Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1858-10-23
RESIGNATION OF JUDGE PORTER.
PuILhDELPHIA Oct. 16,

His Erceuencv William T. Packer, Cover
norof Pennsylpanid-Dear Sir:--On the First
day Of your entrance on official duty, | recei-
we'd from your band q commission as 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 pro.
duces it. On receiving the appointment.
thought that being Judge actually sitting
on the bench and deciding on the rights Of
men OF all shades OF political opinion ought
not to write O political letter. nor to make
political speech. In the first place, was not
willing TO hide my claims to the ofice,
however small, In the shadow OF mere polit-
ical question. In tho next place, was and
! am thoroughly convinced, by reading and
reflection, that whenever q Judge can be
elected by reason OF his sentiments on any
question Of politics. that moment the rea!
power Of the judicial Office will disappear
Possibly this may be q very erroneous doc
trine, very inopportunely expressed but
shall maintain it, while I possess a moral
eense or retain q rational faculty. In the
certain prospect Of defeat far more disss.
trous, not one hairsbreadtb Of it should be
abated
The reverse which has occurred to the party
is Of less consequence than we are apt to
suppose. The Democratic party is coeval
with the Government itself. and il will exist
so long as the Republic endurss. Within its
ranks men will always be founnd, who remain
there only to DO with moro success the work
Of disorgnsization. The party itself though
depressed, is not destroyed The point Of
its lowest depression in that from which it
will, OF necessity, begin to rise. AT this mo.
ment ! solemnly 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. am not weak enough
to suppose that the enclosed commission has
had much to do in causing the present rolit-
cal excitement Nevertheless i: is plain that
the people Of Pennsylvania prefer another
person as a Judge Of their Supreme Court
Ii these circumstances it seems to me O sm.
pie dictate Of delicacy and propriesy to retire
from the Office. In addition TO this, | ought
TO state that there are several important eau
sss pending, in which | wish TO take part as
counsel aud these require immediate attep-
ton ], therefore, enclose my resignation.--
The Office was rendered 10y you very kindly.
without solicitation on my part ! resign it
gratefully, and without, as / hope, having
brought upon it n stain of dishoEor. 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 mo their sympathy,
beg to say, in q word, that there is no cause
for regret. return 10 n profession which |
was conscious OF abandoning too soon, and to
position at the bar ns honorable as that
which is now relinqaisbed, and so much more
remunorntive that comparison is ont of the
question. Certainly ought to regard it nc
hardship to exchange for the comfort Of home
that wandering life which the law OF Pennsyl
| vania compels her Judges to lead. If have
say regret it is in parting with those pure ant
| upright men who will remain to discharge
their srduous and unrequtod work.
| Wishing you prosperous administration
! OF public affairs, am
Very respectfully and truly, yours,
| WM A. PORTER