Wilmington daily gazette., 1873-12-24
The chIe1 JustIceshIp.

4 Marshal Dunn and the Commercial, il appears,
are both laboring 10 influence the Senate to con-
firm the nomination OF Attorney General Williams
as Chief Juaiice Of the United States. The Mar
shal is in Washington operating directly upon the
Senate, We presume, while the Commercial, by his
dIctAtion, or that Of some higher luminary Of the
party, Eliminates nearly column editorial leader.
IN which open ground is taken in favor of the ap-
poIntment and confirmation Of Mr.. Williams II
is a little odd that the Commercial should take
this position after it bad seen that charges had
been preferred against Mr.. Williams, and that he
had not ns yet cleared them up, to say nothing Of
the fact that nearly every journal that makes any
prstsnce TO independence has concurred in the
generally expressed sentiment that he is untitled
for the high position especially in the most essen
iial requirement-legal ability. The Commercial
says:
"SettinR aside all charges against his integrity
for these must be probed and searched into-ws
remain firm 10 the belief that the President has
done ~ ell in his nomination of Judge Williams.
Il is said that it is not an ''dsal" appointment
Possibly not. But where is the man who would
bel Some of the most obviously fit selections
might be made perhaps, from among the Associ-
ate Justices. But ID take any ono Of them would
appear like an inVidloHs distinction, and would be
to cause heart hurnings and jealousies on the
beucb. The Presidents resolution not to discFim-
mate among the Associates. Ia taking one Of them
ior Chief Justice was both judlciOus and just, 10
our opinion"
What then becomes Of the much lauded Civil
service Reform. n this Reform TO be applied to
The minor Offices. tuch as PosmAsters, and not TO
the Offices OF a higher grade. where it is moSt es-
ssntlai; aud where preparatory learning and
know ledge s absolutely necessary. But the idea
that the President could not promote one OF the
Associates on the bench because OF "Ihe heart
bHTnings and iealopsisS on the beneb," is simply
ridiculous aud leads TO the opinion that that Artl-
Gle was PenBed 10y come one very silly, whether
inspired BY the Marshal or not. 1t ever such an
idea was uttered BY The President be was guilty
Of an insult to the Bench and the Court, il they
too are not below The standard of greatness that
should Adorn every man who occupies such po-
sition. What business has the President TO look
into the Of the private feelings of the Su-
Prems Judgesf What business has be to allow the
heart burnings and jealousisbp Of any man to in
terfsrs TO ths detrlment of the cause of mpreme
justies In the great tribunal that is Last resort
Tor the redress Of grievances and the restoration
OF our dearest nights
To attribute such childishness-such Khim TO
to the President ID to class him with a weak wo-
man or a man in bis dotage. 1t has been charged
that in making this appointment he has bSen led
by woman and really the argument Of the Com
meTeiaI leads to confirm the rumor
What Albth chhrges are thai have been made
against Williams, IN the Senate, we do not know.
AZ is said as one ctarge, however that "his friends
think it is very hard that be should be ahe only
Cabinet officer blamed for keeping carriages and
servants at pnblc expense, when they all do it,
that be is charged with receiving ices foFopnions
ia also insinuatsd. But 1t Is not our purpose to
trump up charges, We feel deeply the necessity
of having this man rejected By the Senate. no,
because Of rumOrsd charges, though We bold that
they are sufficient, and that q man TO hll 20 ex.
alted position should himself be pure and blame.
Less. Bat eVsn higher Il poR ibs reasons exist in
the fact Ot he 10 not up 10 ihe standard in legal
qualihcatlons
With q @aloTity oftWenty CT more IN the Sen.
ate, The faet that the Administration fnds ii ne.
Gessary TO resort 10 snch means as assembling
about the Capitol such L. g officers as Mar,Lsl
Dnnn and Postmaster LswlS 70 operate upon tho
Senate, a. It has been charged to secure the con.
armAtion Of rs appointments shows q Weaknesu
heretofore unhseTd Of In The history Of The Re
public.
=