no moment TO him; nor can his feelings
be at all compromised. when IL Is most
evident that hi, competitor succeeded
by q mere party vote, OF the whole ash
nine strength OF the Legislature; not
for his legal fitness, but simply because
he was member ofthe dominant par
~. Had that distinguished Office hol-
der aud Democratic Republican. Nj.
Danforih. been in domination. instead
OF MIR. Nicholas, he had probably got
exactly The same vote. The ylsss-eyed
politicians owe the People reckoning
for this days work.
MIR. Nicholas Is considerably upw ards
Of 60 years OF aye, aud has been II
years from the Bar. These two facts
absolutely prove him unfit Tor the bench.
and more especially for the Richmond
circuit; carved out INTO separate form,
on account OF ITS peculiar lahoriousness;
where there are on the docket, m 1rs
than 100 cases now. We appeal TO
common sense. il 1t is not and must not
be so. Al the same time as a gentle
man. we cannot be distressed at what
Will please him.
No act OF the present Legislature
merits, or will receive a more cordial
reprobatlon from the country, than
the election OF Mr.. Nicholas. IL has
haa ~ ,N a.
wishes OF large najori:y-we think
We hazard bu, little IN saying. OF nine
tsen twentieths of the people OF the
Circuit. And this general disapproba-
ton to the appointment. proceeds from
no personal dislike 10 Mr.. Nicholas;-
for his amiable and concIlistory man
ners. make him popular with all. and
invoke in his behalf. as Mr.. Stsnard
declared in debate. the benignant judy.
ment OF all who approach him. Their
d:saPProbatIon springs from his notori-
Gus incompeteacy, IN consequence of
his long re,irscy from the bar. snd his
'nsbility. from his advanced age. TO
undergo the arduous labors, which The
business OF the Circuit demands. The
delay Of justice. and the deiriment to
the public interest. necessarily conse-
quen, on such an appointment. is what
has justly aroused the indignation Of
this community. To provide a snug
berth for apolitical favorite at so grea,
sacrifice OF the public interest. is more
than the patience Of the people can be
expected tsmely to endure. Had the
dominant party. determined to reward
their fsvorite, fitted out sinecure with
q good salary. but with no duties at
iached 10 it. The discharge Of hich was
required by great public interests, the
thing might have been lolerable.
But here. in the Metropolitan cir
cult. where there is q greater masI Of
business than in any other circuit in the
State. and where the people of the
whole Common weAlih are interested
an the speedy despatch Of causes. to put
an old man IN the judgment seat. hose
conneXion with the profession has been |
scarcely nominal for the last Is years.
merely 10 promote his personal comfort
aud to secure him against the buffet
sings Of fortune. is carving the Spoils !
system 10 an extent. which must draw |
down upon IL the unqualified condem-
nation Of every impartial man.
Richmond Wig.