The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-06-27

important judicial departments Of the State,
whose good effects gavo him high rcputa-
ton as q sound and practical legislator.
At the close of the session Of this Legisla-
ture, Mr.. Dayton was raised to the bench
of the Supreme Court, and though one Of
the Youngest, was one Of the most eminent
who have ever held that distinguished post.
After three years of useful and honorable
service in that station, no resigned his seat
upon the bench and returned to the prac-
tice of his profession, where his splendid
abilities as an advocate, soon placed him in
the first rank Of the New Jersey Bar.
In June, 1912, the distinguished New
Jersey Senator, Samuel q. Southland, having
died, Governor Pennington, the Executive
of New Jersey, rendered the place to Judge
Dayton, and he took his seat on the 9th of
July. During the following winter he was
elected by the Legislature for the unexpir-
cd term of Mr.. Southland. In lS45, ho was
reelected for full term Of six years; and
on both these occasions he had no competitor
among the Wings Of his native State.
When Judge Dayton entered the highest
council chamber Of the nation, he had bare
ly reached the age Of thirty-6ve, and had
no junior, we believe, among the eminent
men who sat around him. Among those
men, were many Of our most brilliant ora
tors and statesmen of our cru. The peer
less Clay had, indeed, just retired from the
scene of his fercest conflicts, and his most
splendid triumphs. Webster and Calhoun
were temporarily withdrawn to the superin-
tendence Of executive depa rtments. But
they had left behind them Berrien and q
Benton-thc eloquent Crittenden, and the
strong minded Wright-tho accomplished
Evans, with his many sided versatility of
craftsmanship, and the polished Choate,
whose persuasive flow Of eloquence Sheri-
dan might have envied.
Even amid this distinguished concourse,
the young Senator was not lost sight Of
He never rose without commanding the FIX
cd attention of his compecrs; and in the
memorable contests on Texas annexation and
the Mexican war, his arm dealt some of the
heaviest blows.
In discussing the future government and
destiny Of the territory to be ceded to US by
Mexico. Mr.. Dayton, like every genuine
Wing of that day, planted himself on the
same ground which the patriotic jefferson
assumed in 1887. 1t is with pride that we
refer our readers to the following extract
from his speech, in the first part Of which
he asserts the great doctrine now opposed
by Mr.. Buchanan and his platform, and in
the closing lines Of which is a solemn pre-
diction, which the country now mourns as
fearfully true:
at does seem to me, Mr.. President, Il
say this with respect,) that il there ever
were any doubts on this question rs to the
power Of Congress to legislate with respect
to slavery in the territories, those doubts
must be held settled by the past conduct of0e
government.
But will say again that I trust and
hope that, as regards the territory north Of
thirty-two degrees, which we may acquire
from Mexico by virtue of this Treaty, this
question may DO at rest. l hold il to be an
act of wisdom, as well as Of patriotism, to
agitatc it only when its agitation becomes
matter Of necessity, and with view to
practical results. But let the north bear it
in mind-let il never be forgotten, that If
the question be not settled noip IL tciH probd-
bly, Be preseaiod hereafter IN a'liis terrible SC
atty"
He opposed the annexation of Texasas an
expansion Of the area of slavery, and the
compromise measures of 1850 for the same
reason, and because he considered the main
provisions Of the Fugitive Slave Law uncon-
stitutional. Since the close of his Senator
ial term in 1851, Mr.. Dayton has quietly
devoted himself to the pursuits of private
life, amid the respect Of all who know him.
He is now at the excellent working ago of
40 years.
Such are our candidates. Both men Of
that age Of mingled energy and prudence,
which in all times has furnished tho great
number of useful patriots. Both men of ir-
rcproachablc lives, active habits, sound dis
crction and lofty principles. Both are con-
sentative, as wishing to carry this govern
ment back to the principles of jefferson and
Madison-both progressive, as wishing to
carry our country forward by the expansion
of liberty and the widest application of free
labor. Who, then, will not work for the
elevation Of these men to the highest Offices
in the gift Of their country.