The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1902-1905, 1903-01-16
GOOD, IF 1T PROVES TRUE.

There are two causes for general rejoicing at the
concerning the supreme court OF the United states
which was sent out from Washington last week. These
dispatches stated that Justice Shiras about to retire
and that Gov Taft of the Philippines will be appointed
in his stead
Justice Shras has been the bench only 10 years. but
that has been quite long enough 1t was through the
success of some influence in changing his mind for him
that the courts decision in the income tax case was re-
versed 1t was this same justice too who most con-
pcuously and mserably failed to furnish any satisac-
tory or plausible reasons for the conclusions he an
Inounced in the celebrated insuar He has been
the one weak spot the supreme BENCH and his retire.
Iment will not be al occasion for regret.
On the other hand, Judge Taft is man who has de-
monsrated both intellectual capacity and independence
of These qualities have appeared both in
his service as president of the Philippine commission
and civil of the Provinces and In his previous
career United States circuit Judge his elevation
would be distinct gain to the highest tribunal in the
land and an immense advantage to the of Justice
further causes affecting the welfare OF our possess
sons by conquest
In the matter of the appointment of negress as post
,istrass at Ipdiapola Miss, there is doubt that
the president from purely legal standpoint is theoret-
cav right but the correctness of his position ends right
there 1t is conceded that the woman was fit and fitted
for the position in every way except in the degree OF
er accountability to the people who patronzed the office
In the north the latter element is the final indication OF
and no president would court political unpOpu
artv bv insisting the appointment or retention OF an
oRcia who was distastefu to the people of commun-
~ In the south is different. The white people of
bis section will not accept negro officials without pro-
test and no northern appreciate the actual con-
dition however firm his opinions may be in theoret
cal wav So long as the white people of the south
GARD the appointment of negro by the president as an
Insult TO them, it will be an insult.
~O~
All who knew the man will drop tear for the memo
nv of John Pearce, for Is years sheriff of Leon county
and dean of Fordas peace officers, who died of pneu
monia his home in Tallahassee last Sunday morning
AS a man and official Mr. Pearce measured up to the
full stature ideal citizen. He terror to evil
doors and get heart tender womans in his
associations with those who do we'll AS sheriff he
came into constant and direct contact with all that is
base in man. and yet his character showed no blemis
nv reason of such contact He enforced the law with
rmness and tact, and while his power respected
there was also respect for the man welded it.
Kind but firm; lovable, yet feared John A. Pearce
will 20 down the history of Flordas peace officers
as one whose life gave luster to Office usually
parded as something be avoided by of finer
siblties He dgnifeG his Office and elevated the
standard of efficiency In its administration He will be
throughout the length and breadth of Florida
Davtona is to determine by vote of the people, Janu
ary u whether not franchise shall be granted for an
electric road within the corporate limits If the fran
chse is granted it is said the line will be extended to
DeLand. Trolley connection of nearby towns offers
will help develop other ndustries'-Times- Union ana