Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-02-07
PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

The nomination OF MT. fulukm LOT JUS
tice OF the Supreme Judicial Court OF
Maine. Is in every way suitable aud credit
able. II he will consent TO take the place
thus rendered to him, the Council will OF
course spproye an appointment so respec-
table. There are many OF US who would
have been glad TO see Justice Libbey re-
appointed. He has been an upright and
fearless Judge, faithful and capable; no
praise is too high for the manly spirit which
he has shown In dischargiug the sometimes
embarrassing duties OF his Office. There
il not member OF the Council, ii IS fair To
suprose. VINO would not, ss Governor, have
nominated Mr.. Libbey for re-sppointment-
But his name Is not before the Council;
the only question for the Governors ad-
yisers i. whether the name submitted de-
serves their appreciation; and 20 that Ques-
ton. there can be out one snswer.-Pori-
lGld Adrertissr.
We have given over wondering a, the
cratic political course of the Journal
from which the above is quoted; bu, we
have the right to demand reason why
such a paper claims to be Republican IN
is affiliations.
Let us look al the matter above re-
ferred TO, and see if the article is in &C
cord with the sentiments Of the Repubh-
can party OF Maine. II II Is, God save
the Republican party.
Justice L,bbey was placed upon the
bench of the Supreme Court of Maine by
Governor Dingley, seven years ago. He
was nominated BY Gov Dingley ard con-
frmed by the Council because he was
Democrat in politics, and was well quail
ifed BY legal knowledge, and good judg-
ment. Maine had then none bu, men
OF Republican proclivities upon the SUI
preme Bench. and il was conceded that
the opposition party, which claimed SO
MANY eminent lawyers, should be repre-
sen,sd in that important branch Of State
government. From all his political
brethren, Artemus Libbey was selected,
notwithstanding there were other csndi-
dates, because he had the larges, and bes,
following or backing, from his party. He
was known 10 be sound Democrat, an
honorable man. Of wise. Judicial mind.
For FIVE wears he served 10 the entire &C
cepjance Of the State.
Then came the trying times Of the Gar
celon administration. The people Of this
State have no; forgotten that their
votes were then counted as nsught, and
that false and fraudulent legislature
was assembled az Augusta. Those Of
Us who were present, will never forget
is farcial organization, and brazen as
sumption OF power, nor the revolution and
anarchy which threatened TO follow.
When a resort 10 arms seemed the only
remedy, hight appeared in the distance.
Il shone from the Supreme Court OF
Maine. and through the wisdom Of its
members, civil war was ayerted, and
legal administration of affairs was es,ab-
Gshed. Judge Libbey was = Democrat
still. and is to-day; but he would not
prostitute bis judgment at the bidding OF
his party leaders. knowing the right,
be adhered to il, and Joined With his as
sociAtes in pronouncing the Garcelon Leg
islature i mob. For this action he has
been q marked man, among the Infamous
gang which tried to steal the State. His
term Of Office expires next April, and Gov.
Plsis,ed thus early serves notice on him
that he is 70 pay the penalty Of forfeiture
of bis position for standing like = man
between the thief and his plumber. Il is
customary 10 continue good and &C
cep,able Judge in his Office for number
of terms or for life 1t IS not rotation
Office. Judge Libbey IS acceptable 10
the bar and 10 the people. No word is
raised against his integrity or his ability.
The act of deposing him Is simply to
punish him for not acting as directed by
the fusion leaders of Maine. DO the Re
publicans Of Maine endorse this act Of
Governor Plaisted: No. No. l, is the
wish Of every true Republican that the
Council shall refuse to be party to any
such infamous action. The Council should
stand by Judge Libbey until some sui,a-
DIE reason Is presented for his removal.
They should decline 10 I'LL his place with
any other man, even II II blocks the wheels
OF the entire Judiciary Of Maine for
the ensuing year. They fail to do their
duty if they allow a mean vindictive Gov
ernor to supplant man Of Judge Libbeys
character for performing a duty which
saved the State treasure and lives.
We don't want any Of the wishy
washy interference policy Of the
Portland Adrertiser in the Republican
party. We want to belong to back
bone party. that will fight for the right,
and for its rights, every time.