Weekly Calaveras chronicle. (Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras County, Cal.) 18??-1874, 1867-10-12
The Judicial Election.

admitted by both parties to be the test which
will define the status of California. Aside
from the Importance of having the positions
to be filled at the coming election occupied
by competent and loyal men, the moral effect
which victory will exert in the future and
the prestige which success will give the win
ming party, is a subject of the greatest mo-
ment. There is large class of persons who
are never actuated by higher motive, in
the exercise of the elective franchise, than
desire to be found on the winning side men
who, not understanding, caring for or COM
pretending the issues at stake or the power
which tine ballot places in their hands, take
pride in being classed with the majority. A
year from this Fall tie Impending crisis"
in our national affairs will eliminate in the
election of President. That the contest
will be so close that the vote of this State
among the probabilities. We firmly believe,
and the facts in the case warrant the asser-
ton that, whichever party succeeds at the
coming election, will carry the State next
Fall. 1t certainly looks reasonable that
such will be the result. The Democrats are
only in small minority, and if successful
now, that class of whiting nonentities of
which we have spoken will surely cast their
votes for Democratic President. The I'M
expected result of the general election, caus-
ed by discussions, chickering's and treachery
in the Union ranks, has been heralded abroad
as GLORIOUS Democratic victory" 1t has
given renewed hope and courage to the en-
envy, strengthened Johnson in his opposition
to the wishes of the majority which elected
him and has tendency to weaken and dis
hearten those who have stood firmly by the
Government in its darkest hours and who
are now striving to restore it to its position
when assailed by traitors. 1t has rendered
the Copperhead press of the Eastern States
jubilant, and not understanding the disturb
ing causes which gained them the victory,
they regard California as an efulgent Dem
ocratic star which has arisen in the West to
dispel the gloom and darkness in which they
have been enshrouded for years, and to cheer
and guide them to renewed successes.
They hail the result of the recent election as
the precursor of more brilliant victories, the
overthrow of the Union party and their own
accession to power. Should the Democracy
be successful on Wednesday Eext, we be-
lieve that it will settle the question how CAL
ifornia's vote is to be cast for President, as
definitely as though the Democratic electors
were already chosen. Those disturbing ele-
ments which contributed so largely towards
the result of the general election, however,
will not enter into the coming contest. The
Union party is now unit, and fits members
take interest enough in the success of its
principles to go to the polls on the 10th inst.
there can be no doubt as to the result
When the Importance of gaining the victory:
the influence which defeat will have upon
the Presidential election, not only here but
in Nevada, Oregon and the Atlantic States,
and the momentous questions at issue are
taken into consideration, it scarcely seems
possible that Union men will allow apathy
and indifference to again defeat them.
The officers to be chosen at the Judicial
election are Justice of the Supreme Court,
Superintendent ofPublic Instruction, County
Judges and Justices of the Peace. Justices
of the Supreme Court are elected for ten
years and in their hands is placed almost
unlimited power. They compose the high
est judicial tribunal in the State, and from
their decision, in most cases, there is no ap-
peal. Questions involving life, liberty, the
ownership of property and the constitution
ality of the laws passed by the representa-
tives of the people, are submitted to their
arbitration and their decisions are final.
Upon those who occupy a seat in the Su-
preme Bench rests great responsibility, and
none but those known to be competent
should be entrusted with it. Hon. John
Currey, the present incumbent, and Union
candidate for reelection, has occupied the
position, for the past four years, with credit
to himself and satisfaction to his constitu-
ents. He is an honest man, a lawyer of
great ability and the most eminent jurist in
the State. His opponent, RoyalT Sprague,
is country lawyer who has never risen above
mediocrity in his profession, man who has
no reputation, political, scholastic or legal,
outside of the village where he resides and is
totally unacquainted with the duties of the
position he aspires to.
The office of Superintendent of Public In
struction is one of the most important in the
gift of the people. The cause of education
is subject which directly interests everyone.
To John SWEET the people of California owe
the establishment of our present comprehen-
sive and admirable Common School system.
He has done more to promote the efficiency
of our schools and to place education with
in the reach of all, during the past four
years, than all our former Superintendent
combined. Rev. Mr.. Fitzgerald. his oppo-
nent, is disciple of Zach Montgomery. a
secessionist and bitter sectarian. Ifelected
he will divide the schools and the school,
fund. His election would be calamity.
Of our candidate for County Judge, Hon.
James Barclay, it is useless for US to speak !;
he is well known by all our citizens. HIS
official record is above reproach and he is
the best County Judge in the State. We do
not wish to institute a comparison between
him and his opponent. Let the people do
that on the 10th.
A NEW daily has been instituted in the
thriving town of Oaklend-+b,