New-York daily tribune., 1844-02-09
J.dge of,he Supreme Court.

| Ta TIE Editor cf Tie 7,ibuse:
The Post is out against Dir. HIRAM kETcaUw Us
q candidate for the Supreme Bench of the United
States That the Editor OF that journal should
write with bitterness when the subject is political
opponent, is no matter of surprise, Il were no.
vety indeed, for his readers. II, in such case, they
| could see PLAIN facts and arguments stated withou,
asperity. But TO the substance; ell the objections
which the Evening Post can raise against Nr.
hetchum are three: first. thar he is politically Ia
ttudinarian second. that petition has been signed
ard sent 70 Washington recommending his ap-
polntHent; and thigd, that Sir. Webster urges his
appointment.
How do YOU know, my friend Of tho Post, that
Mr.. Netchum is laiitldinarian l challenge YOU
10 the proof. Do you find it in the manly, uncom-
promising hostility of Mr. X. 10 The Administration
OF your ivorite Gen. Jackson, who for the Con
sti;ution he understood it-who on all occa-
sons for taking the responsibility II noi there,
and think you wild not choose 10 find II there. YOU
will probably find il impossible put your finger on
| an instance, in which Mr.. hetchum has dcviated
from sound and just construction OF the Constitu.
ton. That he is uniformly 10 be found on the side
OF order of justice, Of educa;ion and of whatever
else tends 10 strengthen the pillars OF our Liberty
and Independence, is undenable II this be iatitu-
dinarsn then is lIr. hetchum liable TO that charge.
For nearly twenty wears have been well acquaint-
ed with Mr.. ketchum, have listened 10 his public
speeches, and his private discourse, but never ss-
pected until the announcement in the Post, that he
was politically or otherwise 4 lattuGnarlan. have
good reason 10 know thar Mr. ketchum's views OF
the Constitution agree substantially with those Of
Judge Story and the late lanented Judge Thomp-
son; both these eminent Jurists, when placed on
that bench which they have illustrated by their tai
ents and their WISDOM were clasSed Jeiersonian
Democrats. Perhaps the astuteness OF the Evening
Post has discovered that they, too are attudina-
rans
But, SAYS tile Post, Mr.. Ketchum cannot be Il, .or
| Judge of the Supreme Court, because petition
for his appointment has been drawn up and circ,,-
lated. These are not the words, but this is the To-
gic of the Post. This toopucrIic for comment,
il were not for the fact which ought 10 be stated
that this petition the Spontaneous movement OF
some Of our most respectable citizens, without dis
tincton of party; ineu who have long observed the
upright and honorable course OF Mr.. kechum
as lawyer, and his philanthropc exer;ions Tor the
noblest charities. So long as humanity and non-
estv truth and industry, deserving OF respect,
will be difficult 10 restrain such men from similar
expressions of their esteem.
The crownng sin of Mr.. ketchum in the eyes o!
the Post is ,hathi nomination is urged by Mr. Web
ster. Now in my humble apprehension, Mr.. Editor,
this recommendation speaks volumes IN praise OF
Mr.. X. II there be q man within the circle OF our
republic who knows practically and e2pernentally
what qualities are essential to the high station OF
Judge of the Supreme Court, that man is Daniel
Webster. For thirty years past continually retained
in the most important causes which have occupied
the thoughts and taxed the higher powers OF that
Court, conversant during that whole period with all
the most learned and eloquent Jurists of the Union,
that Mr.. Webster with such opportunities OF seIec-
ton, should strongly urge the appointment OF Nr
Ketchum is in the highest degree honorable to that
gentleman And il thnt recommendation should be
iavorabv received by the appointing power, viii
tell the Post whom We should n0"e to fill tins high
judicial Office; we should have man whose distln-
gushing qualities are candor, honesty, aud ilrm-
ness; who is not too proud TO be humane, nor too
arrogant TO be courteous one who would be dill
gent in the study and Conscientious in the perform
ance Of duty friend Of liberty, OF law and OF con-
stitutional ORDER l..