The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-10-22
THURSDAY.
THE NoN-pARrIsAN JUDICIARY.

La the campaign of 1894, the Populist
uarty of this State, in platforms, con-
ventions and from the hustings de-
clared for non-partissan judiciary, anu
this was by them interpreted to mean
that there should be judges OF the
three political parties administering
the law and exercising the 5udlclal
powers of the State. The Supreme
Court at that time was composed OF
Shepherd, Chief Justice; Avery, Clark,
MacRae and Burwell, Associate Judges,
eli Democrats, and men of high charac-
ter and lawyers of recognized ability
and learning. The terms of Justices
Shepherd, MacRae and Burwedl eNplr-
ing, the Populists nominated Judge
Montgomery, and endorsed the Repub-
lican nominees, Furches and Faircloth.
These three men were elcted in Novem-
Der, 1894. and politically the court now
stands, two Democrats, two Repubh-
cans and one Populist; two for the
gold standard, three for the free coin
age of silver. The terms of two of
the present Jus Montgomery and
Avery expire with the coming cleo
ton, and under the arrangements
made between the executive commit
tees of the Republican and Populist
parties, Judge Montgomery is NOM
mated to succeed himself, and Colonel
Douglas, of Greensboro, is nominated
to succeed Judge Avery. Col. Douglas
is Republican and an advocate of the
gold standard. Justice Montgomery
Is a Populist and an advocate of the
free coinage of silver. Ii this ticket
is elected, the court will stand three
Republicans majority-one Demo
craIt and one Populist; Thu ee gold stand
ard men and one advocate of the free
coinage of silver.
The Populists have likewise in this
campaign, re-affirming their allegiance
to the policy thus expeounded of non
partisan judiciary, announced as car
dinal principle and policy that they
will not vote for any man who opposes
the free coinage of silver at the ratio
of 16 to by this government without
the aid or consent of any other gov
ernment. This policy has been declar-
ed in strong and unambiguous Ian
guage. 1t will be thus seen that two OF
the cardinal principles of the Populist
party are to be abrogated by its State
executive committee. An analysis Of
the election of the Superior Court
Judges will show the same result. To
the most casual observer the result
has demonstrated with the same force
and clearness that the enforcement of
the policy of non-pa1rtisan Judiciary
as expounded, has been accomplished
at the great sacrifice of ability in the
judiciary. We assert THAT never in
the history of our State, excepting
perhaps, the years of reconstruction,
have there been so many judges of the
Supreme Court who have carried to the
bench so little experience and ability
as lawyers. And in further pursuance
of this policy, it is proposed by the two
committees to elevate to the bench a
man, Mr.. Spencer B. Adams, a Republi-
cam, a clever man, it may be, but man
who has never practiced law more
than. If indeed as much as, eighteen
months, and whose only title to the
name of lawyer is his license to prac-
tice law. Opposed to him is the Demo
cratic nominee, James S. Manning, an
ardent advocate of the free coinage OF
silver, and whose title to the name
Of lawyer rests upon thirteen years Of
active and constant practice before all
the courts of our State. VIII the people
endorse the present policy? This is
the question for them to consider.
Let it be remembered by the Peoples
party that If this ticket is elected by
its votes, it will be responsible for
turning the State over to the Repub-
tieans.
TO CURE A COLD IN ONE DAY.
Take Laxative Bromo Tablets. All