The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-02-15
The o. S. Supreme Court.

Tic statement is published as coming from
Judge Davis, Of the u. S. Supreme Court.
that he would accept the Senate:ship from
Illinois. lie is also reported as saying that
there was no truth in the various rumors
afioat as to when he will resign his position
on the U. S. Supreme Bench, nor does he
give any ntina.ion that he will vacate his
place before the expiration of Gen. Grants
term OF Office, and by so doing impose upon
the President the duty Of filling the vacancy.
1t has been assumed that such will be the
fact, however, aud that before the 4th Of
March next the successortof Judge Davis
will be indicated by Presidential appoint
ment.
1t is conceded generally, as a question of
fairness, that the South will be accorded the
appointment, and, whether Gen. Grant or
Gov Hayes shall make the selection, it will
be one OF the present incumbents OF the cir
cult or district courts in the Southern States.
OF course, each State is partial to its own
judicial officers, especially when they measure
up to the high standard recognized as essen-
tial in the occupant OF a place on the Su
preme Bench. Corresponding with this par
TALLY, it IS natural that we of the Western
District of Virginia should ask that the dis
tinguisIlei and courtly gentleman who occu-
pics the Bench here should not be overlooked,
in considering the claims OF the various names
that will be presented for the high position
in question. To assert that Judge Alex.
Rives possesses the legal qualifications in an
eminent degree for the position of Associate
Justice, is but partly stating the case. His
seven years experience on the Federal Bench !;
his services as one of the Supreme Judges on
the State Benc,; for two years his extensive
learning as lawyer before invested with
judicial responsibilities, and the high esteem
in which he is held as all impartial, learned
and incorruptble judicial officer, attest his
fitness for any position, however exalted, in
the line OF profession which he SO pre-emi-
nently adorns. To these qualifications may
be added those Of the cultivated and refined
gentleman, versed in the purest literature Of
the age, schooled in the accomplishments of
a class of men who have contributed so
much to the dignity of human nature and
the maintenance of the historic name of Vir-
ginia; spotless private as well as public
character, and moral courage that rises
above every Influence not consistent with
an elevated sense Of right and justice. We
know of no one who could bring to the office
of Associate Justice OF the United States
Court more of the elements of character
essential to the position, Or who could main-
tain with more court'y accomplishments the
dignity and purity of the assizc of last resort.
The fact that The South Is without q repre-
sentative oil the Supreme Bench, would in
cline to the belief that the vacancy occa-
stoned by tile resignation OF Justice Davis
will be filled by appointment from that Sec
ton. II this conclusion proves correct, we
are sure there could be found no one whose
qualifications would more appropriately de-
sgnate him for the position than Judge
Alex. Ryes. A learned and incorruptible
iurist; eli gbe and wise statesman; a pol
ished and coprtly gentleman, he would grace
the Office with 4 dignity that would aqmira-
bly, isarmonize with the historical assoca-
lions OF that Court.