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 The Supreme Court of New Jersey.

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large majority. This election was the means receive a permanent support; the other, a of bringing forward this young obscure lawyer constitutional convention. He was success from his unknown home in the mountains ful in the convention; and his advice and of Sussex, and eventually of landing him recommendation for the other measure, al in the Governor's chair, — the only instance though for a time rejected, took root and in of the kind known in the State. In 1840 due season were followed. In 1847 he ac the " Broad Seal War," already referred to, cepted a nomination for Governor, then elec was waged in New Jersey. The very best tive under the new Constitution by the minds in the State were enlisted in the people, and for a term of three years. This

position was now re argument for the Whig moved from the judi party, which of course ciary, and its holder sustained the Gov obliged to confine him ernor, and young sell exclusively to the Haines was obliged to performance of the du measure weapons with tics of the executive. these practised and Governor Haines's skilled men in the opinions as Chancel mental arena. He lost lor fill one volume of nothing by the con equity reports, were test, and was not for prepared with the gotten by his party. greatest care, and were In 1843 the Demo regarded with high crats obtained the as respect. cendency, and he was At the expiration of elected Governor. his term of office as While the result of Governor, when last this election was great elected, he returned ly due to his character to Hamburg and re and talents, it is very sumed the practice of doubtful whether he the law with very would have been suc great success. cessful if the Whig In 1852 he was party had not been n.ANIEI. HAINES nominated by the divided. Be that as Governor as an As it may, he was elected, and elected too because he was a man of sociate Justice, was confirmed by the Sen ability and integrity. Then the office of ate, and took his seat on the bench in the month of November of that year. He re Governor carried with it that of Chancel lor, and the incumbent was elected by the tained the office for two full terms, of seven years each. He brought to the position great Legislature from year to year. He was con tinued in office until the inauguration of his experience as a trial lawyer, having been gen successor, and would have been re-nominated erally employed in every important cause after the passage of the new Constitution, had tried in Sussex County while practising at he not declined. While he was Governor he the courts of that county; a skilled knowledge in the common law science of pleading, a strongly urged, in messages and by his per sonal influence, two very important measures, learning which was strengthened by years of — one, a re-arrangement of the common school ardent and unremitting study; a stern deter system, so that it could be systematized and mination to do his whole duty as a judge