Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1876-06-10
5bepberosto Register.
sATURDAY.......-JUNE 10. 1876.


40 VIC cdiu iaol WSSh, VIC p'NP0o~
discuss this question impartially. If We
are in error We will be glad TO be cor
rected.
1t is couterjed by some that the
town rule the country; if this be the
f.ct it is because the country people are
indifferent, and do not attend to their
interests, and consequently are in fault.
Shepherdstown being equally divided
by Potomac and Shepherd districts, is
powerless. These districts are large
and can be controlled by the country
vote. But there has been no conflict,
when selecting magistrates. In each
district there is one magistrate in town
and one in the country. Ia the Boil
var district both magistrates reside in
the country. Harpers Ferry necessari-
" furnishes two. Charlestown one and
the country one. Hence we perceive
the selection of magistrates has been
made very properly for the convenience
of the people and not to make one To-
cality subject to another.
We have heard frequent complaints
in the neighborhood Of Browns shop Of
the supremacy of Charlestown in that
district. That section certainly needs
an election precinct at Wiltshire s school
house and perhaps magisterial district.
Many of our best citizens favor an
increase of districts in preference to
consolidation or decrease for the con-
venience of the people and to prevent
corruption and imposition. The fewer
the magistrates, the greater the danger
OF corruption and imposition.
Although wo have never heard any
charges of corruption against our mag
istrates, yet they are men, and might
be bought, or biased by presents or 9th
er improper influences.
But that the court has been frequent
" button-holed and imposed on there is
no doubt. We believe that cases have
occurred in every district potomac and
Shepherd iucluded) to prove this asser-
ton. 1t is easier 10 sway court OF ten
than of fourteen magistrates.
This is an unanswerable argument in
favor of retaining the s.Usn districts.
The court is frequently imposed on
by high charges for roads, bridges, DC,
The nearer the magistrates live to the
improvements made, the better are they
qualified to Judge OF fair compensation
for the same.
In large district the magistrate has
necessarily less personal knowledge OF
it's numerous wants; consequently he is
more likely to be deceived; being forced
in most cases to be governed by the
statements of others, which often vary
according to the prejudice, and interests
vi the parties.
Note this important consideration
viz: that the larger the district the
greater are the profits OF the maSlstra-
cy. Hence the desire for the office tor
gain will be increased.
Therefore you see magistrates who
wish to he reelected, panderins topub-
lie opinion; taking sides on questions OF
public policy merely to be POPULAR not
governed in taking their positions by
the merits Of the question-not voting
for what is right, but for that which
will likely ensure their reelection.
The independence of the Judiciary
can not be held in too high esteem, and
too closely guarded. 1t is unfortunate
for the ends Of justice and the liberties
of the people, that Judges and Mag's.
trates should he selected on account OF
their political opinions, or their POSI-
tons on questions of temporary expe-
di.ncy, as in the increase of the Judges
Of the u. S. Supreme Court, and the
selection of men for that high Office
solely 10 procure decision-not for
what was constitutional and right, but
for political purposes or measures.
In these grinding times Of business
depression, the salaries and fees Of Off
Gals should be lowered Instead OF
raised, to prevent intrigue and corrup-
tiou. The State of West Virginia has
wisely established the pay of State OFF,
GERS and legislators; not to make those
positions very desirable OH account OF
the pay, but for the honor, which con-
sists more in the Imagination OF the Of
flee holder and seeker, than i'll reality.
Therefore to secure and preserve the
puri,y of our County Court, the pay OF
our Magistrates should not be increased
bv lcssening the districts, but IT there is
any change, for the reasons above
stated. make more districts. For the
nresent we favor no change. LET well
.,ouob alone" Let the sectional feel
;nas of the county, State aud country