A few years ago, when the judiciary were appointed by the State Senate, and served until physical infirmities limited the term, the New York Bench were unrivalled for learning, courtesy and literary acquirements. Our criminal judges were particularly distinguished, and the name of Richard Riker, for many years Recorder of New York, will be remembered as that of a worthy and respected magistrate. Whence have we receded to secure Russells and Barnards? Nay, we have even gone to the length of creating offices which are perfectly useless, and filled them with idle incumbents. Will any man say that the City Court exists as a matter of necesity, or that the duties of the officers do not belong to other authorities? If not, why not erect a court-room and not compel its presiding dignitary to lounge a hanger-on the Court of Sessions. Probably it is better for the common weal, and more in accordance with Mr. Russell’s antecedents, that he be suffered to continue in this way of life, in which the extent of mischief may be kept within limit. In the approaching constitutional convention, the question of an elective judiciary will be fairly at issue, and it is one duty that we owe to ourselves to re-organize the magistracy, that its ancient character for integrity and truth may be revived and perpetuated. This work of purification will probably be strenuously opposed by those of our politicians, who are dependent to the gangs of shoulder hitters, and brothel pimps, now infecting our city and rendering the elective franchise a political caricature. If we suffer this opportunity to escape us, we are unworthy the character of freemen, and deservedly the cellars of a judiciary, as incompent as it is useless, and as useless as it is expensive. The Tail of the Cable. We have had our gay old time; our citizens have had fireworks, and crackers, and cheese; our boys have had a turn-out, and our country cousins have had a most stunning display of municipal greatness,—in a word, we have glorified God, the Atlantic Cable, and the Field family. This is all very well in its way; but when we come to pay for the piping, we naturally inquire the reason for all this fuss and commotion—for the only thing which appears to be quiet is the cable itself, which neither works nor gives evidence of any inclination towards labor. Now that we have had the fun, let us pay for it.