The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1873-10-15
Tribute to Judge Wardlaw: by Judge
Aldrich. Judge Maher Presiding,
September Term.


Nay ii pleuse yoai,' Ho5a6r - #H
Another link in the chain that
binds us to the past is broken.
Since the adjournment of your
last court, Judge Wardlaw has been
called from time to eternity. 1t
seems to me eminently proper, for
one Of his associates on the bench,
to make this official announcement
to the court. But had [ not boen
i friend and associate, standing
here witnessing the passing away
Of the geaesstiem with 7mho!h i
have toiled and suffered, it is fit
tlMtI,nakelhonorabIe mention; of
one of its most distinguished work
ers. Iknow that no man in the
Statea aa.nised and respected the
judicial Virtue, dignity and learn
ing of Judge Wardlaw, more than
yourself, and that no man is more
anxious eriwillhg'to pay.beeoming
honor to his memory. -
THO, greatvJ,udge died peacefully
aud Quietly at his homie in Able
Vile on Sunday morning, the
eight, l,day of June last, without a
struggle silt the full possession of
his mehtal hcdlt1es: After 4 long
life Of usefulnessl and virtuous ef-
fort, he was ready to 60; his work
Yas5dons; hR. .eoanrpdeswere drop;
ping 81 e of IL .oohe by one; tile infiFTmi-
ties Of age had gradually come
upon him, and there was no induce
ment to, stay. The death of this
good man was not Unexpected
partial paralysis ihad warned him
and his family Chat the end was
near; he awaited the messenger
with calm dignity and composure,
and when he came, said,
Nov I lay me down to sleep"
Like a little child, he committed
his soul in perfect confidence to his
Heavenly Father.
Judge Wardlaw was representa-
tive gentleman Of the old South
Carolina; a good and true man
not perfect, but having all the ele-
ments to make'a useful citizen and
great Judge. He was graduate
of the South Carolina College,
with the honors of the institution
was always deeply interested in its
success, and for many years one
of the most Industrious, punctual
and Jealous members of the Board
Of Trustees. lie guarded his alma
mater with jealous and affection
ate care, and no graduate mourned
her decline with more sincere and
perfect sorrow. 1 knew him long
and well, and can speakof his high
tone and character.
AS a lawyer, Judge Wardlaw
was industrious, pains-taking, ear
nest, threw his whole souliltto4 the
case, took no undue advantage, but
never failed to avail himself of any
mistake that the opposite counsel
might make. lie argued his case
we'll, because he, regarded - thor
ough preparation a conscientious
duty, and was very ambitious Of
professional distinction. His ar.
cuments were learned and instruc'
tive; in manner, calm, : in style
classic; sometime rising to high
eloquence, but he rarely permitted
excitement to warm him up tc
enthusiasm. Hence, he seldom
exhibited that passionate eloquence
Of which he was capable, and whicl
would thaye made him a, great ora
tor had he indulged itd hHe seem
ed afraid,to encourage his, enthusi
asm, lest he nigh, make some er
ror Of judgment,o or drop a, link III
the logical chain of his argument
Unlike most public. speakers, HI
| did not lash, himself into, excite