the
inhabitants themselves, that it is become highly expedient to
substitute in its place one which shall be incorruptible, and
which, from its own importance, may command a greater degree of
respect. At the head of this court ought to be placed a chief
justice, who, by the respectability of his salary, should be
effectually placed above the reach of every motive of an improper
or injurious nature; and in order to lighten this expense to the
crown, certain court fees might be established which would
materially assist to swell the amount of the remuneration which
ought to be attached to this high office, so as to render it
worthy the notice of men who are fitted, by habit and education,
to execute its duties in a correct and honourable manner. The
rent of the residence appointed to this gentleman ought to be
taken from his shoulders, and the public stores should find
provisions for himself, his family, and his servants, together
with fuel and candles; the wages of a limited number of domestics
might also be paid by government; and thus he would be exonerated
from so many burthens of a pecuniary nature, that a salary which
might at the first glance seem inadequate to the trust reposed,
would, on considering every circumstance, appear less
exceptionable, and more equal to the dignity which would
externally be attached to the office. It is almost superfluous to
mention, that the utmost care should be taken in the choice of a
proper person to fill this situation, since his character, his
conduct, and his general habits, ought to be such as to render
him like Caesar's wife--"not only free from suspicion, but
free from the suspicion of being suspected." With a person
of this description to superintend the court of judicature, there
could no longer exist causes to fear the introduction of party
motives and malicious prejudices, to contaminate the stream of
justice; a strict impartiality would direct every decision, and
those who were doomed to meet with disappointment in their views,
while they writhed under its decision, would not be able to
impeach its integrity. If it were found necessary to adopt any
further measures to preserve their honour unsullied, the
rendering their situations limited might probably produce a good
effect; and a pension might be allowed to them on their return to
England, if they were able to produce certificates from the
governors and lieutenant-governors who had held command in the
colony during t