Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1855-03-21
THE FREE DEMOCRAT.

GEORGE W. BLISS. :. -: EDITOR
THE FREE DEMOCRAT.
Men are said sometimes to arrive al degree
of insanity that induces them 10 believe every
other person to be mad. when they delight in
cusins others of the very enornties oil which
themselves are guilty. Others who appear to be
sane upon NEST matters, are so far led astray as
to become upon some particular subject perfect
monomaniacs Such persons, though, perhaps
more to be piitied than censured, are dangerous
both to the morals and interests of those within
their influence There others, who though
sane become destitute of moral principle, as to
be still more dangerous than either of the former
To one of these classes the editor of the Mlwau>
kee Free Democrat most assuredly belongs. His
sole effort appears of late, TO be 10 place the stamp
of infamy upon all who cannot fall in with his
extreme views upon the Fugitive Slave Act
No, satisfied with his attempt to hold Judge
Crawford responsible for the acts of Congress-
and more particularly the obnoxious features OF
the Fugitive Slave Act, be now attempts, IN
very polite way, to convey 20 his readers the I'M
preston that those lawyers who signed the cali
upon Judge Crawford &c become a candidate for
re election. were actuated by improper motives or
in other words lent the influence OF their names
as bride to induce the Judge TO give favorable
decisions upon causes they might have pending
before the Supreme Court. None but man VINO
il himself so lost all moral principle as TO hold
his own conscience III market, ready to yield to
"a given amount of pressure TO the square inch
applied TO the surface of his political morality,
could have been the author of base SANDER,
and even he, had he known Judge Crawford as
well as Mr. Booth might have known him, would
hardly have dared to give utterance TO such
insinuation. We cannot think that Mr.. Booth
himself insane as be has become on the Fugitive
question honestly believes that any of the gentle
men whose names are attached 10 the call upon
Judge C., actuated by any such improper
motives, that Judge Crawford is man whose
decisions would be at all influenced by favor.
friendship, or any other principle than that OF
strict jnstice.
The opinions attributed to Justice Crawford by
the Free Democrat upon the Fugitive Slave Act,
are equally unjust and unfounded. That he be-
lieves the Supreme Court OF the United States to
be the proper tribunal to decide upon the consti-
tutonalty of the acts of Congress. is not denied,
and until recently that doctrine has not been de-
MED, Except by South Carona) nor would it be
at this time by Mr. Booth himself if his designs
could be accomplished in more rational way
But that Judge Crawford is friend his sup
porters advocates of the Fugitive Slave Act, is
base Islander that cannot obtain credence where
either known. The editor of the Free Demo
erat is equally bitter in denouncing his best per
nd
with him in his false issue upon this judicial ques-
ton, and oppose man whom they know 10 nave
discharged the duties of his office faithfully with
ability, fidelity. and imPartality.
Notoriety appears 10 be Mr. Bnoihs chief aim.
and Judas himself was not more successful in Sc
curing that distinction, and each with about the
same degree OF credit to himself should the latter
day calumnator hereafter repent and draw his
last breath at the extremity of a hempen cord, as
he possibly may do II unsuccessful IN ms attempt
10 defeat Judge Crawford
II the editor OF the Free Democrat really believes
Judge Crawford a friend to the Fugitive Slave
Act. be certainly knows but little of his views
in this place where the Judge may be presumed
10 be as well known as anywhere in the State, he
is no, 50 considered and his course upon the bench
meets tne approval OF lhe most STRENUOUS Ants
Slavery men, while it fails TO satisfy none except
the real friends Of the Fugitive Law, and few
who wi II not vote for political opponent under
any circumstances.
We do not blame Mr. Booth. any other man
for opposing Judge Crawford, if he thinks him
unqualified for the Office or believes Mr.. Cole
better man; but do object to the charges
against him which known TO be untrue by
those who make them and are only designed TO
prejudice the mind of the people against faith
ful public ofIicer-made by men, too, who admit
Judge Crawford TO be honest. capable and indus
trious, in the discharge of his duties. We think
however the result of the election Will satisfy Mr.
Booth that he has not made his false issue win,
this time at least
LoNpoS QUARrERLr This popular Review
is again on our table lis entire contents are