Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-02-24
A Snnreme Cnnrf.

I Supreme Court.
The first object set forth by the trainers of the
Constitution of the Confederate States, ain order
to form permanent federal government" is, to
Establish JUSTICE" The Constitution itself most
clearly points out what the government shall be,
and what is essential to it. when it defines and sets
metes and bounds to the legislative, executive and
judicial powers to be exercised These three powers
in full operation necessary and essential to the
existence Of the government ITSELF without either OF
which, it is rot only imperfect but it may be doubt
ed whether it be a republican government at all
at all events such government the Constitution
| proposes to establish.
In the absence, therefore, of the judicial element
of the government, how is Justice" to be estab-
shed how the rights Of the people and OF the gov
eminent to be maintained? Are we not at present
living under government for which the Confederate
Constitution has not provided? Are we not in fact
undtr government of one man, and that man Presi-
dent DAVIS? Can t be doubted that, under the
practical operation of the government all legislative,
executive and judicial authority is merged inSthe
person of the .President2
In form, we admit we have q body professedly
exercising the legislative authority but is not the
Congress, by the subserviency of the majority,
mere Legislative automaton in the hands Of the Pres
ldent1 BY the aid of secret sessions vile
cresence of despotism oisted upon sand by other
means; does not that body bow obsequiousy to his
will? What better evidence of the subserviency Of
that body can the people want than the surrender
it has made in direct violation of the Constitution
ITSELF in comforting upon the President the author
ity to suspend the writ of iabeGs corpus at such
places and times he may judge proper "a power,
if indeed it be exercised at all by any legit
imately, belongs only to the legislative branch of
the government.
Without Supreme Court and the inferior Courts
provided for by the Constitution, we ask again, how
is Justice" to be naintained2 The Destructives
reply, "wait until the war is over-let us first
whip Lincoln and then we will talk about it." We
are quite sure they do not want "justice" until
then nor ever. But the people demand justice and
right in war as well as in peace, and they should
have it.
Under the Provisional government no Supreme
appellate Court established, yet for the
venience of the government District Courts were
established, subject to correction of errors ex-
cept by the President The permanent government
has been in operation for year, and yet we have
no Supreme Court is it likely that the present
Congress will establish one such basis as will
ensure the ends Of justice. Wigfall of Texas, and
the Destructves generally desire none. At least
they want no such bench as the intelligence and
purity of John Marshall would afford. Mere dots,
or political automatons, or tyrannca Jeffres would
suit them better. Truth, purity, simple justice and
high intelligence would be spurned oy them.
Our only reliance, if the Destructves can have
their way, in the District Courts appointed under
tie Provisional, which have been continued so far
as the country knows without the authority of law
or the Constitution under the permanent govern
ment These for the most part under the control
of political Judiciary, subject to revision cor
rection are to be the reliance of the country for q
| twelve month more. What assurance can there be
for justice, the maintenance of right, correct
depreciation of the laws and the liberties of the
pleople May not very serious questions arise
hereafter, as to the authority as well as to the de-
cisions of these Courts?
Again, the country is claiming recognition from
foreign governments Isit safe to risk an investiga
ton into the present character of our government by
foreign powers, without a Supreme Court? With
out that important element of government which
the Constitution establishes can we claim to be
such government entities US to the recognition
Of the world? Let the Congress ponder this.