Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-07-31

ward Increasing in size and acquiring accelerated velocity
with every revolution, until at length in its collected might
Of light and truth it will ovewhelm and crush into uef
nothingness, all opposers. R. L.DOYLE.
Lexington, July ls, 1850.
.ussrs Editors The extent to which It proposed 10
mapubc opinion the immediate and final arber in what
concerns both the public and individuals seems 10 demand
the most serious consideration, how far it is safe thus to dis
pense with those tribunals and safeguards which have
heretofore been accustomed The calm and consdeate o.
pinon of community in which intelligence and good
state Of morals PREVAIL has unquestonaby happy inu-
ence in suppessng vice and immortality and encouraging
whatever is excellent and worthy, and may be con-
suited with great advantage by the statesman and legsla
tor. Under such circumstances, doubtless public opinion
exerts most sautary influence. Far otherwise it, where
different state Of morals is prevalent Of this, we have
but too many striking examples in some the States ofhs
Union, where public opinion sanctions and enorccs the
pudaon of State debs-where the murderer and assassin
walk abroad without fear of molesation, except from pri
vae vengeance; and in Of which high functonary,
now under indictment for being engaged in ptica con-
spiracy against nation with which peace, in Vi
oation of his solemn oath to support the Constitution and
laws of the United States, to great extent sustained BY
public opinion, not Of his supposed innocence
but Of the merits of the enterprise and even here the radi
cal leaders do not blush to hold up the individual
(Judge Qutman high authority to recommend the ju-
dca which they propose for State Indeed
the fascinating word Progre much in the mouths Of
our radicals, would appear generally in some of this
States,ss with many individuals throughout the Unono
be understood to little else than orciby overrunnng
our weaker neghbos and possessing ourselves Of their do
mnons, as 10 indicate sadly depraved state of public opn
ion and morality But public opinion, even in the very
best communities, made up under prejudice and excitement
ever too easily produced by the ar designing and ma
levoent is an extremely errng and dangerous test Of the
merits Of men measures and is but often brought to
bear most unuy and nurousy upon the character and
conduct of individuals and the interest of the community
Under such circumstances the meorous and praise
thy are but too often ebuked end set asde and their unde
serving sanderers promoted and rewarded-examples d
mong their other evil consequences producing the most per-
ncious moral effects and particularly on the youth Of
the country Out Of thousands Of examples that might be
adduced in confirmation Of this will only mention one Of
quite recent occurrence derived from authority upon which
the utmos. reliance may be placed An election for Judge.
in certain district in Alabama, came off, There wsre no
less than twelve canddates-a Judge who had presided for
sction, and eleven others-a for some weeks previous
to the election under whip and spur canvassing the dis
rct And what was the result2 Lo certain clerk Of
three years experience, the fortunate manthe Codes
of course and Of necessity having gone 1t blind. For the
Clerkshp thus made vacant there are nineteen candidates.
What spectacle! Twelve eeconeering for Judge
ship, each endeavong 10 manufacture public opinion Tor
himself and against his opponents for Office that should
only be filled BY the puest Of men. Should We adopt dc
same system, will 1t not be 80 with us2 Doubt It not
Even now, in anticipation Of Its ADOPTION is more than
probable that thee those among endeavorpg 10 tu
public opinion against the able, upright and aborous Judgs
Of this circuit, conscientious in the discharge
Of the duties o! his Office or exemplary 10 his conduct, in
all the relations Of e than whom,s where to be found
Could the people Of Virginia have opportunity 10 OBJ
serve the workings of this system, majority Of the and
among them many who is advocating it, would
turn from it with IOathng and disgust. Nothing can bs
more unreliable than the recommendation of it by men in
office seeking public favor under such system. They
dare not risk their popularity BY opposing It. Among the
honest sober minded sensible, rejecting men, not seeking
Office thousands may be found who depecae and deplors
| il upon the community.
And it is under such system this that il is contsnded
that Judges will be chosen and remain pure and uncorupt-
ed. Can it be so2 Perhaps there may be one man in
hundred Of such stenness ontegrty and frmness Of
resist its baleu influence, but the chances are
thousand one that such will not eeected becauss
it is utterly inconsistent with such character to soop Ia
the low and debasing arts necessary to success.
1t must be admitted presume, that under this systes
it will often happen that Judges will have their interest
placed in confic. with their duty. 1t will not be denied
/ Al haee fono
soever has tendency corrupt does corrupt fewer mors
men, and in greater less Degree according to the
mount of temptation and force of moral principle These
would seem to be propositions the truth of which no ration.
al and candid man could deny But to admit hem is to ad.
nit the roenness of system and unsoundness of the ar.
pumens used to recommend it. Much stress has bssn
placed upon the efficacy of solemn oahs in holding Judges
to their duty is not denied that oahs are, valuable
extent useful in ecitng truth and enforcing duty; but,
alas for poor human nature, how far do they fall short Of
securing either7 When it is remembered how many
bills Of Injunction setting forth equitable matter sufficient
to sustain them if and soomny sworn dismissed
at the first hearng-the testimony Of how many witnesses
utterly disregaded both by courts and ures as eng OBJ
yousy alse it is amazing to hear laoyrs contendng for
the great efficacy Of oahs in securing the integrity Of Jud-
qes or any body else. they would have eminent ex-
ample of the contrary let them look at the Judge Of the
Supreme Court Of Mississippi, whom they holding up
as high authority in support of their scheme. Once more
would admonsh my fellow citizens to consider well be-
fore they take the rreevabe step Of embracing the di-
cal measures proposed to them, and of what are the prey
ances which should induce them 10 encounter hazard q
such momentous consequences.
ONE OF THE PEOPLE.
!
CURIOUS EprrApH-Dickens, in his Household Words,
gives tie following literal transcript of inscription
on tombstone in a churchyard in Dorsetshire, wiz