The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-02-08
OUR TRIAL JUSTICES.

An Interesting Talk by Senator
Hemphill.-.He Seems to Have His
own Way About the Trial Justices
mo Probability that Mr.. SittOn
VIII Receive the Appointment.
Last week In local from one Of our CORE:
spondents 1t was stated that petition signed
generally Ly the voters Of Due West, for the
Teappointment Of Trial Justice Sitton had
been forwarded to Governor Richardson.
We thought we might pick up readable
Item from Senator Hemphill about the mat.
ter and so we approached him with intent 10
interview" He said he was always pleased
to talk with a sensible newspaper man about
any public matter upon which he had infor'
"Well, what about this new petition9" we
asked.
Senator Hemphill replied: 1.-THE first in
formation had of 1t was In your last issue
If the others Of the delegation signed 1t they
had q perfect right to do so, as the right OF
petition is not denied to any citizen. was
not consulted about 1t and not requested to
put. my name to the petition. presumse
this was not considered necessary.
"What will be the result Of the efort9" we
asked.
Senator Hemphill, continuing said: Gov.
crnor Richardson communicated to mo last
Saturday through Louis r. Chazal, Esq. his
Private Secretary, that the petition had been
placed on file in the Executive office and that
| impossible for him to make the appointment
as Mr.. Sitton had been rejected by the Senate
ale had been rejected by the Senator
eyes" the Senator replied; "He was nomi.
but on my motion the Senate declined to
consent" without an opposing vote. l had
previously protested against his re-appolnt
ment which had been requested In petition
by the House delegation and presented to me
a few days before adjournment Of the Gener'
al Assembly"
mot at ali. My protest was reduced t.
writing and my ground was his improper
method of administering the laws: ! partic.
takes were ineXcusable, in my opinion, and
and its administration"
ais there any law or custom that compels
the Senator to be controlled by the rccommon,
daiions Of the House?'
"None. Consenting to these appoint
ments Is prerogrative OF the Senate con.
| fcrred by law. The statute nowhere says that
these appointments arc to be made "by and
with the advice and consent of the House.
| If such duty had been imposed upon the
House, nominations by tho Governor would
always be sent to that body for confirmation
"How is the present trial justice service in
| county?"
No better commentary upon the wisdom OF
Governor Richardson's appointments can ne
found than the preSentment OF our excellent
grand Jury before the Court last week. This
able document says:
"The grand jury beg leave to report that we
have examined with some care the books OF
the Trial Justices and would report that we
find the charges Of these officers against the
State very largely reduced MS against former
years. Three of the Trial Justices made no
charges at all, whilst other are largely .reduc'
ed. We commend these officers for this saw
ing to the State"
The present incumbcnts are gentlemen OF
good social standing have the confidence OF
the people generally, are Of sound judgment
and good common sense. Nearly all are con.
slstent members of some church and lead
blameless lives. Every one is sound Demo-
crat and nearly every man Of them was a
true and gallant soldier.
"Public Office Is public trust and the
Trial Justices OF this county are good men for
the trusts committed to them, being "honest,
capable and faithful to the CONSTITUTIONS /
desire no better vindication.