The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1876-09-23
FOB ASSOCIATE SUPREME JUS
TIOE, FRANCIS T. NICHOLS.

We ask, the cooperation of the Be-
publican press of Louisiana in urging
for appointment as an Associate JUS
tiee of the Supreme Court, Gen. Fran
els T. Nichols of Assumption parish.
Considering the position which this
gentleman holds as the gubernatorial
candidate and nominal head OF a
party to which We are unalterably
opposed, it may be deemed strange
that we should make such a request
of our co-workers in the Republican
cause. Nevertheless, we are wholly
sincere aud desire their candid con-
sideration of the matter suggested.
The fitness of Gen. Nichols to oc-
cupy the exalted judicial station for
which we have proposed him, will be
readily admitted by all who are cog
infant of his pre-eminent legal abili-
ties, scholarly accomplishments, and
high personal character. He has long
held foremost rank among the mem
bers of the Louisiana bar, and though
he has not made so much noise or
acquired such notoriety as others, he
has few equals in the State in point
of professional ability or legal acu-
4
men. Though often urged to estab-
lish himself in the metropolis, where
greater opportunities to acquire fame
and fortune would present themselves,
he has preferred to remain in the
comparative obscurity of his country
home, that he might the more advan-
tageously pursue the earnest course of
reading and study which he has main,
tanned ever since entering upon his
career as law student and subse-
quently practitioner.
AS Supreme Judge, Gen. Nichols
would be an ornament to the bench
and an honor to the government. His
appointment would meet the approval
of all right minded men who desire
an abrogation of the political and
social asperities which have exercised
such a baueful influence in driving
away capital aud enterprise and re-
tarding the progress of our common
; wealth; it would do much to remove
the faint of partisanship which has,
Justly or unjustly, attached to the
Supreme Court as at present consti-
tuted |; it would be beneficial to the
best interests of the whole people,
and therefore to the Republican party,
The painful conviction must force
itselfiupon the friends of Gen. Mich
oils, aud become more apparent as
the campaign progresses, that he occu-
: pies q humiliating position as Demo-
cratic candidate for Governor. Though
nOminally the leader of the party, he
is mere figure head, upon whose
character and popularity a setof des-
perate political demagogues are
counting for success in their attempt
to secure control of the State govern
4 ment with q view to power and plan.
der. They have planned the canvass
they manage the party, and they viii
demand u monopoly of the fruits o
victory should it unfortunately trans
pire that the government of Louisiana
;. falls into their unscrupulous hands.
The fair words and good intention.
of Gen. Nicholls-though his persona
sincerity may be unq1estioned-gt
!, for naught, and form but a mask be
bind which the sachems of the New
Orleans Tammany ring concoct thei
4 schemes for securing triumph by vic
lence, intimidation, bribery or fraut
where fair means are likely to fail.
\ = T.
We regret to see man for WHOM
we have SO much respect placed il
such an undeserved and demeanin;
attitude before thepeople of his State
It would be a merited recognition o
his prominent capacity-a gracefu
7 action towards a worthy political op
ponent--to elevate him to a position
which he is known to have coYete,
: and which he would fill with un
, doubted honor.
, Itis not our wish that this appoint
ment should be rendered to Gen
!, Nichols now. In all probability h
! would regard it in the nature of bi
!. for his withdrawal from the politica
canvass, and promptly refuse il
1 What We desire is, that the Republic
an press shall unanimously unite wit
us in presenting his name for Suprem
. T,,ln = t.. i