The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1874-04-22

WHEN the new Constitution was
before the people for ratification, We
pointed out among otter objectiona-
bic features, the Sth section of arti.
Gle ", requiring a two-third vote OF
the Senate to confirm nominations to
Office made by the Governor, urging
at the time, that a minority of one
third, which the Senate at all times
is almost certain to contain could fac
tiously prevent the confirmation Of
nominees, however worthy and com,
petent. Now, here we are at the
very threshold, with factious Dem
ocratic minority, stopping the admin,
istration of justice in half a dozen
counties of the State, absolutely de-
priving the citizens of the inviolate
right of trial by jury, by refusing to
confirm the appointment of Judges
made by the Governor, and mark
you! not because the gentlemen nom
mated are not honest and competent
for not word has been or can be
said against them-but simply be,
cause this miserable Democratic mi
nority is attempting to effect a politi-
cal object thereby. So much for this
admirable reform in our new Consti-
tuition. I
As to the course of the Democrat
ic Senators, that is so infinitely small
and contemplate, under the circum'
stances, that pocket-picking is a gen.
tlemanly virtue in comparison with
it, To state the case, is to damn
them in the eyes of all honest men.
The new Judicial apportionment
made a number of additional Judges
necessary, and the constitution pro-
vides that they shall be nominated
by the Governor, and by and with
the advice and consent of ttco-thirds
of all the members Of the Senate, be
appointed to Office until the next gen.
eral election, when the people viii
elect. In making his nominations,
Cover Hartranft was controlled by
the wishes of the people of the re-
spective districts, and among the
names sent to the Senate for confirm
alton was that of John ii. Orvis, as
additional law judge for the twenty
fifth district, a leader of the House,
bitter and uncompromising Demo-
crat, who had assailed the State ad-
on every available oc-
casion. On the day after the nomi-
tions were made, upon the plea that
it was necessary to have this judge
on the bench at once, he was confirm
ed, but when four days after the 9TH
er nominations came before the Sem
ate, the Democrats unanimously re-
fused to vote, and consequently the
Republicans not having two-third
vote, the other nominations were not
con frmed. The honor of q sneak
thief is luminous beside that of these
Democratic Senators.
In Adams, Mercer, Lebanon and
other districts, courts were fixed for
this week, and these nominations not
being confirmed there are no Judges
to preside, and consequently the bill
of rights guaranteeing right and jus
tice administered without sale, de-
NAL or delay" is grossly violated.
This revolutionary course is said
to have been dictated in caucus, with
the hope of forcing concessions out
Of the Republicans in the apportion-
ment bill, which has passed the Sem
ate. 1t proves that the Democratic
party in this State has not improved
in morals, and that as in days of
yore, party is held above virtue, NOR
atty and integrity. What the peo-
pie may expect if this party is ever
again restored to power, can be in
ferred from the course now being
pursued by its leaders.