National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-01-29
A LEADER GONE.
Death Of Representative E. W. NJ MaCkey the
Republican from South Carolina.
A Sketch OF His Public Cnreer-A Man OF
Rare Gifts and Parity OF Character.

Hon. T.. W. NJ Mackey, member OF con-
gress from South Carolina, died at his resi-
dence, on Corcoran street. in this city, at A
o'clock yesterday morning, aftor on illness Of
FIVE days. Tho disease that terminated his
life was acute peritonetis. He was born at
Charleston, s. c.. March g. 1S46. lie had
scarcely attained his majority whom he be-
came . member Of the constitutional conven-
tion that assembled in 1867 to frame consti-
tuition for the FREQ state Of South Carolina,
That body was presided over with distin-
Euished ability by his father, DIR. Albert G..
Ma ckey, tho foremost union man of his
state, and the most eminent of American
Masons In that assetnblage young Mackoy
was conspicuous for the mental power and
the skill that no displayed in debate, aud the
result of its deliberations was q constitution
now conceded to be superior to any organic
law previously adopted in that state.
From that day he became a recognized
leaner in the republican party of South Caro-
lima. He was legally elected TO the forty
! sixth congress, but certificate was given
10 his democratic con, ttor NJ. P!O'Connor,
whose seat Mr.. MacBJy contested. During
chat contest OConnor died, and Mr.. Dibbe
was elected to fill the alleged vacancy. Mr..
Mackey refused to recognize tho legality of
| the election and continued the contest
against Mr. Dibble, who was finally unseated
and the seat awarded to Mackey. He was
| elected to tho forty-eighth congress, defeat
ing his opponent, Samuel Lee independent
republican,, by majority Of 5000.
At the time of his death he was chairman
of the republican state executive committee
of South Carolina. In 1876 during tho dual
state governments in South Carolina, in the
| fierce contest for the governorship between
| Hampton and Chamberlain, he was speaker
of what was known as the Mackey house Of
representatives, supporting Chamberlain
claims and it is we'll known that but for his
| firm stand and unquailing courage during
that crisis the electoral vote of the state
would probably have boon cast for Tilden,
in part at least, against the ex-
| pressed will of the majority of the
people. By his death the republicans
of South Carolina lose their greatest leader
and their wisest and most fearless organizer
Throughout the cabins Of the lowly colored
men of South Carolina his death will long be
mourned with sorrow beyond utterance.
He was q man of generous nature, and his
hand was always open to the call of tho needy
His most bitter political foes have Away.
conceded that he was perfectly incorruptible
and admitted the fact, whichshis humble es
tate attests, that, with the largest opportuni
ties for Illicit gains in evil times, he at leas
never attempted to enrich himself by the sac
contributions of the public calamity.
He leaves widow and FIVE young children
the eldest being only 10 years of age. Hi
funeral will take place from All Souls churcl
at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. TIL
funeral sermon will DO preached by Rev
Rush X. Shipnen. The pallbearers Will bc
, Senators Butler, Pendleton, and Hill, ant
Representatives Hemphill, Bsby, OHara
CallSins, and Williams. A great many of tn,
friends and relatives Of the deceased started
for Washington from South Carolina las
evening to attend the obsequies.
Mr. Mackcy was conscious, and in the full
possession of his faculties up to the very
moment of his death.
The republican association of South Caro-
lima will hold meeting in Grand Army hall
corner of Ninth and ID streets, this evening
to make arrangements to attend the funera
of Mr.. Mackey. This call is made by author
ity of L. ii. Deas, acting president.