The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1865-04-08
The Judiciary of Idaho Territory.

the various w NV oLAAGtO WIZ
perfect fellowship. We hear the mutterings
of discomfort in every Territory against the
incompetency or dishonesty Of the Judges
appointed in the respective Judicial Districts.
in Colorado an. immense petition has been
presented to the Judge presiding at Denver,
requesting him to resign forthwith, which
Ae has promised to do. One year ago all Ne
yada was excited over the accusations made
against the three Territorial Judges of that
Territory, when similar petition, drawn up
more as demand than as petition, was al
most universally signed and presented, and
also complied with. The people of Idaho
Territory have had less cause for COM
plant, not because the Judges were of better
material, but for the reason that they very
seldom showed themselves within the boun-
diaries Of the Territory. This Territory has
been organized for more than two years,
during which time an immense amount of
business has become in litigation, yet the Su-.
preme Court has never been in session, for
the reason that there has never been time
when there were Judges enough present in
the Territory to, hold the Court, The Dis
trict Courts have also been closed most of
the time, Notwithstanding the dockets were
crowded with cases waiting adjudication, and
the jail filed with persons under accusation
Boise county has been put to an immense
expense to support those charged with Grim
inal offenses pending their trials, which have
been delayed from time to time because of
the Judges absence. The law has provided
that all persons charged with criminal of
lenses shall have fair and speedy trial and
their guilt and innocence determined but
weary months drag their slow lengths along
calling in vain for conrt or jury. Judge Ed
gerton, who declined the position of Chief
Justice after years delay, has the reputa
ton of being an able and experienced lawyer.
He constituted the only exception to the gen
eral rule, which seemingly has been acted
upon by the Federal Executive Throughout
the Territories. The District Judgeships nave
been regarded as mere vacancies created to
seat some partizan pettifogger or official fa-
vorite, without any regard to the quaIi6ca-
tions of the incumbent, to be used az a step
ping stone as quickly as possible to some
higher or more lucrative Office. tits high time
this procedure found an end. The interests
of this Territory are commanding, and extend
to the remotest portions of the Union, and
are felt in Europe. The character of the
litigation demands high order of talent
enlarged experience and familiarity with the
codes, decisions, customs and procedures Of
the people and courts Of the Pacific States
and Territories. There is no room here fol
idle tops, or brainless, characterless pettifog.
gers. Even with all the advantages of high
legal and personal attainments, and the mos
Fpotless reputation, no Judge can expect tc
set upon the bench here for very extended
period, without meeting with much and bite
opposition. Though his intentions and mo
tives may be as pure as the heart of an arch
angel, he will find maligners and meet will
denunciations. 1t is a difficult position, AM
he is a bold man who dare. attempt to fiji
it, and expect to be successful. There hav
been those who accepted the position hopin
to make it a step-stone to future preferment
butt has been the graveyard OF aspirants, a
far as our knowledge extends. But brave
honest, able man can take the place and max
an enduring, an honorable reputation in til
discharge. of its functions. Whether Nj
Mcbride is the man to do it OF not, is quet
ton. He bears. the reputation of being a
industrious man, but of not much legal e1
perience. If he is honest aud industriou
he may succeed in rendering public satisfac
ton. He has the advantage of being long
resident of this portion Of the coast, an
ought to be somewhat familiar with tx
practice Of this Territory. In accepting tt
position he has taken perilous one, whc
will call forth all bis energies, his kPowlede
2pd his ability.
PERSONAL are pleased to annount
'thearrival Of Col. G. Sims, of San Francisc
an experienced lawyer, who comes among !
fer the purpose Of practicing his professio
From the Coils long experience in mimi
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