The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-01-02


opinion that to make him Chief Justice would be
an outrage. The only other republican paper in
anrtiord the rost bears testimony to the same
was so weak that 1t was painful TO the lawyers
who were present, and that the case could not
have been worse managed II there had been de-
termination In advance to lose 1t.
The Buchu CHIEF Justices Chance for
COnffr ma ton.
Prom the Portland OregoniaD, Dec. 1871
Attorney General Williams is just little
further removed from the Chief Justiceship than
he was before his name was sent into the senate.
There Is no mistaking the cause OF this sudden
change in the fortunes OF Mr.. Williams. He had
before him at one time most promising opportu-
mites for winning an ilustriouS fame and reflect
has ever won. To-day he is arraigned as crimi-
nal before the Senate Of the United States and the
wished that he had been spared the humiliation OF
these latter disclosures; but 1t is quite apparent
now that, whatever may befali him, he can never
rid his good name OF the damnlng disgrace into
which the Senate Committee on Judiciary are
about to INQUIRE. We predict that Mr. Williams
whose stigma has prompted the unusual action Of
the Senate.
The Buchu Chief Justice Unfit for the
Position.
From the Augusta Ga.) Chronicle, Dec. ISL
Each succeeding day furnishes fresh evidence Of
the entire unftness Of Mr.. George H. Williams for
the high position TO which ne mas been nominated
by the President The willing and plant tool OF a
railroad lobby and a plunderer OF the Treasury
will make a fine Chief Justice for the Supreme
Court OF the United states.
Attorney General Williams Unfit for
the Position OF Chief Justice.
From the Boston Advertiser beading republican
organ OF Massachusetts,, Dec. 30l
Among the things which it may be hoped the
members OF the Senate win have learned during
rpca arat str
conviction in all parts Of the country, among those
whose judgment Ia entitled to respect, that the
nomination Of Attorney General Williams to be
Chief Justice Of the Supreme Court is not t to be
confirmed There is hardly enough difference OF
opinion on this subject to make an apparent divi-
sion. This judgment is not partisan one, nor is
| it founded upon personal prejudice The lnteii-
gent sentiment OF the country is quite up to the
standard the best OF our statesmen have given us
be bel aiied without Consulting any motives except
those Of the broadcast and most enlightened pat
riotism The Bar and the people Of the country ask
eminent professional qualifications, OF un-
questioned and nnquestiOnable rectitude and.
ali his motives look towards Justice Mr.. Williams
is not such person. He has held high offices, IN
shown much more clearly than his talents His
Senatorship, which might be called an exception,
not much competition OF able men, and to which,
while 1t Territory, he had been sent with the
prestige or Executive FAVOR. Many POSITIONS nave
distinguished him, but in spite Of the most favor
able opportunities he has not acquired distinction,
even below The first rank, either as lawyer or Q
statesman. hundred names not on the official
lists where his appears are more conspicuous, by
the services OF those who bear them, ana have
surer title to the grateful remembrance OF their
countrymen Why, then, is he preferred before all
others, when a vacancy occurs In an ONCE not
second to any judicial position in the world the
duties of which are not unworthy OF the most
learned and the most accomplished
The President Blamed for Nominating .
Buchu Chief Justice.
From the Chambersburg ,Pa.) Valley Spirit,
Dec 81.
The Senate did q wise thing when it postponed
the consideration Of the nomination OF Mr..
Williams for Chief Justice until after the recess. 1t
will do wiser thing II 1t decline to confirm the
nomination at ALL The name Of Mr.. Williams
should never have been presented by the President
for this position. The country expected that some
man would be selected for this great Offce who is
bright and shining light IN the legal armament.
one. There are few leading men in the
country, any one OF whom public opinion
reason OF his known abilities and recognized
pre-eminence in the legal profession, to I'LL the
men in the Country as fully qualied for the place
as the one whom the President has chosen. If he
had taken man OF great ability as lawyer or
would have applauded the act, for there was
general and unusual anxiety that the right man
nouncement OF this appointment took the people
by surprise. They regard it as degrading to the
American people The Chief Justice Of the United
States cannot hide his light under busheL He is
like city set on hill, which cannot be hidden. 1t
nen ha ne oe Gap pa man he win
the nation.
The Chief Justice Should BE Above Sus-
picion.
From the Cleveland (Ohio) Leader, Dec. 301
1t Is rumored that the President will formally
Withdraw the nomination OF General Williams as
Chief Justice immediately upon the reassembling
OF Congress. This is q wise determination, and
will hardly be regretted except by the devoted
personal friends OF General Williams. 1t needs no
argument to show that the spectacle OF Senate
committee sitting in secret session to rake over
and pronounce upon the personal record of u can
didate for the chief place on the Supreme Bencn Is
one which no American can contemplate without
q certain sense OF humiliation. 1t makes Differ
ence whether all the charges against General
Williams are true or not the TACT that some have
been proved and the others more or less generally
believed should be enough to preclude his fitness
for the position. The man who succeeds 10 the
mine OF Jay and Marshall and Chase should be
like Casars wife, above suspicion. He should
be so pure ana dignihed In character that the pe0
pr bs nv nroos aod
should be a man whose character the Senate could
not even suspect and his confirmation should he
like that OF Chief Justice Chase, mere form,
spontaneous and readily granted Immediately
upon its presentation. The head Of the supreme
Court Is the second ofcial position In the United
states; to confer 1t upon weak or an impure
man, man whose personal record or judicial
contempt, would be to degrade q tribunal TO the
purity and ability OF which this country. from the
IL Spn9 before s WoE Tepe ar o
many men upon whom the President can itly
pestow tnis supreme honor. Mr.. Gushing would
have been an ideal appointment, but ne has been
chosen for SPAIN and the small list OF proper can-
ddates IS thereby narrowed by one. With such