The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-06-29


We took occasion the other day to refer to Mr. Mere
dth, who has been put in nomination by the wings Tor
seat on the supreme bench of Pennsylvania, having
been sngulary destined to realize in his own person the
penalty which his party must pay for precedent OF dan
gerous porten TO the administrative character OF our gov
eminent II his misfortune to have been Secretary
of the Treasury when the Gaphn claim was paid; and
although he may not have been aware OF the important
political consequences involved in the award, it will be
impossible for him TO escape responsibility for an act
which duplicates his whole party, and cannot he sane
toned by the public without exposing the government to
corruption as bad that which aints the British mon
arcby.
But if we turn from this dark spot in the party action
of the wings, we by the side Of it which is pro-
poronably brilliant and is attering 10 the pride of the
people Of Pennsylvania This presented by the list of
nominees selected by the democratic convention, COM
posed of the names of Gibson. Black Lewis, Lowrie.
and Campbell-genlemen that have every reason
TO believe without flaw in their public and pri-
vate history, and whose decisions, they elected,
will command universal respect. Among these gen.
tlemen, there is with whose antecedents we hap
pen have had personal acquaintance and we are
happy in believing that the same judgment which led the
convention to select him nominee has shown equal
wisdom and patriotism throughout the list This one is
Judge Gibson.
This gentleman first elected, when quite young, by
the democrats Of Cumberland, TO the legislature Of his
State Amongst bis first brilliant efforts his support
OF resolution in opposition to in favor of rechar
terng the United States Bank in which be encountered
Nicholas Bddle, who became afterwards president of
the late bank In that speech Mr.. Gibson paid high
compliment the talents and patriotism of Alexander
Hamilton but maintained that his views of public policy
were not in accordance with the interests Of country
His dissent from the policy Of that great and able
cores; onded with that avowed by Mr.. Jefferson. and
placed Mr. Gibson along the side OF those who preferred
The doctrines OF the father Of democracy to those of the
federass Soon after this period Governor Snyder, who
had been elected by an immense democratic majority,
appointed Mr. Gibson president Of judicial district in
northern Pennsy vana, and the death OF Judge Beck
enrdge he was promoted by Governor Snyder to the
prene bench
When General Jackson brought forward for the
presidency Judge Gibson headed the ticket in his favor
and contributed, by his great influence and talents. TO
awaken the zeal with which the people OF the Keystone
State stood by the General all the great contests which
marked his administration and which illustrated. 30 honor
ably to our national character the safety with which pub
lie opinion may be appealed when dangers threaten
our institutions and when single individual, in the fear
less discharge Of duty opposes the power Of combina-
lions that are within the control of the spirit and influence
OF money monopoly and sectional legislation Identified
less in this with the patriotic enthusiasm of
the democracy OF his State than with its fame and
character distinguished uris. is not al all remark
able TO nd do that Judge Gibsons recent nomna-
ton has been hailed with satisfaction by and
newspapers that have differed with him politician.
This 10 compliment credi,able both to those who offer
and 10 him who receives and due to those legal minds
which in dstan, parts OF Union and in Europe,
have long been in the habit of quoting the Judges legal
opinions and arguments as good authority.
Under such circumstances we look forward to the sue
cess OF the democratic judicial ticket OF Pennsylvania
with the same confidence that do that OF Colonel
Bsler. who in the presen, critical condition Of his
try has nobly taken his stand in favor OF the removal Of
all distractions the execution OF the fugitive slave law
and calls upon his eoun,rymen TO follow the example Of
Franklin. Washington, and Jefferson, and not those
hgber-aw lights held up by the Stewards, the Wsdes,
and the Summers Of modern times