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


A few weeks since we noticed the waking up Of con-
servavo spirit throughout the state in view Of the ap-
preaching Convention, as gathered from the printed ad-
dresses Of many of our prominent men, TO the num-
Der already mentioned as ayorhg independent Judicial
might add many others of equal weight but our
purpose at present, is lay before our readers few ex-
tracts from exchanges, which have strengthened the
opinion hitherto expressed Many Of the abss and most
reliable journals upon our table emneny conservative
in their tone. The "Virguia Patriot" (LynchbuIg) thus
argues in reference 10 the proposed change in the Judiciary
system:
1--WE took occasion several weeks ago toexpress our own
opinions at come length on The question and we have seen
no since for modifying them in any essential paric-
uar. We think that Judges should be elected for
long term Of service and that they should be Ineligible az
,erwards We believe that frequent elections of Judges
would be in the highest degree perncous in their conse-
Quences and that tho inevitable effect of such an arrange
men would be to convert these funconares into election
eering demagogues and subject them to temptations which
human nature is qualified to resist and which should new
e be brought bear upon those charged with the pure and
upright administration public justice. It's well establish
ed principle that Judge should decide nur witness
testify in case in which either has personal interest nor
should Judge be placed in position in which he may be
tempted pervert the powers of his station
election to the Bench and the enjoyment Of the salary at
tached thereto"
The "Lynchburg Virginian discussing the same ques-
! ton says
GAS remedy fors the evils, originating in short Term
tits proposed TO constitute Judges Ieelgble. We certain
advocate the proprely of making Judges reelgble il
the terms must be Short Yet much doubt the propr
ETY. OF short terms, upon the very ground that requires
Judges be reeligble. Admit all that may be said, in
favor of eelecing Judges, and forced the concu
son that their reelection is fraught with dangers aud will
hlu load ,f I'll
sute The terms Short and make the Judges re eligible and
you have not yet removed the difficulty. To induce
Of distinction or promise Of Distinction to resign the position
which they occupy they must be offered certainty Give
them short term, and al its expiration, make them liable
to expulsion, and you have only given them vague, loose
uncertainty, with every probability ofdefeat To the in
ducement YOU have not added single ota."
From other papers we learn that reaction, occasoned by
mature thought and fair discussion not confined to this
District the following extract from the Charlottesville
Advocate will show;
owe perfectly willing 10 trust to the sober second
thought of the people, They may for time be lead as
tray by popular deusons but give them time for calm
Election, and they always to get right. The only
danger Is that II may too late prevent the mischief
In this case, we have reason to believe that the sober
second thought of the people is already beginning pro-
duce its legitimate effect, and though when the canvass
commenced they inclined 10 lean towards the radi-
cal, they becoming every day and more averse
to change. AT least such have reason believe the
in this couny-where the people have proved them
selvs, on all former occasions, emineny wise moderate
and conservative.
The Farmville Republican says:
This wild spirit of radicasm, so dangerous in govern
ment like ours, has, however believe well nigh lived
out its existence. The excitement which at first threaten
ed to sweep every thing before it, is calming down-a
action taking place, and the people beginning find
that hasy decision in questions Of such vital nteresi,
not but result in evil and they are being convinced TOO that
all change is not reform.
In matters of such grave importance they Ohe de'egses
cannot act to the best advantage. fhey feered by
pedges-They should be left free for the exercise of their
Judgments as in this way alone conflicting interests be
recOnced and equal justice meted out every portion Of
the State.