The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-10-04
MERRITT is SOLICITOR
THEY WILL NOW SWAP PLACES
on THE TICKET.
ADAMS WANTED MERRITT FOR JUDGE
But the Governor Didn't Like his Age and In
experience and so he Refused to
Appoint him >Bynum Hold
ing Court this Week.


The following appointments were yes
terday made and commissions for them
were issued by the Governor:
WILLIAM p BYNUM, JR, of
Greensboro, judge Superior court for the
Fifth judicial district, vice Spencer b.
Adams, resigned.
WILLIAM ID. MERRITT, of Rox-
boro, solicitor for the Fifth judicial dis
trict, vice w. +. Bynum, Jr, resigned.
These appointments also mean that
there viii be a corresponding change in
the fusion ticket in the Fifth district.
Merritt,w no was nominated for judge,
will become the candidate for solicitor;
and Bynum, who was nominated for
solicitor. will be the candidate for judge.
This change has been in contemplation
for some time. 1t was discussed at the
meeting of the fusion conference COM
mittee more than a week ago, but moth
ing was done. Sunday Mr.. Merritt came
here to consult with Holton and Thomp-
son and the Governorth the powers that
put up and take down candidates al
y
Bynum had agreed. provided it met with
the apporavl of their royal highncsses to
swap places. Holton said swap and swap
they did
Mr.. Bynum arrived here on the morn
ing train, in company with MIR. Holton.
They went at once to Republican head
quarters at the Park Hotel There Mr..
Merritt joined them and the three pro-
4 ID
wrote ont his resignation as solicitor and
the new commissions were made out.
This matter has been in contemplation
for sometime, but hung fire for the fol
lowing reason:
1t first came up on the question of APP
pointment of successor to Judge
Adams. Adams asked the appointment
of Merritt. the candidate for the place
He thought this would strengthen his
own candidacy for Congress, Merritt be-
ing a Populist. and the Populists being
the uncertain quantity.
The Governor, however, remembering
that Holden once made a very big blum
der in appointing him (RusselD judge at
a very tender age, objected to Merritt
ON account of his youth and meyperience.
Finally he declared he would not appoint
him.
1t was then that Merritt and Bynum
agreed since Merritt couldn't he app0int-
ed judge, to swap places on the ticket
The bargain was completed yesterday
when they got their commissions. Mr.
Bynum left on the afternoon train for
Bladen county, where he begins term
of court to-day. Mr. Merritt went to
Durham to attend his first court this
week as solicitor.
William p. Bynnm, Jr., the new judge,
is a son of Judge W. F. Bynum lie
was born August j, 1861, in Mcdowell
county. Four years later his parents
moved to Stokes county. In 1883 young
Bynum graduated from Trinity College.
A year later he graduated from Dick and
billiards. law school, at Greensboro and
received his license. lie was sworn ii
at Charlotte in February, by Judge Mac
Rae. Immediately he began the practice
of his profession in partnership with
Judge Bynum. at Charlotte. Three years
later he moved to Greensboro and has
ever since been resident Of that place.
In 1894 he was elected solicitor for the
Fifth Judicial district.
The new solicitor, Mr.. William ID.
Merritt, is 70 years old, the SOP of DR..
William Merritt. of Person county. He
has been practicing law five years and
has in that time built up successful
business.