The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-12-17
The Election of Circuit Judge.

The Election Of Circuit Judge.
The most exciting event before the Leglsla-
,eure has been the election of CircuitJudge for
the Charleston District, to supply the vacancy
eccasioned by the death of Judge Graham.
The election was held on Friday last, when
the contest was narrowed down to choice be-
tween Hon.. P. Reed, of Anderson, Mr.
Elihu G. Baker, of Darlington. and w. ).
Whipper, (colored,) Of Barnwell. MI. Reed
was the favorite candidate of Gov. Chamberlain
and his warmest supporters; Baker is the law
partner and brother-in-law of Senator Wnitte-
more, and received the full strength OF that
wing of the Republican party which is repre-
sented BY Whittemore and his gang. Whipper
was put forward as the representative OF the
colored race, and his friends foolishly endeay
ored to create sympathy on account OF color
and race. The Conservatives did not propose
9 candidate, and reserved their strength TO sus-
tain the best and most available man for the
position, -.
Such vas the situation of affairs on the night
preceding the election, when caucus Was held
to discuss the merits Of the several candidates.
We are unable to give the proceedings OF shia
caucus in detail. saf6ee IL 70 say, the eandi-
dates wero required to appear before the meet
ing, and each one gave expression TO his views
and opinions. Mr.. Reed announced himself
as thoroughly identified with the Republican
party. and his determination to work for It's
success. But the most notable speech of the
evening was made by Gov. Chamberlain, who
strongly denounced the aspirations of Baker
and Whipper, and earnestly advised that Mr..
Reed should be elected as the most competent
and upright of those named for the position
He regarded Mr.. Reed as a Republican, man
of superior ability, and thoroughly qualified
for the Office, which should be filled with the
best talent and character that the party could
command. His denunciation of Whipper was
scsthing and effective, wherein he declared
that neither in ability, legal learning or integ-
rity was Whipper equal to the position. TWAS
a bold and defiant speech, in agreement with
his pledges of reform, which, to adopt his own
expression, he was determined to translate into
action. This conduct Of the Governor was
severely condemned by those of his own party
not sympathizing with genuine measures OF
reform, but it had the effect of rallying to his
support q strong minority of Republicans,
while the Conservatives were prompt to sustain
his position. The result was to save Charleston
from the ignominy and disgrace likely to ensue
from the election of Whipper, and to give them
a judicial officer who is pledged to no party or
clique, but determined to maintain the scales
of Justice with an even hand -
The election of Judge Reed has more than
an ordinary meaning, therefore. The failure
of Gov. Chamberlain rendered it certain that a
majority of the Legislature would refuse to be
governed by the principles set forth in his in
augural address, and repetition of shameless
corruption would be next in order. His de-
cided victory signifies that with the aid aud
assistance of the Conservatives, the Governor
can rally a sufficient number to prevent any
unjust legislation and augment the prospect OF
genuine reform. 1t proves also that the Con-
servative members are necessary to sustain GoV'
Chamberlain whenever he proposes to do right,
and this will tend to increase their influence in
shaping legislation during the next two years.
The successful candidate is one of the most
prominent citizens of Anderson, which renders
it unnecessary to give any sketch of his active
and busy career. He has been engaged in the
practice of law for upwards Of thirty years,
and his success during that period is the best
evidence of his ability and fitness to discharge
the duties of Circuit Judge. The grave re-
sponsibilities of his position are second only to
that of the Governor, and we confidently be-
leve that Judge Reed will scrupulously main
tain the integrity and honor Of the judiciary.