The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-05-07
HON. JAMES L. ORR.


10 the April number Of the National Democratic RsUisW
nd biographical sketch Of this distinguished states
man from which We take few extracts Illustrative Of the
useful life and brilliant services which Col Orr has already
rendered his State and the country
"Mr Orr was born At Cray tonyile Anderson district
South Carolina the 18th day Of May 1872 He is the
Of Christopher Orr his grandfather was John Orr
native Of Wake county, North Carolina and true whig
soldier in the revolutionary war His paternal ancestor
emigrated from Ireland and settled originally In Pennsy-
yania about 1880 His maternal ancestors also came from
Ireland in 1886, His father engaged in mercantile
p5su and acquired the of educating thoroughly
family Of three sons and two daughters
"The subject Of this memoir early age placed
At country school, and after acquiring the rudments OF
English education was transferred TO an academy at
Anderson where he commenced the study Of the Latin and
Greek languages and during this period while
gagged in his studies he assisted his father in his business
as salesman and book-keeper.
Ia bis 18th year he went 10 the University OF Virginia
to complete his studies and prepare himself for the law
for which profession he had early felt prediction"
Having passed through his collegiate course with high
honos he devoted himself to the study of the law,
and in May ls43, admitted to tho bar "He open
ed his Office at Anderson, where be had received his
early education, and within eighteen months he had
respectable practice than usually falls 10 the lot OF
most young lawyers he also during this year established
and edited newspaper called the Anderson Gazette
His time occupied with his editorial and legal engage
ments until ls44 when he elected TO the legislature
from Pendeton district hdciHg receeed higher Uo 00n
any man IN the State and in district which in 1870 gave
decided wing majority. He made most arduous and
active canvass and discussed the leading issues existing
that time between the whg and democratic parties in every
section of the district and highly grafed his friends by
the signal ability evineed by him. although at the
older and experienced politicians
Of his YOUTH dstrusted his power to contend
oessfuy with the talent arrayed against him. This
test established his reputation effective popular
speaker.
"Iiis in the legislature distinguished not
much by brilliant elocuton by sound sense and dis
eliminating judgment
"n 1888 Mr.. Orr became "a candidate for Congress- His
opponent had taken the field several months in advance
him. and lawyer of talent and great professional rep
utaon with great experience in political affairs having
been many years member of both branches of the State
legislature They both democrats which made the
contest torn exclusively upon their personal popularity
consequently every exeron made by the friends of
either party to effect his election The trial finally
in October OF that year. and Mr. Orr bore of the honors
of the campaign by 100 majority
Sew at the age OF tweny-sx have received
haering testimonial of popular favor that rendered
10 Mr. Or in this election. 1t generous tribute
his worth and high Legislative ability.
From that time down the present Mr. Orr has been
reelected TO Congress without opposition and has enjoyed
in eminent degreemore than usually falls to the lot of
public menthe esteem and confidence of his constitu.
entsp
In 1851, against the most fearful Odds he entered the
campaign in opposition to the secession movement in
South Carons and by his bold fearless and eloquent APP
peal he secured brilliant triumph when victory seemed
hopeless.
"Mr. Orr company With Senator Douglas and the Hon
Mr. Dawson, of Penusy lvania, visited Philadelphia upon
the invitation of the democracy address them the 4h
ofJuly, 1854, in Independence Square"
Know-notAingism had then just made its appearance
| and, the memoir says:
.That Il was formidable could not be doubted when In
the recent election had democratic city by
majority OF than 5000 votes Some of public
doubted, besitaed wayered before this rolling tide
Not So however did Mr. Orr Let 1t be remembered, 70
the lasting credit of Senator Douglas and Mr.. Orr that
they the drs, public 10 the Union who made
bold and fearless assault upon its seductive and nsdious
principles The speech that Mr. Orr delivered listened
Ly delighted thousands, and when he opened his bat
lers upon this organization be excited the highest
enthusiasm In bis auditory
aMr Orr made general speech the Kansas Nebraska
BILL hut supporter OF its principles and CO.
operated cordially with the friends Of the measure 10
curing its passage which thereby established the gres
principle Of nonnterventon by Congress the question
Of slavery in the territories Of the Unions pn
cpe which he had fully elaborated and enforced in bis
speech pending the compromise measures in 1850
"Mr Orr IL a member Of the present Congress the com
mencement Of which fraugbt with much excitemen
and delay in electng Speaker. The democratic party
unanimously placed 10 nomination Mr. Richardson, OF l
nos Mr. Orr and other gentlemen having declined the con
in favor Of Mr. Richardson DEFINING tn honor due
him account Of his complete Identification with th
Kansas-Sebraska bill. When Mr. Richardson withdrew
Mr. Orr unanimously nominated, and received th'
Of the democracy for many ballots and then grace
fully retired from the contest in favor Of bis colleague
Gov Aiken, Who IL supposed, could command vote
outside Of the party sufficient to elect him
We cannot better close this slight sketch than By ctni
the concluding passage Of this memoir;
ever the freud Of right he he,atos in deter
mined opposition wrong Guided by the great princi
plies Of political conduct be is always consistent Tt
The constitution he u faiss 70 his constituents TIM
fortified he hesiaes in his conclusions he at
his duty and instantly presses forward 10 its die
charge The earnesness and undauned faessnes Of hu
speak loudly 10 every beboder OF the rectude
his purpose Ambitious without corruption honest With
aiuenoe tempting bait Of popular appreciation
political preerment swerve him from the direction die
sted by solid Judgment and sober and reflective in
teIect7
CHANCE FOR AN INVESTMENT.
We clip the following from the editorial columns Of til
South Side Democrat published in Petersburg Virgins
Amer stating that the chief argument used against Ia