The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-20
STAINED WITH BLOOD
An Ex-Desperado Sent to the
United States Senate.
ONCE ouTLAwED FOR MURDER.
Shameful Life of Colonel John l.. NJ.
Irby, Elected by the Alliance to
Succeed Wade Hampton.
Columbus, S. c. Letter.

Columbus, S. c., Letter.
John Laurens Manning Irby was born at
Laurens September 10, 1854. He is the son
Of Colonel James H. Irby, of Laurens. He
attended the University of Virginia and
afterward Princeton College Leaving
there he read Law for three years under
Judge Mclver, but practiced his profession
only two years. Since then he has farmed
near Laurens. He was an active worker
in the famous Hampton campaign of 1916,
and organized military company in
Laurens, of which he was made captain,
and afterwards he was chosen staff Off
Ger under Governor Hampton with the
rank of colonel. He is ready debator
and forcible speaker In 1856 he was
elected 10 the South Carolina house OF
representatives, and was returned by an
increased majority in 1855 This fall he
was again candidate for the legislature
and was elected. He was an ardent fol-
lower of B. z. Tillman, and was one of his
most trusted advisers all through the re-
cent memorable campaign.
When the Tiilman wing of the Demo
cratic party secured control of the party
machinery Colonel Irby was made chair
man of the state executive committee.
L lS cE rate
was entrusted to him. He proved himself
a courteous leader, and abandoned many
of the tactics that made him eminently
successful rs a partisan. Ii is said that it
was due 10 his cool head and wise judg-
ment that the recent election passed of SO
quietly throughout the state. When the
legislature met by common consent it was
agreed among the victorious element that
Colonel Irby should be chosen as speaker.
He had no opposition for that Office.
Many thought that Colonel Trby would ex-
pect Il higher reward for his services igr-
ing the recent campaign than the compli-
mentary position Of speaker, bar few
thought his ambition would lead him 20
aspire to be Wade Hamptons successor in
the United States Senate. Trby never
openly declared himself a candidate for
the Senate. He maintained absolute
silence except, perhaps, in the inner circle
Of his particular friends. The work was
done by his friends and his eo-workers for
the Tillman wing of the Democracy.
Colonel irby is a man of striking per-
sonal appearance and Is said 10 be pos
sessed of considerable magnetism. He Is
one OF the best whips ever seen about the
legislative halls IL Columbia. On more
than one occasion he has saved his party
from confusion and consequent defeat
He IS u ready speaker and debater quick
at repartee. He viii be in oil likelihood
the youngest member OF the United States
Senate.
Although young man Colonel Irby
has history, and not very savory one.
He has the reputation Of being "a had
man, although it is said he has since re
formed and joined the Baptist church
Back i'll the seventies he was outlawed by
the Democratic governor. Simpson who
succeeded Hampton, for numbering a man
named kjlgoTe IN Laurens county. 4 re-
ward OF Sl5t was offered for his arrest. but
he ned the state and remained away until
the thing blew over, when he returned TO
LaIIrens and with the aid of G. W Shell,
then clerk Of the court and now Alliance
member OF congress, secured an acquittai.
IrDy's next exploit was to arm hims elf
with shotgun while he was painting the
town ot Laurens red and DEFY the town
authorities TO arrest him. He paid G nne
for this. Then some decent man offended
him N some way, and Irhy took one Of
his negro friends to the Offenders pianta-
ton, gave him : horseFilip. ana. catch
ing his enemy Unawages, held & pistol 10
his head and one 70 the negTo's head and
compelled him 10 horsewhip the mau. His
next exploit WAS 10 90 with his brother
into the town after justice of the peace
who had offended him, and between the
two OF them they slashed the justice To
pieces. He was never punished. cut he Is
an Alliance man now and is a member of
the church
The election of lrby 70 the United States
Senate has brought the blush of shame 10
the cheek Of every decent SoQth Caro-
hnlan. From every section of the state
come expressions of indignation ut the
outrage and regret az the defeat of Hamp-
i
viii be put up for governor by the DEM
ocracy.
Wade Hampton. whose seat Irby will
take. has represented South CaroIina in
the United States Senate since 1879. He Is
a grandson OF malor-generai in the
Revolutionary war. He was one OF the
frsr 10 enlist on the Confederate side in
Hampton Legion " II Bull Run, where
he was Wounded but won : brigadier-
Generalship. He served galiantlv all
through the war and cane oaf as lieu
tenant-geaeral. in 1876 South Carolina
had Two governors Tor time Hampton
was one, Chamberlain the other. [ nitei
states soldiers came 10 Chamberlain 5 sid
hut eventually President HAYES withdrew
federal support from Chamberlain. ieay-
ing Hampton III the sUhernatorial chair
"a which he was reelected IN ISIS and
served until elevated 70 the United States
Senate. He fought negro suffrage bitterly.
hut later on made his appearance with
President Hayes IN several Southern cities
and made pacific speeches. Before the
war Hampton was one n the richest men
IN the South. inherising immense and
splendid plantations thSt yielded q roval
Income. he lived in = manner betting his
wealth. When he entered the Senate.
however. the senator was - poor that the
salary was no small object II accepting
the seat, He bad great estates. * is ttue.
bat they yielded him nothing Fhe de-
Veiepment Of his StSte end cSreful AZ
tcutlon 10 his property. however. set the
senator on his fees again
The Zoia school IN Germany.
New York sun Berlin Letter