Year: 1859

s'


very important election takes place next Mon
day in the Third Supreme Court District. An Asso-
cate Justice Of our tribunal Of last resort il to be
chosen. The District Is composed Of the following
parishes st. Tammany, Washington, Livingston.
st. Helena, East Baton Rouge, East Felieiana, West
Feciana, Pointe Coupee, Avoyelles, lenses, Concor
dis Lafayette, VermiIIion, st. Mary, st. Martin, and
st. Landry.


We are inclined to think, although we rather dis
like to admit the fact on account Of State PRIDE that
our present judiciary system is more OF failure than
otherwise. But whether it be failure or not, one
thing is clearly apparent: The electors pay very little
attention to judicial canvassers, and appear regard
less, to deplorable extent, in the premises Now,
although 1t is an undsputed and indisputable truth,
that good Associate Justice, one upright, talented
and learned in the law, is Of importance to the
people than good Governor, it is equally clear that
as general rule, not more than one-third Of the
voters take the trouble to 60 to the polls when such
an officer is to be chosen Not long ago it became
necessary to elect Associate Justice in the Fourth
District to fill the vacancy occasoned by the resgna-
ton OF Judge Spofford. II our memory serves us
correctly, not onefourth vote was polled True an
excellent man was chosen, but what security have we
that excellent men will be chosen in future when
threeourths Of the people fail to exercise the prerog.
ative OF suffrage? That is the question to contem.
plate Our good luck may not last forever. Whether
this lack of interest in judicial elections on the part
OF the masses flows from our multiplicity of cleo
tons or whether the dissatisfaction against the sys-
tenn operates unfavorably, inducing majority to ab.
stain from participation that the judiciary may be
reduced so low as to render radical change ndspen
sable ere long, unable to say-but it is certain
that the fact is have statedt. Our people pay
very little heed to such contests and if fifty per
cent. vote is cast in the Third District next Monday
we shall be somewhat surprised.


Yet the same people, who usually neglect the most
important Of elections-the judicial are all alive
with excitement when constable, clerk, sheriff,
or almost any other public unctionary is to be chosen
Then full vote is invariably brought out. How this
great inconsistency their part is to be reconced
we know not. We only state fact which carries
with it anything but agreeable sensations
The Franklin (St. Nary Banner, Of the 2sth, has
some good observations n regard to the coming elec
ton, which we append:


Although this associate Justceship) is one Of the
most important Offices in the State the people usuall1
take but little interest in these elections and act al
though they care but little about the results whether
strong Judge or q weak one, good or bad one bt
elected.


We sincerely hope the people of St. Mary will mus
ter strongly at the polls this election day as they
should do on all election days; and all we ask, wish
hope is that each man will vote exactly as bis
science and his better judgment tell him TO- there
is any Office that requires honest and Independent,
voting regardless of conventions caucuses, parties
or the commands of political leaders, it is the Office
that is to be filled by the votes Of the election which
is soon at hand.


As an independent journal we do not enlist as the
special advocate of the claims of either of the candi
dates. The people themselves are amply capable Of
Judging between the two We repeat an honest vote
is all we wish to see in this in any other election
VIII an honest and full vote be given?


| The candidates in the field are Judge Albert voor
HES Of st. Martin, and the Hon. John E. King OF St
Landry. Both are able men, and either will unques
tionably make an excellent Associate Justice. Mr.
King runs as an independent candidate, having bee,
brought out by members of the bar belonging to boti
parties He is man possessed Of much experenc,
and legal ability, and is deservedly popular Judg
Voorhes runs as the nominee of political conven
ton which was held at Baton Rouge shortly after tn,
beginning of the session of the last Legislature.