The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-11-09
The Late EIeetion-Thc Judiciary.


In looking over the results of the election, which
recently took place in the city and state Of New
York. there is much to crafty the philosopher, che
patriot, and the friends Of free and republican
government. To such, and to all who desire the
perpetuiiy Of our glorious Institutions there Is abun
dant cause for graduation in the dscr nnation ex
hibited by our intelligent people in deposting their
votes, and the freedom and independence which
characterized their exercise Of the invaluable and
never to be too much appreciated right Of suffrage
But while the right Of every man ~ take part Ia
elee,ing the Law makers Of the state, ana officers
10 administer the laws, and to execute them when
made, is one Of the greatest privileges which man
can enjoy, it is q dangerous weapon to pat into
the hands Of an ignorant or debased people. The
right Of suffrage and intelligence should go hand 10
hand together; and whereas, in some states Of he
Union, a person must be possessed OF certain
amour Of property before be IL entitled TO H. we
would, If We had the power, prescribe as the only
Qualification, that be should be capable Of reading
and WI ing-a qualiG cation which 10 old times eK-
emptel parties guilty Of crime from punishment.
An intelligent, reading and writing people cannot
be svayed by dcmagogues. a. Is the case in the
republics Of Central aud south America, where
rival chiefs reach poFer by playing upon the cre-
dulity and psndering 70 the preudices Of the gao
rant and unreaecting multitude
We need no stronger proof Of the intelligence Of
our people, as shoWn Oy the result Of toe recent
election, than the amount Of " scratching" as II
is technically termed, which Characterized The
voting, and the determination used By the voters
In the election Of Judges, without regard 10 party
distinctions We we're never very favorsbly in.
cinsd to the system Of elec,ing judges, and have,
on several occasions, given our reasons; bat We
must admit Tat .hus far at all events, IL has not
been attended with any bad consequences We
nevertheless fear FOR the future, and would much
prefer that our judiciary held ofEce until inclpa-
citated by age. and we're removable only for NAL.
fessance IN the discharge Of their duties. No one
can be dissatisfied With the judges recently elected
Judge Oakley has been on the bench for great
many years. and Il Is no battery Cor us to sag what
we believe is the unanimous opinion Of the bar and
the public, that more competen, man could not
be selected 10 Gil bis place lie extensive reading
] * Practice and soundness Of Intellect eminentlv
Qua y him for the Office Of Judge, and evil dave
will be upon US when such men are renewed solely
on political grounds Judges Mason aad Earra-
ham are Likewise sound nen and able iarist,
SO, indeed are all the candidates recently passed
upon by the people Il is someNhat to be
regretted that lr Tsln.5ge has not been elected
(be fell in the general rous Of the whig party
Recordcr place which he has filed Tor some years
with credit To himself and advantage TO the com
muniy The Office Of Recorder Of the city Of NeF
York is peculiar enc, stdrequires men Of charity
and feeling men who have a large share Of the
milk o. human kindness in their composition. ~
vel as seed knowledge 81 lev, TO discharge i,s