New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-12-25
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.

coresposienee o: TIE n Y rrture
WASHINGTON, THURSDAY Dec. 81, 1854.
Legislation for the District Of Columbia ap-
pears to avail en- more interest in the House than
could have been expected. The bill for the re-
organization Of the Courts lie Of very radical
character. and seems to be generally approved
out Of doors. By aboiishing the old Courts it
displsces the Judges, ss matter Of course, and
the Sc have had interest enough vita members TO
get up warm opposition 10 the biil-st least, 70
the d.csPitatng fe-ture of it. Mr.. May who
boldly urges the propriety of dismissing the old
Judges, has a personal grgdge sgains. 5 portion
Of them, which, it is fair TO presume, il not with
cut some weight with him. lie is q native Of
this city and until some fonr years ago resided
here. About that u1ne he became excited while
conducting cause il the District Court and
gave tuch OPEN oficnse 10 the Judges by the use
of irreverent language as 20 induce them TO strike
bis zane from the list Of Attorneys or Solicitors.
He then removed to Baltimore, which psce be
now represents in Congress, and brings forward
the bill for the reorganization of the Courts OF
the District: and by which be, az the same time,
throws bis old advcrssries out of employment.
| will not charge that these the motives which
prompted Mr. May, since he brings forward an en-
le,ened and improved system OF jurisprudence,
which will be Of great benefit TO this community.
Still, Lis personal grievances may have gwen
keoner edge to the knife of reform almost with
out his knowledge.
Judge Cranch, the Oldest of the Judges, was
appointed in 1900 and regularly discharged his
duties until about five years ago. He enjoys uni
versa respectfor his talents learning and virtues:
and lie dismissal, though he is no longer capable OF
dischareing the duties of his station would awaken
much sympathy. and not little complaint against
the new arrangement On the other hand, it Is
alleged that the public business Of a community
of sorenty thousand people is delayed in conse-
quence of bis ply steal disability and that It would
be better 10 confer pension on him than to con-
tnuc him in situation the duties OF which he can
not fulfill lie is from Massachusetts originally, and
Mr. Elliot Of that State, who, it seems, is bis re-
latve, made warm appeal in his behalf IN reply
to Mr.. May. The latter gentleman insists on
turning out all the old Judges on the ground that
their attachment to ancient usages will dlsqualify
them 10 introduce the reformed system. He
seems TO act on the principle that men should not
put new wine into old bottles. But is not the
same objection applicable TO the whole legal pro-
fessioni Precedent is the OF the lawyers
creed
The other Judges--Crawford Dunlop. and Nor
rell-arc respectable gentlemen, bit not remark
able, believe, for learning or ability but
whether they will be succeeded, under the new
regulation by better ADLER men, may be doubted.
The Court of Claims and the new Judiciary sys-
TEN for the District will give the President the
opportunity of dispensing little patronage; but
patronage will not redeem bin or hs AdmlDIstra-
ton from the almost universal condemnation OF
the pubic The whole concern is past praying
for
Judge Douglas is at his post. He has turned
out whiskers which are unbecoming to him.
They contract the dimensions Of his face, and give
lin rather b'hoyish appearance. Speaking OF
whiskers, they are becoming quite tie fashion IN
the Senate. Even Mr. Badger, who, until recent
h. has been intOlerant OF that ornament, has
crisly pair, which cause him to resemble the late
John Davis Of Massachusetts. They are, on the
whole. an improvement, and hope he will stick
10 them since they eynce a progressive spirit.
He is the oldest of Federal conservatives, and II Is
refreshing to witness in him departure from
ancient usage in anythng-except in the Missouri
Compromise. Mr.. Badgers mind is moulded
after the pattern of the BlackstOnes and Mans
fields. of England. Without being mean or mer-
cenary, he instinctvely cings TO the side ofpowcr.
He has little confidence in the people and believes
in a strong government-the stronger the better,
consistently with personal liberty-for a class.
The Engash Governments his ideal OF perfection.
Still there is much that is good in Mr. Badger,
mauger that shameful Nebraska speech and vote.
He is proud and capti0us-but, on the whole
conscientious man, and good citizen. His
speech in faycr of raising the salaries Of Members
and judges was characteristic:
TIE Court Of Claims, which has passed the
Senate, will doubtless save great deal OF time to
the two Houses, should it become law; but the
unfortunate issue of the Mexican Commission will
cause il to be viewed suspiclOusy by the pubic.
The bill seems TO provide every Imaginable pre-
caution against fraud and imposition apon the ma
tiona Treasury, and it cannot be doubted that
there would lie fewer fraudulent claims passed
than under the present system.
The Administration, while taking care OF the
interests Of religion and morality, by the appoint
ment of Governor for Utah, was not forgetiul oil
those of Slavery at the same time. Col Steptoe
is Southern man. Of course, and Virginian.
You have, doubtless, been informed that his con-
frmstion was not without some discussion IN the
Senate; there being an apprehension that ne
might hold TO his military position, while exer-
csirg the functions of Governor. OBSERVER