Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-08-25

- 7 is A PITY beyond expression when
anything is said or noised about con-
corning the judiciary Of our republic
which is derogatory to honest thought
and purpose.
Hon. Alexander II. Stephens often said
this government rested absolutely upon
an honest judiciary. Whenever that bull
wark was broken down or destroyed the
last hope of a stable republican govern
ment was shattered. He frequently al
luded 10 the dangers which menaced civil
liberty. but he invariably said the repub-
lie would not give way until the judges
were become unworthy, and unreliable.
a judge of a state or county court who
is regarded as corrupt or debauched or in
fluenced by his own interest. political or
otherwise. should be removed from the
bench because he is never a proper person
to sit IN judgment on other mems lives or
property. because he is an object Of dread
or suspicion. A delicate conscience would
never betray the trust that goes with the
solemn oath that a judge takes when as
Stunning he ermine. and a man who will
accept free passes TO distant points for
himself ard family after deciding a case
in favor Of a railroad company should be
impeached for the reasons herein stated.
because HIS nature must be coarse and his
conscience very tough when he thus gives
his own case away and SHOWS his willing
ness to be bTIhec indirectly.
But when a stain touches the highest
court in the land and common rumor
places a warning finger on one of the
supreme court judges, the calamity Is
irremediabie7 Years ago II was currently
reported that certain corporations de-
manded OF a presidential nominee that
he should pledge himself TO appoint a GER
tain man on the supreme bench in the
event OF his election. Whether the trade
vas really made CT otherwise, that ap-
pOintee during his natural life bore the
burden OF a deep and lasting stain. He
was understood to be wearing a collar
under the ermine. He belonged to his
masters. and a sigh of relief was heard
when death took him and left a vacancy.
The electoral commission with its con-
nectfol with the Hayes and Tilden cleo
ton. left a deep wrinkle. where the coun-
tenance was before smooth and placid.
It settled nothing when judges were dis
covered TO be paTtisans and politicians on
the supreme bench Of this nation. The
world believes Mr.. Tilden was elected. al
though he wes too timid and careful Of
his money 70 boldly claim his own. When
Mr.. Hayes felt obliged 20 claim three
Democratic southern states and had at
last only the margin Of one vote for his
majority, IL will go down In history that
the supreme court judges gave the presi-
dency 70 him. who were OF his own polit-
ical faith and order; because they wanted
their own party to succeed.
II strained the credit Of the supreme
bench near 70 bankruptcy. II was unfor-
tunate that the cloven foot Of partisan
tyranny peeped out from under the silken
robes OF the Judges.
Now, II IL shall appear that an exposed
collar was found on the neck OF a supreme
court judge. In deciding the income tax
question, the credit and character of the
bench has been irretrievably furnished.
Oh. what a pity
There IL no public position in this union
which carries with IL such an implied
trust and such pledge Of honest fealty
TO truth sustained by personal integrity
as a supreme court position. A man who
would trade and dicker IN such a position
should be pilloried until the green flies
swarmed over him in front Of the national
capitol.