Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-08-07

hope VIII be excused NeSSS. fultorS Dy yourselves
for occupying much space in your paper and by you
readers for espassing long upon their patience But
the issues Involved in the present canvass are OF such deep
and vital Importance the citizens OF this good DID COM
ionweah that feel To be the right and duty OF every
good citizen 10 lay before the people such Information as
he may be possessed Of as will enable them to to
calm, clear and satisfactory determination upon the subject;
feeling assured that after hearing the Arguments for and
against they will form such conclusions dictated by
sound reason. have already declared that, for my part
am opposed TO the term tenure OF the Judges. Whilst
have sufficient confidence in the intelligence of the people,
10 believe them capable OF eecng ak officers Of this Gov
enment often as they choose yet have not sufficient
conidere in the integrity Of mankind TO believe them
pabe oIeSSng all the temptations to act c0rrupy that
would held cut TO them under the term tenure believe
beter;ysem be adopted. believe there is wisdom
enough my counymen 10 enact laws strong enough and
wise enolgh compel Judge the honest and faithful
performance Of his duty, without resortng to the darger
experiments of subjectng him periodical elections.
But if The people after calmly weighing the reasons for and
against shall determine that the term tenure, is the best
and safest plan, shall cheerfuy acqulesce in their better
judgmeB feeling that my own individual interest is so
nearly Connected with their own, that they benefited
by the system cannot be injured. But until they shall
determine, feel il my privilege, as well as my duty, as
far my feeble abilities will permit to expose 10 the peo
pie, wha conceive 10 be the danger of resorng 10 such
system, and the facy of the arguments urged by ihose
who favor the term tenure. Even though may he class
Reformers, /" Enemies Of the people" &C.
But to my subject. In my last communication, after
continuing for time the argument commenced IN my FIRST
undertook TO show how impossible II would be for the peo
pie to OBTAIN such information, as would enable them to de-
ermne correctly whether Judge had been actuated by
improper motives in the decision OF cause Or had been neg
gent, or inefficient in the discharge of his duties. If Gas
contend it would be impossible furnish every voter in
the district with copy Of The record, in which corruption
had been chaged- it would be oppressive 10 compel by
constitutional provlsl0n every voter in the district to attend
The different sessions of our Courts and hear and determine
for htmSeves-then how again ask, are they TO obtain
such Information he answer is plain. They can obtain
1t only from the parties interested 10 the causes themselves
and that party which has the largest family connexlon who
stands highest in the point OF wealth and talents would
command the greatest influence the minds Of the people
What then is to be the inevitable result Of such system
as this? lake it for graned that every who goes
into Court Of law JUSTICE believes he has right on his
side, or hardly suppose any would subject himself
10 the heavy Of suit unless he did, Suppose then,
that in the decision of some large Chancery s in which
The fortunes Of some OF you are often Involved, the Judge
should unfortunately offend the party against whom he de-
cdeshe Immediate charges hun with corruption with
being acuaed By improper motives, similar charge.
If he happens TO be Of large family connexions and
powerful influence, the cry has its effect, (or people
apt 10 rely upon information received from those who
stand high in the worlds opinion in preference TO that re-
ceved from poor, obscure unknown individual and the
unfortunate Judge is hurled Of Office by excited and
indignant people, bankrupt in purse and bankrupt in char
acer. No opportunity is afforded him OF meeting aud dis
proving the foul and diShonorabe charge-he has
Of laying the records before the people and inviting their in
specliOn 1t is of for him 10 deny the charge, his
word cannot be relied on for he party interested and
though it is maxim Of law "that every man is TO be pre-
sumed innocent until his guilt is established" yet all
presume every is gully against whom a charge is
brought until he establishes his innocence by clear and
questionable proof and ye: you advised TO take away
from Judges the only means of establishing that nno
Can it be expected that any possessing the in
egy the heart and the legal requirements so necessary
for the position, would risk the reputation Of himself and
his family upon uncertain tenure where though he
may obtain honor and profit disgrace almost inevitable
Now submit the question you, freemen of Augusta
is ibis ar2 Is this generous Is it justice to deny to any
citizen of this County, though he occupy the exalted
station OF Judge the privilege which is not denied 10 the
meanes offender against the laws of our Commonwealth
that being conUnted with his accsers and being heard
in his own defence? Would il be more accordance
with The spirit Of JUSTICE tina: such charges should be tried
before an intelligent tribunal selected by yourselves and
from among yourselves, and acting under the sancy Of
oath where the accused have the privilege Of being
heard through his witnesses. and opportunity is afforded
him OF indicating his character from the foul blot that
would otherwise be thrown upon il? Would it not be
in accordance with the spirit of freedom that such plan
should be adopted. than that you relying upon the
OF interested and preiudced parties should take
lress in your hands? Surely no evil result from
his plan. Even admit that the people can obianinorma
Ion VI the corruption OF lnefciency Of Judge, an incl