The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1900-12-14

season of political disquietude. Capt
Is. r. Tillman having the summer
| before sowed the seeds of discord in
his memorable speech at Bennetts-
vile. In 1888 Irby was returned to
the house, and again in 1890. His
political career may be said to date
from that later year. For it was
then that the Reform movement was
inaugurated and without Irby it
could not have been as successful as
it was He was the motive power in
tho March convention Of 1890 which
nominated Tillman for Governor.
A biographer in writing of this
period of his life says: Gail the
forces which contributed to this po-
liticai uPheaval were concentrated at
the March convention. This con
vention was practical declaration
of war upon existing political insti-
tutions
FIELD MARSHAL OF REFORM.
"Everything that could secure sue.
cess was present and all that was
needed was that all sthe elements
should be fused or crystalized. 1t
was at the most critical moment in
the proceedings of the March con-
vention that lrby first appeared as u
master of political tact and organizer
of victory. Notwithstanding that
revolution was intended by this con-
vention, it narrowly escaped passing
into history as an imperative and
impotent body.
"The delegates wero about even,y
divided as to whether the revolution
shovld proceed by the suggestion of
a candidate for Governor or whether
the assemblage should content itself
with expressing-as had been done
hofore-the voice of tho people in
resolutions. 1t was into this breach
that Irby threw himself witch ardor
and enthusiasm, and his activity on
the floor and the energy and force of
his personal appeals changed an i'm:
minent fasco into a potential sue
cess. The conversion by him of
few votes in favor Of the suggestion,
secured the nomination Of Tillman
for Governor, thus furnishing the
hitherto disorganized forces with
leader, and giving the movemot a
name, battle cry and solidity. The
The broken ranks which were prac-
tically closed and recognized by him
moved on from that day to the over
whelming victory in November Had
there been no movement, there might
have been no Irby, but had there
been no Irby it is equally true that
there would have been no organiza-
tion."
His ability to organize the forces
in the March convention'' placed
him in charge of the campaign, and
he was the field marshal who carried
Tillman to success. AS chairman of
the executive committee of the re-
form movement in 1890, he was
"Tillman's lieutenant" and his
knowledge of State affairs and of
people, his political acumen and ga
gncity and his acknowledged fidelity
to the Reform party roade him next
in prominence to Tillman.
He was re- elected to the logisla-
ture in 1890, and became speaker of
the house. A man of ability, of fine
appearance and of good voice he was
capable to fill the position.
What has by some been regarded
as a great political crime on the part
Of the Reform movement was the de-
feat of Wade Hampton for re-elec-
tion to the United States Senate.
When Gen. Hampton's term expired
in 1890, Irby was elected to sscceed
him. Irby's career in the United
States Senate cannot be said to have
been brilliant one, as was expected
after the campaign of the Reform
movement
He made his maiden political
speech in the United States Senate
during the debate on the repeal of
the purchasing clause of the Sher-
man law. He opposed to the posi-
ton taken by President Cleveland
and his cabinet on tho silver issue.
In the tariff fight he twice held the
IN oe ,>o,,o. o-1