Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1858-10-27


place. 1t gava large Democratic majority,
and the Republicans talk of contesting the
election of Mr.. Shields on that ground If
that township should be thrown out by the
Legislature, it will elect DR.. Duff
RESIGNATION OF JUDGE PORTER.
The Hon. WILLIAM A. PORTER has an
pounced his resignation as one of the Supreme
Judges of the State Annexed is his letter
to his Excellency Governor PACKER, convey
ing his motives for Withdrawing from the
Bench. 1t is plain, sincere, statement, and
remarkably characteristic of the retiring
Judge =
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 10th. 1858.
HIS ErceNeacy William f. Packer, Cor
ernor of Pennsylvania = Dear Sir On the
first day of your entrance on official duty, |
received from your hands a commission as a
Judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylv
MIA. The event then considered possible,
perhaps l should say probable. has just been
| which produced it On receiving the ap-
poiutmept, l thought that being Judge,
! actually sitting on the bench and deciding on
the rights of men Of all shades of political
opinion. l ought not to write political let ter
nor to make political speech. In the first
| place, | was not willing to hide with my
claims to the Office, however small, in the sha-
dow of mere political question. In the
next place, | was and | am thoroughly con-
vinced, by reading and reflection, that when
ever judge can be eleted by reason Of his
sentiments on any question Of politice, that
moment the real power of the judicial Office
will disappear. Possibly this may be very
erroneous doctrine, very inopportunely e1-
pressed, but ! shall maintain it, while | pos
sess moral sense or retain a rational faculty.
In the certain prospect Of defeat far more
disastrous not one hairsbreadth of it should
be abated.
Tie reverse which has occurred to the Party
is Of less consequence than we are apt to sup
pose. The Democratic party is cocval with
the Government itself, and it will exist SO
long as the Republic endures. Within its
ranks men will always be found, who remain
there only to do with more success the work
Of disorganizalion. The Party itself, though
depressed, is not destroyed. The point oi
its lowest depression is that from which II
will, of necessity, begin to rise. At th il
moment, [ soemnly believe it to be the best
and strongest political organization which
has ever existed for preserving the Interests
of the whole country.
Now to the point I an not weak enougl
to suppose that the enclosed commission ha
had mnch to do Ia causing the present poiit
ical excitement. Nevertheless, it is plaiI
that the people of Pennsylvania prefer anothe
! person as Judge of their Supreme Court
In these circumstances, it seems to me
simple dictate of delicacy and propriety =
retire from his office. In addition TO this,
ought to state that there are several importan
e cause. pending in which / wish to take par
e as counsel, and these require immediate at
| tention j, therefore, enclose my signatlon
The Office was rendered by you very kindly
without solicitation on my part. L resign i
gratefully, and without, as l hope. haVin:
c brought upon it a stain Of dishonor. Les
L was accom- plished than l could have wished
bat am not conscious of an act which doe
: not meet the approval of my own sense c
i duty. To yourself personally, and to thos
! friends who arc sending me their sympathy
9 | beg to say, in word, that there is no caus
"a for regret ! return to pro fession which
was conscious of abandoning too soon, and t
position at the bar as honorable as tha
i which is now relinquished, and SO much NOR
: -rsmuncrative, that comparison is out Of tn
u question Certainly, L ought to regard it L
e hardship to exchange for the comforts of HON
= that wandering life which the law of Penn
. sylvania compels her Judge to lead. If
u have any regret it is IN parting with thoE
: pure and upright men, who will remain
|. discharge their arduous and unrequited worl
n Wishing YOU prosperous administratlo
! of public affairs, am very respectfully, al
truly yours, WIN A PORTER