The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1889-11-28
JUDGE WALTER CLARK.

AS afellow-Countyman, VINO Is e5pe-
cially gratified at the manner in which
Judge Clark's worth and ability has
been recognized in his elevation to a
position on the Bench of the Supreme
Court of North Carolina, we take pc
culiar pleasure IN transferring to our
columns the following editorial article
from the High Point Enterprise
That paper says:
In the appointment to the Office of
Supreme Court Judge of the Hon. Wal
ter Clark, the Governor has done him
self honor. After the demise Of Chief
Justice Smith. it seemed appropriate
that Hon. Augustus Merrimon should
occupy the office vacated. 1t was not,
therefore, a difficult matter to make
selection there; but to say who, from
among the many distinguished lawyers
in the State should he chosen to fill
the place of Mr.. Merrimon, was task,
and why a task? From the fact that
in these times the Governor is necessa-
rily politician, and the retaining of
his political head upon his shoulders
depends upon the manner in which he
bestows the patronage Of his office.
We know not the personal relations
existing between Judge Walter Clark
and Governor Fowle-whether they be
OF that sweet, suasive nature that makes
them politically one, yet we do know
that in the selection Of the former
for the Supreme Bench, Governor
Fowle has done that which will delight
the people. More than that: Of all
the Superior Court Judges in the State,
no one was the peer of Judge Clark.
To him was accorded, by friend and
foe, the rather isolated distinction of
permitting the law to take its course
with criminals. While we would not
say anything to depress the readers
idea Of the States Judiciary, we may
60 far enough to say, without any con-
tempt of court, that too often, in trials,
litigation has been permitted to be
carried too far, and "a far greater evil
stilD "penny and costs has often
been the cry of the Judge when he
should have said peuitentiary, Jail, or
workhouse for long period. Judge
Clark's accession to the Superior
Bench was a delightful innovation to
this sort of thing Not only has he
shown himselfto be pure and incorrupt
(most Judges are supposed to be that)
but he has shown degree of fi1mness
and resolution that has given bright
hints to his brethren of the Bench,
whilst at the same time, it has given
the people new hope of their Judiciary.
Mr.. Clark belongs to that type Of
Judge that has the best right to respect
and promotion. He is not drunken
and careless. He is not young and
over-rated. He is not ignorant and
presumptuous. In the contraries OF
these we may find his excellence
Under Charles Or James Stuart he
could never have served, willingly. Or
if unwillingly, then, with Hale, in
tears over the subversion ofthat which
18th in him Z second nature-an un
swerving sense of justice.
If our twelve judicial districts had
twelve more Walter Clarks, we would
be prouder OF our State. We may
congratulate the Supreme Court on it!
acquisition but we deplore the fac
that there are not other men like Mr.
Clark to take his place. Whatever
be his success in his higher office, he
cannot surpass the mastery manner il
which he has served the people in thi:
lesser. And while we do not fear tina
Mr.. Clark will fossil;ze as a Supreme
Court Judge, there is the singing re
Election that the Superior Court Bencl
has lost its Warwick, and a Warwick
shut up in his castle, you know, is no
!; a Warwick in the field with his ban
ner floating by the side of the White
Lion of March. All honor to SUPREME
Justice Hon. Walter Clark.