The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-06-09
Judicial Elections.

To The Editors OF the UtSpdtch:
In your paper Of the It'll June you ask
what is the difference between those who
have advocated lin Illinoia) the reelection Of
Judge Lawrence and those who have sup
ported Craig against him.
With my estimate Of The intelligence and
integrity of your editor am Obliged to un-
derstand this rs merely iranica. But, aS
some Of your readers may not do 50, permit
me to point out the difference between the
positions Of the two men.
Judge Lawrence Was elected to the bench,
pledged to 10 particular party, to no par
ticular measure, 10 no particular man. tie
vas sworn to do his duty, as judge should
do, according TO the Constitution and the
laws. impartaiy. in all eases which shorld
come before him. \ case has come up in
volying the question whether an act OF The
Leei affecting the rights and interests
of certain railroads was valid and binding
uDon those railroads. A majority OF The
court, including Judge Lawrence, was OF
opinion that it was not binding, and 50
pronounced the law to he. No one has
pretended to doubt the honesty OF that
opinion; and if it. I've honest, The Judges
are entitled to the approval of the peo-
pie whom they serve: for it Is as much
their duty TO protect the rights OF c"rpo-
ration us Of an individuals; and If they think
that the Legislature has not the right to
reduce the tolls on Il railroad, then they are
bound to say so, just as much as ii 1t were
law to compel private persons to render
services or sell property at prices fixed by
the Legislature. AS 10 the correctness of that
opinion, il is beside he question. l have
never seen the case or the decision. But, il
it he not correct, it is nevertheless the solemn
Judgment OF the highest court of Illinois,
authorized by its constitution TO pronounce
in the last resort what the law i; and unless
such decisions be respected; there is no Sc
curity for life, liberty, Or property in our
boosted institutions.
Now it is sought to turn Lawrence out of
office-that is, not to reGlect him-because
this opinion and Judgment IRE distastefu 10
large proportion. we will say MAJORITY,
OF those who are to vote. Is TINS prihc'Pies
Is Ii reason? Is it policy? Snail tue iaw,
upon which repoSes the last nope OF the weak
and theiniured against the fraud or the Vlo-
lence Of the strong and the Inscriptions De
made to depend upon The tickle voice OF the
multitude, and TO change with 1t from one
day to another--a voice, too, which Is far
more likely to be undaly swayed by the strong
aud rhe INSCRIPTIONS than by their victims,
the weak and the injured? What is this but
Il modified form Of lynrli-law, or, in other
words, of mob-law, OF disguised anarchy?
iii Ycttbis is what the supporters of Craig
propose to- do. They do not want an i'm
partial and independent Judge. They want
a toollto do nh appointed piece of work
to undo what has been done by the SUI
.preme Court In the upright and regular di>-
charge of its duty, and to register in Its stead
the present sentiment or prejudice OF pre-
vailing patty. Iwant no other proof that
Craig is unfit fora judicial positionthan the
fact that he consents TO be candidate upon