The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1882-04-08
PARTISAN JUDGESHIPS.

!
PARTISAN JUDGEsHIPS.
In our last weeks issue, we commented
in temperate language, and certainly with
no malice either expressed or implied
upon the political coalition entered into
by our contemporary of The CccH Demo-
| crdt for the realization of his ambition
for the very honorable distinction of :;
! seat upon the Bench of this judicial cir
cult.
That criticism was not inspired. either
! by personal hostility to Mr.. Cruikshank,
OF by individual Partially for his com
petitor. Judge Stump.
Indeed, We believe we voice the best
Republican sentiment of the county in
the assertion. that if the Republicans of
Cecil have any choice between the two
Democratic aspirants for the Judgeship,
they prefer the nomination of Mr.. Cruik
shank as the weaker one of the two.
| This consideration, however weighty it
may be in purely political sense, was
not the ground upon which we took ex-
ception TO the announcement of Mr. Iruik-
shank's candidacy.
1t is altogether higher and weightier
objection. One addressing itself to the
sober common sense OF plain people. who
regard the dignity. purity. and reputa-
ton of the Bench. as matters of greater
public concern. than the realization of
individual schemes of party management.
| or the advancement of this OF that man
to coveted places of political prctcrment.
We asserted then. and We reassert now,
that the sentiment of the best classes of
the people irrespective fparty, isaganst
any act, in candidate for so responsible
a position. that bears even the faint OF
political trade. or wears the suspicion of
4 partisan bargain
Isn't it PLAIN. even to the meanest I'M
derstaudiu". that the result of the parti.
san manipulation % 50 important an of
flee. is to deprive the people--in whom
resides the sole right of selecting their
own iudgeS-of the services of tie best
men upon the Bench. and to render law
yers of high personal and professional
standing-men of character. learning, and
great legal ability, unavailable for our
judseships:
Will seif-respecting lawy ers. whose high
standing at the Bar would be safe guar
antee of their higher regulations upon
the Bench, and sure pledge of their
able and impartial administration of the
judicial office. condescend to the petty
intrigues of the primary. and the per
sonal clamor for support, that charac-
terizes the preliminary cavass of parti
san aspirants?
Do not methods always indicate the
man?
In his methods, not in the ambition
itself. Mr.. Cruikshank has disappointed
his friends.
Is there position under our general
elective system. that should so emphati-
cally and absolutely seek the man, and
not the man seek the position, as that of
a .iudgcship:
1t is an office, whicl, sought under
proper circumstances, ought to be worthy
of the lawyers highest ambition. Bur
when lawyers of position consider the
tenure by which it is held. and the parti-
san machinery now So frequently resorted
to in securing nominations. it may be
very seriously questioned whether there
is much in the position attractive to
man fit to discourage lis antics.
We think it can he very clearly demon
strated that the worst possible condi-
ton, short of positive personal incompe-
tency, under which any man can assume
the judicial office, is to owe his seat upon
the Bench to any one politician, or any
'ne set of politicians.
The most infamous prostitutions of the
Bench which this country has ever wit
messed, We're those in which the politi-
clan, who made the judge, afterwards
destroyed him, by suborning him to his
personal Uses.
Tweed made the names of Barnard and
'ard0Za infamous, and the unblushing
corruptionS of the New York judges un-
der the old Canal Ring. were purely the
result of the evils of partisan control of
the Bench.
OF course these We're exceptional in
stances of the fearful depths to which
the political bosses can drag down aud
!elauch the Bench. Being exceptional,
they may not soon be repeated, at least
in the degree Of their infamy, and Ger
tinly, we hope, never in Maryland.
But there is suggestion and meaning
IN the lesson that the exposure of the
;orruptions of the old New York "Ring"
taught this country, not soon to be for
gotten.
We do not intend even to imply that
here is man in Cecil country, with
IN aspiration for the Judgeship, who
:ruld be corrupted, or even corruptly APP
| preached.
We have too much respect for the Bar
IF Cecil, to entertain such an opinion,
and too much county pride to express it,
| did we entertain it,
| But while such is the case we do in
sist that when n man is elevated to the
Bench, he should leave behind him at the
Bar no unpaid obligations, either personal
Or political.
Prejudces and obligations influence
men unconsciously.
Not that We assert that Mr.. Cruik
shank, if elected to the Bench, would be
unduly influenced by the weight of obi
ration lie would owe the gentleman with
! whom he has made his political alliance,