New-York tribune., 1873-04-15
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
THE SALARIES OF THE SUPREME JUDGES.

THE SALARIES OF THE SUPREME JUDGES.
A PROTEST AGAINST THEIR REDUCTION.
To the Bdftor OF The TrtbHHe.
SIR: The proposition introduced into the
Senate the salaries OF Justices OF the supreme
Court OF the First Judicial District has failed to
an approving paragraph journal published here
or elsewhere This fact s Significant and my be taken
as fair Expression Of the coneralJudgment
The legal compensatIon paid by the state Justices
NJ The supreme Court OF the First District IS
s. ooo per annum In addition, the Board Of Supervisors
OF the CITY and County of New-York have allowed
sl1 SO which sum is authorized and established by
an act OF the Legislature and while the Constitution
recludes any dminufion OF Judicial salary during
inoumbents Of office 1t does not prevent an In
crease II therefore, than doubtful whether the
salaries OF Justices this district De reduced by
simple act Of the Legislature.
There is obviously and properly in the public mind
desire that those who preside in highest tribunal
should be not merely fairly but literally remunerated
otherwise it would be impossible TO NIL those positions
with possessing high legal acumen and purity OF
personal without these. especially that
we have upon the bench men combining both qualities,
the people Of this city would feel that the rights Of per
son ana property again imperied. This sentiment
il universal among the Intelligent law abiding citizens
OF York and II an authorized expression Of their
opinion could be obtained it would be declared.
Yours, s.
Yerr- York. April H. 1873.
A REFORM BACKWARD.
To the Bdffor Of TIE Tribune.
SIR II is very clear that almost the only
substantial benefit which the people Of this city have
gained by the Reform movements" OF the past two
years has been the puricaton Of the judiciary. Tie
old Ring has but given place 10 n Local gov
crnment by our people for their benefit, and not
for that any political clique party. seems still far
distant; but in place OF the judicial tools Of
tho old Ring such Barrett Davis Faneher Cur
It's, and sedgwick who in character and ability are
worthy Of their high position. 1t most singular and
H-judged economy that would reduce the salaries Of
such Judges 20 the proposed by Mr.. Benedict.
and which the Senate have cOncurred IN with
ont considerations We need in this city, above all
things, Judges OF high standing and ability, by whom
the immense Of work coming before our courts
will he well and quickly done. such gentlemen. while
ut the bar receive a large income from their profess
siona practice and Judges they should certainly be
paid salary beftug the position, the labor attending
It, and the men who nil 1t.
II would be unhappy economy which should tend
10 substitute for the excellent Judges whom We now
have a set OF any way inferior, and 1t Is an un-
fair and piiiful economy which should compel our
Judges either TO accept inadequate com
pensaon and one which, contrary 20 equity 20 law
has been diminished thev chosen to Office II
s 10 be hoped that THR TRIBUNE which has taken such
leading part cfecne reform in the judiciary, will
use it, great influence preventing the injustice
tempated by Mr. Benedicts amendment 5.
Neio- York. April Il, 1873.