Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1867-09-14
Judicial Election

Known, the ousy notes of preparation for
renewal of the conflict are heard, and the
combatants are again stripping for the fight.
The peans of victory sung by cur exultant
enemy are heard upon every hand, and the
echoes of their shouts of triumph are rever-
berating from Shasta 10 Los Angeles. Flush
ed with their unexpected success. rendered
arrogant, confident and defiant by their good
fortune, and overlooking tie real causes
which led to their accession to power, the
jubilant democracy are marshaling their
forces for the Judicial election with the
brightest anticipations of an easy victory.
They are foolish enough to imagine that the
result of the September election is an indtrse
ment by the people of their platform and
principles, and that majority of the citizens
of California are opposed to the Congresslon-
al plan of reconstruction. They seem to
have entirely forgottea that the Union party
in the recent campaign, was divided against
itself, weakened by int rnal dissensions and
misled by traitors. Instead of presenting
solid front to- the common enemy and fight
ing the battle upon principle Union men al
lowed spite. envy and prejudice to warp their
judgment and ensure their defeat. By adroit
political maneuvering on the part of their
opponents. the party which proved our ns-
tional salvation, was actually place. on the
defensive, and that too upon n.'.estions which
were not at issue before me people. Power
full influences which mad heretofore heen
counted as loyal and still pretended to be
wlthlh the Pale of the organization, lgbored
increasingly to poison the minds of the peo-
pie against the head of the ticket, and by
their efforts in that direction undoubtedly
contributed largely towards the result of the
election. The great principles involved and
the vital questions at issue in the contest
were lost sight of in the storm of passion and
prejudice which ragged so fercely throughout
the State, and personal abuse. bitter invec-
tives and harsh recriminations usurped the
place of reason and argument. Thousands
of Union men, dissatisfied with the action of
right of suffrage, and thousands of others,
leaving principle entirely out of the question,
deceived by the course of the so-called ";n-
dependent press were actuated by no high
er motive than desire to defeat the "objec-
tionable'' portion of the ticket. No political
organization can hope to win unless there is
harmony of action /; it is an utter impossible
ity for it to do so. We firmly believe that
the Union party has a majority in this State.
and as there will be no disturbing elements
to divide its strength at the coming election,
we are confident that the result will change
the democratic TIE Detna to dirge.
At the election to be held on the 10th of
October next, a Justice of the Supreme
Court, Superintendent of Public Instruction.
County Judges and Justices of the Peace are
to be chosen. The importance of maintain
ing an incorruptible judiciary is too well un-
derstood by all classes to require proof. Of
the three branches into which our Govern
ment is divided. the Judicial is really the
most important; it holds the balance of
power between and operates as a check upon
each of the other two. The Legislative
branch may enact laws, but if the Judiciary
declare them unconstitutional, the Executive
is powerless to put them IN force and they
are imperative. The Union candidate for
Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. John
Currey, has sat on the Bench since 1868.
and for the past two years has been Chief
Justice. The ermine has never been worn
by more competent official. Judge Currey
has discharged the duties of his exalted posi-
ton impartially. without fear or favor, and
possesses the entire confidence of the people.
A man of commanding talents, thoroughly
educated. an eminent jurist, sound judgment
and noted for his fairness, frmness and de-
cision of character, Mr.. Currey is, beyond
all question, the fttest person in the State
for the position he aspires to. He has been
tried and the people are satisfied with him !;
they are not going to try any experiments.
John SWEET, candidate for Superintendent,
has also held that position for the last four
years. TIE vast improvement made in our
common school system, and the rapid ad-
vancement of the cause of education since
his accession to Office, are convincing proofs
of his aptitude for the situation. The duties
of the office, when properly attended to, as
they have been by Mr.: SWEET, are arduous.
and he certainly is entitled to much credit
for the manner in which he has performed
which al are directly interested. and the peo-
pie will not throw aside an active, energetic
and competent officer to make room for one
who is untried. Our candidate for County
Judge. Hon. James Barclay, is the present
incumbent. He was elected in 1868, and it
was lucky day for Calaveras when he was
chosen. Judge Barclay is so well known by
all our citizens that it is Unnecessary for us
to say anything in his favor. His record is
unassailabie, his honesty, integrity and i'm
partiality are unimpeachable, and the fairness
and soundness of his decisions have been
| the subject of universal comment. Judge
Barclay has made the best Judge Calaveras
has ever had, and he will be continued in
that position just SO sure as he ives until
! the 10th of October. His opponent is man
! in whose favor not word can or has been
said. He is reported to be an out and ont
secessionist and a drunkard. Calaveras has
no use for him. She has had experience in
matters of that characte, before now. The
ticket presented by the Unloi, party Is
strong one, and if Union men bury their