Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 97, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 August 1908 — OUR COURTS. [ARTICLE]

OUR COURTS.

Both the great parties have wrestled long and hard on the injunction planks in their platforms. Fdr a time it was thought that this question woufcT be a paramount issue in the campaign. This cannot be if the platforms are to be taken as a basis of argument. They are so much alike that there is not much show for an argument. Both parties express their respeef for the dignity and integrity of the courts and promise to do nothing that will destroy their effleieneyv and independence. , They merely promise to modify the mode of procedure so that no arbitrary or unfair rulings can emanate from the courts. There is no quest!A but that if either party had taken radical grounds against the courts the people would have severely condemned such party at the polls next November. Admit ting them that there is not much difference In the party platforms on the subject, how about the candidates for president? These men will have much to do in shaping the bench of the federal courts. As is well known, all judges of the federal courts appointed by the president. Nine justices compose the supreme court of the- United States. They may retire at ths. age of seventy years'. Three of these justices are now past this age, ' Two or three others will reach the. llm-t it within the term of the next president. Nqte well the following facts: Date of Present

Justices. age Chief Justice Fuller... .1888 75 Justice Harlan ... .TT.1877 ' 75 Justice Brewer 1889 71 Justice White 1894 63 Justice Peckham 1895 v 70 Justice McKenna .....1898 65 Justice Holmes .1902 _ 67 Justice Day 1903 59 Justice Moody 1906 55 The chief justice and Justices Harlan, Brewer and Peckham have passed the age (70) at which they may retire. The very great probability is that by retirement or by death an unusual number of vacancies will occur on this bench during the administration of the next president. Justice Harlan was appointed by President Hayes, the chief justice and Justices White and Peckham by President Cleveland: Justice Brewer by President Harrison; Justice McKenna by President McKinley, and Justices Holmes, Day and Moody by President Roosevelt. Mr. Cleveland’s and Mr. Roosevelt’s appointments make up two-thirds of the present bench. Many men will ask themselves these questions before the election: What sort of .men would Ml*. Bryan appoint to these high places if he should^become president, and what sort of men would Mr. Taft appoint? Few more important questions than this will come up during the campaign.. It should be remembered that the light on Mr. Bryan la 1896 and 1900 was not altogether on his financial heresies. His-' attacks on the courts aroused the thoughtful and patriotic people to a high state of opposition. We all remember how he told the people that there was danger ih the encroachments of the courts oh the rights and privileges of the people. The “'Sound Money Democratic Convention” that met at Indianapolis in 1896 wa»a protest against Bryan and his heresies. In that convention were some of the most patriotic and intelligent mqh of the country. They were inspired by love of their country, its laws and constitution. They denounat ed in unmeasured terms Bryan’s position in reference to the- courts. The question now arises how much different Is Bryan now than then? He claims now that he wds right in 1896 and 1900 and that time and events have vindicated his position. M«. Bryan is the Batne as ever, full of fads and heresies. It can be said of > him that he is more of a politician now than he was In 1896. He has given up or modified his views on some questions as a matter of expediency or policy. But at no time has he confessed a change of heart on the question of the courts. It matters not what the platform may promise,- the great question is what would Bryan do as president in shaping the courts of the country? Are the people willing to trußt him in appointing the judges of these great tribunals that hold their property, liberties and lives in their hands? Do they prefer this “Politician of the Platte” to the great lawyer, judge and statesman of Ohio? Do they want to entrust the great judicial functions to an untried dreamer rather than to a man that Is eminently fitted by experience? DO they prefer a variable, vacillating experiment in the White House to a well-rounded, seasoned man of experience and accomplishments? This tant question for the people to decide. It Is one more of men than of measures and platformß. We know what Taft would do. We do not know what Bryan would do. The great business interests of the country demand safety and security If our prosperity is to oontlnue. Destroy confidence in the oourts and our country is In a deplorable condition.

“Dixie’ ’was the favorite tune at the Denver convention. But “Marching Through Georgia” was tabooed by the Southern delegates. It is quite evident that the Southern Democrats don’t want any reminders of the “unpleasantness” from 1861 to ’65. Bat to be consistent, how can they go on record with a resolution favoring the oelebratlon of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln in 1009? As a reminded* let them read the resolntlons and firooeedtngs of the Democratic ’ contSMfOft fßhe war Issues were, then clear and fresh

in the minds of the people. Bdt there were no endearing terms about the “Great Emancipator.” HU followers then were called "Lincoln dogs’ ’and he the "Prince of Darkness.” . "v \ *. *-*.. - . Let the thousands of good temperance Democrats in I-d ana Temember what Libber and Crawford Fairbanks have said and how Taggart and Lamb are aligned on state issues this year; nor let them ever forget that the present jspramount question before the electorate in this state is more Important for them and their homes than the most notable and appealing declaration in their party’s national platform. * * * During July there Is a marked revival of business and laborers by the thousands are being employed all over the country. Factories that were temporarily closed down have resumed and the railroads are enlarging their pay-rolls. With big crops assured to the farmers, there is promise of continued prosperity for this goodly land. *• • v Men and women In the remotest comer of a “dry” township have an interest in T working to wipe up the big •'wet” spot in a county seat their boys may visit often.