New-York tribune., 1875-03-09

becoming an upright judge and honest gen.
tleman. And it must be confessed that il
these two judges are proposing any active
part in the canvass; il it enters in any re-
hottest or most shadcwy fashion into their
plans to concern themselves with the small
attorneysbip of the campaign, the conferences
with committees, the political bargaining, the
selfish intriguing, the sacrificing of Dig
nifty for votes, or to do all or any
of the petty demagoguery which is
expected of the politician of the period as the
price of success-then it 10 very shocking and
very indecent. But we take leave to say in
addition that it is the crying shame OF the
time that the men who have made the pool
OF politics so filthy should be permitted to
say that no man should enter Congress ex-
cept by stepping down into it. Is it not just
possible that the people should invite Judge
Foster and Judge Phelps from the bench to
Congress without requiring them to do or say
anything inconsistent with their relations to
| tho community rs judges, or what is BETTER
without asking them to sacrifice their per-
sonal honor and self-respect7 And should
| they so call them, what would be the effect
upon the bench, upon politics, upon Congress
| Would it "sOil the ermine" to make q legis-
!atOr of the competent and upright judgeF
Would it not purify politics to reach
| up and take for these Offices gentlemen
| who, by their position, training, habit
of thought and high character, are dcbarred
from exercising the arts and resortng to the
intrigucs of the average politician7 And as
| for the effect upon Congress- is there any
| question whether tho tone of that body weuld
Ia, n,I l.. 10
| ton elevated by an infusion of the judicial
| element. by the choice of representatives who
| have adorned the bench with learning and
uprightness, rather than OF those who are
simply skillful politicians7
We are quite well aware of tho jealousy
with which the political organs in Connecticut
regard any interference or advice in their
elections. But all our State and Congressional
elections are q matter as much Of general as
local concern, and no excuse or apology is
needed for so treating them. The election to
Congress of such man as In Fayette 5.
Foster would be not only creditable to
his immediate constituents, but, as an
indication Of popular sentiment, and a contri-
button of conservative craftsmanship and high
personal character to the cOunscls of the
nation, q great public good. 1t is in this view
OF it that his nomination is a source Of con-
graduation, and his election would be still
more so to reasonable men who are not wholly
carried away by partisanship. The argument
against him and his colleague on the bench,
Judge Phelps, that they hold judicial positions,
would be good if either of them should do
anything dishonorabo or disrcputlble to
secure an election to Congress. 1t does not
appear that either of them sought the nomina-
ton, and both have expressed iii their letters
of acceptance the determination announced
and adhered to by Judge Bedle, lately elected
Governor of New-JerSCy, to take no part III tho
| canvass. With all Difference to the people who
are urging them to resign, We must say that
this conrsc is much more diSniiicd and honor
able than to retire from the bench, aud in so
doing make confession that to be a candidate
for Congress involves the abandonment OF the
qualities and qualifications of judge. Messrs.
Kellogg and StaVkweather have heretofore had
the satisfaction of running against candidates
who were mere politicians, and who did take
on active part in the management OF conyen-
tions and the details of campli5 rs and THIS
fact has been used with great force as an
argument by the supporters OF thc former
gentlemen. Il is gratifying to know that the
issue has been changed, or a. least tho argu-
mcnt reversed.
The opponents of Messrs. Foster and Phelps
lay great stress upon the fact that when Judge
Miner was candidate for Congress in the
IVth District the DemOccatic newspapers,
which now support Foster and Phelps, were
very bitter in their comments upon such a
"vio!aton of the rules OF political and Official
decency," and very strenuous in their de-
mand that Judge Min'r should resign. AS
betwcon the two classes OF organs, mlnlicstly
| enough the Democrats are at Il Disadvantage
People who pin theiT faith to organs, doubt
less are, or certainly ought to be, confused
| by this change of base. But after all, it does
| not make 50 much difference what tho orglns
| SAID two years ago, or what they sly now. 1t
| il simple question Of fitness and capacity OF
| to-day; not who were caDlidAtes two years
| ago, or what the newspapers said then or say
now. If the election of these two judges to
| Congress would disgrace the Dcach, the people,
or Congress, they ought to be defeated; if
their election would confer honor upon all
three, they should be elected.
| BACON, BOUNTY, AND BRANDY SMASH.
When we come to review the policy of the
Congress which has just expired it docs not