The Empire County argus., 1854-07-29
Should Judges meddle In Politics.

Should Judges meddle In Politics.
In our youth we were taught to look upon the
minister Of the gospel as nearly sacred IN his char
acter, and never expected to see him engaged in
strife and sectional disputes Next to the clergy
man. we were taught to view the judge as a char
actcr pre-eminently above suspicion. Called upon
IN his Official capacity to adjust differences arising
among neighbors, fairness and impartiality without
prejudice favor was to be expected. In those
lays it was considered improper for Judge to be
seen cngageda heated disputes about trifing ques-
lions in politics religion. For it is we'll known
that whatever may be the discussion the dispu!ant
always becomes moro less biassed in consequence
IF the controversy in which he may have been en-
gagged. The Judge having in his hands, to a great
extent, the interests of all ltgants who may appear
before him, should most assurcdly be able to take
his seat upon the Bench, without bias or favor
arising from any cause.
There is no fruitful source Of ill-(eelng and
illtemper than party politics. Not unfrequcntly
is it the case, that angry feelings and jcalousies
arise in their di.cusson especially when they par
take OF factional character
To see judge descend from the dignity of his
official station to be>me himself in political discus
slon. in an attempt to asperse the motives of those
with whom he may happen to difFtr, is truly lam
entable. Tie more especially is it so, if in the
course Of discussion, when unable to find better
argument, the judge triumphantly informs his
hearers that lie las a long read to run" because
forsooh his term may continue for two or three
years longer
We do not wish to be understood as saying that
because citizen becomes judge that therefore he
is to be deprived Of the expression of his opinions
upon proper occasions.
The law has guarded the Bench to considerable
xtent in prohibiting the Judge from the expressions
o. opinions or of being engaged as counsel in dis
putes which may come before him in lis official
capacity. And for the wise reason, to insure in.
partiaty as between the parties, and at the same
time to protect the judge from any and all oLliga-
tons Of pride or interest to sustain opinions ex-
pressed.
Tie assumption of any offccr by way of intima-
ton, otherwise that he will direct his own
movements as lie picases, because, merely that Tor
'h' time being. he is beyond the reach of the people
WHO placed him in his position is unmitigated inso-
lonce, direct and fragrant insult to the consttu-
ency who have elevated him, and should bring upon
his head sharp and unrlisakable condemnation
At the same time such contcmptiblc idea bctravs
the weakness Of the head and the damning turpi-
tudc Of the heart Of him who cntortains or gives it
expression.
When citizen steps from the usual walks Of life
and accepts Office it then becomes his duty to attend
to the duties Of the cfico 1t is also his duty to
remember that he occupies the position of scfrant
IA mere scryant--nothing mere, and that it is out
Of place for him to attempt dictations to his
mGs'src.
Of all the Official stations in society that of the
judge should be the most carefully guarded the
most diligently shielded from the least faint of sus-
ticion When. therefore we see a Judge wading
in The mirc and filth Of politics, We think he is pre-
eminently cut of his place
That men have right TO differ in their opinions
on topics Of public interest, in a government ike
ours, there can be no doubt: but with these differ.
ences the judge has no business whatever 1t is
his especial duty to keep aloof from such differences
and not go strollng about like political mounte
bank, expressing his views about such differences
until he can see only with jaundiced eyes the opu-
ions differing with those conjured up in his own
brain.
Now, if we have cut a garment that in any re-
spect fits the reader. let him put it on otherwise
not. We will add the trimmings at some future
time, if necessary.