Selection of Clarkson as an Associate Justice Is No Surprise to Officials. . . His Selection Came as the Logical Result When Guthrie Withdraws. . . No Abashment. . . Both Men Are Close Friends of the Governor and Stand Well in State. . . Clarkson Equipped. . . Appointee Has Been Active in Legal and Legislative Life of North Carolina for 25 Years
Raleigh, May 26—Governor Morrison was spared the necessity for deciding between two of his staunchest friends in the matter of the Supreme Court Justiceship and, following the receipt of a telegram from T.C. Guthrie of Charlotte this morning stating that he could not accept the appointment if tendered, having given the position to Heriot Clarkson, well-known attorney of the Mecklenburg capital, campaign manager for Mr. Morrison in the 1923 primaries, former president of the State Anti-Saloon League and for seven years solicitor of the judicial district which includes Charlotte.
The new justice unquestionably was leading in the number of endorsements, especially among non-members of the legal profession. He is known throughout the State and it goes without saying that he has friends and admirers enough to ensure widespread gratification at his appointment.
Mr. Clarkson was born August 21, 1863, in upper South Carolina, the son of Major William and Mrs. Margaret Simons Clarkson. His father was a Confederate officer and in service at the time of his birth. He removed to Charlotte in early life and was educated at the Carolina Military Institute, where he received his academic training, and the University of North Carolina, from the law school of which he was graduated in 1884.
In the same year he began the practice of his profession at Charlotte, first being in the office of Jones & Johnston. Early interested in prohibition—although the movement did not at first aim at more than regulation of the liquor traffic—he came to the Legislature in 1899 largely as a result of his desire to do something to remedy the drink evil.
In 1904 he became solicitor and served until 1911. This and his one term as a member of the Legislature constitute his entire list of State offices held.
He was president of the Anti-Saloon League in 1908 when the State went dry, largely through his unceasing efforts. Since the coming of prohibition his chief interest outside the practice of law and the development of a mountain estate at Little Switzerland has been good roads. He was instrumental in getting the views of Governor Morrison and the State Good Roads association and the Legislature close enough together in 1921 to assure the success of the present construction program.
It might be interesting to note in connection with the new justice’s coming to Raleigh tha the isn’t the Presbyterian and Covenanter he is so generally thought to be, but an Episcopalian, giving that denomination two members of the court as against the Methodists’ three.
John E. Wilson of Asheville was today appointed by the Governor on the State Board of Accountancy to succeed Charles E. Goodno of Raleigh, resigned.
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Heriot Clarkson, prominent Charlotte attorney, was advised today by Governor Cameron Morrison of his appointment as an associate justice of the North Carolina supreme court to succeed the last Justice Platt D. Walker of Wilmington, who died last Tuesday at Raleigh.
Mr. Clarkson’s name, with that of T.C. Guthrie Sr. of Charlotte; Judge B.F. Long of Statesville, and others, had been placed before Governor Morrison, Mr. Guthrie this morning withdrawing his name from the governor’s consideration for the appointment in a telegram to the chief executive.
Mr. Clarkson stated this afternoon that he would be sworn in as an associate justice next Friday but did not expect to sit on the supreme court bench this session, as the court, he understood, was preparing to adjourn.
Heriot Clarkson, for more than 25 years, has been a leader, not only of the Charlotte bar, but in state and legislative affairs. He is a native of Kingsville, S.C., the descendant of the Heriots, Simons and Clarksons of revolutionary days. He was graduated with high honors from the University of North Carolina in the class of 1883 and immediately began the practice of law in Charlotte.
He was appointed solicitor by Governor Aycock in 1905, his appointment being later ratified for another term by popular vote. He was a leader in the passing of the mechanical college, and was chairman to frame the Turlington act in 1923, which makes the state prohibition laws conform to the Volstead act.
Mr. fathered the textile branch of the state agricultural and mechanical college (N.C. State University), and was chair of the judiciary committee which sponsored the present highway commission. He also, at the last general assembly, helped pass the present state municipal act.
In the last gubernatorial campaign Mr. Clarkson managed Governor Morrison’s campaign and has been a staunch friend and close adviser and counsellor of the governor during his administration. His legal attainments and honorable record of service to his state, in the opinion of his friends who presented his name to Governor Morrison for appointment, intitle him to the honor conferred upon him by the governor.
From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, May 27, 1923
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