Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-02-18


Tbs last sad rites having been per-
formed over the mortal remains of
Judge Leonard Il. Wales, and due
tributes Of respect rendered to his
memory. 1t is now properly in order
to consider the question Of his sue
cessor in the Office of Judge of the
United States courts for. the District
of Delaware. The Office now vacant
will have to be filled. and 1t is desir-
able that it be filed as speedily as pos
sible.
The interests OF the public in general
and of the people of Delaware in par
ticular require that the Office should
he bestowed upon one possessing the
requisite qualifications to tho highest
degree. 1t is needless TO say that
he should be man skilled in the
knowledge and practice of the law, and
possessing the fullest confidence Of the
people in general and of his fellow
members of the bar, as to his Integrity
and ability.
Another, and most important con-
sideration to our people, is whether the
position shall be filed by President
Cleveland, or be held open to await the
action of his successor. And from this
point Of view the situation must be
treated to certain extent from par
tisan standpoint. President Cleveland,
under the circumstances, il he decides
to make the appointment, will I'M
doubtedly name Democrat. in which
event the Republican Senators will, or
| dinarily, strive TO delay and eventually
defeat confirmation. in order that the
matter may be carried over until the
next administration, and the Office be.
slowed upon Republican by President
Mckinley.
There is ono Democratic lawyer, how
ever, who could be named by Presi-
dent Cleveland and wbose appointment
would be confirmed by the present
Senate, without delay. and that
Democratic lawyer is United States
Senator George Gray. To his qualitica-
tions and fitness for the position it is
unnecessary to refer, for they will be
acknowledged by all. lie is member
of the United States Senate, and the
rule OF Senatorial courtesy that is never
violated by that tradition bound body
would secure the prompt conflr-
nation OF his appointment, without,
we believe, even tho formal ref
erenco to committee that is i'm.
posed upon most other nominations.
The appointment of Senator Gray
would fill the Office with lawyer OF
commanding ability, who would make
what the loyal fraternity designate as
the ideal judge. 1t would also place
another Democrat in judicial position
of caas to which Democrats OF tht
present generation have had little
access. on account of the general trend oil
national politics for tho last thirty al,
| years. 1t is we'll admitted that politica
, considerations should not dictate
judicial appointments, but it is alet
admitted that Judges should not h,
, taken altogether from one poltica
, party
/ But it is idle to think of the ap
3 pointment of any other Democratic
, lawyer than Senator Gray being con
iirmsd by the United States Senate
: Such an appointment would simpl,
be pigeon holed in the room of tn
a Senate judiciary committee, only to b.
/. rejected at the organization Of tho neg
9 Senate in extra session after tho fourt
l., OF March. Then the appointment
n would devolve upon President McKin
o Icy, and the uhspeakable possibiitie
L Of such situation are not pleasant {
IL contemplate.
e We havO written this without cor
n ference with Senator GrsN or know
/. edge of his feelings in tho mattor. TIL
10 suggestion here presented has inpresso
"a us as tho best means of filling th
q honorable Office with q man in ever
,r way fitted for tho discharge OF ii
" duties in the most acceptable manner
le without having it made the subject
At contention between hostile factions ,
to tho party that will be dominant n I'll
national administration soon TO assun
the reins of government. 1t would |
a most happy solution OF the problem
IN and We earnestly hopn President Uiev
10 land will view il in this light and u
co promptly. And should he do 60, Y
H. hope Senator Gray will see his WI
o. cloar to accept the appointment.