The New York herald., 1873-05-16
THE CHIEF JUSTICESHIP
Candidates and Their Claims for
the Succession.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PRESIDENT.
Reverdy Johnson on the Great Abilities and
Accomplishments of the Late Chief JUS
t.ce-An Impeachment Anecdote.

WASHINGTON, May Il, 1873.
There is much solicitude manifested by the bar
and the public men OF the country touching the
succession to the Chief Jusceship, it is feared
there are those pressing for IL who are totally UNFIT
for the position, and yet who have great claims
upon the consideration OF the President. Although
1t would seem strange that any one should desire
a place which could only serve to exhibit his
ignorance and render him conIemptibe for in
competency 1t is still matter of TACT tnat such
men exist in abundance, and would not by any
means be deferred from accepting the vacancy oc-
casioned by the death OF Mr.. Chase simply because
they are not qualified to fill IL. This Is not the OBJ
ject sought. The interests oil the country, the
dignity OF the bench or the character OF
It's adjudication are considerations OF no
consequence with such candidates. They
discover that II IL an cmnence from which
to step TO that other distinction still beyond.
and that partisan Judge could II so disposed, use
the position 10 advance his own chances of prefer
ment with the politicians OF the country who do
not care the value OF pin Tor law justice for
the tribunals which administer these obsolete prin-
ciples.
THE PRESIDENT ADVISED by MORRILL,.
AS one OF the evidences, however which may
tend to reassure the country that there are also
those who do have high estimate OF the place and
who will exert all their influence to have its duties
regarded with commendable care in the selection
OF successor, the public will be glad to accept a
call by Senator Morrill,, of Vermont, upon the
President TO urge upon him the proprety OF
delay in the appointment. The Senator with
becoming Difference and in suitable language I'M
pressed upon the Executive the great Importance OF
high judicial ana partisan qualifications in the
en- iueu mbnnf nd ayn nd tha Ane ira
that there would be no haste in the choice. This
he believed to be the wish OF the country, and II
the matter were postponed until after the meeting
OF Congress 1t would afford an opportunity for can
vassing the merits OF candidates and satisfy the
public of the anxiety Of the President to give gen
era satisfaction by the final selection The Presi-
dent 1t Is said, appeared entirely willing to hear
the suggestions of the Senator one OF the people
interested in sustaining the high character OF the
tribunal, and ntimated his full appreciation Of the
responsibility resting upon hlm in reference to
1t. 1t is quite PROBABLE, If not certain. that no
action will be taken until after the various
branches Of the government are again at work
next Winter. Meanwhile there are new names
mentioned In connection with the place and
repetitons OF old ones.
CHARLES oCoNoR
the acknowledged leader OF the American bar, will
be in all minds while the administration is search
ing about Tor successor to Chief Justice Chase.
MI. OCOnOT, WHOSE reputation as laWyer states
man and citizen Is worldwide, would grace the
chair OF the Chief Justice as would no other
eminent man OF the Republic. But unfortunately,
his nomination, II made, would De opposed on
party grounds. All his life pronounced opponent
OF radicalism in politics. it would be too much to
expect of the Senate, as at present constituted to
exercise that high generosity which his conlrnIs-
ton would display. 1t would be not at all surprs-
ing, however. II the President dsregarded political
considerations in making the nomination and sent
in Mr.. O'Conors name. Even II rejected by the
Senate, the compliment would be well deserved
and honorable TO the party in power
W. M. EvARTS
is on the list OF the lawyers OF eminence from whom
the President will probably make the selection. AS
lawyer he stood next in rank to Charles OConor
until the Impeachment OF Andrew Johnson, when
his conduc' 70 that celebrated case raised HIM to
the highest rank in the profession. The part he
took IN the Geneva arbitration Is well known, and
II great ability, unsued character and more than
national reputation would secure him the prize,
Mr.. Evarts would be the next Chef Justice. He
has the advantage OF being in full accord with the
administration on all questions OF policy. IL is not
known, however, whether Mr.. EvaTts would accept
the place.
EDWARDS PIERREPoNT,
OF New York, is freely spoken of; but among those
who profess to Know the higher claims in the con-
sderatOn of the President OF two other gentlemen,
friends OF the administration, i IS not Thought
OF large fortune, OF the highest social standing,
holding prominent place In the legal galaxy II
the nation and experienced as judge his claims
will undoubtedly be considered by the President
at all events as next TO those OF the favored gen
teman who Is as yet unnamed.
CHIEF JUSTICE CHURCH.
Had Judge Church trained in the republican
school instead OF the democratic the administra-
ton could scarcely AFFORD TO overlook him. His
eminent ability as jurlst, his well known prObty
and spotless reputation. mark him as one worthy
the democratic party while he was in politics 1t is
hardly probable that his name will be included in
the list Of candidates from which q selection VIII
be made by the President.
SENATOR CoNKLING
Is also mentioned in connection with the success
sion. But although, like Morton, he has strong
f0rr ia hp
too, perhaps, would be considered as out of place
ON the supreme Court bench for the same reasons
10 the Indiana Senator. AS 1t may be diilcult
however, to select man Of the requisite ability
experience IN the political field and is at the same
time in favor at the White House, the friends of the
senator say that these objections Will have no
weight.
is considered by many TO have the best chance OF
the nomination. His great services as an adviser
profound learning in the law, point him out
as one having great ,nona claims on the ad-
ever, that the temper he displayed in
his recently published book the Treaty OF Wash
tion to an Office where display OF temper would
be so much out Of place. But whether Mr. Cushing
would not tone down to the reaulste judicial even
ness, II elevated to the high Office Is question
that may perhaps be practically answered.
SENATOR MoRTON's CHANCES
Another gentleman whom have never heard
mentioned In connection with the place before to-
day Is Senator Morton. OF Indiana, and although |
am assured he has good chances for the prize. he
so regards and desires 1t, | can hardly credit the
Intelligence; for concedng Mr. Mortons ability
there would be many objections made to his noIn
nation for the Chief Justceship. even by those who
most highly value him as one OF the pillars OF the
republican party Indeed, the very emineace OF a
man In political life. his trumpeted talents as a
party manager and legislator. are not 1t seems to
be considered as the best recommen iatlons Tor the
high judicial Office.
CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS
or Massachusetts. will be urged by New England
and II Is conceded that his prospects are by
means slight HIS distinguished services as Am-
bassador to England during the war, and later as
Arbitrator at Geneva, entitie him. his friends say,
to at least the compliment OF u nomination. 1t is
not known whether lie would accept the position,
but he probably would.
JUDGE CURTIS, OF MASSACHUSETTS,
an eminent practitioner at the bar Of the Court,
suggests that II the President Will rise above party
considerations and appoint some such man as