The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-01-09
Communicate
JUDGE WOODWARD.


The gratuitous and bitter yiiuperaon Of the press
is becoming an absolute nuisance; and il behooves
every generous mind to come to the rescue of char
aeter, when thus wantonly assaied for mere selfish
and partisan purposes. Judge woodward has beea
greatly uadueed. He is most respectable gentle
man, Of admirable personal appearance, fine man
ners excellent Judicial demeanor, close student,
man Of strong mind, OF original and independent
views, ambitious of distinction in his legal career
Judge Woodward is in his 3s,h year. His judicial
written opinions would be worthy of any Judge
and, although limited in its range, his legal know-
edge is sound within those limits and his mind ia
fresh, powerful and decidedly legal in its structure
Judge Story was but SO when he came to the bench
He confessed his apprenticeship for at least six Of his
first years In the Supreme Court; and no judge can
come there 10 adjudicate upon the laws Of twenty
six States, and not find much TO learn. As 10 adj
miraliy and maritime law, IL may be learned In ITS
entire range in very few years, especially with the
wonderful facilities judges now have. But judge
Woodward is said TO be a partisan Wonderful
And who ia not in this free country My own whole
life has been spent in federalism and in adhesion TO
the wing party, and there | shall be as long as
liyei and yet fear no judge on the supreme beeh;
dread no politician aler he is once liked, and re-
moved from the uoublous elements Of the actual
cauldron Why should the democratic party assail
him, II cannot be that the Judge is not democratic,
IL they are really so. The opposition, therefore,
must be wholly selfish; the strong abuse Of him IL
either owing To total ignorance of his character and
rabld fondness for SANDER, or il must be owing 10
the industrious exerons Of certain eliQss that have
been in some way disappointed. ] have per-
sonal acquaintance whatever with Judge Wood
ward; bat cool heads and sound hearts have satisfied
me that all have read in the papers against him IA
grossly slanderous.
Judge Woodward obtained an extensive practice
soon after his admission 10 the bar He was well
read, industrious, and delightful in his manners.
His clear and discriminating mind soon raised him
above the niasa, and, la 1887, he was elected
member Of ths convention 10 amend the eonsutn.
tion de-, OF his native State. In that assembly hs
took decided rank, and manifested dignity, knowi-
edge, ability, and efficiency; and this, too, among
such men Judge Hopknson, John Sergeant,
Thaddeus Stevens James M. Porter, G. J. lngersoll,
Messrs. Meredith, Scott, Chauneey, cum mulGg
aiiis. MIR. Woodward displayed great deal Of
constitutional learning; aud though his views wers
not mine, never can consent TO regard man as for
responsible for such matters OF exacerbaed de-
bate as always will arise such occasions.
Mr.. Woodward soon after was appointed TO sue
coed Judge Burnside, who WINS placed in the SUI
preme court Of the State; and an Judge he has sus-
iained himsel with decided ability and industry IL
is also proper TO remark that Judge Woodward was
no Office seeker, Tut came TO Washington the vol
untary and Jealous supporter Of his friend Judge
Joel Jones, of Philadelphia-a ripe scholar in tho
land; gentleman OF fine talents in literature, and
all the living languages. Judge Woodward, as we
learn, and doubt not, was most anxious to Judge
Jones nominated to the supreme bench; but 10 the
President took a strong fancy for Judge Woodward
himself, and nominated him TO the great surprise
Of Judge Woodward and others, since two other
names had been prominent with that Of Judge
Jones ! trust the Senate in its sober wisdom will
listen to none Of the black SANDER to which have
alluded; the State Is now suffering for want Of a
Judge; and though Judge Jones, Mr.. Read, Judge
Gibson, and Mr.. Greer Of Pittsburg, arc exalted
names, and would be very acceptable to the profess
sion, It cannot be doubted but that Judge Wood
ward will, If confirmed, prove enlightened, meri-
torious, and most efficient and popular judge.
'.H.r A PENNSYLVANIA.