Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1857-04-04
Withdrawal of Judge Lewis.

1t is with unfsigned regret that we pub.
lish the letter OF Chief Justice Lewis to the
Democratic State Central Committee, de-
clining the nomination SO recently given
him for q position on the Supreme Bench
Of tho State, which he has so long filed
with credit to himself and benefit to the
community, In expressing our regret, We
but speak the sentiment of the whole COM
munity. As gentleman, scholar and ju-
rist, Judge Lewis has few equals, and we
sincerely trust that when the Convention
ro-assembie, he will be induced to withdraw
the letter, prompted by the most magnan-
imous sentiments, declining the nomina-
ton.
We hope yet to have tho privilege Of
laboring to secure his election with the
rest Of tho gentlemen whose names are
found on the Democratic ticket.
WEST PENN SQUARE,
PHILADELPHIA, March 25, 1857.
To CHARLES X. BUcKALEw, Chairman Of
the Democratic State Central Committee {:
Dear Sir-At the late Democratic State
Convention, the local claims of the different
sections of the State were generously waived
for the purpose of securing my continuance
in the hi igh and important Office of Supreme
Judge. The energy with which those
claims are n0tC urged for the Office recent
ly vacated on the Supreme Bench, shows
| the extent of the sacrifices then made, and
| the nature of the dissatisfaction which may
exist after one section shall be gratiied
and the other disappointed by the anticipa-
ted nomination. The Convention, when
re-assembled, might be able to harmonic
these Gains, if that body had two nomina-
tions to make, instead of one. I therefore
feel at liberty to decline, as now do, the
denomination rendered to me by the Dem.
ocratic State Convention. In thus promo
ting harmony, | consult my own earnest
desire to retire from judicial life, and at
the same time put the delegates to no in
convenience, as they will be obliged to come
together again for the purpose Of nominal.
ing a candidate to fill the existing vacancy
have been laboriously engaged in ju
dicial duties nearly twenty.four years.
longer period Of service than that OF any
living Judge in Pennsylvania. l have
been thus engaged under three changes o.
the Constitution. l have aided to the ex
tent of my abilities in bringing up the ar
rearages of business, in replacing upor
their ancient foundations some Of the lane
marks Of the law which had been inadver
tently removed, and in maintaining the
purity and the independence of the Judi
ciary. l have constantly endeavored to Dc
justice without delay, lear, favor, affection
or i'll will. l now occupy, by the voice o
the people of my native State, the highes
judicial position in it. My long career a
Judge has received the appreciation o
the Democratic parry in the denomination
SO generou ly and unanimously made b,
the State Conven ion. AL my ambition
is satisfied, / have but one wish left, ant
that is to return to the freedom and indie
pendeuce of private lie. do this wit
grateful heart for the long cont'nue
confidence of my fell W citizens, and in til
full trust that they will appreciate and ap
prove Of my motives.
Very respectfully yours,
ELLIS LEWIS.