Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1851-06-04

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The Judiciary.
In October the people Of Pennsylvani;
will be called upon, for the first time il
the history of the Commonwealth, to max,
their own selection of the persons who arc
to expound and administer the laws, fol
the next ten years, in our courts ofjustice
The amended Constitution imposes grave
responsibility npon the citizens Of the
State, to meet which properly will require
the intelligent exercise Of more than ordi-
nary prudence and circumspection. 1t is
we'll known that this radical change in the
organic law was occasioned, principally,
by the unwise course of the Executive
branch of the government, in many in
so,nccs Vi Iarc years, III pIacnS iuc0mpe-
tent or unworthy judges on the bench and
it depends entirely upon the manner in
which the people discharge the momentous
duty thus devolved npon them, whether
the change shall prove a blessing or a
curse. If the latter, it would be one of the
heaviest calamities that could befall the
body polite.
Political preferences will doubtless ex-
ert an influence to greater or less extent
But the essential merits of this whole sub
jcct rise so far above all mere partizan in
tercsts, and are so intimately connected
with the we'll being of the entire commu-
nifty, in all the relations of life, and are We
think so thoroughly appreciated by the
great body Of the people, that VIC are per-
suadcd they will give true and safe res
ponse to this new appeal to their sagacity
and honesty of purpose. And any party
or body of men which should underrate
the one, Or attempt to impose upon the
other will find they can not do so with i'm
punity. Disaster to themselves, and the
signal discontinue of their candidates will
be the inevitable result.
Neither party politics nor local feuds
should be suffered to have the control in
the election of Judges especially if they
should tend to the exclusion, or prejudice,
of the high and paramount objects which
should be kept constantly in view by every
voter in making up his mind, and depcsi-
ting his ballot. Nor are amiability of
character, and mere personal popularity,
the only qualifications for these posts Of
honor and responsibility. 1t is indispen-
sible that, in addition to these, the incum-
bcnts should possess decision and energy
of character, habits of industry and close
study, fullness Of legal learning and read
mess in applying it, and capacity for the
prompt and accurate dispatch Of business;
as we'll as integrity and sound judgment.
And if our Governors, either through mis-
taken kindness, or as tardy reward for
political services, have erred in any of
these important particulars, it is no reason
why the people should, or will: follow their
i'll advised example, and in so doing, prove
themselves insensible to the high value of
the prerogativc so fully transferred to their
keeping.
1t is not our intention to enter here up
on a lengthy discussion of this subject;
but it is proper that attention should be
directed to it at an early day, and the OBJ
jects and design Of this amendment Of the
Constitution, and the condition Of things
in the respective districts, be kept dis
tinctly before the public /; and after delib-
crate reflection, be acted on by every vo-
ter with caution and independence. 1t is
well to admonish State Conventions, and
aspirants to the Supreme Bench, and the
President Judgeships, that intrigue and
factious combinations will be rebuked at
the ballot box; and to remind candidates
that upon this occasion, above all others,
the people and the press will subject their
pretens;ons, and capacity, to the most