Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-02-15
Dailp kfnntbrl 3ournal.
From the Bangor Wing, Feb. IL.
The Governors Attempt to Pro-
scribe Judge Libbey.

bey, outside of all political bearings, which
deserve candid consideration. These affect
both the Judge and the State.
! First, as to the individual Judge Libbey is
now well towards 60 years of age and in his
very intellectual ripeness. When appointed,
seven years ago, he was in the midst OF very
lucrative practice and at the summit of his
professional success. A decade more of prac-
tice at the bar would have secured to him y
competency for life. He surrendered the
prospect for a seat on the bench. Would he
have done so had he supposed his judicial
span would be only for seven years. There
would not have been to him the least templa-
| tion for il. If he goes of the bench he must
go back to the bar. Such change cannot
be agreeable, nor can il in all probability be
| satisfactorily profitable to him. His client
| age, the growth of 30 years and more of prac-
tice, has gone into other hands. and from ne
cessity can never. i'll any considerable degree,
be regained. A new business can only come
by time, hard labor, good health and good
uck.
Is this fair treatment? Is it reasonable: /:
Shall he be allowed by the bar of Maine, con-
sidered as most honorable body of men, to
be thus called to the bench at their request,
and in such a manner deposed Sherefrom? Is
it in keeping with the historical character of
the lawyers of Maine, 10 allow such an un-
grateful act 10 be done:
And done for what? Done without request
done upon no petition; done in undue haste
in order to prevent petitions in the Judges
behalf; and done, all the people in this
State very well know. for a fearless, conscien-
tious and honest judicial act. Done because
he had courage, thank God to concur with
the other judges in opinions which had the
moral weight To prevent Il few ambitious and
ri,.lr rod Nay;f;nnS1r ba
litical power of this State out of the hands of
the voters and the people. The criminal
scheme came from the heads and hands of
certain designing men, of whom our Governor
Plaisted seems to be most atfectionate and
loving consort.
Had Judge Libbey consulted only his own
security and safet, for a continuance on the
bench, and been actuated by personal selfish
ness alone, it is plain to be seen that he conld
have done so by disagreeing with hi. associ-
ates upon those great questions of State; for
Republicans would never have sought to
punish him for such a cause. Judge Libbey
was called to the bench with an enviable
prospect of a long continued judicial life
He was made Judge by the Republicans,
and Republicans would not have removed
him. But he was made such as a Democrat,
and because he was "A Democrat, and because
his party wanted him and indicated him as
their choice. And he always has been, and is
now a member of their party. And, of all
things. 1t was the least to be expected that
ne would be lett on the bench by democrats
Nor Is the act now either called Tor or ap-
proved by any considerable number of law
yers in this or any other part Of the State. of
any or all of the political parties.
But the departure of Judge Libbey from the
Bench would not only be an injustice to him
personally out an lnlustice ana misiortunet to
the state. ii ne was nj for the once seven
years ago, he Is much better htted tor the
office now. His seven years experience is
worth much Let it be remembered, that il
is universally admitted that he has made a
most excellent Judge: No human being rises
10 utter single word against NM outside OF
tnose VINO unuertvok 10 MeNlcanlZe our state
government. his abliltles ana learning and
judicial fairness have never been for
moment anywhere or by ANYBODY questioned.
DO the people OF Maine desire to have the
poilcy lnaugurated, OF having good Judge
driven from the oench Tor political dislikes
whenever an opportunity oners! an IL he
expected that our best lawyers Will consent
to become judges under such poiicyf In
der such circumstances. should we have an
independent ana rellabie JUDICIARY Would
society, wouid iaoor ana property and all
sucn an uncertain anu transient tenure Oh o.
nee! "oulh any nrstciass lawyer IN Maine
leave a profitable practice for iudgeshp
to- day, when he may be politically beheaded
to-morrow: Is Judge to be put under the
oan, VINO noes NOT III 'he "ischafee OF MS
compulsory onties SUI. al, men OF all partiesf
Is ne 10 ne 'h peru II ne assists IN pro-
nouhcibg some judgment lh case nnfavor-
able to lawyer VINO may become Govern
or or political something elsef Would
Judge be much OF man. who would study
or regard snch posslhliities, or people OF Il
state much OF people VINO would require or
sanction such enormitiesf In Kentucky
Judge was lately assasslnated by party who
had lost suit by the judges decision. This
was most dastard,y act, indeed; but is an
attempt at moral ASSASSINATION or INJURY for
the loss OF cause IN court any more
discreet or Justlhablef The Kentucky
man rrsorted to the EXTREMIST injury;
should Maine man, for such cause, attempt
to lDhlct an INJURY Such has not been even
the poiiticai poilcy IN This state. The rule
mas been when mt man Is IN the office of
Judge, to keep MIN IN as long as he retained
his faculties and the proper abilities.
But our executive head. and he prides him
self upon being great and irresponsible "ex-
ecutive," has tried to avoid the appearance