The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-03-11

TO THE PEOPLE.

The DIstrIct Attorney-NIoses A. Dropsre, ESQ.
The period is approaching when It becomes neoes-
sary to nominate and elect some eligible candidate
the important ONCE 1'DistrIct Attorney for the
and county OF Philaaelphis, and although pro-
badly have no more interest in the question thaa
any other patriotic citizen, take leave to express
my views In relation to IT, in the hope that they
may so far awaken public sentiment in regard to It
as may lead to such action will be commensurate
with the Importance OF the subject l shall not at
tempt In doing 50 to dictate to others who are as
well able to Judge as myself, or to con-
demn others who happen to disagree
with my suggestions, my main object
being to invite the attention OF my felow.citi
to fair full, and timely consideration Of the vital
importance to the community of judicious and dis
passionate selection for this most important and
lucrative position. am not party politician. /
am fettered to no faction. l am not disposed to
abuse one man or one set Of men, or to throw
them into the shade merely to brighten the claims Of
those whom 1 should prefer. This would be un-
generous, and perhaps UNJUST and possibly tend to
arouse invidious and acrimonious feeling, which is
always unfavorable to the fair and judlcious ex-
ercise OF political opinions. Let us then calmly In
quire what the indispensable requisites OF sue
eessful candidate for the office referred to.
1t is, es we have said, rightly considered a post
OF great power and dignity, and the reputation OF
the incumbent must correspond with its require
ments and character and be beyond reproach. He
must be gentleman-we don't mean by this he
must be rich or gay or fashionable, but that he
must have the instincts and manners of gentle
man, even If he were in poverty rags we know
with some persons this is frlghtful word; 1t
smacks OF aristocracy and men cry out against it.
yet let me tell you it should be an Ingredient
of the fitness for office that should never be lost
sight Of gentleman, 1t is true is nothing without
legal and moral competency-but mere competency
Is much impaired by want OF gentty, or call it,
II you please, urbanity or civility II magistrate is
ruffian, the criminal arraigned before him seems
f0 n in
place. The Prosecuting Attorney should keep
his hands and his skirts clear from the influence of
all those who are notorious violators OF the laws
such as gamesters poicy-dealers, ballot-stufers
brawlers, and disturbers Of the peace. He should
be consistent member OF the party which he repre-
sents but in the duties OF his office he should know
no party and be Influenced by political prejudices
or predictions. He is the representative of Justice
and his robes of office must be unstained his repu-
tation uniapted, and his impartiaty unsuspected,
He must not compromise his dignity and place by
uniting with the stoolpgeons, deectitves or mere
emissares OF justice, who always take more charac-
ter from him than they can ever impart to him, and
thereby weaken the energies and destroy the purity
and symmetry OF judicial proceedings In addition
to those Qualifications, he should he lawyer, OF
course, not pettifogger but scientific, practical
lawyer.
Now whom should we nominate possessing these
recommendations? While speaking OF those who
are eminently qualified, 1t must not be supposed that
A
estimate OF their merits to those who best know
them and are best enabled to determine upon their
absolute or comparative ability. In my view, then
and with this explanation of my purpose, it may be
said there is one gentleman whose eligibility
founded upon the requirements already stated
would seem to be unquestionable. A fine scholar,
an accomplished lawyer, philanthropst, one OF the
founders of the Republican party, and who If we
remember rightly, was formerly placed in nomi-
nation before the Republican convention for
this very office, and received nearly a
majority OF votes on the first ballot-we
refer to Moses A. Dropsie, Esq. To those who
are intimate with Mr.. Dropsie these concentrations
are perhaps not as important as to others, but still it
may not be improper, we trust to refer to them
Remember, this argument in his favor does not de-
pend upon defamng or decrying his competitors;
the man who builds his hope of success upon the
want OF merit In his adversaries merely instead OF
competency in himself relies upon O very insecure
basis, when he appeals to the favor OF judcious
and intelligent community. We need scarcely add
in behalf of the gentleman whose name lie thus pre-
sented that he is OF a humane, fearless, and
exemplary moral reputation, and If elected to the
ofice of District Attorney will reflect honor uron
the station and confer lasting benefit upon the
people.
NOW, In common with this subject, it may not be
amiss to remark that the influence and power OF the
District Attorney, while 1t materially affects the
community at large, has still more direct EFFECT
upon the character conduct, and efficiency OF the
members OF the bar practising in the criminal court
There was a time when such men as Lewis Ser
geant, Binney, Ingersoll, Dallas, and Rawle and,
indeed all the nagnates of the profession ourshed
in the halls of the Court OF Oyer and Termner and
impaired to criminal jurisprudence all the dignity
learning and fame that contributed to render the
courts the cynosure OF the entire country. Even the
Supreme Court itself at this time does not exhibit
that becoming decorum. respect, aHd gravity that
pervaded that time what were called the iAferlor
tribunals OF justice.
Now, alas how changed! Why changed? Be-
cause there is lack OF system, lack OF courtesy
and gentility for which are substituted, by hurry
sk,rry mode OF doing business, POmpei guam pugna
aptior This is partly attributable, no doubt to the
large increase OF heterogeneous population, and
the proportonate increase and variety OF trials and
the wretched want OF accommodation in the rooms
appropriated to justice. The judges are not to be
censured: their department is becoming; they can
not be believing out to the crers or tipstaves to
keep order. The difference between the department
now and formerly is that between rowdy mob and
refined drawing-room Instead OF teaching others
by example, and inspiring them with respect for the
dignity OF the place, lawyers and clients, prose-
cutors and criminals, witnesses and jurors are all
jumbled together and seem perfectly satisfied with
this constrained association. These things should
certainly be amended, and the amending and con-
trolling power should be exercised by the District
Attorney, standing he does between the judiciary
and the public. DAVID PAUL BROWN,