, 1873-05-25
BUSINESS NOTICES.
THE JUDICIAL ELECTION.

The present Judges Of the Circuit Court Of
This equity have announced their candidacy for
reelection. Previous to 1870, Judge Williams
vas the sole Judge Of the Circuit Court in this
county, and Judge McAllister was Judge. Of the
Recorders Court. By the new Constitution, the
number Of Circuit Judges WAS increased to five,
three to be elected on the day Of tho ratification
Of the new Constitution, and one BY tho aboh-
ton of the Recorders Court and the transfer Of
the Judge thereof to the Circuit Bench At the
election OF Judges held in August, 1870 A1essrs.
Booth, Rogers, and Farwell were elected. But,
at the same time, Judge 1fcAllister WAS elect
ed Judge Of the Supreme Court. The
vacancy thus made on the Circuit Bench
Was not filled until November, 1871,
when Judge Tree ves elected. When
these Judges we're chosen it was supposed they
we're elected fer the full torn Of six years. I'm
der that impression these several gentlemen
gave up their practice and their business. It
was not until within very short time that q
more careful examination Of the Constitution
disclosed that I'LL Judges Of the Circuit Court
wero to be chosen on the first Monday in June,
1873, without reference to tho d2to Of their pre-
sious election.
Judge Williams has been Circuit Judge Of this
county ever since 1864, when he succeededJu Judge
lanierre; three Of the other judges have held
Office since 1870, and one since 1871 Each Of
them has borne conspicuous part in the ju-
dicial business of this city each has served in
the Law, Chancery, and Criminal branches !; they
have been occupied all the time, each term
lasting until the beginning Of the noxt one.
They hayo tried all manner Of cases, and the
public and the Bar have had an excellent oppor-
tunity Of judging Of their ability their fairness
their fidelity, and, above all their integrity.
During their whole term Of service no person
has questioned the honesty Of either: one Of
these five Judges nor is there any person who
row has eny serious complaint to make Of either
Judge, though Some members of the Bar would
probably like to make change hero or there.
Having f7e Judges who. at the close of their
SERVICE Stand before the community unques-
toned by any one upon any grave or rnascrl2l
points, why should they not be re-elec:cA: The
City Of Chicago has been exceedingly -ortunate
in maintaining al able and upright judiciary;
and the fact Of having honest courts is Of con-
siderable Importance to the character OF a CON-
rnercial city. While there are members OF the
Bar tho equals in a11 respects Of the gentlemen
nov on tho Bench, and who would make equally
nseful and creditable Judges, it does not follow
b that that is any reason for change The Office
Z of Judge Is one to which no man should be ele-
yated for any reason Save Ills ,o"ity and fit
ness Tho possession Of these qualities can be
best tested after thorough trial in the Office it.
self. When judicial officers are found who are
above reproach or complaint, to change
them is to venture upon an experiment,
which is open to dangerous consequences. The
election Of five Judges by general ticket is IN
important duty. Once propose to make change
for change sake. and for every lawyer who would
make good Judge thoro will be three adyen-
turers running .as candidates and in such q
contest the chances are that whatever change is
made will be the substitution Of some witless,
characterleas haDgers-on at the Bar in place Of
tl.s deposed Judges. There is no reason why
any respectable member Of the Bsr may not be
presented By his friends as q candidate to be
elected as one of the five Judges; but there are
candidates rho are not fit to be elected, and the
public safety, wothink, suggests that the people,
whose interests are 80 deeply at stake, should
vote for the recollection OF the present Judges.
It should be borne in mind also that votes are
required to elect, and that staying away from
the polls is not the why to elect good Judges.