The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-12-17
LATEST FROM
McIvcr Declines the Chief. Justiceship.

This has been a week of surprises. The
last is the unexpected refusal of Judge
McIver to accept the Office Of Chief JUS
tice to which he was unanimously elected
last Thursday. Yesterday his letter de-
Ginning the Office was sent to the General
Assembly, and read. 1t naturally caused
great astonishment. His reason is THAT
grave doubts are entertained by some
whose opinions are entitled to the highest
respect, as to tho power of the General
Assembly to ill the vacancy in the office
of Associate Justice Of the Supreme
Court which would be caused by his ac-
ccptance Of the office of Chief Justice,
upon the expiration of the term for which
tho present incumbent Of that office was
elected"
This, startling all like a bombshcll, has
thrown everything into confusion. The
likelihood is that Gov. Simpson will be
elected Chief Justice. Gen. Conner and
Judge Presley arc both reported to have
refused to be candidates, thereby render
ing Simpsons election almost certain.
Judge MCGOWAN took his seat for the
first time on the Supreme Bench ycster-
day. His resignation rs a Representative
was read in the House and ordered to be
placed upon the journal. The judiciary
Committee, whose chairman he was, pre-
scented him with an address signed by all
expressing their regret at losing so inval-
liable a q. adjutor, and at the same time
complimenting him or his promotion.
The Gary "interview" attacking Hamp-
ton caused little comment in Columbia.
The public found nothing new in it-all
having been published several times be-
fore, although without Gary's anne
The following is a copy of General Nc.
Gowan's letter resigning his seat in the
House of Representatives. We know that
we speak the mind of his constituents
when we say that they part with him rs
their Representative with deep regret,
while at the same time they feel a COM
mendable pride at his elevation:
SUPREME OOChl uf SOOI1i VA RublNAS
COLUMBIA, S. c., December Is, 1879.
To the Hon. John c. Sheppard, Speaker
of the House OF Representatives.:
l have accepted the office of Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court Of the
State, which %disqualifies me from being
a member of the Legislature, and my
seat, as one Of the Representatives from
Abbeville County, is vacant. 1t is not
without deep emotions that l sever the
political ties which for more thar TWEEN.
ty-ive years have bound me to the good
people of Abbeville, who, during that
long and eventful period for no other
return than earnest efforts to serve the
State have, under all circumstances. in
prosperity and adversely, in peace and in
war, sustained me with a generous conf
dence and an unfaltering support. No
words can express my sense Of obligation
and my highest hopeis that I may be able
to deserve their appreciation in the future
as I have received it in the past.
With q heart full of gratitude for con.
slant courtesy and kindness received OF
their hands, and with a firm resolve to do
my whole duty to the best of my ability,
l can only say to each and every member
of the House of Representatives, farewell.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully
your obedient servant.
8. MCGOWAN.