Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-02-04
BLACKBURN STORIES.


Adlai Stevenson, in his recent book,
gives these two anecdotes Of j. 8. c.
Blackburn, the honey tongued orator
Of Kentucky:
Upon the occasion of the retire.
ment Of the Rev. DR.. Butler from
the chaplaincy of the senate-a posi-
ton he had filled most acceptably for
many years-many Of the senators
spoke regretfully Of his retirement.
The speech of Mr.. Blackburn, for
beauty Of expression and pathetic elo-
quence, was unrivaled. He spoke
most tenderly of the faithfulness OF
the venerable man Of God; how for
long years he had gone in and out
before US; of his daily walk and con-
versation; how, like the Blessed Mas
ter, his only thought was Of doing
good; Of how he had often invoked
the divine blessing upon US and our
loved ones, and lifted us, as 1t were,
in his arms up to the very throne
Of grace. The orator seemed inspired,
as though his lips were indeed touch
ed with live coal from the altar.
The counterpart Of the, scene that
followed his closing words had never
been witnessed in legislative assem-
bly,. All were in tears. 1t was eve,s
said that venerable senator's, who had
never shed a tear since the ratifica-
ton of the treaty Of Client, actually
sobbed aloud and refused to be COM
forted. At length, amid silence that
could be felt, an adjournment was
effected and the senators passed sad
ly out to their homes. AS he passed
the chair, Senator Vest, in an under
tone, remarked to the vice president,
40 never saw him"
The next day in the absence of his
successor, "the blind chaplain" Doc
tor Butler again and for the last
time officiated, simply repeating in a
manner most solemn and impressive
the Lords Prayer. At its conclusion,
Senator Blackburn, who had been a
most attentive listener, came forward
to the desk and remarked to Vice
President Stevenson:
II tell you, sir, I like that new
chaplain of ours. What a splendid
prayer! There is something original
about that man."
Thirty years and more ago, when
Blackburn attended a public execu-
ton, in common parlance "a hang
ing" in one Of the counties Of his
district. Being a gentleman Of great
distinction and a candidate for con-
gress, he was appropriately invited
by the sheriff to occupy a seat with
the prisoner and his spiritual advis-
er upon the gallows. At the near ap-
proach Of the fatal hour the sheriff
with watch in hand, amid the sea OF
upturned faces, stated to the prisoner
that he had yet five minutes to live,
and it was his privilege, If he so de-
sired, to address the audience. The
prisoner meekly replied that he did
not wish to speak. Whereupon Mr..
Blackburn, stepping promptly to the
front of the scaffold, said:
"As the gentleman does not wish
to speak, If he will kindly yield me
his time, 1 will take this occasion to
remark that 1 am a candidate for
congress, regularly nominated by the
Democratic convention" etc.
This incident being told in the
presence of Mr.. Marshall, the oppos-
ing candidate, the latter remarked
that he remembered it we'll and
could vouch for its truth. He then
added that when Mr.. Blackburn pro-
posed to speak out the prisoner
time the latter turned to the sheriff
and inquired who that was. To which
the officer replied, Captain Black
burn" At this the prisoner, who had
amid all the exciting scenes Of his
arrest and trial and even up to the
present moment, with his coffin be-
side him, displayed marvellous for
titude, suddenly exhibiting deep emo
ton, piteously exclaimed: please
hang me first and let him speak af-
terward."