The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-03-30
Removal of Judge Stevens.

Removal of Judge Stevens.
Both branches Of the Legislature have passed
the resolution offered by Mr.. Massey, removing
Judge Stevens, of Nelson county, from office,
for gambling. If the offence Of Judge Stevens
was such as to make it proper that he should
not hold a Judicial position, then it was the
duty of the Legislature to have i'm
peacfed him. The inconsistency OF their &C
ton Is apparent, and has all the appearance Of
mitigating the punishment because of an llncx-
planned cause. We have no sympathy for
Judge Stevens. His offense, as an adminstra-
tor OF law i'll violating law, was gricvous, and
it was proper to severely recognize it. But is he
any more guilty than the makers of the laws
which it was the duty OF the Judge to enforce,
who atituaily and brazcnly violate the very
laws they have made? The only difference
seems to be that the offence of Judge Stevens
was made public, while that of the merr beers
OF the Legislature who nightly visit gambling
saloons, and bet at games Of chance, is not ex-
posed.
Mr.. Fowle. too, for gambling. with whom
the Judge was removed, was allowed to resign
his seat in the Leglaturc, knowing that
a vote of expulsion must follow the action
on Judge Stevens case. 1t is true Mr.
Fowle was guilty OF a grave offence, but if the
reports of his condition at the time the transac-
ton took place be true, then we believe that
morally re is not as guilty as :hose Of his form
err colleagues who regularly and cooly swarm
at the faro banks and bet their money in vic
lation of the law. This affected morality OIL
the part Ct the Legislature will deceive 10 one
The same rule that has been applied to the
crimes Of Judge Stevens and MIR. Fowle, will
lcayethe Legislature witilouta quorum, if rig
idly enforced against all offenders. It was
not the hideousness OF the crime that so stalt-
cd the sensibilities of the L legislature, but the
exposure Of it..
Suppose strict investigation were instituted
into the habits of the custodans of Virginia S
honor and her money, and committees appoint
ed to ferret out the wrong doing of those who
make the laws by which the people and them
selves have to be governed, how many of the
number who have passed sentence upon Judge
Stevens, would escape from faint equal
goats of their virtuous wrath.
The reason probably, for not bringing Judge
Stevens before a court of impeachment, and
allowing Mr.. Fowle to resign, was to escape
further inquiry, and drive the matter from fur
:her consideration AS soon as possible. Men
who voted for Judge Stevens removal, had,
no doubt, voted for his election; and when he
o1p.1fpI If wall l-ro bo
bled Us when the affair with Mr.. Fowle occult
red. 1t was no new business with him, ii reports
are true. Nor was it charged, Or developed.
that he did not ''play on the square, He won
the money of Mr.. Fowle Just as he had. doubt
less, won the money of other members of the
Legislature, before and after he was elected
Judge, and those members who took chances
with him are just as guilty as MIR. Fowle CT
Judge Stevens himself. He understands the
business. He knows when to s'call'' and when
'lay down." He places the proper estimate
upon the game of ''bluff,'' and knows when
nerve is required, as probably many of the
members who voted for his removal can testify
to their sorrow. Indeed. the removal of Judge
Stevens was a clear case Of pot calling kettle
black, and proving it.
z To be consistent with its action In the case
OF Judge Stevens, the Legislature should, at
once, enact law forbdding any member from
visiting gambling saloon Or betting at game
OF chance, and attaching penalty OF disquali-
fication for sitting in the Legislative halls 1t
is Il notorious fact that the faro banks are KEEP.
up by the money drawn from the State Treasury
as compensation 70: legislation services. The
people OF the State are supporting the faro deal
fsan'l sweat-cloth lnanipulators, through their
delegated servants, who remain in Richmond.
drawing the per diem for 100 days, when the ac-
tual business attended to could be disposed of
in 80 days. if the members worked as faithfully
as those who have to pay what they draw.
without getting any reward for it.