Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1837-10-14
JUDGE TROTTER's REPLY.

n wing, uotwlths landing some OF the opposition
have had the audaciy to class him in their raris-
gated ranks The Judge is sound democrat
aud asks NJ iayors Of them.
CoLuMDUs, Oct %, 1897.
Dear Slr-Your esteemed favor OF the 18th ult |
is before the, and hasten TO return YOU an ans |
wer. You are pleased to inquire Of me whether |
viii be candidate for reelection TO the Office |
of Jud5e of the 9th Judicial District of this state
NV answer Is, that have as yet discovered no
opposition in nv circuit to my continuance in this |!
station. in the duties of which have been en-
gagged for the last four years. therefore feel
inclined to tender my services for another term.
This determination may appear to be opposed TO
the relation my name has been made to bear to-
wards an Ither and much more distinguished
appointment; | mean as YOU will no doubt read
ily conceive that oil L. 5. Senator, an election TO
which is contemplated at the ensuing session of
the Legislature. And | embrace the opportunity
offered me by your friendly communication, to
place my views on this sui ject fully before the
public do not and will not seek this station.
tits one which from its high character. lis diff
cult duties and great responsibilities iorbids an
approach by the ordinary avenues OF personal
instance and solicitation. Ii should be conferred
unasked, and as the proud reward Of acknOw-
edged merit; merit won by steady life OF virtue
and public services, seconded by unquesuoned
Abilities OF these requisite qualifications the
electors are the appropriate arblters, and their
decision soemnly pronounced must afford the
only safe criterion Of the fitness olthe individual
proposed to their choice-But this decision
should never be embarrassed by the personal IN
reference of candidates. In view Of these prn-
ciples have uniformly remarked to such persons
as have express ;ed desire TO know if | was a
candidate for this Office, that ,oas not, and
should not be- But in connection with this dec
aration have as invariably stated, and now re-
peat the statement to you, that il il should please
my elIow-cizens to honor me with this dlstlnc.
iion should not feel at liberty to decline it,
These sentiments have thus far governed my
conduct. | still acknowledge their influence and
shall be guided by them in tuture.-You are thus
enabled to see the position occupy. | will not
seek, but shall not decline this trust. Ever proud
of the appreciation of my countrymeu am ready
to acknowledge that should regard the appoint
ment in question as the most pleasing source of
qualification and prido-As this reply is not de-
signed TO do more than to put you in possession
OF the true ground which occupy in relation to
the approaching canvass, do not feel it necess-
airy or proper TO trouble you with any remarks on
the subject ofmy politics. They who have kind
ly sought TO connect my name with this election
have known me intimately from my boyhood and
are fully satisfied. | will remark however that
whenever distinctly called for by any portion OF
my iellow-citizens they shall be as distinctly and
unequvocally declared. For have no opinion
which can concern the public that wish to con-
ceal. These rema ks would conclude this COM
municaton, i'll did not feel it due to your sugges.
tons rs well as to myself TO notice what you
seem to consider an unwarranted attack made up
on me in the Argus of this place. The occa.
sion for the paragraph in this paper occurred du.
ring my absence in the summer. 1t originated
out OF the nomination Of my name for the Senate
at democratic meeting in Oakibbeha County
had not yet returned when the newspaper issued
from the press. When reached Columbus il was
mentioned to me by some of my friends and il
Is IN that way only was made acquainted with it
for have not yet seen it. The editor expresses
it seems surprise that should be selected oi
a political station by the democratic party Of the
state, and intinlatcs as a reason for his SUPPOSE
tonthat was or had been wing. Really Sir
have been unable to conjecture from what cir
cumstances Col Barker drew his belief VIII
and | am sure that never at any time conversed
with him on political subjects. But if he intended
to intimate that had ever acted with what is
called the whig party in this state, or that have
ever protested any of the Distinguishing doctrine,
OF that party he has done me great injustice Il
is true that when Judge White was first mention
cd as candidate for the presidency | expressed
for him decided choice 1t is unnecessary tc
detail t1a ,1htch M n1 afaro
looked upon him as one Of the purest and mos
talented members of the administration party. one
whose feelings and interests, no less Than IA high
sense Of duty would prompt him to resist the mad
and unconstitutional projects of northern po
clans 10 fetter or dslranchise the South Sub
sequent developemens turned me from him, and
voted with an open ticket for Mr.. Van Buren,
These facts arc all known 10 my friends, anc
could furnish no just reason for the intimaions Of
she Argus. | am not able TO imagine any Other
source for the paragraph in question. Since my
appointment 10 the judicial station | now fill,
nave purposey abstaned from participation in
the party controversies and striles of the day
believed this course to be called tor by the delica.
CIV of my situation as an arbitei Of the most i'm.
portan rights and interests OF my fellow citizens
Of both parties, and that to engage actively in
tbe animated and sometimes angry debates which
arise on purely party grounds, was repugnant no
only to the calm and cquable temper of mind ne
cessary imam officer requiredtosettle the great anc
essential ru es of private property and human con
duct, but to that credit for dsintereStedness with
out which no man can expect to preside in a judi
sia tribunal with honor TO hmselfor benefit to The
public. These convictions of duty are the mo
lives OF my conduct in politics. A condnc
which lam apprehensve has furnished to some
She ground of suspicion that have been sucking
the favor Of both paties.
Ii so, be ii so. In that event have suffered