The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1911-09-19

probable that the race for governor
will be fought out between Governor
Blease and Chief Justice Jones-5oth
natives Of NeWDerry, and one now at
the head of the executive department
Of the government and the other at the
head of the judicial department OF th"
govrnment. Chief Justice Jones lived
in NeVberrv until he was about "a
wears OF age, when he moved to Lam
caster. There are no doubt others be-
sides Chief Justice sones who would
like to oppose Governor Blease, but
they will in all probability be kept
out OF the race by the CRY of the nee
essity Of concentrating upon one man
- overvhelm the Blease forces. That
seems to be the slogan which is now
5e!ng urged. Reports were going the
rounds that Mr.. John G. Richards and
ex-Lieuteant Governor Mcleod and
possibly others would be in the race,
but unless conditions change it is
hardly probable that they can stand
the present hue and cry.
The designation Of Chief Justice
Jones will make another vacancy on
the supreme bench. A constitutional
admendent ratified by the people in
the election last year Increased the
number of supreme court justices from
four to five, but the last legislature,
becoming deadlocked on the election
Of the fifth justice, adjourned without
electing, postponing the election until
the next session. Circuit Judges K.
c. Watts, of Cherav, and R. W: Mem
minger, of Charleston, and Represen-
tative T. B. Fraser, of Sumter, were
the principal candidates in that race.
II is altogether probable that one of
the present associate justices will be
promoted to the position of chief JUS
tica vacated hv Chief Justice Jones,
onG as Associate Justice Eugene B.
Gary, of Ahbevil1e. is the senior asso-
ciate justice, the chances seem largely
to favor his election as chief justice.
Associate Justice G. A. Woods, of Ma
rion. however. has been endorsed by
the bar of his home town, and Asso-
ciate Justice Rydrick, Of Spartanburg,
has heen mentioned in the press as
candidate who is neing urged. How
ever this may be, there will be two
places to be filled on the supreme
bench, and as it is altogether probable
that one of the associate justices will
be chosen to take Chief Justice Jones'
p1ace-as stated. Associate Justice
Gary, in all likelihoov-the next legis-
1ature will have the choosing Of two
associate justices upon its hands.
As there are for practically all the
offices to be filed in South Carolina,
there are number of. candidates be-
\ ing urged for these two supreme court
positions. With an additional place 10
be filed, it seems hardly probable that
there will be any more candidates Tor
the position for which Judge Watts,
Judge Memminger and Representative
Fraser are candidates. For the other
position the names which have beer
mentioned are numerous, including
several of the present circuit judges.
Among them Judge Thos. S. Sease, OF
Nevberry. Attorney W. G. Miller, of
Charleston, and others, are also being
urged by their friends.
At the coming session Of the legis-
1ature the terms of Judge Robert AID
rich, of the second circuit; Judge J.
W. Devore, ofs the eleventh. circuit,
and Judge S. II. G. shipp, of the
twelfth circuit, expire; so that it will
be necessary for the legislature to en-
ter into the election of three circuit
irdges. There are many other offices
to be filed in the primary next sum-
mer. and the indications are tnat there
will he some hot contests for some OF
the Offices less important than COVER
nor and United States senator.
Sizing up the whole situation, 1t
seems that the next legislature and
the people Of the State generally next
summer will have contests Of sufficient
number and heat ITO satisfy the most
- ardent politicians.