Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1858-01-22
Tho Case of Judge Claggott.

tn Case Of Judge Claggett.
We regret to see the movement
that is now being made for the i'm
parchment Of Judge Clsggctt, especial
ly, Al party politics lie at its founda-
ton. 1t has always been our desire
to keep the Judicial Office aloof from
and above the turmoils and contamins-
ton of the political arena, and the dis
regard Of political considerations which
the people have thus tar manifested
in the selection Of Judges has proved
to us, not only the feasibility but the
wisdom Of an elective judiciary. The
Democratic party in the State Of New
York, on the eve Of the first expert
mcnt IN electing judges, offered to join
with their opponents in nominating a
ticket for judicial officers without re-
gard to party afinities. That proposal
the Wings declined. Only a few
months ago, the Democratic party Of
New York reelected to the bench Of
tho Court Of Appeals Judge Denis, who
had concurred in a decision which the
people must evcr regard as a stab to
municipal rights. The decision was on
apolitical question, and the Democratic
party never proscribes a Judge for his
politics. In the case of Judge Clag-
gett, We are sorry to see the Gazette,
the Gate City and a few other Black
Republican sheets, endeavor to make
his impeachment a party matter, and
atest Of Black Republicanism in the
Legislature. Were Clsggett a Repub-
lican, VIC should find the Gazette ap-
plauding his acts as a high toned vim
dication of the integrity of the judici-
ary as he is a Democrat, it cannot
invent words bitter enough wherewith
TO revile and deride him. The head
and front Of Judge Claggett's offending
is an uncommon aspcrity Of manner,
and the demanding of excessive bail.
So far as his manner is concerned, we
have only this to say, that however dis
agreeable it may be, it is no ground for
impeachment. We have heard many
Attorneys complain that Judge Grant
was hssty and overbearing during
his term on the bench, but no man
ever thought Of impeaching him there
for. 1t is a very significant and preg-
nant fact that the enemies of Judge
Claggett have no stronger accusation
against him than occasional petulance
or churlishness. Surely, if that be
the principal ground Of complaint, the
Legislature will not long hearken to
it. But, in the circumstances in which
Claggctt was placed, a sharp and deci.
ded manner was necessary. lie came
on the bench when the docket was
crowded, and with business rapidly
accommodating. Dispatch was indies.
pensable, and that was impossible
whilst windy and wordy lawyers con.
sumed the time of the Court with flat
stale and Improbable discussions o.
points which have been considered set.
tied since the days Of the Year Books
Claggett found honeyed words power
less to stop them, and he therefore re.
solved to check themso decidedly that
they would stay checked during hi.
term. In that, IN our estimation, he
ID to be commended.
In but one case, did he demand bail
Of which complaint is made,-that o.
the State VS.. Abrams. In that Clac.
gstt admitted he was hasty, before the
term expired, and publicly offered to
reduce the bail. The; attorneys for
Abrams declined to make any applica.
ton for its reduction. One error o,
judgment-for it will not be said that
Claggett acted corruptly-wlll nsve,
justify the impeachment of a Judge
Claggett has in the last six month.
rendered more judgements than did
his predecessor in three years. That
fact attests that he has worked faith.
fully and successfully.
W. do not believe the enemies Of
Judke Claggett will succeed. The
better portion Of the bar ofhis district
b with him, and it i generally felt that
his impeachment would be . deadly
blow At the Judiciary. The sentiments
q tho older lawyers of Keokuk may
b gathered from the following extract