The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-07-13
THE CHARLESTON JUDGESHIP.

The people OF the entire state are now
beginning to watch with deep solicitude
the progress and probabilities of Whip
per's contest for the seat of Judge Reed
upon the First Circuit. This would-be
colored Judge, in speech at Orange
burg on the fourth of July, again re-
peated his declaration that he would
have the position or die in his attempt
to take it. From his known seditious
and violent disposition, it may be seri-
ously apprehendcd that, feeling he can
rely for assistance upon the large colored
maiorities in the Circuit to sustain him,
he will give trouble in his efforts to don
the judicial ermine. This difficulty
which has beef impending since the
election of Judges last winter, must
come to crisis in August, as Whipper
claims that his term begins at that time.
Judge Reed, at the solicitation of the
respectability of the Charleston and Or
angeburg bars and many of the promi-
nent citizens of each of these places, has
determined to maintain his position and
enforce what he, in common with many
eminent attorneys of the State, consider
to be the law of the case. In reaching
this determination, we think Judge Reed
has acted wisely, and will be sustained
by the honest and intelligent people Of
the State, irrespective of party or color.
He can rely upon such assistance as may
be necessary to enforce his view of the
matter, and by his firm and decided
course will no doubt earn the gratitude
of the people of the First Circuit and
the commendation of the whole people
of South Carolina who are lovers of law
and order. Some persons dread con-
fict in settling the question as to this
judgeship, but we apprehend nothing of
the kind, unless Governor Chamberlain
proves false to the position he has as
sumed in regard to it, and is Indifferent
to his duty to the people of the State
over which he is Governor. By refusing
to commission Whipper, he has declared
that Judge Reed is the proper incum-
bent, and as. the Governor of the State
it is his duty to sustain him in this posi-
ton, if it requires the entire militia of
the State to accomplish it, and if the
militia is not sufficient for the purpose,
then, as Governor, he should call for
United States troops to assist him. If
there is any trouble, Gov. Chamberlain
will be responsible for it. He has not
commissioned Whipper because his elec-
ton was unconstitutional, and he cannot,
after taking this position, allow such an
Infringement of the constitution as per-
mitting Whipper to take his seat or pro:
duce riot in the attempt. The Cover
nor should have an ample force of relia-
BILE men for the enforcement of the law
at the coming term of the Courts in both
Charleston and Orangeburg. We sup
pose this will be done, and the matter
will pass off quietly. If, however, it is
not done, the people of these Counties
will doubtless obey the orders of Judge
Reed, and sustain him Independent of
the State militia. Such a necessity
ought to be averted by the Governor,
for if it is not the citizens will be forced
in self-defense to prevent by whatever
means may be necessary the elevation of
so corrupt and ignorant a man as Whip
ner to the bench.