Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-03-17
To SAINT CLARKE, Esq, and other Members
Of The Stanton Bar.

Stanton, March II, 1852.
GENTLEMEN Il have received your favor OF
the 9th inst, in which you have the kindness 10
tender your appreciation OF the manner in which
have discharged my official duties, as Judge
of The Supreme Court Of Appeals, and TO express
the desire that would bee ONE a candidate for
re-appointment, by the people Of this Judicial
section, under the provisions OF our new con-
sliution. am sensibly affected by This spon-
taneous mark of esteem and confidence, coming,
as it does. from the midst of those 10 whom |
am best known, and from a source so entirely
disinterested and so highly respectable. For
The last ten years have been withdraw, in a
great measure, from public observation, and IN
deed, almost from social intercourse, by the ar
duous and engrossing duties Of my judicial STA
ton, which are known 10 be of such nature
as 10 attract but little attention from the people
at large, and 10 be subjected TO the close scrutiny
Of none but the members OF the legal profession.
To that honorable and enlightened profession
the constituent body must, of course, look for
such information as will enable them 10 exer-
cise with discretion and safety, one OF the most
important functions oil government. From that
profession, my reputation as Judge, whether
good or bad, must oil necessity he derived, and
shall regard il as the greatest misfortune OF my
life if have failed 10 secure It's commentator
for The wan, of it would be decisive evidence OF
incapacity or uniaihiulness OF my part, in The
discharge of the high and responsible duties OF
my trust.
To the expression, gentlemen, of your wish
that shall 5ecome candidate for the suf'rages
of the people, answer that shall do so, and
that canno, do otherwise. could have no
motive for declining, that would not be either
humiaiug to myself, or derogatory 10 the APP
pointing power. No man acquainted with my
circumstances would give credit 10 The suppose
ton that retired from WEAKNESS OF the judicial
station, in order 10 return, under obvious disad-
vanlages, TO renewed professional career. To
retire, therefore, would be virtual acknowI-
edaement ofincompetcnce or uuworthiness, or
Of craven fear ofimpending opposition. trust
no one will suppose me so mmodesi as 10 AFRO
gate to myself superior ability, or 10 assert any
claim founded on my present position. The
power of discarding me is in the hands OF the
people, and if they should determine TO do so.
no one will have right TO impeach their Judg-
ment or impugn their motives AS little right
have 10 anticipate improper motives on their
part, or the want OF generous confidence, II,
upon investigation, it should be found that |
have hitherto performed my duties well and
faithfully. No instance has, as yet, occurred in
Viroinaof public confidence withheld, when de-
sired, from a competent Judge, originally elected
during good behavior, who has been guilty OF
no misbehavior.
You have been pleased, gentlemen, in your
kind appreciation, however unwarranted, OF
nv official Conduct, TO say that you tender it
without distinction of party, aud this. by impli'
cation, stronger than express words, acquits me
of all suspicion of having ever carried 10 the
bench the bias Of party. And shall cherish
the thought, whatever may be the result OF the
election, TO the latest moment OF my lie, abhor-
ring AS do from the bottom OF my soul the crime
Of infusing poison into the fountain ofjusiice. He
who commits or even iaters,to for moment, be-
tween frend& foe, whether personal political lin
The administration of the laws is a wretch unwor-
lhy Of human sympathy, and deserves instead
of the ermine Of Justice, the rope OF the hang
man, Such a monster has never yet been known
10 the judicial annals of Virginia, and pray 10
God NAV never, in all future time, disgrace her
history. But that can only be guarded against,
effectually, by the people, now that the Judges
are 10 be elected for terms OF years, by trown-
ing Indignantly upon every proposition 10 admit
par,y politics into The estimate Of qualification
for the indicial office. No intelligent man can
have the slightest faith in It's wisdom, or justice:
no decent mar can venture to avow il as prln-
chile of action. 1t is TOO much 10 expect from
human nature, that those who are elected peri
odicaily from party considerations, will not be
exposed TO the temptation Of doing party work.
however filthy.
If, in thus responding 10 your letter, have
spoken unreservedly, am sure that have done
so Justly, and without the slightest feeling OF
bitterness towards, or the remolest thought OF
casting censure upon, any who may be opposed
TO my reelection.
have few words 10 add upon matter
which has surprised NE greatly, and perhaps
NAV occasion you equal establishment. Very re-
Gently, have learned that some lew persons
are laborine under gross misapprehe nslon IN
respect 10 my age, derived possibly lIom the
circumstance that when came 10 Augusta in
the summer of 1909, engaged in The practice
of law at comparatively early period OF lile'
| need only reler to the record Of my birth TO re-
move any misconceptiOn on this point, was
born on the 4lh of January, 1889, which, with
but little trouble of calculation, will give my
age on the 4ih day OF January last al CO years.
] am, gentlemen, with great respect and re-
gard,
Your friend and servant,
BRlSCOE G. BALDWIN.