New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-01-27
PROFESSOR BALDUIN'S DEPE1T

The defeat of Professor Simeon l.. BALDWIN,
Governor Morrs's nominee for Judge OF the
Supreme Court, by vote of 40 to 81 in the
Connecticut House of Representatives is per
Torrance which docs not strike us As reflect
ING much credit upon that body. 1t may be
that there are objections TO Professor Baldwin
sufficiently weighty to justify this action, but
if so it must be said in all candor that they
were not brought out in the discussion in the
House and have not appeared in any of the
numerous newspaper articles that have been
published on the subject. Aside from political
and partisan considerations-which, as THE
TRIBUNE took occasion TO say only yesterday
in connection with the nomination OF Justice
Lamars successor should not he permitted to
enter into tho case to affect judgment OF the
appointing powcr-there appeared to be no good
rcas son for refusing 10 confirm the appointment.
Professor Baldwin'S position at the bar, his
high standing in the profession, his admitted
ability and his unquestioned integrity and
purity of character, furnish the fullest possible
justification for his selection by the Governor,
and should have been, as it seems To us, the
most conclusive warrant for his prompt con-
flmation by the Legislature.
publican majority in the House, that many Re
publican members must have voted with tine
dissatisfied Democrats against his confirmation.
IL is true that tho discussion in the House be-
fore the vote was taken was confined 10 the
Democratic members, and that the only out
spoken opposition came from that source the
Republican members being absolutely silent.
But this, we take leave to say does not relieve
the majority Of responsibility in the matter.
On the contrary, it rather serves To heighten
the suspicion of concerted action with view
to partisan advantage Now, while we readily
recognize the fact that the situation created
by the opposition of certain Democratic leaders
TO the appointment offered considerable
temptation to Republicans TO reap whatever
partisan advantage might be gained by Demo
cratic discussion, we do not hesitate TO say that
even from that point Of view the action OF
those Republicans who contributed 10 the re-
suit was unwise. This seems obvious enough
when it is considered that it necessarily drives
Governor Morris into closer relations with the
Bourbon element, the trading politicians OF
his own party, with whom he must come to
an understanding in making his appointments
hereafter That understanding We may be
certain, will not result in better selections for
the offices he has to fill.
So far as the avoidance of responsibility by
non participation in the debate is concerned, if
that was the intent of the Republican voters
against confirmation it is clearly failure.
Republican majority is responsible for the acts
of Republican House. Indeed, might it not
be called something worse than failure? There
seems certain lack of manliness in it, want
of sincerity and candor that we arc unwilling
to think Connecticut Republicans capable of.
To profit by the mistakes Of the opposition and
take advantage of their internal dissensons is
considered legitimate and proper in party war
fare but it is important TO avoid completely
in their mistakes The TRIBUNE repeats what
il has said many times before, that it has no
liking for what is called I" Smart politics, or
for anything undermined or tricky in political
management. The Republican party can af
ford to stand by and look on while the Tam
many sort Of Democrats and the Mugwump
Contingent, or the Western Democrats and
their Populist allies are tricking and cheating
each other without mixing in the game. The
one thing Republicans cannot afford to do is
to take any part or seem to take part in it,