West Virginia Democrat. [volume] (Charles Town, W. Va.) 1885-1890, 1888-07-27
National Democratic Ticket.

a0Pment, Will never dVNVSoOC any
man we believe unfit for the office he
seeks. Ii scheming politicians by
trick and cunning stiae the judg-
ment of the people and make nomI-
nation which ought not to be made,
we cannot, with our views OF the
duty of public newspaper, support
such nominee.
Mr.. Duckwall is eonspicnously
unfit for Circuit Judge, and we can
not support him. His nomination
was the work of certain managing
politicians in Martinsburg who do
not represent the solid and thinking
men of either Berkeley, Morgan or
of Jefferson.
1t was easy for these politicians
20 manufacture popular prejudice
and excite senseless clamOr which
for the moment drowned the voice
of Reason, but they have done an
act which will not be endorsed by
the thoughtful and substantial eiti-
zens of Berkeley.
The Office of Judge should be as
carefully guarded as the priesthood.
A few scheming politicians have
made it the football Of personal spite
and private revenge. They should
be rebuked. They will be rebuked
unless the yeomanry of Berkeley
have surrendered their manhood.
These politicians should be taught
that the people have not yet aban-
doned the ballet box to handful of
self-eonstitnted bosses. They may
juggle the nominations, but on cleo
tion day the avalanche of an aroused
and indignant people will be here.
Mr.. Duckwall is not the choice
of the solid men in this District.
He has no reputation as lawyer,
and has never argued case in the
higher courts. He is never employed
in important litigation, and altho'
about seventy years old, has not
given the slightest evidence of fit
ness for this office. The politicians
most active to manipulate his nomi-
nation do not rely on him as a legal
adviser and have not engaged his
services when they had cases. tits
absurd for these gentlemen to pre-
tend they consider him learned
lawyer. Either they are not sincere
or else they are not qualified to
measure professional capacity.
The simple truth is, Il certain
clique in Martinsburg undertake to
carry Berkeley county in their peck
cts. The time has come for the
yeOmanry of Berkeley to teach these
bosses that they DO not own Berke-
ley. The tail has been wagging the
dog long enough.
These small-fry bosses may have
their way while the solid citizens of
the community are busy at work,
but unless we entirely mistake the
people of Berkeley, they will shake
off these bosses As the strong OK
shakes off flies.
The Circuit Judgeship is the most
important office; it comes closest
home To the every day affairs of the
citizen; n quick, active, capable
lawyer on the Bench will transact
more business in one week than an
old man who is not prepared for his
duties can manage in a month. We
elect Il judge for eight years; mis-
take is fatal. because there is no re-
lief.
Congress retires L. 5. Judge at
20, because experience proves that
Younger men are more efficient.
President Cleveland refused to APP.
point any man Chief Justice who
was over 90.
But these Martinsburg politicians
manipulated the nomination of Z
gentlemen who not only lacks the
essential qualifications but who
even he were skilled in the law, is
far too old to meet the duties of this
office for Eight Years.
Why was this old gentlemen thus
unexpectedly discovered : Is he
the only lawyer in these three coun.
ties worthy to be Judge? Why
pass Westenhaver, Hogue and Hugh
es, Beckwith, Trapnell, Trayers
Moore and Baylor ? The simple
and honest truth is, these Martins
burg politicians think nothing Of