The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-12-06
The Press and Banner.
BY HUGH WILSON.
Twelve Pages.
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1898.
AbbeyilIe's Old and New Judges-The
Political Revolution Reaches
it's Climax.

1
The election OF the Judges by the General
Assembly last Friday adds another interest
ing and important chapter TO the history OF
Abhevlle county.
TO the great regret OF many, If not all, OF
our people. Associate Justice MCGOWAN, our
revered and beloved fellow-cltizen, was not
reelected.
AS q rule, however, our people are gratified
that his successor js a son OF old Abbeville,
our present Lieutenant-Goy now Asso-
ciate Justice Gary.
Our people take pride: also, In the elevation
to the Circuit Bench OF another Abbevillian,
Mr.. Benet, who was elected Judge of the First
Circuit, the metropolitan Circuit, which in
cludes Charleston.
To use a hackneyed expression, 1t would
seem that there is constant demand for Abb
bevilIe timber in the making Of Judges, and
that the supply equals the demand.
In these days OF political differences and
bitterness It is not to be expected that the
election OF Mr.. Gary or Mr.. Benet should be
regarded with equal pleasure and satisfaction
by both political factions.
Nor Is II TO be expected that the retirement
of so distinguished and learned member Of
the Supreme Court as Judge MCGOWAN should
be rejoiced over even by those who for any
reason are politically opposed to him.
On the other band, IL Is well to know that
his retirement was not brought about by any
personal opposition to him on the part OF any
one. Nor was there any question as TO his
ability or fitness for the position he has 30
much ado, ned during the last fifteen years.
He has proved himself TO the world to be a
learned and upright Judge. His decisions are
ack nowledxed models Of legal learning and
judicial impartiality. Indeed, nothing was
urged against him, we understand, except his
age and bodily health. Yet 1t is not 10 be
doubted now, that II his successor had not
beef in the field at all, Judge MCGOWAN
would not have been reelected. Some other
man would have been put In his place.
Such being the true situation Of affairs, even
the friends of Judge MCGOWAN should not re-
gret that the successor chosen Is a citizen OF
Abbeville.. The Office and the honor are still
In our old county.
Similarly as to Mr.. Benet's election over
Judge Izlar. The members OF the Legislature
had by common consent determined not 10
re-elect Judge Izlar. They chose Mr.. Benet.
The friends of Judge Izar should in this
find no fault with MIR. Benet. As in Judge
McGowan's case, Judge Izlar's retirement
was not brought about by any personal oppo.
sition 10 him or running against him on the
part OF any one. 1t was generally conceded
that Judge Izlar was not to be his own sue
cessor. That was settled. 1t was TO be fudge
Benet or some other man.
Here In Abbeville there can be no cause Of
regret that Judge Izlar's successor Is an
adopted son OF Abbeville.
And 1t does seem that any feelings OF dis
appointment that might have occurred be-
cause OF the retirement Of Judge MCGOWAN
should be modified, II not removed, by the
honor 30 handsomely bestowed upon hist
in-law, Mr.. Benet The public will likely 80
regard 1t. Even If not so intended. the eleva-
tion OF son-ln-law should be considered as
In no small degree compensation under the
circumstances.
1t would look as II 1t were q. family OF
Judges. First Is Judge Wardlaw, Of fame as
Judge and jurist second to none. Then
comes his son-in-law, Judge MCGOWAN, whose
name as learned judge and ornament to the
Bench OF South Carolina is at least equal 10
the name of his illustrious father-in-law.
Then comes his son-in-law, Judge Benet.
Predictions are In order, OF course; and we
may safely say that no one who is familiar
With his career as member OF the Bar will
have any hesitation in saying that bis learn.
ing and ability are sufficient to make him q
worthy member OF the Bench.
For many years Judge Gary has been an in.
dustrious and painstaking practitioner at the
Rar of Abbeyille His career like Mr.. Ben
cts, Is known Of all men. And his friends
confidently predict that he will fill the honor
able and high place which he has been chosen
to occupy with credit to himself and to the
State.