Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-02-16
JUDGE LANES OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

JUDGE JAMES OF SOUTH
" How abject, how august. how wonderful is mani"
burgess.
This gentleman, once distinguished as an eff.
! fcient iu.ist, and an eminent scholar, has been
impeacned, tried, and found guilty Of the
charge preferred against him-habitual intoxi-
cation-and removed from office. The scene
presented at his trial, and at the moment of
passing sentence, was one Of painful interest
and is - presented TO the roader in tho following
glowing, yet elegant and feeling language, by
the accomplished sditor Of tho Charleston
Courier:
"Soats having been provided for the men,
bcrs Of the House, and tho chambers being
crowded with spectators, a deep and solemn
silence cnsued, whilst the Court was waiting
for the appearance OF the accused which
was about 10 or 30 minutes. At length Mr..
Preston, presented himself at the Bar, and an
nounced to the President, that his client was
ready to hear the sentence Of the Court. The
President told the Counsel, that Judge James
presence might be dispensed with, if it was
not his wish to appear before the public on SO
trying an occasion. Upon Mr.. Preston's re-
peuting that the accused was willing to come
before the Court, he was called in, and took
his seat at the bar. He made his appearance
supported by Mr.. Starkc, the Secretary Of
State, Ca contemporary and fellow soldier Of
the Rcvolution) on the one hand, and by his
son on the other. His situation was, indeed
eminently calculated to excite the sympathies
of the Assembly in which he stood "a feeble,
afflicted and forlorn old man with a family (as
it is understood absolutely dependent on his
salary for support-a faithful adherent in the
good cause Of the Revolution, who it is proba-
bio, had been recommended mainly by that
consideration, to the notice of the State-one
who had been the companion in arms Of the
fathers Of most OF those who were about to
pass so dreadful a doom upon him, and had
over and over again received marks of their
esteem and confdence-one Of the trainers Of
that very constitution under whose stern func-
tons he was now suffering SO much-his sor-
owfui, yet resigned and patient %air-evcry
thing conspired to awaken the liveliest sensi-
bility Of the spectators.
The President, after announcing TO him that
the Court was prepared to declare its judg-
ment, asked him il The had any thing 10 say
why it should not be pronounced. Upon this
Judge James arose, and read from a small piece
of paper, the simple and touching address,
which follows -
"yMr. President.-I have served my coun-
try too long, not to be sensible Of my duty to
submit Gas we'll as I may) to this heavy stroke.
| could have wished that ny old age had been
spared thi. awful calamity, but Providence has
thought proper TO bring me- through the varied
and triod scenes Of a long life, to this bitter
period. To the Almighty, and to him alone,
| look for support and consolation. pray
him to bless and prosper my country, which
while il casts me of, cannot, and | trust will
not, be disposed to deprive mo Of the consola-
tions, which result from a consciousness
of good intentions, and honest conduct in Of
fice."
The effect upon the assembly was so great,
that there were many Of the sternest, both
of his judges and his accusers who shed tears.
The President then said, TINT it became his
painful duty, Che most painful of his life) to
pronounce that the Hon. William ID. James
had been found guilty Of the first and second
articles preferred against him that he had al
so been found guilty of the fourth article ; but
tina, he was adjudgcd not guilty Of the third
and fifth articles of the impeachment. The
sentence Of the Court was, that VIM. d. James
be removed from his said office Of Judge Of the
Court ofCommon Pleas"
Although the vice of which this venerable
jurist was found guilty, is one Of the most de-
grading TO which man is liable = and although
the sentence Of his peers was just and wise,
still his case, presents something, which is well
calculated to awaken the commiseration Of tho
sympathetic heart.
An old man, who had faithfully served his
country, and fought her battles to achieve her
pIaponI.n.a anI - t..ut - Uot..t, A.
blessings Of liberty, Is placed before the pub
lie, to receive its condemnation and its punish
ment.
Blessed by heaven, with talents Of an high
order, and which had been literally fostered
and cultivated. no was designed for an orna-
ment to society and TO promote its welfare (;
but tempted by the most odious Of all vices,
"--Placcda an enemy to his lips
To steal away his brains,"
and in his old age, was dishonoured and pub
lickly disgracod. Pity for tho infrmities Of
poor human nature. might have led us to hope
that some plan might have been conceived, to
avert a calamity 50 awful and painful. and to
have screened an old man from the fate that
awaited him. But il was right that he should
be punished the laws must be obsysd, and
the gray headed offender. must descend to the
grave. wing amid the accumulated Allie
tons Of poverty. misery, and disgrace.
The fate OF Judge James. furnishes q NOLAN
choly commentary on the vice Of Incorporate
drinking. and the consideration Of it, should