Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-06-19
THE JUDICIARY.


grave subject of the Judiciary Department Of tine
Government. 1t is apparent that the experiment of
popular election of at least the circuit judges
is about to be tried. Thus far, as our readers
have SEEM our observation of the manner in
which judicial elections have been made by the
Legislature, has brought our own convictions
Schooled in all the ancient ideas of can indepen-
dent judiciary" we were slow to adopt the be
lief that the Legislature not the best deposi-
tory of this high trust; but we have witnessed
with our own eyes enough to be satisfied that,
notwithstanding the admitted danger of the popu-
lar judgment being for time misled, the people
may be confided in to make better selections than
their Legislative agents.
In regard to the Judges of the Supreme Court
however, there is one consideration which OPP
poses, and, in our judgment, should prevent re-
sort to, the popular election. The people of the
whole State, or of large section of the State,
cannot possibly be SO informed as to the
mental and personal qualifications of the cand-
date, as to be able to make an intelligent choice
Within the limits of single circuit, the case is
very different. Each prominent member of the
bar is there familiar acquaintance of the citi-
zens They know the value of his attainments,
his capacities for legal reasoning, and the merits
or faults of his moral character Aware that the
qualifications of the man they elect are of the ut
most importance to their interests, both of person
and property, we believe they may be relied OIL to
choose wisely.
Some time ago, we gave an abstract of the re-
port of the committee of the judiciary, which is
now the subiect-matter on deberation 1t may
be well, however, to state here, in general terms,
that it provides for Supreme Court of Appeals,
District Courts and Circuit Courts 1t directs
that the State be divided mo five sections, each
section into two districts, and each district into
two circuits. The Court Of Appeals to consist
of five Judges elected By the Legislature, for
term of fifteen years, one from each of the five
sections; each Judge to be least 35 years DID, and
not TO hold office after he has attained the age of70
years. One Judge to be elected for each circuit
by the qualified voters therein; 10 hold office ten
years; and the election not to be within thirty
days of any general election. The circuit court
to be held twice year in each county. The
District Court to consist of the two circuit judges
of the district and the judge of the Court of Ap-
peals who resides in the section of which the
district forms part. The salary of judge of
the Court of Appeals to be not less than $4,000.
and of circuit court not less than $4,000, with
a reasonable allowance for necessary travel. The
present Judges to remain in office until six months
after the termination of the first Legislature
elected under the new constitution. special
and temporary Court of Appeals may be consti-
tued by law to try the cases remaining on the
docket of the present Court ofAppeals. All the
officers of the Supreme and District Courts ex-
cept sherifs, to be appointed by the courts Clerks
and Commonwealth attorneys of the circuit
courts to be chosen by the qualified voters of the
respective counties. The Attorney General to
be elected by the Legislature, for term of four
years, and to have such compensation as may be
allowed by law
The "Southern Press" in very complacent
article, announcing the completion of the first
year ofthe existence of that paper, speaks as fol-
lows, in two consecutive paragraphs:
1t is source Of pride to u.s. that it uhe paper has
passed through the stages ofinianne feebenes
needed The sustaining hand Of political patrons
nor been nourshed while its grste was hardening into
bone, on nutritious public "pap."
The "Southern Press sprang at once full armed
into elike Pallas from the brain OF Jove-at the call
OF the Southern people, made through their represen
tatireS here.
There seems to be palpable inconsistency be-
tween the first statement that the Southern Press
''never needed the sustaining hand of political
patrons" and the second, that it sprang into life
at the call of the Southern people, made through
their representatives. in Congress. 1t will be re-
membered that the paper was established openly
under the patronage of the Southern members.
Its course, however, soon offended many of
them.
The Washington correspondent of the Balti-
more Sun, in his letter of the 10th, says:
The President will leave here, in the course of this
week, Tor Old Point Comfort, or some other eligible
spot Virginia. Mr. Webster going TO rusticate in
New Hampshire, and will leave on Wednesday, while
Mr.. Secretary Corwn will leave tor Ohio, his native
home, tomorrow morning. He does not leave a Gin
gle unfinished business behind-no question address,
ed to MIN which has remained unanswered, prnci-
pie that has not been promptly decided by him. Con-
sderng that hear constantly OF secession null ica-
and revolution, the administration looks certainly
remarkably calm and unconcened. 1t is pleasure |
in storm, TO the mac at the helm, and the officers
OF the ship beray sign OF apprehe nsion aston
hment; as long they believe there is no danger the
passengers need not be alarmed.
Some weeks ago, when the South Carolina Conyen-
uon threatened with immediate secession Mr. Fillmore
and Mr.. Webster, with Two or three more members OF
the Cabinet took pleasure trip to Dunkrk, Lake
Enc, and now. while the struggle is going in MIS-
ssspp Georgia, &C., the President about snuff up
The pure breeze at Old Point Con fort and treat himself
10 sleeps head. This does look comfortable.
If Mr. Fillmore do make a visit to Old Point
he may doubtless be induced to return to Wash
ington by the way of Richmond. Our authori-
ties, we trust, will bear it in mind; for there is no
living man whom the citizens of Richmond woad
more cordially welcome.
We understand the President and Secretary of
State expected to reach Old Point yesterday
singular ''came off, near st. Louis on
L. Irtlrl tlrAt l. A.