Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1854-11-23
FAYErrE, Nov. 81, 1854,
.lieSSrS. Can't, Bay, and Others,
lfenlhnrs nf fLn 81 [ mig Pcr.


Members Of tie 81. Louis BGr:
GEvrLEMEN-I received some time ago
your letter of The LIST instant, asking me 10
become candidate for the vacancy in the
Supreme Court, then about TO occur by the
resignation of Judge Gamble, and delayed
my answer until the vacancy should actu-
ally occur, ard the writs issued for the cleo
ton of his successor.
In yielding my consent as now DO, per-
nit me TO make my Acknowledgements TO
YOU for the compliment implied in your re-
quest, and to express my fears, should the
people confer the Office upon ne, that can
not come up TO your expectations in dis
charging its duties. Allow me, also, TO
make 4 remark or two in reference TO the
principles upon which am willing 70 be
presented as . candidate for this place.
Judicial Offices are above party, and
ought not to be sought or given upon party
principles. This is the general sentiment
of the community, and is as just as i. is
general. Nothing, therefore, could induce
me TO be a party candidate, l would not
drshOnor myself, or !he judicial tribunal of
the land, by such conduct. 1t gives me
pleasure, therefore, to know that your re-
quest, as well as other similar communica-
tons to me, from other parts Of the State,
are made without any reference to party or-
CARNATIONS, and that in yielding 10 them |
stand before the community an independent
candidate for the office, owing in this mat
ter nothing To party ties, and claiming moth.
ing from them.
This is an Office, too. not to be sought az
ter, as it is customary to seek for other Of.
| fees. The high judicial stations III the gov.
ernment ought not to be canvassed for, as
! political Offices are canvas sed for. Those
who are to be the final arbiters in the right.
Of all, ought 10 take 10 part in the election,
! that are to elevate them to the Bench. Ir
conserving, therefore, 10 become q candidate
| merely consent to accept, if it shall be thu
unsolicited will of the people to confer thl
o flee upon me, and shall take no part my.
self in the election that is to follow. TIL,
Office conferred in this manner would be al
honor for which shou'd forever feel CRATE
fl to the pccrje--iI obtained otherwise,
should be ashamed 10 hold it.
Let me say III conclusion, that although
know the Office to be one OF great honor, i
wortnily filled, know, too, that it is one 0
great labor and possibility, and not TO b'
lightly approached by any one, at all ac
! Quaiuted with the nature and extent Of il.
duties. Certainly 10 men of our profession
it may well be an object of honorable ambi.
ton, but who ever accepts it with deter
mnation 10 discharge its duties as they ought
to be discharged, throws aside all conside-
ration Of private interest and personal com.
fort. | can truly say that haze been in nc
wise anxious for The office; and in becoming
a candidate yield 10 what am told is the
wish of the bar, and the desire OF the com
muniy. ii elected ! will endeavor to iuS-
tiiy the choice by devoting myself wholly
to the duties Of the Office, with that patient
industry that its duties so emnently re-
quire.
am, with assurances of great respect,
Your obodiont servant,
\, LEONARD,