Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-01-23
A RzMARKABLE MAN DIES.
Outline Of the Career Of Arthur
MMurraugh Kavanagb.


Arthur McMurraugh Kayanagh, who
died in Ireland few days ago, was in
many respects a most remarkable man.
Many years ago he represented his native
county, Carlow, in the House Of Com
mons, and subsequently the County of
Wexford, where he defeated Sir John
Pope Hennessy.
Nature had endowed him with singu-
larly handsome face and fine torso, but
had deprived him both Of arms and legs,
and consequently when he was elected to
Parliament it became necessary to make
special arrangement to admit of his enter
ing and addressing the House, as he could
neither walk nor stand.
The matter was discussed privately
before the meeting of Parliament, and
subsequent to the entrance of Mr.. Kava-
nagh the Prime Minister rose and moved,
"that exception be made to the universal
rule, that members must address the
House standing, in the case of the honor
able member for Carlow, and that he be
permitted to speak seated" This was,
of course, agreed to, when further diff
Guilty presented itself, in regard to his en-
trance into the House. An inexorable
rule exists, that when Parliament is sit
ting none but members can pass beyond
the bar, which is on line with the lower
gangway and the seat of the Sergeant-at-
Arms.
On his first appearance Mr.. Kavanagh
was carried in chair to the table, by his
two introducers, to take the necessary
oaths, but, as it was evident that this
could not be'done throughout the entire
season, the proposition was made that he
be excused from entering by the members
door, which is Immediately opposite the
Speakers chair, and be permitted to use
a door in the rear used by the chaplain
and others. Mr.. Kavanugh was very
regular in his attendance, and almost
daily was carried in by couple of SER
,, wants, and placed in his usual seat under
one of the side galleries.
Seeing him thus with light wraI
thrown over him, to conceal the rigidity
of his artificial limbs, few would have
suspected the true state of the case
The defects of nature had been so vel
supplied, that he was able to take part il
outdoor exercises and field sports, O.
which he was passionately fond. In thu
most famous hunting districts he wa
known as a straight, bold, and indeed
fearless rider, and the style in which hi
drove four-in-hand coach was the env.
of many of his brother whips. He wrot'
beautifully and had no mean place among
amateur artists. He was a man of grea
power and originality of mind and varieC
reading, therefore it was no surprise whel
his maiden speech placed him far abov
the ordinary level of House-of-Common
oratory. The word sent out that IT.
quote the language of the House
"Kavanagh is up" never failed to brinl
back a crowd of utembers from tn
library, smoking room or terrace, to listel
to his speech. He was one of the fey
men who never spoke to empty benches
He was man of old family and extensiv
possessions, was exceedingly genial an
popular, and was the happy husband of
beautiful wife, and tbs father of larg
and handsome family, none of whol
shared their fathers afflictipn.
Mr.. Kavanagh was for number {
years Chairman of the Waterford an
Limerick Railway Company, and was ais
Chairman of the New Ross Board {
Guardians.