The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1858-07-26
Modern Politics.
We have fallen upon strange times.


Modern Politics.
We have fallen upon strange times. In
years gone by, it was the custom of the
people TO interest themselves somewhat in
selecting men to represent them in Legisla-
tive bodies. Once it was deemed necessary
for men who aspired to Offices of trust and
profit TO possess not only matured judg-
ment but an established character for NOR
atty, honesty and sobriety. In these latter
days the people have surrendered to politi-
cal hucksters the right to choose for them
Representative, and the nomination OF
packed convention is to be foisted upon
them, willing or unwilling. The system OF
wire-working has been reduced to such
science that the people have ceased to
struggle against the Vaccinations of politi-
clans, and the ballot box is only used toex-
press the servile allegiance ofvot to the
power of a political party. A convention at
Blairsville nominated CARIBBEAN for the
State Senate, and SHASKLS for the Legis-
lature. Hoso they were nominated, or rhy,
is known to those behind the scenes. The
result is only known to the public. The
passive acquiescence with which the choice
of that convention has been received by all
parties, shows that the people are either in
different by whom, or how they are repre-
scented; or, that Shanklin and Carnahan are
the two best men in the two counties. The
latter proposition can only be entertained by
the two gentlemen themselves.
No one will attempt to defeat either of
these Blairsville bantlings, but for the sake
of common decency, let us have candidates
for whom the few, outside of the party, can
conscientiously vote. The only consolation
we will have next winter, when the Legis-
lature is in session, will be the thought that
our Representatives are about as respectable
as the majority of the crossroads politicians
who go to make up an Indiana General
Assembly. But unless they are opposed
be it never so feebly-they go there as the
unanimous choice of the free white voters of
two of the most prominent counties in the
State.
The Convention at Princeton last Thurs
day, nominated for Judge of the Circuit
Court, Michael J. Burke, of Washington. We
do not know the gentleman, but the unani-
nous expression of opinion, on the street
corners on Friday was that more unfit Sc
lection could not have been made The
dissatisfaction felt was great because we
have been, in this District under our miser-
ly system of salaries, most fortunate in our
Circuit Judges. Hovey, Niblack and Smith
have all been worthy and able judges, whose
services were worth in their profession twice
the amount of their salaries as judges. We
cannot expect to have any longer their equals
on the circuit. A letter from Dayiess county
anxiously enquiries Of us, if "there be no
respectable Democrat in the lower part of
the district who will run for Circuit Judge ?"
if there be, the letter adds we can elect
him with case for Burke won't dor' We
are obliged to answer that there is not a
respectable" attorney that could be induced
10 accept the position comforting the Second
judicial honors in the State, if it could be
attained by him without any effort. Mr.
Burke is, in our opinion, as good a man for
the place as we can expect under the present
system of niggardly salaries. If the people
of the State are SO deluded and infatuated
with their old false notions Of economy
Of buying cheap and poor services with low
starvation salaries, that they cannot be III
duced to change the miserable system, there
is no remedy. We may perhaps be thank
full to get as good Mr.. Burke. 4
we cannot arouse the people to an expression
of opinion that shall secure an increase o
salaries of the Judges from the Legislature
we can expect no improvement in the char
acter of our courts but on the contrary, a
constant decline in ability and integrity
No better season will ever occur to max,
the question Of high or low salaries to tn,
Judges, an issue, than the present canvas
affords. II can be discussed independent o
Lecompton or anti-Lecompton. The intclli
gent men Of all parties agree in the necessi
ty of increased compensation to the Judge
Of the Circuit and Supreme Courts a
least. Let there be such a demonstration
Of the public conviction and wishes, that i
shall be equivalent to instructions from al
the counties to their members to vote 70
hirher salaries IN the iudges