New-York tribune., 1896-12-09
THE DJSTRICT-1 TTORNEH.

1t is an open question whether, in the long
rum the choice Of prosecuting officers by pop
ular election brings to the exercise OF that eN-
tremely important function competent, faith
ful and conscientious Il class of public ofilcials
as the practice which obtains in some of the
States of appointment by the courts. 1t may
be said. of course, that whatever evils attach 10
the elective system when applied to Dlstrlct-
Attorneys must effect in greater or less de-
gree an elective Judiciary and be transmitted To
court appointments. But this danger Is ml'i-
gated by the fact that judicial tenures are al
most invariably for long term of years, where
by the Judges are placed in position meas
urably independent of party and less liable 10
be affected by personal or partisan consldera-
tons Moreover. the judicial office is held so
universally by all classes in the highest venera-
ton that the instances in which it has been
abused or perverted To partisan purposes are
exceedingly rare The traditions of the Bench
have in themselves an eleyating influence. ana
in its very atmosphere there Is something tha'
clarifies the intelligence Of its occupant and i'm
parts to him a high sense of official RESPONSE
biliiy and personal dignity. 1t may also H
said with truth in any comparison that may be
instituted between the character and qnalifica-
tlons of elective and of appontive prosecuting
officers that it has rarely happened under the
former system that the office has been disgraced
by grossly incompetent or scandalously dishon-
est incumbents.
In appOnting successor to the late DISTRICT
Attorney, John II. Fellows Governor Morton
has the same opportunity and the same respoh-
siblity that in some of the other States rail- 10
the courts He is. fortunately, in position IN
which he can exercise this semi-judcial function
without regard to any other consideration than
that of promoting justice. morality and the gen
eral welfare by an appointment in the interest
of no party or faction, but which will be recog-
nized at once by all parties as pre-eminently
fit He Is at the end Of his term with probably
no further expectation Of political honOrs. and
consequently no inducement 10 consult the
wishes of the party leaders or managing poll
tlcians, who consider all the offices as their
stock trade TO be dealt ont In furtherance or
their own purposes. He has nothing to gain by
using this unexpected opportunity to crafty
them or promote their plans. He owes them
nothing. and can expect nothing from them
Rut he can entitle himself to the grateful re-
membrance of the people, not only of this coun-
ty. but OF the whole State by disregarding all
the solicitations Of these men and making such
an appolntment as his own good sense will die
tate. and such as will at once commend Itself to
the judgment of the courts. the Bar ana the gen
eral public.
OF the importance of the Office TO the whoie
some and effective administration Of criminal
law it is not necessary to speak 1t is unver-
sally recognized That it furnishes abundant
opportunities and the most allurng temptations
TO make the machinery of the law and the proc
esses of justice subservent to political ends ana
personal ambitions is too obvious TO be denied
So much more the necessity for selecting a man
Of high character and professional standing.
whose name alone would be guarantee for the
honest and faithful discharge OF official duty
Governor Morton has it in his power TO crown
his political career with great honor by such an
appointment. The Tribune INDUCES the nope
that he will not miss the opportunity.