The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1873-01-30

JANUARY TERM.-Ihe January term OF Ine
Circuit Court for Anderson County began on
Monday last, his Honor Judge Thompson H.
Cooke presiding. Upon the organization OF the
Court, the Clerk read the commission of Judge
Cooke, to fill the unexpired term of Hon. James
L. Orr. Also, the commissions of Absalom
Blythe, Esq, as Solicitor of the Eighth Circuit,
John W. Daniels, as Clerk and VIM. McGukin
as Sheriff of Anderson County.
The Grand Jury was organized with Samuel
J. Emerson as Foreman, and his Honor pro-
ceeded to charge the members as to the nature
and extent of their duties. He believed that
the change in the law, which makes grand
jurors serve for the whole year, was wise and
judicious regulation, as it enabled them to be-
come familiar with the duties expected of them.
He was very much grati6ed to find that Ander-
son County was in healthy financial condi-
ton, and he had no doubt that one of the great
causes leading to this result was that the grand
juries have heretofore discharged their trusts
and held public officers to a strict accountable
ity. Anderson was now the banner county of
the State, and it behooves the grand jury to
scrutinize the actions of these officers that they
may continue to fulfill their obligations to the
public. He desired them to give particular at
tention to Trial Justices, whose power to op-
press the people and involve the County in un;-
necessary expense was very great, and had been
fearfully abused in the lower portion of the
State, with which he was more familiar. A
Trial Justice is peace officer, whose duty is
to prevent strife and maintain good order in
the community, and he hoped they would they
present every Trial Justice who was transgres-
sing these limits and promoting litigation
among the people. 1t was also their duty to
examine the public Offices, and bringing such
matters to the attention of the Court as needed
correction. Only one bill was ready to be
handed out, which was an indictment for muir
der, the nature of which offence was clearly ex-
planned, together with its various degrees. He
likewise defined the nature of grand larceny,
assault and battery, and other offences.
To the bar and officers of the Court in re-
spouse to letter of congratulation received
from them Immediately after his election, his
Honor returned sincere thanks for their kind
expressions, and hoped that the relations be-
tween them would be no less pleasant than
those of his predecessor. He paid just and
eloquent tribute to Judge Orr, whom he did
not hope to initiate perfectly in the discharge
of official duties, but he entered upon this ex-
alted station with determination to promote
the best interests of all the people, and trusted
to receive the hearty support of every one con-
nected with the administration ofjustice.
The charge of his Honor was listened to most
attentively by all present, and made favora-
BILE impression upon his hearers. His manners
are affable and courteous, while he graces the
bench with dignity, and indicates proper ap-
probation of the responsibilities attaching to
ghis position.
The new Solicitor, Absalom Blythe, Esq, en-
ters upon his career with readiness and ability,
and evinces tact in the management of such
business as properly comes within the scope of
his duties.
The following cases have been tried up to
this writing: The State VS.. John B. Neal, in
dictment for assault and battery, with intent to
murder; the jury found the defendant guilty
of assault and battery. The State vs.. Helena
Thompson, colored, assault and battery guilty.
The State vs.. Thomas Young, colored, bigamy;
guilty.
Mr. Cochran has introduced bill to charter
the AikeQ, Anderson, Port Royal and Charles
ton Railroad Cnmnany Also bill tn amend