Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1882-06-29

vcratic State Convention which will
meet ut Jefferson City on the 26th of
Julysto nominate acandidate for Su-
preme Judge to succeed Chief-Jus-
tice Sherwood whose, term. will end
With tie close Of this year. The i'm
portsnoe of this office, and the pres
snt embarrassed state of the supreme
o6hrt. docket makes the selection of
Judge Sherwoott's successor a matter
Of vital interest, not only to the bar,
but, to the whole people of the State.
The bar may well feel solicitude for
the constitution of the court Of last
resort in the State, and are certainly
the best Judges of the qualifications
T those who should be chosen to
compose it, But, the large class,
who are, or may become htigants, and
whose suits may be prosecuted to
final Judgment before this court, have
the right and it is their.duty to exer-
else q voice in making that selection.
1t will maaifA.slSabe the duty Of the
convention to nominate the man who,
when elected, will best be able to SUBJ
serve the public interest. In the
light OF all the facts it is believed that
Judge Sherwood is that man, and that
he should be his own successor. Were
he for the first time before the people
many good reasons could be given in
support Of his claims. His learning,
his known integrity. courage, indus
try and legal ability are inferior to
those of no man whose name will be
before the convention. But, he could
bring to the work Of second term
the advantages Of a ripe, experience
gained by ten. years of severe and
acceptable labor in the judicial SER
vice Of the State. His position on the
bench has made him familiar with
every phase Of legal controversy, and
his long training has subjected the
bias Of the advocate to the impartiali-
ty of the Judge. Judge Sherwood is
in the prime Of q vigorous manhood,
his habits are studious and his indus
Try is untiring. His opinions, ex-
Ending through the last twenty-three
volumes Of the Missouri reports, will
compare fayorablyl with, those of our
ablest. Judges. Those who oppose
him will do well to, reflect upon the
uncertainties Of q change from a tried,
able and upright Judge to one who
has yet to demonstrate his fitness for
the place. The business of the court
is several years behind and thousands
of dollars are tied up in pending con-
troversies which, to the detriment Of
suitors, must await far off decisions.
Taking an experienced and veteran
Judge of the bench could but add to
the present embarrassments, although
his place should be supplied by one
capable but unfamiliar with the meth
ods and routine of the work. 1t is
plain, therefore, that an unwise choice
would result in damage which ten
years could not repair. Thoughtful
men must be sensible of the risks Of
change. Every lawyer knows good
Judge must be good lawyer, yet not
every good advocate would make a
good judge. In addition it may be
said, that, in view of the present
composition Of the supreme court, the
introduction of new man upon the
bench might result in overturning
long lines Of decisions, especially in
the criminal law. Without arguing
the merits of any possible change in
the rulings Of the court it may safely
be said that too much Importance Can
not be attached to knowing the law,
that to be known it must be settled,
and that it is dangerous to depart
from its 'ancient pathways" 1t is
certainly an unfortunate time to ex.
pertinent, and it is hoped the people
will see the wisdom OF continuing
upon the bench a man who has beer
tried and not found wanting. judge
iSherwood is now in the prime of lif'
! and could yet give many years o.
fservice to the State and increase hi.
already well-deserved reputation as 1
Judge. If we would add to the mum
Der of our SCOTS, our Leonards ant
Jour Naptons, it must be done by re
fusing to retire from the iudiciar,
men who have proven themselves it
tornaments. 7 DEMOCRAT. ,
H.H