Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-04-18
WEST TENNESSEE CANDIDATES.

WEST TENNESSEE CANDIDATES.
A correspondent Ct the Avalanche
signing himself Paris" complains thai
the Appeal and LEDGER have not given
sufficient prominence to West Tennessee
candidates outside of Shelby county. II
is not a matter Of surprise that we should
allude to the candidates of our own city
or county in complimentary terms, or
that prominent new candidates as we'll
as old ones should be mentioned as they
come before the public. Each candidate
il expected at least to have a strong
support in bis own immediate locality.
However, if we have failed to present the
claims Of all the candidates in their
strongest ligAt, especially the present
incumbents, who have served so faith
fully for eight years, ii has not been from
n intention to prejudice the claims of
auy one. The correspondent pays a high
tribute to Judge Freeman, Saying that;
He has no superior in the West Ten.
nessee bar. He has displayed marked
ability on the bench. bis opinions
abound in clear reasoning, correct con-
illusions and legal learning. No man on
the bench has developed greater htness
for the place. he gives the same patient.
impartial and careful investigation oil
each case regardless of persons or par
ties. And bis remarkable familiarity
with legal principles and decisions
challenge the admiration Of all who are
intimately acquainted with him. dis
memoir is amply wonderful, which
greatly aids him ia following former ad.
Indications in cases settling the question
at issue. He is one of the few men who
combines legal learning with great lite
rary culture. In short, be is the peoples
favorite, and they demand his re'elee'
ton.
If we have inadvertently omitted to
speak of Judge Freeman by name, we
will take occasion to say now that we
regard him as the peer Of any member
of the Supreme bench. The LEDGER
has more than once defended this court
against covert as we'll as direct attacks
made by disappointed or misinformed
persons. We are glad to hear that any
member of the present Supreme bench
is appreciated by the people and the bar,
for they deserve it, and have earned the
highest praise. As we have said before,
their decisions are quoted and respected
in every State Of the Union, and will
compare favorsbly with the decisions Of
any Supreme Court in the United States.
When this court was elected the dockets
we're crowded with cases, many Of
which originated before and during
the war. Many new and difficult
questions had arisen affecting the
rights of person and property with
the changes in the Federal aud State
constitutions and in the status Of per
sons before the lew. They assumed theil
positions 10 trying times which required
a high order Of ability, long training ant
severe application. An incredible
amount Of work has been done. aRd it il
no wonder if flaws may be picked and
room found for captious fault finding
but we believe upoR the assurance OIL
some of the best men in the State thai
the general line Of decisions will stauC
the most rigid scrutiny and will be &C
cepted by the bar generally as corree
constructions Of the law for many year
to come. On the bench or off they ar
pure, able men, who deserve the esteer
and highest respect Of their fellow mer
This much we think is due each an
all the members Of the Supreme bencl
yet without prejudice to Others aspirin
for that high position. There are fV
positions to fill, aud nine or ten cand
dates ia the field. We trust that the be
and the older class Of well-informed cit
zens who have no political ambition {
partisanship to CRAFTY, will largely cou
pose the convention which meets
Nashville on the 10Th of May, and that
wise selection Of candidates will
made.