The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-04-26

sratihed to learn of the Hughes appoint
ment
Senator Root. it is understood. IS one
OF the New York State leaders who does
not feel that the retirement OF Hughes is
goinng 10 retard the movemet he has
typifed In New York state.
Senator Bacon. ranking minority mem
Der OF the Judiciary Committee, has this
TO say of the Hughes nomination:
Il think that both by reason OF his
ability and character GOV. Hughes is en-
inently fitted for the place"
Senator Overman and other members
OF the Judiciary Committee were equally
emphatic In their commentator Of the
choice. Even the insurgents found IN
this appointment common ground on
which they could stand with the Presi-
dent and the regulars OF the party.
1T is most commendable selection"
said Senator Dolliver. OF Iowa
The nomination as soon as it was pre-
sented to the Senate was referred to the
Judiciary Committee, There viii not be
another meeting OF the committee until
Monday OF next week
The Republican members OF the New
York delegation In the House received the
news OF the nomination Of Gov. Hughes
with mingled feelings OF approval and
regret
Representative Champ Clark, of Mis-
souri,. the Democratic floor leader. voiced
the opinion of the Democrats Of the
House in praising the President for the
appointment.
Gov. Hughes" said he, rs a splendid
man for the place"
Put Bench Above Politics.
The fact about this Hughes appoint
ment thaS President Tafrs friends are
pointing to with the greatest pride is
that the President. in making this seIec-
ton, has shown that he has placed the
Supreme Court Of the United States above
all partisan or political considerations.
The President win leave il 10 Gov.
Hughes entirely 10 decide what he will
do IN reference 10 the next campaign
the governor takes his seat on the bench
but II is doubted here II Mr. Hughes.
after having been confirmed by the Sen
ate. Will take any active part In a cam
paign.
The present appointment 20 the Su-
preme Court bench is regarded by the
President and by others I'm Official life as
one OF the most important that any
President was ever called upon TO make.
That President Taft has great faith IN
the liberality OF Gov. Hughes views is
Indicated by the fact that he has been
willing 10 accept him for the place not
withstanding the fact that the governor
has already in a formal opinion declared
that he believed the proposed income-tax
amendment would be unconstitutional IL
adopted.
Gov. Hughes has often expressed his
opinion in regard 20 the enforcement Of
the antitrust law against unjust dis
ordinations, and q IS expected that he
Will take a liberal view OF the cases
now pending before the Supreme Court
Gov. Hughes constructive legislation
in reference 10 the Consolidated Gas
Company OF New York. and the laws
which he helped 70 frame as counsel FOR
the Armstrong insurance investigating
committee are also pointed TO as indi-
cations Of his Iiberality.
In connection with Gov Hughes views
as expressed in his speech opening the
Taft campaign, his reference in regard
10 the Supreme Court bench was recalled
here with considerable interest. Said he.
speaking OF the Presidential election:
Consequences Far Reaching.
Rarely has the choice or President
involved more far-reachlng consequences.
For II is not improbable that the next
President viii appoint at least four Judges
OF the United States Supreme Court. Tpon
these appointments will largely depend
the quality Of the judicial work Of this
great court for years 10 come. Congress
may pass laws. but the Supreme Court
interprets and CONSTITUTES them. and de-
their validity. The Constitution.
with its guarantees Of liberty and its
grants OF Federal power, IS finally what
the Supreme Court determines Il 10 mean
Upon the learning. wisdom, and char
acter Of the judges OF the Supreme Court
rests not merely the just determination
OF the important matters of private right
which come before that august tribunal
but 20 a very large degree the course
OF our political history and the develop
ment and security Of our institutions
In view OF the vacancies which in the
natural course Of events viii most prob
ably occur during the next few years.
we must remember that we are about 20
choose a representative OF the people 10
whom IS condded the nomination OF
Federal Judges. a power second 10 none
possessed by the President, the exercise
Of which calls for the highest judgment"