Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-04-10
present, state merely the outline of the argument

present, state merely the outline of the argument
mean to pursue.
| In the first place l shall examine with great
minuteness, accuracy and impartiality the prin-
ciples underlying the judicial system established
by the great Jewish law-gver. In doing this
shall take occasion to pay merited tribute to
the memory of that sagacious Midiante, Jetbro,
whose influence inaugurated the first reformed
judiciary" As proceed | shall examine with
the care the importance of the subject demands
the manner of administering justice in the Judi
cial Circuit composed of Bethel. Gilgal and Miz
peh during the official term of that profound
Jewist; the son of ElkaDa This investigation
shall be conducted with special reference to as
certaining the number "ot Dockets" on the chan
Gerry side Of the court, and the condition of the
"wheels of Justice" shall likewise notice the
famous case reported in 1st Kings, and which in
volved snch an intricate question of maternity.
This is the more appropriate, because If there Is
any case in the old books countenancing the
sleeping Docket it is this one. From this case
also, doubtless, originated that metaphorical ex
preston, the 'sword of Justice"
shall then pass to that Judge mentioned by
Luke who ''feared not God, neither regarded
mar" yet seemed to have strong sympathy for
widows" and ascertain whether hfsregard for
that unfortunate class found its origin in the
that lies
Sin the small orb of one particular tear"
Following the natural order of suggestion |
come to the AreoPagus of Athens. An inves-
tigation of the mode of appointment, the term of
office, and the provision for removal or punish
ment will show that the members of this court
were an independent, irresponsible and unap-
proachable" set of old Justices-a sort of judi
cial aristocracy. ,4.tears
From the Grecian courts to the Roman tribu-
nails is easy transition, and / make it,
After exbaustiog the subject of Roman jurs
prudence, / will turn my attention to the ceie-
brated Venetian case of Shylock vs.. Antonio,
Sd Shakespeare, aud show that there was a fun
danental error in the ruling Of the court upon
tiiat occasion that has never before been discoyc
cred, and which is clearly traceable to the inde-
pendent position OF The Judge.
The next subject / shall discuss, as intimately
couuected with this election, is the dueo or ju-
dciai eorubal, aud shall trace its origin and
growth, pointing our the rules by which 1t was
eEned, and its influence upon civilization and
national iuanDefs. There is one obvious remark
to be made about this mode of trial. 1t il cyl
dent 1T did not admit of a sleeping docket"
l will accompany Julius Cesar to Great Brit
ain, and in an elaborate and interesting dsser
tation point out the Roman features traceable in
the judicial system existing under the Heptar-
chy. And then as / glide down. the ''tide of
time" will indicate the Norman Characters
tics impressed upon it by William the Conquer
or and his steel clad warriors. From which it
will appear that the English system of courts is
c0nglomerate one, in which an "observant
public will be able to discover many principles
and practices not native to the chalky Gifted
Isle.
/ will pursue this investigation upon British
soil only to the settlement of America. At
which time, embarking with Miles Standish on
the May Flower, l will trace, with care as
minute as it is important, the notifications the
system has undergone in consequence of its
transfer to this western world. BY the time
complete this investigation the analogy between
the exclusively agricultural call made upon Mr..
Fultz to become candidate for Judge, and the
Garter order of Knighthood will be
$50 clear, so shining and so evident,
That it will glimmer through blind mans eye"
From this outline it is evident that this exam
nation will occupy considerable time, but as
the information it will elicit is indispensable to
clear and correct understanding of the respec-
tive claims, qualifications and fitness of the can
didates for the office OF Judge, l feel confident
the people will insist that l shall complete it.
There are two conditions upon which can ac-
compllsh this task. First, all those who wish to
vote on the 4th Thursday of May intelligently
will at once petition the Legislature to postpone
the election for several months, it being clear
that with merely hebdomadal press, it is i'm
possible to do justice to the theme. The second
condition is, that all those who are "darkening
counsel with Words shall at once stop writing.
Because, as the witty and beautiful heiress of
Belmont said,
"The Nightingale, if she should sing by day,
When every goose is cacklng, would be thought
No better musician than the wren." ~
SRNRx