The New York herald., 1873-12-17
PRESIDENT GRANTS NEW JUSTICE.

The FAN River (Mass) Ne,rs trepuhlcan) adj
mits that "tne nomination OF George H. Williams,
/ OF oregon, for Chief Justice, does not meet with
the enthusiastic reception generally accorded TO
Presidential recommendations for high offices,
when voucnsafed to men OF eminence and high
desert for requirements In the department OF
knowledge fitting one for the ONCE Mr.. Williams
| certainly cannot be considered brilliant man or
| a leader at the Bar. His nomination ranks quite
well with that Of Borie, Stewart and Robson and
Ackerman, some or the Presidents selections,
which the nation accepted with wry face. 1t is
hard for the lawyers and judges OF the nation to
stand by and see man who 1t is thought would
make an Indifferent justice OF the peace placed in
life oce, and the highest In judicial honor OF all
in the gift OF the nation. There cannot fail to be
some revulsion at this step when 100 men are
passed by any one Of whom would all the ONCE
well, and give satisfaction to the Bar and Bench,
as well as to the people,"
The Tuskegee (Ala.) Ne,rs says
General Grant has outraged the public senti-
ment OF this country in many respects but In no
respect has he set 1t at defiance more shameuly
than in his appointments to high and responsible
Ofnces
The Macon Telegraph says
The press OF the country is either significantly
silent on this nomination or denounces it un-
sparingy. The administration journals rarely
attempt to apologize for it and 1t has fe v or no
defenders.
The Norfolk Va.) Landmark asks
But will the Senate confirm this manS Can the
Marshalls and the Taneys and the St0reys and SUCH
like ornaments OF rhe Bench be iorgottenf Can the
most important branch OF government be prosti-
the ihee sheet tt anchor Of public liberty be hammered
down into pin hooks, wherewith to nsh for per-
These Sc
bers OF the Senate as eminently worthy OF their
careful and immediate consideration.
The Opelika tAla.) Observer says
Grant has appointed fourthrate oregon lawyer
to fill the chair Of the Chief Justice which was once
occupied by q Marshall. This is such display of
avOritism as to forever shut out hopes that Grant
would show more patriotic spirit after his re-
election.
The Pittsburg Despatch says
One OF the most unfortunate nominations made
BY President Grant since ne entered the White
House is that OF Williams for the Chief Justlceship
The people had perfect right to expect from the
President some proof OF ability in the man he
petty postmasterships or foreign consulates that
are parceled out upon the recommendation OF dis
the g E as o
names on their petitions, the headshp OF the
tance necessitatinQ clear evidence OF worth on the
part OF the man elevated to 1t. At best the Bench
is not fair prize for politicians and among the
most ardent partisans we doubt II there be many
the Bench the motto. aTo tine vctors. be
be looked upon as Q toy wherewith the appointing
power Is privileged to attest the force Of pei sonai
favortism least OF all should the Cnief Justlce6nlp
OF the United States rank among the perqusites OF
the White House, to be disposed OF without REFER
ence TO the expectations Of the people. And what
ever MIR. Grant might have done with lesser Offices,
with regard TO this there Is no excuse whatsoever
for indiscreet action, as the sentiments Of the pub
lie conveyed 10 him In forctble and abundant
| chosen. The strong point against Mr.. Williams Is
| that while he was Judge Of an Iowa court full fifty
per cent OF his decisions were reversed on appeals
| to higher tribunal This ie q bad record. We
know Of no Judge in Pennsylvania, at least, that
has n MOreOvpr q n
record tnat cannot be overooked Tor, in fact 1t Is
the only record Mr. Williams has made as Judge.
At last one paper has been found that considers
the nomination the best that could be made. The
San Diego Union says
This s unquestioDably the best choice that could
have been made, and 1t will be generally accepta-
ble throughout the country. II affords reason Tor
special congratuation on the Pacific coast Judge
Williams will prove worthy successor OF the
great men who have hitherto occupied that exalted
| station.