The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1880-01-14
THE SUPREME BENCH.
POPULAR FEELING IN THIS SECTION OF
THE STATE.

THE STAiE'
The very lively interest manifested
throughout the State in the matter
Of the selection of the Judges Of the
Supreme Court, is an evidence OF the
solic,tude with which the public
awaits the announcement of the NOM
nations which we presume the Gov
ernor will soon send to the Senate
for confirmation. We assume that
an expression of opinion on the part
of the press of the State, so far as it
is an exponent Of public sentiment,
will have its due weight in assisting
Gov. Wilt to dispose of this matter
which, we may safely say, is one Of
paramount importance to every citi.
zen Of Louisiana.
The admirable judgment and rare
tact, characterized by unfinching
firmn ess, which Gov. Wiltz has dis.
played IN the solution OF the many
difficult and embarrassing questions
with which he has had to deal, dur.
ing the eventful years, aimee his en-
try into public life, furnish the high
est guarantee of what the public may
expect in the future.
The devotion to principle, and the
unselfsh and patriotic spirit which
he has repeatedly manifested, justly
entities him to degree of confidence,
which no other among our public
men at the present time enjoy.
In taking final action in a matter
Of such far.reaching and vital i'm
portance, We believe that he will be
actuated only by the Hottest sense Of
the best interest Of our people and
State.
We have been at some pains to
ascertain the prevailing sentiment,
in this section, with regard to this
slI.absorbing topic, and the unani.
nous opinion we have expressed is
In favor OF the re-appointment Of the
entire Bench. The reasons adduced
in support of this view are SO strong
that they are worthy the most ear
nest consideration. Our people have
not forgotten with what alacrity they
responded to the first call of duty,
and the flrmness with which they
sustained that government which
Was the peoples choice in the trying
and doubtful struggle 10 which the
Nichols government was involved,
during that memorable January Of
1877. It cannot be denied that, to
the successful termination of that
conflict, they contributed services
which were invaluable. As we took
occasion to remark some time since,
they are men whose characters are
above reproach, as jurists they are
possessed Of talents Of the highest
order, and are without superiors 10
the State. By long and faithful ser.
vices they had Justly earned the en-
inent positions which they have ILL
ed with so much credit to themselves
and with such high satisfaction to
| ell.
1t should be borne In mind that
they had to sacrifice practice at
the Bar which 1t would require q
considerable time to recover. The
short term Of Office which they have
enjoyed would be very inconsider.
able recompense for the abandon.
ment Of their homes and the losses
their displacement at the present
term must entail.
The increasing confidence, the defer
ence and respect with which their de.
cisions are received are not the least
among the considerations by which
they have established q claim to the
high place they hold, in the estimation
Of the public. The siDgularly clear and
vigorous style for which their decisions
are distinguished, no less than their ad.
mirable expositions Of law are In strik.
ing contrast with those which have
emanated from that source for many
years.
Finally we would say that identified
and associated as every member of the
present Court Ia with the restoration of
government chosen by the people,
and by whom they are held in such
high esteem that It would be peculiarly
gratifying to see them retained In the
positions which they have adorned with
such eminent abilities, and in which
they eau yet render such valuable ser.
vice.
We demand the special attention