The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1906-05-15
Ought Federal Judges To be Criti-
ciSrd III congress-
Baltimore Sun.

baltimore sun.
Mr.. Tinman's speech in the senate
last week. in which he enlarged upon
the alleged d~elinquencies of certain
members Of the Federal judiciary, has
attracted widespread attention. one
of the Senators of his own political
faith, Mr.. Bacon. of Georgia, con-
demned it on the ground that it is not
sound public policy TO hold w To pub
lie view the shortcomings Of the iu-
Judges tends to strengthen the hands
Of the radical forces in this republic.
Mr.. Bailey, of Texas, a conservative
took exception to the opinions Of Mr..
Bacon in a speech of singular grace,
rs We'll as force.
The lesson to be drawn from MIR.
Tilllnan's frank discussion Of the judi
cialy IS Obvious. No man should be
appointed to the bench who is not
fully qualified by integrity. Judgment
and learning to discharge the duties of
a delicate n exalted position. If this
had always been the standard the
South Carolina Senator would have
words of commentator only for
judges. instead Of bitter cenSure for
some members of the Federal judi
ciary. 1t would be impossible for him.
from his seat in the Senate, to arraign
judge after judge for acts which he
declared to be not in keeping with the
dignity and nice sense of honor which
characterize the best types of the men
who wear the ermine. That Mr.. Till
man was justified in speaking with
such great candor about the short
comings Of Judges is a question upon
which there should be little difference
of opinion. Ne members Of the Judi
ciary Of the United States are nomi-
mated by the President and confirmed
by the senate. Since the nominations
of judges are confirmed by the Sen
ate, ii is c~ontendcd hat the character
ana aDl1tE of nominees ought to be
subjected to searching scrutiny by the
Senate IN It's executive sessions, but
that after the nomination IS confirmed
and the new judge enters upon his du-
ties criticism should cease unless there
BE- Impeachment by the House. Mr.
Tillman holds that as Judges are pub
lie officials they are no more immune
from comment upon their official acts
than are Senators or Representatives
or the President of the United States
If. in the past, the President and the
senate had displayed wise Judgment
and had been more exacting in regard
to the qualifications Of men nominated
To be judges, there would be fewer
charges against the Federal judiciary.
\ few years ago a man was nominated
to be Il Federal judge in New York
An immediate protest was filed by the
Bar Association Of the State of New
York. II was alleged that he was an
active politician, and that his appoint-
ment would be Objectionable to every
lawyer VINO practIced in the court
over which he would preside. Still
ms nomination was confirmed. rho
Ne" iolk senator desired him TO have
the 1udgeShip on the ground of mast
usefulness to their party. Appoint
ilehls llade Tor such reason are indie
1eilslble. Ihey rob the Office Of i,,dge
Of ITS dignity and Of the sacrednass
GnICn GuSht 70 attach TO it. 50 long as
ElAes9 IN every way is not the char
Gu~"lIication for appointment to the
: saIsidi Joalclary. D~lain-spoken Sena-
tors IKE Mr.. Tilman will nrohahIv
laie occaslon TO criticise judges Who
iail peIoN the proper standard Of ef-
iiSleiCS and Usefulness.
- oDJect.nS to Mr.. Tillnan's CON
ae 7r'lid.ion Of certain judges. Mr. Pa
- eI., u Georgia. advocated a policy If
- IN Sucn delicate matters. co fhat
sucna p.obIe may not have reason to
sebbaapGct mat the judiciary is not All i
uaga be- !! consider it" said NJ
ata the highest duty Of the sen
In $50 40 act n SO speak. not only as
- anold STIRRING up the people ana de. !
their faith in their govern