The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1901-07-20
JUDGE NEVILLE AND THE LYNCHERS.

Judge Woods activity againgt the
lynching element would be used as an
argument against his re-appointment.
At any rate, Gov. Longino declined
to appoint Judge Wood. but turned
him down and appointed Mr.. Neville.
-Nicksburg Post.
Because ii was said Judge Woods
activity against the lynching element
would be used as an argument against
his disappointment" does not eStab-
liSh its veracity. His course in the
matter. we venture to say, had no
more to do with the appointment
than the mere passing of the wind.
Aside from that, why not stick to tie
whole facts, which are that as a law
respecting and law enforcing official
the record of Judge Neville as district
attorney for twelve or more years. is
second to none. Judging then, the
present by the past. his efforts
against lynching' are not like those
which have been termed grand stand
plays There is more in that special
grand jury investigation of the Gulf
port lynching than has come to the
surface and that no indictments were
found is not due to any lack of SINGER
ity on the part of Judge Neville or
TO any unwillingnesS of the grand
jury. May hap the truth of this mat
ter will conn out after awhile
BiloXie Review.
The implied criticism that Gov.
Longino did not re-appoint Judge
Wood as Circuit Judge in the second
district. because of his activity
against the lynching element, is en-
tirely without justification, and it is
not in harmony with the character
istic sense of justice and fair dealing
of the Nicksburg Post.
The Biloxi Herald goes straight to
the point when it says that Judge
Woods action in regard to the mob
had no more to do with Mr.. Neville's
appointment. than the mere passing
Of the wind"
Judge Neville has a record, during
his twelve or more years of public
service, second to none in the State
for law and order, and against mob
lynchings. His views on the subject
are well known throughout the State.
and his official action has been
characterized by zeal and earnestness
at all times to maintain, on all &C.
caSions, the supremacy of the law.
Moreover, it is a universally attested
fact in Mississippi that Governor
Longino during the entire period of
his public career has stood uniformly,
and consistently, for law and order,
and against the mob.
In his inaugural message to the
Legislature the Governor urgently
recommended remedial legislation of a
stringent character for the suppression
of mob lynchings, and for this he was
criticized on the ground that the
measures suggested by him were
regarded as probably too drastic. The
criticism now made upon his official
action in not reappointing Judge Wood,
was influenced by Judge Woods
activity against the Scranton mob.
This is verify the Scylla and Charibdis
in the sea of newspaper criticism.
Governor LOngino went to New
Orleans by appointment and had IA
conference with Judge Wood, who
was then the Circuit Judge. And at
Governor Longino's request, and that
of the District attorney Mr.. White.
the Attorney General, Mr.. McClurg
went to Scranton and aided in the
judicial investigation of the lynchinp
at that place.
In this it is very singular indeed, in
view of Gov. Longino's well known
views on the subject of lynch law,
UiidU ANYBODY oul Imagine that he
could have been influenced in the ap-
pointment of Judge Neville, by any
considerations relating in the remot-
est degree to Judge Woods views. or
activity against mob law.
In this connection, it is just and
proper, to say that Judge Neville is a
lawyer of force, learning and ability.
n Il man of high character and
standing in the State.
His appointment is an excellent one.
n to be commended in every respect,
n certainly the public interest and
the cause of public justice will not
suffer under his judicial administration
of the law.
There is a law in Ohio nrovidino