VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.

Anglo-Maori Warder, Volume 1, Issue 2, 2 May 1848, Page 4

VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.

The Gibbs of Government—Justice Gibbs, we are told, was so absolutely persuaded of his own universal capacity, and the universal unfitness of others, that it was no uncommon thing for him to ask roughly for a counsel's brief, censure the attorney who prepared it, and the witnesses to be examined, lecture the jurors, castigate the officers of the court, (rota the sherilf to the constable, whose duty of maintaining order he would frequently executej and thus in his o*-. n person perforin the functions of judge and jur>, counsel for bolh parties, attorney for each suitor, and crier of the court. Sir William Denison seems to have studied this illustrious example of universal aptitude. He has won the warm regard of every officer of the government by the urbanity of his behaviour, the moderation of his language, and the alfability of bis address. He has frequently condescended to insignificant deiail —in the most insinuating I manner intimated that the functionaries in ever> department did not know their duty, and r'nvited | them to witness bis ability in the execution of their office. But his instruction is not conlined to the magistrates, surveyors, clerks, and constables of the territory. He ascends the sacied seat of justice, and teaches the judges themselves how they should administer the law. Leo Baptista Alberti, though a universal genius, was eclipsed by succeeding luminaries ; and our own countiymau, the admirable Cuchton, is in some danger from Sir William Denison. There is nothing he hesitates to attempt, and is equally clever iu determining the kind of "dirt" that renders water wholesome, and in dictating a decision to be pronounced by their honors in the supreme court. He can argue without lacts j act in obedience to instructions be never received i proceed legally in opposion to law and make that valid which is repugnant to parliamentary statute. He is a wonderful man ; far too clever for this colony. He is the Gibbs of government, and merits an apotheosis for showing mankind how the vagaries of that eccentric judge can be applied to every depaitment of the public service. Until then let us hope the colonists will imitate the German students in their veneration for Cujacius, and when his name is mentioned lake off their hats. —Launce'ton Examiner, March 4.