The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-02-03
Upon What Was Klugh's Rrputa.
tiOu Founded

"Judge klugh may prove pillar oi
strength to the Judiciary of this State. ana
not to know klugh may be TO argue oneself
unknown; but the Sun must confess 10 nave
never heard of him before. BreaZeale codi-
fled our laws and Ansel has been Que OF the
most successful solicitors In the Stale, bat
upon what was klugh's reputation founded:
Perhaps some OF our rcntemporarles can iur-
nish us with clue.''-Cnarleston Sun.
The reputation OF the Hon. James c. klugh
was founded on his natural ability, his schol-
arly attainmentS, his knowledge of the law.
his genlemanly bearing, and aS pure Il per-
sonaI character as ever adorned the Bench Of
South Carolina.
On this foundation he ran for the office OF
Judge OF the Eighth judicial Circuit, and IL
was because Of his possession of these quail
ties that the members OF the Legislature
yoted for him.
Judge Klugh is not a politician, though he
is a Reformer in principle and his allegiance
TO the cause of Reform has never been doubt
ed.
He has had faith in his own ability and.
while giving due respect to the merit, the ed
ucatiou, and the social worth of others, he
has always, In dignity, maintained for himself
the standards which were not excelled by any
one.
That bis character and ability were appre
cisted by the Legislature, is evident. Not
withstanding the fact that two of the most
popular men in the circuit were candidates,
this unknown citizen OF Abbeville was an
easy winner. This, too, in the face OF the
fact that not single daily newspaper of the
state supported him. AS far as we now re.
collect to have seen, the conserative press
boosted Mr.. Ansel, while the Register was
exceedingly kind In copying into its columns
whatever might tend TO help Mr.. Breazele.
We believe that none of the daily newspapers
ever recognized Mr.. klugh as possibility. and
for this. or other reasons, he was given but
little showing during the race.
AS a rule, we believe the best politicians get
the offices of Judge, but not 80 in the case OF
Judge Kiugh. If there ever was man who
was not politician, that man is James c.
Klugh. He ran solely on his merit, and not
as politician, nor did he appear before the
Legislature because Of his popularity. AS
Master OF Abbeville county, as o member OF
the Board of school trustees, as a lawyer, as q
member OF the State Convention, as citizen
In the higher walks of life, he has ever meas
ured up TO the highest standards ofmanhood.
Always brave and Independent, he has, with
due respect to the opinions OF others, ever as
serted the right, rs he saw 1t and be-
lieved, without fear, favor or affection.
Aud If there Is Judge on the Bench
in South Carolina who is palnstaking. con-
sclentious and utterly and absolutely unap-
proacaable by anybody In the matter OF bis
opinions or judgments, that man is James {.
Klugh Of whom our respected Charleston con-
mporary expresses his. ignorance. There
Is not a man on the Bench in South Carolina
who can claim to be his superior, and If he
does not In the discharge OF his official duties
convince the Bar, the people, and the news
papers OF this Commonwealth that he Is the
right man in the right place. then we will re-
wise our opinion of him.
Two years from now, when the election for
Judge comes Off again, the Sun may say
"Breazele codified the laws, Ansel has been
one of the most successful Solicitors in the
State" and for two years Klugh has been an
honor to the judiciary Of the State.
In this we have nothing to say derogatory
of the other candidates. They are excellent
men, and either one would have made an e1-
cellent Judge.