Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1848-07-22
To the Electors of the Fifth Judicial
Circuit of the state Of Wisconsin,:

Within the last four months / have been
repeatedly applied to by many gentlemen
among you, and who are prominent in both
Of the great political parties, soliciting me
to run for the Office of Judge of this Circuit,
which officer by The provisions of our Con-
stitution and the law is tn be elected on the
first Monday of August next. have also
recently been addressed more particularly
on the subject in letters numerously signed
by those for whose good opinion have the
highest respect. II anything could add to
the feeling Of gratitude which these commu-
nicafions have excited within me, il is the
fiattering terms in which they are couched
will not deny that this demonstration of
confidence in me, and in my qualifications
for that Office is pleasing as it should be to
any gentleman however high his aspirations,
or however well he might deserve of the
public. Hitherto have never aspired to
any office during nine years. residence
among you. If had wished to do so |
could have ventured with strong grounds
of hope for success. But ! bad no such
4 ambition, and necessity forbade a course
which would impair limited income. PIa-
ced in this country at an earlysday, a raw
youth with nothing but my industry and iil-
tcgrity Of purpose TO rely upon, have
wendell my solitary way thus far without
public favor or political prefermenr.
The Office which have been solicited to
run for may well be said to be second in
importance, so far as the immediate inter-
ests of the people are concerned, to no Of
flee under the Government tits one which
ii has hcen the policy ages to keep and pre-
serve pure and uncontaminated from the cor
ruptions Of power, and from the poluting
breath of party strife; and it is one which
an honest man would hesitate to wrangle
for, or even accept IS a mere party candi-
date.
Judges in the discharge Of their legiti-
mate duties are not the representatives or
opponents of any party. The great ques-
tons of policy, or of national interest, which
so continually surge and agitate the coun-
tries Of the earth, are never permitted to
ascend with the pure and upright judge, to
the bench from which he dispenses justice
with an impartial hand. He knows not,
Ijudicially, whether there be one or ten par
ties, nor can he decide between the conflict
ing opinions of any party. He has his GER
tam duties to discharge, and it is enough
/ for him that even-banded justice is melted
out to those who are driven to seek the aid
of court of justice. The trainers Of our
Constitution had this in view, and no doubt
were anxious to keep this Office above the
influence Of the party spirit which governs
most of our elections, when they placed this
election thirty daySfEen any general cleo
ton. Man, howeyeY kach he may be ele-
vated, however pure n sQae particular in
stance, yet he is, disguise it as we my,
drawn as if by magic to those who befriend
him, and of consequence repealed from those
who have acted against him. If any pre-
tends that he is an exception and is above
these influences, and therefore it is unnec-
essary TO set guard over his acts lest he
might fail to do every individual justice, let
such an one be watched, for he is more dan
geroas than him who is willing to guard
himself.
| am not aware, however, that it is con-
tempated by either party to call conven-
ton to nominate candidates. have seen
no notice of such meeting, and the election
is now so near at hand, that it would he im-
possible TO ensure representation from the
remote precincts in the district, or even 10
return the names of the candidates before
the election comes on. The fact also, that
two gentlemen, each in high standing in
their respective parties, are already in the
field, is conclusive that this district atJeast
is convinced that this election shall be deter
mined upon other grounds than mere party
drill.
With these views aud feelings and under
these circumstances, being willing moreover
TO act in any honorable station in which my
country sees fit to place me, cheerfuIly con-
sent tina, my name may be used for that of
fee, aud it elected viii use my utmost ex-
sertion TO discharge its duties faithfully.
BEN. c. EASTMAN.
July IS, ls4s.
Co There is text which the numerous
candidates for Judicial honors in Wiscon-
sin ought to have borne in mind; IT is, that