Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1852-03-23

In view of the approaching elections, we feel
that it is not necessary to offer apology for intro
ducing the following extract from communica-
ton addressed to the Richmond Wing by ga
friend of the People, who writes from the
Eastern Shore 1t was written to impress upon
the people the solemn responsibility which they
have assumed in taking the Judicial appoint
ments in their own hands. The writer, whose
opinion we furnish below, appears to estimate
rightly the quarter from which danger will
come on account Of these popular elections
His apprehensions appear to be based, not upon
any defect in the intelligence or discretion of
the people themselves, but upon the corrupta-
bilitu of the human heart, which renders it a
hazardous experiment to require of a man to
decide questions of moment between individuals
of community who have just placed him on
the bench. The judge enters on the discharge
of his delicate trust, fresh from the heats and
partialities of the hustings-to win popular ia
your has been his chief aim for months-acho
qeiu be so bold as to declare that such man has
no friends to rcward, nor enemies to punish p
Our reason for INDUCING in this train of remark
is to remind our readers that MS the system is
SO peculiarly exposed abuse, there is the great
er need for a wise and disinterested application
of it. Let us have the best men, and let their
actions be diligently observed, that the poor suit
er may not be thrust against the wall. We
commend the following forcible remarks:
But who are to be the greatest sufferers for none
can be benefited by the election of corrupt
cept the person who pays the price OF the corruption
if an incompetent unworthy man should be eectef
TO the bench} Alas too often the case IN ali th
vcisstndes of le-the poor to be the principal vic
tins If the Judge either from want OF moral firm
ness to decide against powerful advocate. wealthy
or pugnacious suffer- for want of sufficient lega
Knowledge to know how determine correctly
should make unjust or illegal decision against poo
hut honest suitor how deporabe the condition of tn
losing party He may feel aud his counsel may assure
lin, that an unjust or illegal decision has been nnad
a1a;st him: but how is he to be relieved? The cor
rInt or IGNORANT Judge might te him by appeal. Blu
every one knows that unless man has some mean
there are but few cases IN whleh suffer can appeal
however grossly unjust the decision against him
be The decision might deprive the poor suffer OF life
liberty or his small estate-and it would be but poe
consolation 10 reflect that he had been induced to vot
for the man who made the illegal or corrupt decso
against him. only because he was begged to do So {
had been otherwise uggled out OF ms suffrage that ousi
10 have been freely exercised If the decision was
corrupt and could be proved TO be, unless prol
ed by feelings Of patriotism others should assist Il
poor suffer there would be hope OF inpeaclhng Il
Judge, and but little even if they did
But, on the other hand suppose the losing suffer WI
man Of wealth, II his case had been properly ma
aged he could and would obtain relief ia an appella
Court; and all that he would suffer would be a lit
DELAY IN obtaining his just rights, and small ext
costs.