Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1867-09-28
The County Judgeship,

Unquestionably the most important Office
within the gift of the people Of county, is
the judgeship. The qualifications for per-
son to possess in order to fill the position
creditably, are complex in their character,
| and the attainments of those who aspire to
wear the ermine should be closely scanned
by the people in making their choice at the
ballot box. If, in any instance, members of
political organization can be forgiven for
reversing the old party maxim, Measures not
men, it is certainly in the selection of Judges.
1t is not, in reality, political Office; and
party strife, partisan prejudice nor political
bigotry should ever be allowed to exert their
baleful influence, and are not valid reasons
for the elevation of incompetent persons to
the Bench, The Amendments to our State
Constitution, separating the judicial and
general elections, were passed for the sole
purpose of removing, so far as possible, the
entrance of political feeling into the election
of the Judiciary, and by so freeing the minds
of the people of party dictation and bias, to
rest the selection of judges upon personal
qualifications rather than political favorit-
ism. That fair, upright, honest and COM
petent person should be chosen to decide
upon those questions which have to be set
tied by judicial tribunal, is a matter in
which every citizen, without regard to party,
is directly interested. Questions of politi-
cal character do not come within the jurls-
diction of judge: they are decided upon by
the people at the ballot box in their selection
of executive and legislative officers. Those
who sit upon the Bench have to deal with
matters of greater importance to their con-
stituents. In their hands is placed almost
unlimited power. Questions involving not
only the ownership of property, but also life
and liberty, are constantly before them for
arbitrament. When, in connection with these
facts, it is considered that the principles of a
free Government rest upon an incorruptible
Judiciary as a foundation, the necessity of
elevating to seat on the Bench only those
whose characters and records will sustain
the most rigid examination, is apparent to
all. The duties and responsibilities resting
upon County Judge-although he lis not
called upon to decide and rule upon law and
evidence in those cases where life is at stake
are of the gravest character, and should
never be entrusted to a person in whom the
people have not the most implicit confidence.
Not only does he sit in judgment between
those who can appear in open court and de-
mand that their grievances and disputes be
submitted to jury of their countrymen for
arbitrament, but by virtue of his probate
jurisdiction, he has the adjudication and su-
pervision of interests which can safely be
placed only in tie hands of man whose
honesty is above suspicion. The qualifca-
tions requisite for man to possess to fit him
for the responsible position of County Judge,
are manifold. He should be person of
good natural ability, well versed in the law,
sound judgment, firmness and decision of
character, impartial, honest, scrupu!ous, and
one in whose integrity and uprightness the
people have full confidence. A narrow
minded bigot, bitter partisan, nor person
with strong prejudices should never be placed
in position to pass judgment upon the
rights and liberties of his fellow man.
If our statements in relation to the duties.
qualifications and character of the person to
whom should be entrusted the County Judge
ship. are correct, tie political status of the
candidates is not the issue upon which their
election Or rejection should be decided
Fitness for the position is the test. The
question which each elector should ask him.
self before he deposits his ballot in the box
on the 10th of October next, is (Which of the
aspirants is the more capable and not
which belongs to my partyF Judge Barclay,
the present incumbent is candidate for re-
election. He has performed the duties of the
Office during the past four years in manner
which has given the highest satisfaction to
the citizens of the county. His course has
been such as to gain him the respect conf
dence and esteem of all with whom he has
had business relations, and we hear him
spoken of in terms of praise by those belong
ing to all parties. Without exception, he is
the best Judge Calaveras ever had. Mr..
| Barclay comes fully up to the Jeffersonian
standard. He is both honest and capable.
| Judge Barclay is one of the people. and they
should, and will, re-elect him to that office
which belongs to them and not to party, and
for which he has certainly demonstrated an
eminent fitness.