Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-10-27
RESIGNATION OF JUDGE PORTER.
PhIIApELPHIA, Oct. lG

-- PhILADELPHIA, Oct. 16, 1858.
His Ercellency Wiiiiam +. Packer Gopernor
Of enHsyLUania-Dear Sir On the first day
OF your entrance on official duty, received
from your hand 4 commission as a Judge of
the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The
event then considered possible, perhaps
should say probable, has Just been realized.
| have little to say of the means which produc-
edit On receiving the appointment 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 letter, nor make political
speech. In the first place. l was not willing
to hide with my claims to the office, however
small, in the shadows of a mere political ques-
ton. In the next place, ] was and | am
thoroughly convinced, by reading and refec-
tion, that whenever judge can be elected by
reason of his sentiments on any question of
politics, that moment the real power of the
judicial Office will disappear. Possibly this
may be very erroneous doctrine, very inop-
portunely expressed, but | shall maintain it
while possess moral sense or retain 4 ration
al faculty. In the certain prospect of de-
feat far more disastrous, not one hairsbreadth
of it should DO abated. .
The reverse which has occurred to the par
ty is OF less consequence than we apt to
suppose. The Democratic party is coeval
with the Government itself, aud it will exist
so long as the Republic endures. Within lis
there only to do with more success the work
of disorganization. The party itself, though
depressed, IS not destroyed. The point of
its lowest depression is that from which it will.
of necessity, begin to rise. At this moment
L soiemnly believe it TO be the best and stron-
gest political organization which has ever ex-
listed for preserving the interests of the whole
country.
Now to the point. l am not weak enough
TO suppose that the enclosed commission has
bad much to do i'll causing the present polit-
cal excitement. Nevertheless. it is plain that
the people of Pennsylvania prefer another
person as Judge of their Supreme Court. In
these circumstances, it seems to me a simple
dictate of delicacy and propriety to retire
from the office. In addition to this, ough.
to state that there are several important eau
ses pending in which l wish to take part as
counsel, and these require immediate atten-
ton. 1 therefore, enclose my resignation
The Office was rendered by you very kindly,
without solicitation on my part. | resign it
gratefully, and without, as l hope, having
brought upon il stain of dishonor. Less
was accomplished than could have wished,
but am not conscious of an act which does
not meet the approval of my own sense of du-
ty. To yourself personally, and to those
friends who are sending me their sympathy,
beg to say, in word, that there is no cause
for regret. l return to profession which 1
was conscious of abandoning too soon, and to
position at the bar as honorable as that
which is now reinquished, and so much more
remunerative, that comparison is out of the
question. Certainly, 1 ought to regard it no
hardship to exchange for the comforts of home
that wandering life which the law of Penn
ssylyania compels her judges to lead. If 1
nave any regret, it is in parting with those
pure and upright men who will remain to dis
charge their arduous and unrequited work
Wishing yon prosperous administration of
puoilc affairs, am, very respectfully and tru-
~, yours, WILLIAM A. PORTER.