The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1882-06-29
JUDGE HURT.

Tnere appeared IN yesterdays issue
communication over the signature OF
"SALUs PoPuLr," which merits more than
passing notice, Is 1t has reference to the
most important nominations to be made at
the coming state convention-those fo- the
judiciary. The governor may exert great
political power, and II is almost Of equal
moment that the nominations for other
state offices should be made with caution
and with due regard to both personal and
intellectual qualifications, but no nomina-
tions should be made with as much
hesitation and care as those for the
supreme and appellate courts, and no
officers Of the state ever exert
such influence upon the varied interests of
the state and people. Upon their decisions
depend everything-the stability and en-
forcement Of the existing laws and the con-
stitutionality Of all others hereafter to be
enacted. That these determinations of the
courts, therefore, may be such as they
should be, there arc certain indispensable
requisites to be looked for and demanded
in Judge. He must have legal ability
and learning. incorruptibility of character
and the courage and frmness to express
his honest convictions and conclusions.
Tried by this test, no man who has
yet occupied the bench of this state
is freer from criticism or more
deserving of reward for meritorious service
than JUDGE j. M. HURT. During the term
he has been upon the bench his record will
compare favorably with that of any of our
best lurists. Soundness Of law, clearness Of
expression, strikingly judicial freedom
from prejudice or Partially, an administra.
ton Of justice properly tempered with
mercy, coupled with the strictest fidelity to
the discharge of his onerous duties, are the
characteristics OF his legal opinions and
decisions and his whole judicial conduct
No man We know Of has made record
better emitting him to the continued sup
port and confidence OF the people
at large, than has JUDGE HURT
upon the appellate bench, and
we cannot but emphasize the remark in
The communication above referred to that
the state cannot in these degenerate days
Afford to give up or dispense with the SER
vices OF such men as JUDGE HURT. There
are many able aspirants for the place, but
none can bring forward for it stronger
claims or greater fitness, tested by whatever
rule we may choose to adopt, than the
present incumbent whose name heads this
article. There is no department of govern
ment where changes should be less frequent
than in the judiciary. and once good men
are obtained there, they should remain 40
long as their season Of usefulness lasts.
The theory Of our Federal constitu-
ton on this subject, the appoint.
ment Of good and able men to hold
during good behavior, is as near the high
est conclusions Of political wisdom as we
can get public affairs, but party spirit has
robbed us Of its fullest benefits. The
theory, however, should be followed by the
states, and we first should strive to find the
proper men, and then they should certainly
be retained during their good bchay.
Tor" and period of mental and physical
strength. In JUDGE HURT we have found a
pure and able man and Conscientious jur-
list, and both justice and sound sense die
tate his denomination and reelection. We
too, therefore, trust with "SALUs PoruLT'
that the name of JUDoE J. NJ. HURT will
be kept prominently in the minds of the
citizens Of the state when their delegates
are appointed to the Galveston conven.
ton" We have really no doubt of his re-
turn to the bench Of the appellate court,
but his nomination and election should be
of character indicative of the high appre-
citation Of his worth and services.