The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-09-17
OUR CANDIDATES FOR SUPREME
COIJRT.


score, however honest and frank they are
universally known to have been in the
avowal and support Of sound political
principles.
There is a coincidence in the action Of
our opponents on this subject, quite char
ac,erislic. which it is proper 10 mention. to
show where the immediate responsibility
for the nomination Of party candidates for
Supreme Judges rests. No party has pro-
fessed more horror toward the connection
of the Judiciary with party contests than
The wings, 1t was for years the sole OBJ
jection of that party 10 the selection OF
Judges by popular vote.
But what do we see? The wings OF
Ohio held the first party Convention un.
der the New Constitution. In choosing
candidates for the Supreme Court, they
we're careful to take no man who has not
been devoted whig, and at one day or
other, had not been an active parlizan!
We say again, we do not make mere
partisanship merit in our candidates.
They are all men of superior ability, and
each man recognises the vitality of the
great progressive principles by which our
day is dslinctively characterized. They
are men whose intellects are imbued with
the science of law, and whose high char
acter ensures its application to the rights
of persons, and the liberal tendency of our
institutions. They are all men Of cool,
dispassionate, reflective temperament, dis
tipguished for the formation of opinions
uninhuenced by fear or Partially. free
from haste, and yet with the promptitude
Of independent judgment.
WILLIAM B. CALDWELL began his life
on the stage Of action poor young man.
He possessed, however, the elements OF
success and the means of permanent USE
fulness in his industry, talents, and cor
rect department, which suffice in this coun.
try instead of patent from the hand OF
royalty, that, regardless of merit, elevates
men under governments Of artificial no.
bilty. William B. Caldwell's whole ca
reer, has but tended TO pay the high prom.
Use Of his exemplary youth. Though he
has not achieved large fortune in money
or lands, he has made investments in the
hearts OF the people, upon which no draft
WOuiu Ue uISUOIOItu. tIiS liiC iuo oCCIi
one of toll, and yet one of success.
The first place in which we certainly
remember the public found him, was in the
Office of President Judge Of the Common
Pleas Of Hamilton County. This post he
held until near the expiration Of the term.
He was unusually loved and respected by
the bar and by the people. His Judicial
decisions were marked with the clear and
correct analysis Of an original, indePen.
dent and powerful judgement.
From this post he was promoted by the
Legislature Of Ohio to the Office OF Judge of
the Supreme Court, OF which he is still an
incumbent. Ills opinions are such as his
career upon the Common Pleas Bench
warranted the public to expect-marked
with consistent regard for authority, still
distinguished for liberalty, and strict
adaptation TO the circumstances OF the
times, given with view to the future. when
they are to become precedents. and stamp
ed with the authors native devotion to the
public interest.
Judge Caldwell also claims regard for
the peculiar kindness with which he treats
deserving young members Of the bar. lie
looks upon the office of Counselor as a
great lever Of morality and public good,
and no man in his position. has done more
10 foster sound and dignifed professional
character. and to establish standard o
legal excellence be6itng the duties Of the
profession, and the wants and genius o.
the people. We have but glanced at his
claims and career, but though thus imper'
fec,ly, who can say that his unanimous
denomination was not due TO him. and
that his success at the polls is not due tc
the people!
RurUs p. RANNEY has somewhat recent
ly been introduced to the people of Ohio
in a public capacity. They know him a;
an indefatigable and answering advocate
of reforms in our State government. effect
ed by the New Constitution. He has, al
SO, lately attained elevation to the Supreme
Bench of the State. which Office he still
holds. There is no public officer in Ohio
whose position and opinions have been
taken and defended with as much lirmnes>
and frankness, against whom less can be
said or has been said than Rufus p. Ran
ney.
The history of this gentleman's lie SO
far as we have learned il, is that OF mos
of our best public men. and tells story
Of energy, determination. ability ano
strength Of character. sufficient to satisfy
every voter of Mr.. Ranney's worth and
power. He too began life poor boy. he
is self.educated and self.made in all re-
spects. All that he has of acquired learn
ing he paid for with money earned by hi
own hands. By close and industrious
application, possessing an intellect o
elastic and enduring vigor, he has risen tc
an undisputed rank among the leading
minds OF the country. He is pointed tt
by all as ole who contributes. by his tai
ents and eloquence, TO the pride and glor,