The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-08-06
JAMES BARBOUR.
4 sketch Of the Life OF the Nominee for the
Office OF Lieutenant.GO vernOr of Virginia.

James Barbour, Esq, who was on yes:er-
day nominated by acclamaiOn for the office
of Lieutenant. Governor, and who yielded
10 the demand for bis services though he had
come TO Richmond determined to accept no
place on the ticket, was born In the county
of Culpeper in 1928. His father was John
4, Barbour, who served several terms IN the
Virginia Legislature, and for ten years with
marked ability Represented bis district in
the Congress OF the United States Our Mr..
Barbour was educated partly OF Georgetown
College apd partly at the University OF Nir-
binia. successfully contendi0g all the wOlIe
against in health, TO which q l(ss determined
man would have yielded altogether.
ENTRANCE UPON PUBLIC LIFE.
In 1916 be entered upon the practice OF
the law. and in 1850 offered himself, for the
first time. for the support OF his fellow.citi-
zens as a candidate for The Constitutional
Convention. So youthful was he in appear
apce that the people, or at least many OF
them, would not believe that he was twenty
one years Of age. lie bad constantly TO con-
tradct that impression, and he had to can
yass with the record Of his age ever rc2Gy
10 show. The result, however, was great
triumph for him, and, with Banks ana
Voolfolk, Mr.. Barbour was returned TO the
CouyentiOn-as a Democrat Of reform prln-
ciples-fronl the district composed OF the
counties OF Culpeper, Orange, Madison,
and Green.
Coming out Of the Convention, he was
elected TO the House OF Delegates from Gull
peper--a Wing countv-by what was then
considered a large m3iOriay. lie occupied
very prominent position on the Finance
COMMITTEE, and was one OF the leaders OF
the Democracy.
LEGISLATIVE LIFE AGAIN.
Ia 1857 Mr.. Barbour was again returned
10 the House OF Delegates as Democrat,
and this time without opposition. He was
placed second on the Finance Committee,
but was really the chairman. He continued
On the House until 1861, when, as an anti.
secession Democrat, he was elected to the
Convention. When, however, the time
came when the great public sen, iment OF the
state considered Virginia could no longer
with honor remain member Of the fedora
ton Of States, he declared in favor OF seces-
sion, and went home aud offered TO resign
his seat: but being endorsed by his con-
stituency, be remained in place, and voted
for and signed the ordinance OF secession.
AFTER TIE WAR.
For long time after the war Mr.. Bar
bour was under political disabilities and
took but little part in public affairs. In
1901 he became the owner and editor OF
the Enquirer, and for year or more per-
sistently presented to the people the views
which be thought In equity and justice
should obtain 10 the settlement Of the pub
lie debt OF Virginia. He left the editorial
chair lust before the old funding bill was
passed. but hrs antagonism TO that measure
was thorough and undisguised. In 1874 he
offered for Congress in the district which
his brother now represents. There was
some trouble la the Convention. Mr.. Bar
bour's friends withdrew, named him, and
claimed the nomination.; but that was by
no means conceded by General Hunton's
friends. Tue result was be ran against
General HuntOn. His own county OF Cul.
pepper supported him with unanimity
never before equaNed, and he got large
vote elsewhere; but not enough. General
Hunton was eiee.ed. Suffice ii here that
most OF those then estranged have renewed
their friendship, and not few OF them,
with General HuntOn aud General Payne,
yesterday warmly supported him for place
on the ticket.
THE BARB0UR BILL.
In 1877 Mr.. Barbour was once more
elected TO the House OF Delegates upon a
declaration OF principles which in sub.
stance found record soon afterwards Ia the
famous "B arb0ur I'LL" During that term
he was chair. uan OF the Finance Committee.
For the next term be ntterly refused 10
run.
Since 1879 he has been at home resting
aud quietly pu.yuiBg the practice OF the
law. His bealth,. tbough never robust, ia
now unusuaIy g>od. In The coming can
yass be Will be able 10 do bis full part. He
has long enjoyed q high reputation as a
public speaker, and on the questions TO be
discussed In this canpsiga Ia particularly
well posted.
PERSONAL.
Dir. Barbour Is rather TALL and spare. On
account OF sbortness Of vision be has long
worn spectacles. His face Is rudy and
bright. la conversation be Is very plea
SAINT, and bis manners sre sc easy and an
affected that bis capacity for making friends
seems Unlimited. From his long expert
eneD 10 public life, genius ia ,nnueneing
men, ability and industry anu personal
popularity. 1t Is not doubted that ne VIII
bring to the ticket 0 support strong ana
steady.