Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-10-28
The ClerIxshfp.

Some people are disposed to under estimate
the importance to the public of the Office of
Clerk of the Courts, and to consider the pend
ing election as matter chiefly interesting to
the candidates, and of little moment to the
community at large. There could never be
made greater mistake. The Clerk has often
to decide questions of law of great difficulty
and importance, and on the correctness of his
decision are frequently dependent private
rights of great consequence. 1t has been,
therefore, universally the practice in Massa-
chusetts to confer this office only on men of
large legal experience and attainments, such
as would be fitted by their abilities for judge
ships or other high public offices. Without
going out of our own county to recite such
names as Ames, Sedgwlck, Wilde, Willard,
&c., in proof of this assertion, the names of
those who have held the office here abundant
ly confirm it. Francis Blake, who left be-
hind him the most brilliant reputation ever
gained by any Worcester county lawyer
Bigelow, and Kendall, both men of large
practice, and both honored by their district
with seats in Congress, Charles w. Harris
horn, man whose distate for appearance in
public, prevented his becoming extensively
known as an advocate, bat whose profound
and accurate learning is unsurpassed by that.
of any of his Contemporaries -such men as
these have dey2ted their best powers to the
duties OF this Office. We trust, therefore, that
no voter will cast his ballot without full
understanding Of the merits of the respective
candidates presented for his suffrage.
Of these, there are buttwo who stand prom
inently before the pubic-Mr. Mason, the
present incumbent, who was appointed for
term of five years, and in the midst of whose
term of Office the constitutional change has
taken place, which renders an election neces-
ssry, is presented as the Republican candidate.
Mr.. Smith, who now holds, by appointment
of the Court, the Office of Assistant Clerk,
with salary Of $1,000 per annum, which Of.
flee he can retain as long as he desires, is pre-.
sented by the American party. Both of
these gentlemen have discharged the duties of
their respective offices with fidelity, and both
of them are iavorites with the community
Mr.. Mason has had large legal experience in
many important cases, before his appointment.
Mr.. Smith has never, as far as known, been
engaged in practice as a lawyer, to any ex-
tent, and probably does not claim much legal
information, but derives his qualifications for
the Office from the knowledge gained under
Messrs. Hartshorn aud Mason, while assisting
them in lis duties.
Some outside matters have been introduced
into the canvass, which will not probably be
much regarded by intelligent voters. II is
said that there is difereneein the pecuniary
circumstances Of the two men, This is not
So Both are possessed Of comfortable prop
er'y' but neither would probably be able to
support himself without labor. Mr.. Mason
has purchased for sale considerable quantity
OF real estate, for part Of which he owes. but
which will, probably, in the end, Weld him a
considerable profit Mr. Smith Is the son Of
Mr.. John A. smith Of Leicester. one Of tbo
wealthiest men in the oouuty, 30 that WEI h.,i
not probably hear much Of appeals 10 ou,
InpathcS from either side. There is. how.