Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-03-23
THE VACANCY ON THE BENCH.
IL In Thought Probable that speaker
Carlisle Will Succeed Chief Justice
Waite

The shock Of the death OF Chief Justice Waite
for the most part checked to-day the considera.
lion OF us pubic effect beyond the general grief
IL canses POLITICALLY, man OF another party will
go upon the bench TO NIL The vacancy. As to who
IL viii be there is but little speculation as yet
There are many candidates whose names come
TO the minds OF everybody at once Two who
were much spoken OF when there was another
vacancy-Secretary Bayard anu Attorney-Ge General
Garland-will not expect or desire the appoint
ment. Judge Jackson, Judge Simms, and many
others who were named then will again be inen-
toned.
What is thought to be most probable is that
SPEAKER carlisle will succeed Chief Justice Waite
on the oencn OF the supreme Court. IL is known
that he was offered the seat that Justice Lamar
now occupies beforeit was offered to that gentle
man. lie declined II very reluctantly, and his de-
agreed between him and Mr. Cleveland. after
taking the matter over that the political situa-
tioa-party necessity-required Mr.. Carlisles pres.
ence IN The House to organize IL and TO work TO
Drlng the party together for the passage Of tarf
Dill pr. carlisle at the same time told Mr. Cleve-
lahu tnat no other public position or trust
could so suit his disposition and nc in with
MS incinations as that or supreme Court Justice.
Inc ma9er was very seriously considered and car
iuIiJ weighed In the balance, one consideration
against anot her, before IL finally decided that
the course should be followed that was pursued
The political reasons that then interfered are no
longer IN the way. The house Is organized and all
VIII De done that can be done toward passing a
tariu OIL ana shaping the party policy before II
will be necessary TO appoint Chief Justice Walte's
successor. There were several months of delay in
appointing Mr.. Lamar. Three months delay from
now ana the tarin bill will have been disposed OF
III soine way, and the House will be on the verge
Oh an adJournmcnt. The only consideration that
kepl Mr. carlisle from the bench last fall VIII have
hon. w. IA. Barnum. chairman Of the Demo-
cratlc National Committee, expressed the opinion
that Judge Thurman ought 10 be appointed u
Il al
quite the thing TO discuss the matter or succession
50 soon after the DEATH be Said but he thought II
MOuld " Wise and a proper thing TO appoint
Judge Thurman.
The Michigan men are discussing the chances Of
fostnaster- GENERAL Dickinson for the appoint
incnt Judge Chapman says that should he he
put upon the bench he would make one OF
the most brilliant chief justices we have
had. II is known to Mr.. Dickinson's friends that
u mas peen his ambition to get upon the supreme
Dench at some time. IL is urged that the appoint
nehI must go 10 The sixth district, which Includes
Michigan, OHIO. Tennessee and Kentucky. Car
lise, Thurman and Dickinson are all three IN this
district.
1t was suggested that Justice Field might be
his place but democratic Senator, ie1el.hsaded
pointed S0 Justice No, Field ov wi not be ,.s sp
the qualifications, for he is eminenty fitted in ali
except his age. He is, as / understand, now be-
yUnd the age for retirement He could have re,
and while nope he may live and enjoy physical
strength TO serve for years to come he must give
way before great while. II would not do for the
democrats, with the power to appoint
Chlef Justice to name man who, in the course
Oh nature, must retire within a very few years.
we must place man there who can give promise
OF retaining the place for twenty years at least.
In my opinion the President will seek for man
who possesses the ability and experience neces-
sary, but Is not an Old man."
III Was suggested as quite probable that the
President Will select Northern man as the ap-
appointment OF a Southern man would provoke
criticism 10 the effect that the South wa, beipy
given TOO much power la the court OF last resort.
Some or the friends OF Mr.. Villas the Secretary OF
the Interior. think that he may be the successor OF
Chief Justice Waite.
The probable effect Of Chief Justice waite's
Death upon the telephone cases is q subject OF
some comment to-day among bushes, men, The
Tact That the Chief Justice cast the deciding vote
IN favor oil the Bell people IN the recent decision
leaves the court standing 3 to q Justice Lamar
dld not JOIN In the decision last Monday, because
ne dd not go on the bench until after the case was
submitted. When the Government case shall be
submitted, Justice Lamar will he competent tC
participate, and as the case Is founded upon de.
ciSion OF MS rendered as Secretary OF the In.
terror, the presumption is that he Will be
likely 70 hold against the Bell patents
IL Is also thought that Justice Gray will not vote
on account OF the connections or his family with
telephone interests. Win the court evenly di.
vlded, judging from the recent telephone decision
the appointment 10 the vacancy on the bench will
be matter OF vital interest to the telephone
people.