Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1859-03-26

any act calculated to lessen its dignity,
or impair its usefulness, and will pledge
all my efforts, as well off as on the
bench, to sustain its sovereignty aud
independence. So long as it remains
true to its high trust, the Constitution
and the laws, the rights and liberties
of our citizens are safe. Whenever it
shall voluntarily relinquish these attrib
utes, and yield. itself to the dictation of
partizan interests or usurped authority,
it will neither command nor deserve
respect. Such can never be the case,
however, so long as the people are mind
full of the sacred obligations, and en-
ergetically discharge the duties ofFree-
men. ,--..
Fellow citizens, six years ago you
committed to me the great trust Incl
dent to the Office Of a Justice of the
Supreme Court. l hope I may be per-
mitted on this occasion to say, and I
can truly say, that since that time
have devoted all the talent and indus
try, youchsafed to me. to full, faithful
and prompt discharge of it's arduous
duties. How we'll these duties have
been discharged-how successful the
labor and anxiety which they have de-
manded, the records and reports Of the
Court will forever bear witness. But
before God, can solemnly avow that
in every act have endeayored to do
that and that only which a sacred re-
gard for my official oath reouired.-
Though painfully conscious of my many
deficiencies and intirmities, can, and
do now, after careful review of my
official acts, truly and solemnly affirm
that | am unconscious Of having been
i'll any manner unmindful of the sacred
character Of the trust committed to me,
or of having Intentionally violated or
avoided Its obligations. -,
It is about to be recommitted to vour
hands to he again deposited or another
term iii conformity with the constitution
and laws: You Will dispose of it as
you see fit, aud as you shall answer to
God an: n,,osterity.
Most heartily do / thank Won, my
fellow citizens, for the kind and tatter-
ing manner in which you have been
pleased to speak of my official conduct.
The character and number Of the
names attached to these "cal's' afford
an endorsement amply sufficient to sat-
isfy any reasonable mind in that direc-
ton. They will be cherished az testi-
monials Of the wise and the good, with
the most profound gratitude. But a
deep sense Of duty ob!iges me to de
clue your invitation to become a can
didate. However grateful under other
circumstances, might have been re-
election, without distinction Of or 90
legation to party, the position which
have assumed, and from which I could
not swerve, would be Incompatible with
the attitude Of many personal friends,
members of both political parties now
arrayed against each other, and night
tend to cmbarrass their action in view
OF the great interests and principles a.
stake. Under these circumstances. I
cheerflsily retire from the consideration
Of the electors in the approaching can
Vass, and sincerely and earnestly hope
that no personal regard for me will de
ter my friends from giving a cordial
and energetic support to the principles
which they cherish and desire to see
triumphant
Again returning you nv thanks for
your kind consideration, I remain,
Your obedient servant.
A. d. SMITH.
Madison, March 10, 1859.