The Report of the Commission on the Selection of Justices
of the Peace was published on Wednesday. While the Commissioners think that the appointments should still be made by the Lord Chancellor on the advice of the Lords-Lieutenant, they recommend that small Committees should be nominated by the Lord Chancellor to assist the Lords-Lieutenant in their choice. The Commissioners further "strongly condemn the influence and action of politicians being allowed to secure appointments on behalf of any political party." They are also of opinion that persons of every social grade should be selected, and that working men should be appointed to the County as well as to the Borough Benches. We agree because we believe that working men of the right type can show an admirable independence, but we must never forget that independence—i.e., freedom from external influence—is the essential quality for a Magistrate.
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