Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-10-23

We see, says the Newark Advertiser, 10 what
the election Of Judges for short periods by the
people is bringing us..from the present question
ings Of candidates for the bench In New York. BY
the leaders Of political partes They are interro-
gated, like those who are up for political stations,
upon The exciting issues Of the day. and their opin-
ion on them asked. Pledges are thus expected Of
them, as much as Of Aldermen, Senators, and
Representatives What A Judge asked before
hand how he will decide certain causes when they
shall be brought before him Yes, truly, that Il
the condition Of things at present. The following
questions are addressed to the several candidates
for Appeal Judges In New York by Colonel French.
chairman Of the liquor dealers association, viz.
81. Are you IN favor Of or opposed to, the en-
actment Of prohibitory liquor lawf
~. Are you In favor Of, or opposed TO, the en-
actment Of any coercive or oppressive liquor Law
whatever? ait
"S. Are you In favor Of or opposed to, the en-
actment of law which would require more than
ten dollars for license to sell spirituous or other
liquorsi &
18th. If elected, would you use your influence
in favor Of or opposed to the enactment OF the
laws alluded to in the foregoing interrogatoEesf"
Not only 20, but one at least Of the New York
judges has descended into the political arena and
toxic pleasure In sayng--we mean Judge Com
stock--has displayed proper sense Of the dignity
and independence Of his Office by refusing 70 un
dergo examination. Now, we would ask, In ~
solemnity, If candidate Tor . judgeship may de-
eide . cause depending on particular construc
tion of aprohibitory law previous to his election
which he win afterwards put into execution when
elected, what prevents his contracting to decide
slavery causes and all other actions In the same
manners The questions we have inserted above
are publicly propounded; but private inquiries
and private pledges are equally right and pertinent
or wrong and insulting. For example, one voter
has an important land cause; another, one con
corning insurance, either contemplated or com.
menced. OF course, II the practices now initiated
are to be persevered In, II judges are TO elected
for brief periods, these gentlemen viii take care
and will succeed in doing so, if they are chair
men Of committees" that judicial candidates who
are to decide those questions of vast moment tc
them shall express opinions Of law, perhaps Of fact
sometimes, in unison with their wishes. They
must answer the inquiries 30 as to please parties
in lawsuits who happen also to be " chairmen d
some association or other" or else they win be In
stantly dropped from the political ticket
1.-THE public questioning Of judges who are can
didates for Office upon all matters that anybody
pleases; If the mixing up Of the frock with the
ermine In party caucuses are shameful and indie.
cent, the tampering with candidates for the bench
in private is that and more it is highly dangerous
to right and Justice and will bring suspicion upon
the bench and corruption into judicial proceed,
ings. These discreditable exhibitions were moi
made as long as the judges were kept out of the
ballot box. Will they be able TO Withstand its over
towering inAnences The answer win be given in
a very few years. e H ~