The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1873-06-12
Er- Coz. Psry's "reminiscences Of Public Men,
james l.. Orr.

James l.. Orr.
The sudden death of Governor Orr, within
a few weeks after his arrival at the court of st.
Petersburg as American Minister, was great
shock to his family and friends in South Caro-
lima: and may well say to the people gener-
ally in the United States. He was extensively
known throughout all the States, as member
of Congress, q speaker Of the House of Repre-
sentatives and there were few public men of
his time and age, who had more warm person
al friends. He was so kind and generous IN
his nature, so cordial and conciliating in his
manners, so unpretending and unassuming In
his intercourse with his fellowmen, that it was
difficult for any one, even political opponent
or enemy, to know him intimately without
loving him. knew him we'll for upwards OF
thirty years ; we were generally opposed In
politics, once rivals for popular favor, and yet
uuaintances for whom I had more sincere
friendship. He was bold, frank and open in
all of his conduct, public and private.
Governor Orr was man of distinguished
ability, and filled all the high positions to
which he was elevated, with credit to himself,
and honor to his country. AS member Of the
Legislature, member of Congress, speaker of
the House of Representatives, Senator OF the
Confederate States, Governor of South Caroli-
ma. Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit OF the
State. and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Rus
Russian Court, he distinguished himself for his
ability, integrity, patriotism and Importantly.
AS Judge, he was eminently successful, with
out that learning and study In his profession
which many of his predecessors on the Bench
possessed. I have often said that in the course
of more than forty years at the bar, / had never
appeared before Judge who had more clear
ness of perception, greater wisdom in Judgment
or more impartiality and dispatch in the dis
charge of his judicial duties. His mind was
practical and possessed fund of common
sense, rarely met with in great and learned
men. He thoroughly understood human na-
ture, and this knowledge was of vast impor-
tance to him in the administration OF justice.
Indeed, it was the key to his success through
life There are many men of great learning,
and great talents, with great virtues, who never
succeed in life, because they are unacqualnted
with human nature and have only small mo-
dicum of common sense. Locks form of gov
ernment for South Carolina shows how utterly
impracticable and useless may be all the wis
dom and learning of Philosopher without
common sense and knowledge of mankind:
AS wise, far-seeing and successful politl-
clan, never knew the superior of Judge Orr.
When first elected to Congress, and the only
time he had opposition. he espoused the cause
of General Taylor and secured the support OF
almost the entire Whig party, though ne had
been and still was Democrat, but as soon as
he entered Congress and saw General Taylor,
instead of acting with the Wings, ne adhered
TO the Democratic party. Whilst in Congress,
the State of South Carolina was for separate
secession, and Governor Orr went with his
State until he saw plainly that no other State
would follow suit, if South Carolina did secede.
With Judge Butler, Senator Barnwell and
Others. he then formed cooperation party,
and opposed with great ability the folly Of sep
arate State action. He had the sagacity to see
that the time had not then arrived for the be-
ginning of the Revolution. Whilst Confed-
crate Senator, he saw that our cause must In
evitably fail, and he endeavored to get the
Confederate States to treat tor peace, whilst
they coald make some terms. When PRESIDENT
Johnsons reconstruction was swept away, and
Congress proposed Convention in South Car
olina, to be elected by the negroes, Governor
table, and although at that time Governor OF
the State, and utterly opposed to unqualified
negro suffrage, he cast his influence in favor of
convention. preferred to see the State re-
main under military rule forever, rather than
have permanently established in South Carroll
na "anegro, carpet-bag, scalawag Government"
thought. too, it was lad enough to have such
+. government forced OIL us, and that we should
not dishonor ourselves by voting for it. Gov
ernor Orr foresaw that it must Gomez and
thought it better policy to accept it! But it is
we'll to remember that General Canbys militia
nv government neither taxed US heavily, stole
our money, nor robbed us, nor run the State in
debit ,n.
and speckled Convention" in Charleston, and
paye them much wholesome advice This con-
descension on his part was strongly commented
on at the time. but it was salutary and wise.
He tried to benefit the State, and at the same
time kept in favor with the Radical party. In
consequence of this conciliatory course on his
mart. he was elected Judge of the Eighth Judi
cial Circuit whilst he was absent in the West,
On his return home, he was hesitating as to
his acceptance of the Office. Some of his
friends wrote to me to exert my lnhuence 10
induce him to accept the Judgeship rendered
him. In reply, said that was well aware OF
the importance of his accepting, SO tar as the
nnblic were concerned, but that could not IN
nv p conscience. ask a friend and gentleman to
do an act which at that time would dishonor
him in the estimation of the people OF South
Carolina. I said his conciliation of the Radi-
ooI narty had been attributed to improper mo-
s;,es and wished to see him stamp as false
thoSe ;ns;suationss. bv refusing to accept the
ofiee oSSse Il was always wise, not only to act
rroneray. but to act in such a way, If possible,
Is 70 avoid the imputation Of impropriety,::-
Governor Orr foresaw that all this prejudice
must ultimately abate, and perhaps wear out II,
His xII notions Of policy have proved superior to
M At It. the time Judge Orr went on the Bench,
The whole State was crushed with Indebtedness
and most of the people we're insolvent. With
that boldness and foresight which ever charac-
terized him, he charged the juries to lind only
one-half of the debts sued on! was shocked
beyond measure at this departure from law and
principle, and said to the juries that in SO tnd-
Ing they would disregard the law and commit Ut
carried aha the onyy Jury yxegSed wsa %s 0DGs nfne
pI.NS, All 4l,n 1ordicts 1uera rendered