The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-12-17
GEN. S. MCGOWAN MADE JUDGE.
"A Close Contest Between McGOwan
and Wallace...McIyer Elected CHEZ
Justice.

JuSliCts
Last Thursday, 18th inst. was an inter-
esting day in our General Assembly. The
vacancies in the Supreme Court had to be
filled up. At one o'clock p. m. the Sena-
tor camo into the House, Speaker Shop
pard gave place to President Jeter, and
the General Assembly at once. addressed
itself to the work of election. There was
u full attendance and the space allowedt to
spectators was crowded. No election
that has taken place for years has excited
so much interest. The distinguished CAM
didates, the Importance of the office, the
close contest, the doubtfulness of the re-
suit, all combined to make it the absorb
ing topic of discussion in Columbia and
throughout the State, for days before the
election.
Gen. Manigault, Representative from
Georgetown, nominated for the vacant seat
on the Supreme Bench the Hon. Samuel Nc.
Gowan. OF Abbeville.. He said:
Mr.. President, 1t Is with emotions Of the
deepest character that 1 rise to place In nomi-
nation q distinguished citizen Of South Caro-
lima for this responsible position. Attached
as / am to him by the force OF old associations
and long friendship, LINKED still more strong
ly by the hardshlps and trials through which
we have passed together. the task Is O crate
full one. and I accept with profound pleasure
the duty which has devolved upon me. I
trust, however, that 1t may be understood
that do not act from personal motives alone.
I recognize In him high qualities, and thatac-
knowledged ability, experience and knowl-
edge tina eminently fit him for the perform
ance Of the duties OF the office which 1t is pro-.
posed to besiow upon him. / cannot, and you
cannot, forget the eminent services that he
has rendered to his party, or the unseltsh de.
votlon with which he gave his services to
his n~ativeState In time OF war. l trust that
services SO valuable as his have been may
at last receive the reward they so worthily
merit.
Dir. Hutson, Of Barnwell, said:
Mr.. President, ! rise to second the nomina-
ton off h Hon. Samuel McGowan. or many
men the highest eulogium Is TO be found In the
history Of their time and country, and he Is
one OF those. I have known him long, and
know that bis youth gave promise Of the man
we now know and honor; Ny acquaintance
college, and from that time his life has been
devoted to duty and the service Of his State.
He has illustrated the valor and patriotism
Of South Carolina on the fields Of Mexico and
Virginia. In the field and the forum we have
seen In him the gallant and skillful soldier,
and the learned and successful Jurist. Such
a man cannot fail to make a learned, respect.
Ell. uDElSDL anu lWpdILIdl UuuRe. III uo Is
elected TO this position Carolina will only be
d%ischarging q debt that Is due, INT In honor
ing him she will be h~onoring herself.
Senator MeetZe said:
Mr.. President. this Joint assembly has met
to fulfill a high and sacred trust, and 1t is for
1t to place on the bench Of the Supreme Court
one In whose hands the lives, liberties and
prosperity OF the people OF South Caroline
confidence. Thai is the tribunal Of last re.
sort, and II kept honest and able 1t will stand
to protect the, people on the one hand and
maintain the integrity of the government on
/ now propose to nominate for that position
one who Is my personal friend-one whom l
love as a brother. But were he doubly dear
to me, I would say away with personal con-
know OF what l speak in praising him. I
came here with him in 1872. as q member OF
the Legislature, and during the four years that
followed-the darkest period In the history Of
to know hin, well, having especial opportuni-
ties TO do so, rs we were on the same commit
zee. I know that during that gloomy and
trying time, he had INCREASINGLY In view and
labored to maintain the honor of South Caro-
lima and the peace, prosperity and happiness
of her people. l found him with a mind well
cultivated, clear. discriminating and balanced
4 with an unfhiling love OF Justice for the sake
Y of justice-a mind that could do no wrong.
Legislative services were far different then
from 10Y for our sessions frequently lasted
from four to five months. In 1873 our for
tunes changed somewhat. l vent 10 the
other branch of the Assembly md he return
ell here, and I need not remind gentlemen
what the sentiment and feeling was towards
him In that trying hour. When the question
was asked, who shall lead and guide us a,
this supreme crisis OF the struggle, Wallace
was the cry that came from every lip In an
swer. lean safely say that his performance
and his unfaltering courage and prudence
went far toward achieving the success then
won. 1t was not strange, therefore, that
when o vacancy occurred on the judiciaI
knew him well, should almost unanimously
have agreed to cast the ermine upon hi
shoulders. In the discharge Of the duties o
that position he went from the mountains to
the bar and citizens alike sounding his
praises, and made as high a mark in the af
f~ections and esteem OF the people as the mel
propose to speak Of his military record, as
do not think that should have much weigh
in the choice for this position. 1t is enough
to say that during our great struggle he Dor,
himself %gallantly, and when he, like many
another brave man, was compelled to surren
der his sword, he came home with q nam
and character as pure and untarnished as tht
!, blade he sheathed. 1t cannot be that such
man, with such requirements and such o rec
ord, would fail TO I'LL this seat with homo
and credit to the State, Justice and himself.
nominate for the vacant Associate Justice
ship the Hon. W; n. Wallace, of Union.
Mr.. Dargan said:
MIR. President, the honor has been assigned
me of seconding the nomination Just made
ii I feel that 1t would be idle for.me to add word
h OF praise to those already spoken. His recor
!, as acitizen, q soldier, a statesman and n jude
Is known Of a.. men, and universally admin
ed and appreciated; That record Is alike hi
: highest eulogy and his strongest claim for tn
honor sought to be conferred upon him,
: The roll of the Joint Assembly was the
! called and the vote resulted For McIoWo
II, for Wallace 73, US follows: