The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1904-08-25
FROM Mr.. J. ?. MATHENY.
Gives His Views on Administration Of Probate's
Office and Denouness Reports Circulated
AGAINST Him.

To the voters of Bamberg county
Having entered the race for the Office Of z
Judge of Probate late, it has been impos-
sible to see many of you, so I employ this .
means to express to you some of my views
on the administration of the affairs Of the
Office. The Probate Court has jurisdic-
ton in all matters testamentary, and of
administration in business appertaining
to minors and the allotment of dover, In !.
cases of idiocy and lunacy, and Of persons
non compotes mentis, in the appointments
and removal of guardians, and the maD-sj
agement and disposition of the estates Of Z;
their wards and over trustees appointed
by will.
Where the personal property Of an es-
tate will not pay the debts the Judge Of
Probate has the power to order the sale
of real estate, and often has to pass on
questions which involves the law as to-
the distribution of estates. Now, have
heard it said that this important Office can
be filled as well by an ordinary citizen ~
by lawyer. This statement is as absurd
as to say that carpenter could amputate
limb from the human body as success
fully as surgeon. The Probate Court is
one in which as complicated questions Of
law arise as in the Circuit Court, and
| those who have estates to settle realize
this fact beyond question. Now, my
friends, if you had to attend to the Dis
tribution of an estate, would you rather
have man in the Probate Office who has
spent years training himself for this par
ticular line of work, or an ordinary man
who doesn't know any more about it than
you do? / believe that l can save you
money by being able to advise you in a.
great many cases wherelyou would have
| to employ counsel. ~
entered this race feeling that the six
years experience / have had as lawyer:
and my business qualifications would
commend me to you for this place. I be-
lleve that when man offers himself for
a position Of honor and trust he should
be competent, honest, and possessed OF;
the necessary business qualifications to-
carry on the affairs of the Office.
never intended to refer to one of N.Y.
opponents, but as some of you know WHO,
have attended the campaign meetings,.
Mr.. Harmon has never made q statement
save one unless it be to cast unfriendly
and vile insinuations at me. desisted
AAOLA w AAA4 az OH az 4Sou1UCxkSSt
and did not intend to say anything about
him at our next meeting at Milhous' mill,
for do not believe in this plan of CAM
paign. However, he continued to sling
his mud, and then considered it my duty g
to strike in defense of my good name and
give him little of his own medicine.
This seemed to make him desperate, and
I have been informed, reliably so too,
that he has spent his time spreading ma-
licious and untrue reports about me, hop
ing thereby to gain few votes for him
self. I invite your closest scrutiny into
my private life and career as lawyer, and
appeal to the honest men of Bamberg
county to see that am treated fairly in
this matter, and hope that those Of you
who know me will correct these false and 8
malicious reports. Very truly, s
J. P. MATTHEW'S. ~ sg