The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-03-09
snip Of South Carolina"


abruptly and entered in VI
into a clear-cut discussion of the
benefits Of education. He said that
the greatest message it is possible to
deliver to the people Of South Caro-
lima is Educate your children"
1T is the duty Of the parent to
educate the child" said Judge Jones,
so that they may take their right
places in life. and in the administra-
ton of the affairs Of government.
Under the rule Of Democracy we
must depend upon the intelligence of
our citizenship, for a God-given work
Is education.
True education rests upon the
home, the church the school and
the court house, He said that the
great force Of civilization was the
court. but some people wanted to
draw down and despoil the powers of
the court.
SHOW me the man that Is trying
to draw down and obstruct the DOW
er Of the court" said Judge Jones,
"and ! will show you an anarchist.
Mr.. Roosevelt wants the people to say
whether the law Is constitutional or
not. Some people in South Carolina
believe the same, and think that
constitutional questions should he
submitted to or referred to the peo-
ple."
Following this he urged in strong
terms the upbuilding and the uphold
ing Of the dignity and integrity of
the courts Of the State, and said that
the law should be allowed to take its
course In all cases.
Reverting from education to po-
litics. Judge Jones said that the
power Of pardon had been placed,
under the constitution, with the chief
executive Of South Carolina. "He is
required" said the speaker, faith
fully to execute the law"
did this man vote for me? Is
he my friend? Did he carry any
votes for me? Is that a ground for
pardon?' asked the former chief JUS
tice. I'm granting a pardon should
not the chief executive remember the
tears Of the widow and orphans of
the victims?"
The meeting up to this point had
proceeded evenly and without inter-
ruption. Judge Jones was frequently
aplauded during his talk on educa-
tion. and his mild references to the
political situation.
Some one in the rear of the build
ing shouted. "Hurrah for Blease."
The former chief justice stopped for
moment, and then, in firm, clear
tone, made answer: "Hurrah for civil
ization! Hurrah for purity! Hurrah
for law and order! Down with you
anarchists! South Carolina will not
bow down to anarchy as long as a
true son is alive to fight her battles"
This reply by Judge Jones was re-
ceived warmly and he was given an
ovation.
There was no further outbreak Of
enthusiasm in the interest Of the pres
, ent governor.
Judge Jones said that he had
served for 16 years on the supreme
court bench of South Carolina as an
, associate justice and as chief justice.
He referred to his relations with the
various chief executives of South Car
| olina during his public service. II
am here talking for my own people
as much as his" said the speaker, in
discussing the claim Of the governor
to leadership in this State. Il have
given the best years Of my life to the
service of South Carolina. Six of
those years were spent in the legis-
lature, as speaker Of the house of
representatives part Of the time.
Now l want to ask you, have 1 not
right to speak to the people
IF the present order Of things
goes on the last one Of you will re-
gret It, You will hang your heads in
shame. ask you to lift up your
standard and claim your rights"
Discussing the attitude of Blease
In refusing to recognize a minority,
Judge Jones said:
They tell mo the minority has no
rights. That is what the constitution
Is for, to protect the minority; and it
Is a supreme duy Of every man to
obey the law.