At the early period of the session, measures were adopted by the dominant
party to take possession of the State, to fill all public offices with
party men, and make every measure affecting the interests of the people
and the credit of the State operate in furtherance of their party views.
The merits of men and measures therefore became the subject of discussion
in caucus, instead of the halls of legislation, and decisions there made
by a minority of the Legislature have been executed and carried into
effect by the force of party discipline, without any regard whatever to
the rights of the people or the interests of the State. The Supreme
Court of the State was organized, and judges appointed, according to the
provisions of the Constitution, in 1824. The people have never
complained of the organization of that court; no attempt has ever before
been made to change that department. Respect for public opinion, and
regard for the rights and liberties of the people, have hitherto
restrained the spirit of party from attacks upon the independence and
integrity of the judiciary.
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