Evening Star Newspaper, February 21, 1895, Page 9

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1895-TWELVE PAGES. 9 FRED DOUGLASS DEAD . “The Noted Colored Leader Passes Suddenly Away. "BE IS STRICKEN BY HEARD DISEASE The Close, of a Long and Eventful Career. SLAVE AND DIPLOMAT Frederick Douglass died at 7 o'clock last evening at his residence, Cedar Hill, in Anacostia, The end came suddenly. He had spent the afternoon in attendance upon the sessions of the Women's Council at Metzerott Hall. He returned home shor:ly after 6 o'clock, apparently enjoying his usual good health, and while chatting with his wife about what had occurred at the > council, he arose and started across the center ll into a room on the other side. He fell to the floor without uttering a sound. Elis wife rushed to his assistance, “and at a glance saw the serious nature of the attack. She was alone in the house at the time, and she hurried at once to the porch and by her cries soon brought as- sistance. A messenger was dispatched for ~-a doctor, and only a few minutes elapsed before Dr. J. Stuart Harrison appeared. Every means in the power of the Practlee was employed to revive him, but all efforts were in vain. Within twenty minutes after the attack the faint motion of the heart ceased, and he was pronounced dead. Death was due to heart failures Among the first arrivals last evening to comfort Mrs. Douglass was Miss Messer, daughter of Prof. B. E. Me For many years the letter’s family have been on close friendly relations with the deceased, and when the n 1 Miss Messer, who was attend a social at the Baptist Church, she Immediately left the festivities and hurried to the Douglass home. When a Star rep ive called evening Mrs. Douglass met him very composedly, '- \betraying her sorrow only by occasionally exclaiming, “There is but one thing, that is, he is gone.” This she would repeat, “He is gone.” Nothing of the past, noth- ing of the future interested her, it was only that “He is gone.” Other persons present were Rev. Overton of Campbell A. M. E. Church, in Hillsdale, and Henry Wil- son, nephew of the deceased. The former scon departed, and announced to his con- gregation the sad news. Mr. Douglass was to have been one of the leading attractions at a reception at the church last night, and was to have delivered an address. ‘The sad intelligence, when known in Ana- + costia, at first created excitement. Mes- sengers ran fronf homes conveying the news to friends. The telephone was the means of communication by which the first knowledge was conveyed to this city, and | ~ubsequently announced to the ladies at the council. The news of his death created profound sorrow throughout the city. A number of visitors called to see Mrs. Douglass today. Among the first arrivals was M susan B. Anthony, who remained with the widow all through the day. Other callers were Dr. Clara W. McNaughton, Emily Howland, Mis. Briggs (Olivia) and Mrs. Bailey. Arrangements for the Funeral. The coroner arrived about 10 o'clock, and, although this proceeding was pronounced unnecessary in view of a certificate of death from Dr. Harrison, nevertheless the family awaited the action of the repre- senta' rations ve of law. After his departure prepa- began for the funeral. Arrange- J not been entirely completed to- am, so far as adopted, is +3 will be held on Monday after- tropolitan A. M. Church, on " here the body will lie in state from 9 o'clock in the morning until 3 in the afternoon. interment will be in Mt. Hope cemete at Rochester, N. Y., and where the remains of his former wife and a son wiil soon be interred. This, said one of the so of the deceased, is a cemetery where there is no distinction as to race or color. As Graceland cemetery has prohibited col- ored burials, the remains of the late Mrs. Douglass will be removed to Mt. Hope. All the pallbearers have not yet been selected, but four of them have been determined WwW. & A. upon. They are B. K. Bruce, Wormley, John R. Lynch and John F. Fok ‘There was some talk today of securing a ‘death mask from the dead man. This was decided to be unnecessary, however, as sev- eral well-executed busts are already in ex- istence. Sketch of His Life. Mr. Douglass was born a slave in Talbott ecunty, Maryland. The exact date of his birth and the exact time is not known, and, as Mr. Douglass was accustomed to say, when #iving a sketch of his life, he was born somewhere about February, 1817, on the Choptank river, on the Eastern Shere. His me a3 a slave and was the prop- erty of Edward Lloyd; his unknown Mr. Douglass as ile Appeared tn Early ife. 1s a white man. He soon from h tt dw five rs old v daughter of l estate, to Baltimor family. His mis and with this of every opportun- 1 with his e tion. sixteen years of age he Edward Cove the other slave d from that time for- ction was no longer and he ma jul to him, Finally, in September, 1838, he fled from Baltimore and made his way to New York and thence to New Bedford, Mass., taking up his residence in the latter place, where he supported himself by day labor. He married Annie Murray, a free woman. While in New Bedford he changed his name from Lioyd to Douglass. At that time the lavery question was being discussed in land, and Mr. Douglass’ force and elequence as a public speaker was soon recognized, and he was soon regularly em- pleyed as the agent of the Massachusetts Apti-Slavery Society and traveled through- out New England delivering lectures. First Visit to Europe. He had the friendship of William Lloyd Garrison, who aided him in his efforts to secure an education. In 1845 he went to Europe, where he lectured on slavery, and the following year the sum of $750 was con- tributed by friends in England to purchase his liberty. He returned to the United States a free man, and in 1847 he began the publication of a newspaper in Rochester, N. Y., which was known as the North Star. He was indicted in 1859 for complicity in the John Brown raid, and he went to Eng- Jand, where he remained for several menths. -\t the outbreak of the war he returned and took an active part in inducing Presi- dent Lincoln to arm the slaves. He as- sisted in raising several colored regiments in Massachusetts. He advocated the com- plete enfranchisement of the colored race, came involved in a controversy with ‘ident Johnson on that subject. He con- tinued on th> lecture platform, and in 1870 he became the editor of the new National Era, which was published in this city. In he was appointed assistant secretary to the commission to San Domingo to as- certain the wishes of the people of that country regarding annexation with this country. Upon the completion of this mis- sion he was appointed a member of the upper house of the territorial legislature of the District. He was presidential elector- at-large for the state of New York in 18’ and was appointed to carry the electoral vote of the state to this city. He made his permanent heme here, and here he spent the balance of his life. Offices in This District. He was appointed United States marshal of the District by President Hayes in 1877, and upon the election ef President Garfield the latter made him recorder of deeds for the District. He held the latter place until 1886. His first wife died in 1882, and in Iss4 he matried a white woman, Miss Helen Pitts, who survives him. She had been em- ployed as a clerk in the office of recorder ot deeds. The marriage created a great deal of comment at the time, both among the white people and those of his own race. He made another visit to England in 1886, and in 1589 was appointed by President Harrison minister to Hayti. This was the last public position which Mr. Douglass held, although in 1502 he was appointed by Hayti as one of her two commissioners to tne world’s fatr. The closing years of his life have been spent at his home in Anacostia. The house is a comfortable structure of frame, sur- rounded by large grounds. Mr. Douglass Was a man of considerable means. In addi- tion to,his lectures and newspaper writings, Mr. Douglass was the author of several books. His published works are entitled “Narrative of My Experience in Slavery” joston, 1S44); ““My Bondage and My Free- ¢ dom" (Rochester, 1855), and “Life and Enc of Frederick Douglass” (Hartford, . At one time Mr. Douglass was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, but withdrew from active membership. Of late years he has been a regular attendant om the services of that church. Mr. Douglass leaves three children by his first. marriage—Louis H. Douglass and Charles Douglass of this city and Mrs. R. Sprague of Takoma Park. Fred. Douglass and Andrew Johnson. The answer by Mr. Douglass to Presi- dent Johnson's famous proclamation of himself as the Moses who was to lead the colored_race to the promised land tius- trated “his remarkable powers of clear statement, and incisive, yet dignified ar- gument. Mr. Johnson seemed but a pig- my in the hands of an athlete in this bout with Mr. Douglass. RECOLLECTIONS OF DOUGLASS. Stories Touching Different Points of His Remarkable Career. Several persons have claimed ‘the credit of vringing Frederick Douglass into public prominence. One of these was the Kev. ‘Themas James, pastor of the African Methcdist Episcopal Church at Lockport, N.Y., who was himself born a slave in New York while human bondage still ex- isted in that state. He said, a few years ag “I was preaching in New Bedford, Mass., in 1541. Douglass had recently es- caped from slavery, and was working in @ brass foundry in the town. One evening I induced him, by much pleading and per- suasion, to tell my congregation about the wrongs of slavery and his personal expe- rience. His remarks made a great im- pression, and soon afterward 1 licensed him to preach the Gospel. He preached about a year, and then started on that famous lecture tour with Parker Pillsbury, | Abby Kelley Foster and other pioneer abo- liuonists. Douglass afterward renounced his religion, because, as he wrote me, he had tovnd that the Bible was a pro-slavery book, und he would have nothing more to do With it. At first Douglass believed that slavery was recognized by the Constitu- tion, but 1 convinced him that such was. not the case.” Edwin Thompson, however, in an article describing his early work in the abolition cause, once wrote to the Boston Traveler: ‘In the year 139 1 labored in the anti- slavery cause in Plymouth and Bristol counties. 1 remember, when 1 spoke in New Bedford and vicinity, a large number of colored people attended my -meeting. * © © I did not know until some twenty years after that Mr. Douglass had attended any of my meetings. “At a convention held in Tremont Tem- j ple some time after the election of Abra- ham Lincoln, at which meeting George Thompson, Wendell Phillips, Garrison and others of the great speakers were present, Mr. Douglass stated that ‘it was Thompson who first weked him up on the pending fate, no matter what the result might be to me. Though I knew it was il- legal to do so, I quietly put the dispatch in my pocket and started on my search for Fred. Douglass. I went directly to Miller McKin, the secretary of the ‘under- ground railway’ office in Philadelphia, and inquired for my man. Mr. McKin hesitated to tell me, whereupon I showed him the dispatch and promised him not to allow it to be delivered within three hours. I told him that I would not do this unless he agreed to get Mr. Douglass out of the state. This he readily assented to, for it was his business to spirit escaped slaves beyond the reach of the authorities. I re- turned to the telegraph office and kept a sharp lookout for similar dispatches. None arrived, however, and when the allotted time expired I sent the belated message to its destination. “In the meantime those intrusted with my secret saw Mr. Douglass and urged him to leave the town as quickly as possible. He was loath to do so at first, but the ex- postulations of his friends overcame his objections, and in an hour he left on a railroad train, which placed a gap of forty miles between him and Philadelphia every hour. He reached his home in Rochester, N. Y., in safety, destroyed the compro- mising documents, and then packed his gripsack and started for Canada. It was fortunate for him that-he left as soon as he did, for immediately after his departure from Rochester his home was surrounded by officers.” How His Name Was Chosen. In a magazine article, giving several autobiographical details, Douglass has told the public, among other things, how he came by his name. “Once initiated into my new life of freedom,” said he, “and as- sured by Mr. Johnson that I need not fear recapture in that city, a comparatively un- important question arose as to the name by" which I should be known thereafter in my new relation as a free man. The name given me by my dear mother was no less pretentious and long than Frederick Au- gustus Washington Bailey. I had, how- ever, while living in Maryland, dispensed with the Augustus Washington, and re- tained only Frederick Bailey. Between Baltimore and New Bedford, the better to conceal myself from the slave hunters, I had parted with Bailey and called mys2if Johnson; but in New Bediord I found that the Johnson family was already so numer- ous as to cause some confusion in dis- tinguishing them; hence a change in this name seemed desirable. “Nathan Johnson, mine host, placed great emphasis upon this necessity, and wished me to allow him to select a name for me. I consented, and ae called me by my pres- ent name—the one by which I have been known for three and forty years—Fred- erick Douglass. Mr. Johnson had just been reading ‘The Lady of the Lake,’ and so pleased was he with its great character that he wished me to bear his name. Since reading that charming poem myself, I have often thought that, considering the noble hespitality and manly character of Na- than Johnson—black man, though he was— he, far more than I, illustrated the vir- tues of the Douglas of Scotland. Sure am I that if any slave catcher had entered his domicile with a view to my recapture Johnson would have shown himself like him of the ‘stalwart hand.’” Mr. Douglass and Mr. Cleveland. Mr. Douglass, as a representative mem- ber of his race, had more or less direct relations with several Presidents. He was always very candid in his expressions of good will toward Mr. Cleveland, in spite of their partisan differences. in a letter to F. W. Bird of Boston he wrote in May, 1836: “Iam a republican and did all I could to defeat the election of Mr. Cleveland. He was under no political obligations to me whatever, yet I held the office of recorder nearly a whole year under his administra- tion, an office by law held not for ahy term, but solely at the pleasure of the President. * * * While in office President Cleveland treated me as he treated cther otiice holders in the District. He was brave enough to invite Mrs. Douglass and my- self to all his grand receptions, thus re- buking the timidity—I will not say cow- ardice or prejudice—of his predecessor. I am a republican, and if living shall do all I can to elect a republican in 1888, but I honor manliness wherever I find it, and I found it in President Cleveland, and I should despise myself if I shouid let any- body think otherwise. Whatever else he may be, he is not a snob, und is not a coward.” Of all the Presidents since the war, Douglass probably liked Johnson least. “I was a member of a lelegation of col- ored men,” he said to a friend on one oc- casion, “who called upon President An- drew Johnson in the spring of 1866, and mentioned the idea ot universal suffrage and perfect equality under the law. He answered us in a cut-and-dried speech, in which he scornfully declared that what he had always meant by making the negro free was the making him free to labor, and that the giving of equality to the blacks would initiate a war of races. He spoke for perhaps fifteen minutes, and when he had closed he dismissed us with- out giving us a chance to make a reply. After we left we talk2d the matter. over, and, Knowing that the President would have his speech published, we prepared a reply and sent it over the country by the Associated Press. This speecn first called the attention of the people to this view of the » and the ultimate result was the passage of the fifteenth amendment. A Story of 1545. It was in 1845 that Fred. Douglass took passage on the Cimbria for England. Hé was not allowed a berth in the first cabin, When the Irish coast was reached the cap- tain gave the first cabin passengers a com- plimentary dinner. After the dinner some of the passengers desired to hear Douglass speak. Douglass complied, but as soon as he began to speak there was great excite- ment, and cries of “Throw him overboard! “Kill him!” and other similar threats. The crowd presently became so boisterous that Capt. Judkins came on deck and said Dou- glass must stop, as he (Judkins) wanted to speak. “Now,” said the captain, when the crowd stilled its noise enough to permit his voice to be heard, “I have made it as pleasant as I know how for the passengers all the way over. As captain of this ship I have a right to exact absolute obedience to my or- ders. But I shall not do this if persuasion subject, and made him feel that he was a man.’ I looked ut once at George Thomp- son, who was sitting near me on the plat form, and Mr. Douglass noticed it and said: ‘You need not look that way, Edwin, you are the one I mean. Your address at’ New Bedford and the way you quoted Whit- tier’s poetry fairly Inspired me.’ I was never more surprised in my life. * * * “After hearing this statement by Mr. Douglass I felt well paid for any gratul- tous labors in Bristol and Plymouth coun- during the year. * * * * Although ke in many hard places, I was never though I was the only frequent avery speaker who could say that. ant Wendell Phillips sald that was owing to ‘everlasting story-telling.” I weil re- mber the treatment colored people re- .¢ in churches, as well as in cars. I saw several thrown out of the cars in one day, at Taunton. Colored people were obliged to travel in what was called the ‘Jim Crow Car,’ which was a rough car with hard seats. Mr. Douglass was fre- quently thrown from the cars. At one time in Lynn four seats were broken in trying to get him out, as he did not try to help himself out. The people of Lynn, my native town, were so much opposed to this treatment of the’ colored people that it vas very difficult to keep that class of tizens out of the regular cars when trains opped at Lynn, as the white citizens were so much in their favor; so for some time the cars on the Eastern railroad would not stop at the Lynn depot. In fact, Lynn was the battle-ground for ‘freedom of the cars.’ “The next year after Mr. Douglass heard me speak at New Bedford, he, in company with Messrs. Garrison, Quincy and others, attended a meeting at Nantucket, which seems to have been the commencement of his great work as an orator. So strong was the prejudice, even in Quaker Nan- t that a member of the Society of Friends, an abolitionist, too, did not know what to do with Mr. Douglass over night.” Douglass and John Brown. John W. Hurn of Vineland, N.J., sald to a newspaper correspondent about a dozen years ago “| am the man who saved Fred Douglass from being hanged when ‘Old John Brown’ was captured at Harper's Ferry. I sup- will answer just as well. A number of pas- sengers have expressed their wish to hear Douglass speak. I shall simply ask those who do not wish to Fear him to adjourn to some other place, for Douglass is going to speak!" ‘Then, turning to the orator, he added: “Go ahead, Douglass. Give it to them like bricks! Douglass ‘went ahead” in the style so familiar to all who knew him. After listen- ing a few minutes, one of the passengers— a little man from Connecticut, by the way— spoke up and offered to be “one of six to throw the nigger overboard. A big Irishman crossed over to where he stood, and exclaimed: “Throw him cverbcard, will ye? Suppose you try it! While you're about it, how would ye like to go over yourself? Fred. Douglass has as many friends aboard this ship as you have, you dried-up little nut- meg!” Capt. Judkins interposed here, and told the boatswain to go below and bring up the trons. “I'll put shackles on every mother's son of you if you kick up any more disturb- ance,” said he, turning again to the dis- putants. Comparative peace reigned after this threat, but on reaching the wharf the cap- tain was handed the card of one of his male passengers, with an invitation to “name his friend.’” His only response was to laugh in the emissary’s face, tear the card into little bits and scatter them over the side. He heard no more about duels. Rev. Dr. Crummel!'s Tribute. Rey. Alexander Crummell, D.D., of the Episcopal Church, one of the ablest and most learned of the representatives of the A‘rican race, talked quite freely with a Star reporter about Frederick Douglass. He said: “I met Mr. Douglass first at a convention held at Albany, N. Y., in the spring of 1543. He had then been in the anti-slavery lecture field for two or three years, and had become already famous because of his splendid oratory a3 well as the grandeur and justice of tke principles which he ex- pounded. “Mr. Douglass was a man of great in- tegrity, according to his conceptions of right or wrong. I differed with him on many points, but our diferences along pressed a dispatch addressed to the sheriff of Philadelphia, instructing him to arrest Douglass, who was in that city, as proofs of his complicity in the memorable raid ered when John Brown was into custody. t that time I was a telegraph operator Philadelphia, and when I re- dispatch I was frightened nearly wits. $ I was an ardent admirer of the great ex ve, who was doing all that mortal ould to agitate the anti-slavery question, I resolved to warn Douglass of his im- these lines d not interfere in the slizht- est manner with our cordialit Douglass was a majestic orator. He became. es- tranged from the Church of God at a time when many men, both white and colored, were disposed to curse bo! 1 God and man for slavery. I don't wonder at their ex- asperation. COMMENT IN “CONGRESS. Senators and Representatives Express ‘heir Opinien of Mr. Douglass. The death of Hon. Frederick Douglass was the subject of general comment among public men about the Capitol today, all of whom spoke of it with feelings of regret, and in referring to the character of the man none but friendly expressions were heard. This was true among democrats as well as republicans, and’ all commented upon his career as one ofqthe strongest 1l- lustrations to be found of thé great change which had been wrought 4n the social and political conditions of the nation within the past two-thirds of a centufy. Among others who spoke sympathetically of the man was Senator Sherman, who sqid,he had come into contact with Mr. Douglass on many public occasions,but had never become per-. sonally or intimately acquainted with him. He had, however, obsdrved his public career with interest for the last fifty years and regarded it as most interesting and full of instruction. oS Senators Hoar and Palmer’spoke in the same strain, and both said they had been observers of Mr. Douglass’ public life for many years and had watched his career with interest. Senator Manderson. Senator Manderson also expressed deep interest in Mr. Douglass, and without going into any detail of his personal reminiscence of the man said: “I think that one of the most interesting events connected with his life, and one which went far to illustrate the transforming effects of time on human affairs, as well as to show the kindness of heart of the man, was the application which Mr. Douglass made, during the Har- rison administration, I think, to the head of one of the departments for a position for the daughter of the man who had been his master in the days of slavery. Surely such an occurrence would have been be- yond the most altruistic dreams of the most pronounced of the anti-slavery agi- taters of forty years ago, and surely no event in our history, small as it was in itself, could go further to illustrate the wondrous revolution which the civil war worked in our social institutions.” Senator Peffer. Senator Peffer said the flight of Fred. Douglass and his early career had been one of the stories in which he had delighted as a boy, and he had ever since taken a deep interest in any transaction with which Mr. Douglass had been connected. He also recalled that he had been present at a Quaker anti-slavery meeting held in Philadelphia, in which Mr. Douglass par- ticipated, and said the scene was still vivid in his mind. “It was,” the Senator said, “a typical meeting of the time,in which the audience, quiet, but terribly earnest people, were evidently in deep sympathy with their orators, both of them colored men, and both, I think, ex-slaves. “I do not recall the name of the other speaker. But as I remember the occasion he was far more voluble than Mr. Doug- lass, yet the latter was so earnest, so thoughtful and in every way so impres- sive that his appearance was indelibly impressed upon my mind. He spoke as one who felt every word that he uttered, and his eloquence was endanced by the fact that he detailed personal experiences. I have heard him frequently in the past ten years, and, while his manner improved and showed more extended culture, I have never heard him when he impressed him- self strongly on me as on that occa- sion. Other Senators. Senator Hawley of Connecticut said he had no personal knowledge of the import- ant events in the career of Mr. Douglass. Mr. Hawley’s father was an intense aboli- tionist, and as a boy he had heard him talk of Douglass very often. Mr. Hawley says Douglass was one of the greatest men of his race. 2 Senator Mitchell of Oregon’ said he had known Fred. Douglass since he first came to Washington, in 1 nd ‘regarded him as a wonderfully strong ‘mam Senator Platt of Connecticut said-that as a young man he had listened to and read all the early struggles“of “Mr. Douglass with great interest, as’ hig sympathies were entirely with the “abolitionists, and his recollections of that petiod and the struggle for freedom ineluded the great work Mr. Douglass did for his race. Senator Morrill of Vermont; who came to Congress in 1855, said he had no personal relations with Mr. Douglass in days when he laid the foundation of his re- markable career. It was the recotlection of Mr. Morrill that thé Straggles-and im- portant events in Douglass’ career occurred between 1810-50, Douglass was a man of national reputation at that time, and a representative 6f the abolition seytiment. Mr. Morrill says he dl not become ac- quainted with Mr. Douglass until some years after his arrival {n Washington and entry upon public life. THE HOUSE. Few members are in the present House of Representatives who took part in public life in the days when Fred. Douglass was in his prime, and few could speak of him from personal recollection today. Living quietly in his unpretentious cottage on the hill across the Eastern branch of the Po- tomac, overlooking the city, he was re- garded as one of a generation which had passed from active participation in events. Representative Hitt’s Recollections. Representative Hitt of Illinois was a member of the commission which went to San Domingo in 1870 to look into the re- sources and conditions of that island with a view to annexation. Douglass was at- tached to the commission as an honorary secretary on account of his position as a representative colored man. He was strongly in favor of the project to annex the islands, as he considered it a place where the freedman would have all the opportunities for demonstrating his ca- pacity for improvement, for education and self-government under the best conditions. “Frederick Douglass was_a man of the finest culture,” said Mr. Hitt, speaking of the character of the great abolitionist. “His force of character, his eloquence and his work for his race are well known, but simply as a man I have rarely known one of any color of a broader culture or a more thorough knowledge of the world. His romantic story, how he had ran away from his master when a slave lad, so that he did not even know his own age, led the people of Europe to make much of him as a poor escaped American slave, partly from the goodness of their hearts, partly from their willingness to embrace opportunities to find fault with republican institutions. For years Douglass was admitted to the best circles of society over there, was pet- ted and flattered, but the lionizing did not turn his head. “Those associations, however, made of him a cultured gentleman. I had oppor- tunity to become well acquainted with him during the weeks we were on the steamer and found him most interesting in conver- sation. From his circumstances, he him- self said, being admitted to the best so- ciety, yet still because of his race some- what apart from others, he regarded him- self somewhat as an onlooker in life, and he thought that he had learned to appraise men at their true value. Certainly he was a keen observer. He was a most wonder- ful orator in his best days; not of the kind that tears a passion to tatters, but with the eloquence in what he said. Often in the sentences he uttered in the most quiet way he had the power that stirs an audience deeply. He was a marked man, a strong man and a remarkable man, con- sidered not as a colored man, but as a man of any race.” Representative Murray. Representative Murray of South Carolina, the only colored member of the House, said that he thought the death of Douglass was caused by his unfailing ambition. Although a very old man he retained his mental powers and was remarkably active in every channel of effort for the advancement of the colored race. The deman upon him for lectures and speeches were constant, and Mr. Murray thought that he overtaxed his strength in taking part in the meeting of the woman's council. Mr. Murray said: “His death will be a shock, not only to all the colored people, who loved him so well, but to the white people also. _We looked up to him almost as we do to the memory of Abraham Lincoln. The race has suffered an irreparable loss.” Mr. Murray said that he would be glad to have Congress take notice in some way of the passing away of one of the last of the great workers for abolition if it could do so properly and in accordance with precedents. — The appeal court at Brussels has upheld the judgment agairst Mr. Lees, an Ameri- can, who claims that he is the inventor of the new Belgian army rifle. OSTRATION FOR NERVOUS Use Horstord's Acid oxphate. Dr. J. Q. STOVALL, Raleigh C. H., W. says: “Have used it in nervous prostration great success,” A LIVELY ELECTION (Continued from Third Page.) Mrs. Charles Green of Boston. One of the remarkable points was that one of the chapter regents appointed by her had to resign her high office, as she found on go- ing over her record that her ancestors had been among the redcoats instead of the revolutionary heroes. The report from Minnesota was presented by Miss Cruik- shank for the state regent. She took occa- sion to do a little quiet electioneering, and remarked that the president general of the order should reside in or very near Wash- ington, and that she should be a woman of eminent character and in high official station, all of which was roundly ap- plauded. ‘The report of Mississippi was read by the regent, Mrs. William H. Simms, wife of the assistant secretary of the interior. Owing to the lateness of her appointment she had fcund it impossible to do anything, but promised to have Mississippi alongside the older states another year, as she knew there was any amount of revolutionary blood in her state. The report of Missouri was read by the secretary for the regent, Mrs. James J. O'Fallon of St. Louis, and tkat of Montana, Regent Mrs. B. Wa 5 ‘The New Hampshire report was presented by Mrs. Arthur Clarke, who said that New Hampshire dames were slow to take hold of the D. A. A. idea, though many of them lived in their old colonial homes, whose walls were adorned with pictures of their revolutionary ancestors. Mrs. W. W. Shippen, a bright little wo- man, who read the report of New Jersey, created a round of laughter and applause by the airy manner in which she tripped up the steps and kissed her hand to the con- gress. The report of New York was read by Mrs. Donald McLain, regent of the New York chapter, for Miss Louise McAllister, the state regent, who was unable to he present, owing fo the death of her father, which has also caused her to resign her office. The report of Ohio was read by Mrs. Hen- Ke. There were fifteen or more reports left to read when the hour of adjournment came. They will be read after the other business is concluded at the end of the session. Most of the reports abounded in historical reminiscences and were prose poems, mak- ing it delightful to listen to them, but they corsume a great deal of time, and the lodies who are interested in the business sessions feel disposed to have the preambles cut short another year. Convention Notes. The convention, at the suggestion of Mrs. Mary S. Lockwood, sent greetings to the National Council of Women. ‘The president appointed Mrs. Lockwood to convey them. The badge pin of the D. A. R. is a spin- ning wheel over a bunch of flax, with the words “Daughters of the American Revo- lution” around the edge. It is usually of gold, and many of the pins are jewel studded. One can’t kelp being impressed with the appearance of the splendid body of women. The majority of them are women of fine physique, and ciean-cut cultured faces. A large number of them wear the yellow rib- bon of the suffragists, and nearly as many are “white ribboners.” The young lady ushers are fifteen as pretty girls as could be gathered together any place on earth. They understand their business, too, and the manner in which they hustle intruders off the floor is unique. There was a kind of store in the back of the church the first day, where spoons and badges and other articles of bric-a-brac could be procured, but it interfered sadly with the business of the congress, so sou- venir spoons are no longer a part of the D, A. R. paraphernalia. Kentucky is represented by two regents and one delegate. The Newport Chapter, named the ‘“‘Keturah Morse Taylor” Chap- ter, after one of the pioneer women of Kentucky, is represented by her direct de- scendant, Mrs. C. C. Barbour, its regent, a quiet, sensible lady, who never talks unless she has something to say. The other re- gent Is Mrs. W. L. Taylor of John Marshal Chapter, Louisville. The District of Columbia is represented in the D. A. R. congress by a fine body of women and women of executive ability. Mrs. Kate Kearney Henry is regent, and the other regents are Mrs. Elizabeth Blair Lee of Mary Washington Chapter, Mrs. Belle Draper of Dolly Madison Chapter, Miss Lilian Pike of Martha Washington Chapter, Mrs. Madison A. Ballinger of Ccntinental Chapter, Miss Lipscomb of Co- lumbia Chapter, Mrs. Caroline Heger of Army and Navy Chapter. The delegates are Mrs. G. C. Goodioe, Mrs. R. I. Walker, Mrs. Walker McLean, Mrs. Fanny Wash- ington Finch, Mrs. Charles Sweet John- son. Mrs. Donald McLain of New York Chapter and Mrs. Roger Pryor, assisted by all the ladies of the New York Chapter, held a reception at the Arlington last even- ing, to which the D. A. R. were invited, and from the crowded condition of the par- lors all of the congress and its friends must have been there. Mrs. McLain, in black silk crepe, and Mrs. Pryor, in black satin and diamonds, welcomed the guests. No one speeded their parting, however, for really none seemed to go. The New York Chapter ladies are a jolly lot and have made hosts of friends. The regent, Mrs. McLain, is one of the most energetic women in the whole congress and makes work count. When the D. A. R. got into a wrangle yesterday over a point of order made by Mrs. Lockwood, who had some experience on the lady board of managers of the world’s fair, the vote went against her. Nothing daunted, she dispatched a delega- tion to the Capitol to get an opinion from the Speaker on her point of order, and he sustained her. She told the congress with some manifestation of pleasure that she had been sustained. The congress laughed, and one of the ladies said the point had been carried, but they would remember the point of order “next time.” The D. A. R. are much pleased with their magazine and its management, and talk of enlarging it and widening its scope. As it is the official organ of the order, it is almost invaluable to the members. The gallery is now open to the public. Mrs. Morgan, state regent of Georgia, has precipitated a diseussion than many of the more conservative dread. She recom- mends in her report: “Even at the-risk of being charged with exclusiveness, that stringent laws be formulated governing admission to the society, aside from the absolute qualifications of ancestry. No society composed of ladies, no matter how bread or patriotic are its principles, can hope to continue and be of use in its cho- sen field if the pleasant relations of its social features be destroyed.” The order is now open to all women of true lineage and good character, and social standing does not count. A National Hymn. The Church of Our Father was well filled last evening to listen to the national hymns that were presented for considera- tion of the D. A. R., on which they will vote with a view to adopting one for their own. The concert was given by Miss Helene Carter Maigille of Hannah Benedict Carter Chapter of Connecticut, assisted by Washington talent of the best’ order. Mr: Joshua Wilbour of Connecticut, who is chair- man of the committee on national hymns, presided. On the platform with her 3 Sirs. Dickins, the presiding officer of the day. ‘The Marine Band, led by Prof. Fanctulli, gave a splendid rendition of “For Home and Country,” the production of Mr. J. Herbert George, Son of the American Revo- lution, and presented for the prize honor by Groton and Stonington, Conn., the words to the air being by Miss Ella Fanning of Connecticut. Its theme was the battle of Groton Heights. Later on the words were sung by a charming quartet of young ladies, Miss Marie Thornton, Miss Florenc Norcom, Miss Jessie Mills and Miss Is belle Davis Carter. The music is majestic nd rather more difficult than a national hymn should be if it is to become popu! ‘The words breathe patriotism in ever line. The second hymn presented, “Our West- ern Land,” by Miss Caroline Hazard of Rhode Isiand, and music by Mrs. J. Peet of New York, was sung last when the portrait of Mrs. Caroline Scott Harrison was presented to the society, and it was thought that it might become the national hymn of the order, but was not quite satisfactory. The other hymns were not presented last ng, but will be brought before the congress as a body. ‘The other numbers on the program were “Across the Dee,” an alto solo, most s Carter; recitation, ‘Boy Billy,” by Miss s, who recites as well as st 1 does both well, and two soprar He of All the Best the Nobl * by Miss Marie Thompson, both most pleasingly rendered. At the end of the musical program the congress ad- journed to the reccption of the New York Chapter at the Arlington. ‘The other hymns to be presented to the congress are “The Song of Freedom,” by Miss Linda deK. Hamilton of Buffalo, N. ¥., music by Mr. Schmelz; “Patriot Daugh- ters,” words by Mrs. Adaline Talcott Em- erson, chapter regent, and music by Miss Nettie Hood E: Inited States Our Glorious Lan: Donald Fletcher of Denver, Col. by Mr. ——_—. NEW THEATER SITE. Mr. John W. Albaugh Vigorously Pro- tesis Against Government Seizure. Mr. John W. Albaugh has made a vigor- cus protest against the amendment proposed by Senator Gray to the bill CH. R. 8515 thorizing and directing the Secretary of the Treasury to acquire by purchase or condemnation “all of lot 9 in square 221 and part of lot 8 in said square, adjoining said lot 9, said parcels of land being known as the James G. Blaine premises.” Mr. Albaugh’s protest is as follow: ‘The lot known as the “Blaine” lot, which is now proposed to be taken by the govern- meni, was leased by Mrs. Blaine to Paul D. Connor, and subsequently assigned by Connor to John W. Albaugh, for a term of ninety-nine years at the yearly rent of $5,000 for the first thirty-nine years, and $8,000 for each of the remaining sixty years. Immediately upon the execution of the lease and its assignment, Mr. Albaugh Freceeded to raise the necessary money to build a theater, and secured attractions for the next season, among others, five leading European attractions, and has expended large sums of money in prosecution of the enterprise. Mr. Albaugh gave pledges that he would erect upon the lot a theater, absolutely fire-proof, safe in its exits and artistic and beautiful in appearance. Mr. Albaugh protests against the taking of his property by purchase or condemna- tion. First. Because there does not exist any need or demand, or any reasonable proba- bility of any need or demand, for said prop- erty for the uses of the government. Second. Because the condemnation would entail a great cost to the government, which in the depleted condition of its tre: ry would be improvident. Third. Because the erection of the build- ing would give employment to at least 10 men for the next nine months, with food to their families, and because want and poverty now existing in Wash- ington among the laboring classes, this op- pertunity for employment should not be taken from them, and after completion em- Di yment to at least fifty men. Fourth. That the government should not nterfere with any legal enterprise or busi- ; unless there is an absolute need of the property for the immediate uses and purposes of the government. Fifth. Because it has not been the custom or policy of the government to acquire property for its prospective or possible fu- ture needs. Sixth. Because the building now occupied by the Department of Justice (and marked on plat lot 4) Is more than ample for its present needs, and there are now a large number of rooms unused and unoccupied and because there are vacant lots adjoi ing (marked on plat Nos. 5, 6 and 7) belon: ing to the government, containing nearly 15,000 square feet, sufficient to erect a building upon more than double the size of the present building. Seventh. Because there Is an alleyway (shown on plat) twenty-five feet wide be- tween the present building of the Depart- ment of Jusiice and the Blaine lot, and be- catse as the building proposed to be erect- ed thereon, and for which permission has been given by the inspector of buildings, upen plans submitted, showing the pro- pcsed building absolutely fire-proof, and far superior in this respect to the present Department of Justice building, all question of danger to the Department of Justice building from fire is absolutely unfounded. Eighth. Because in the preparation of the plans of the proposed building due regard was had to ihe location of windows, the style and character of architecture, the avoidance of unsightly blank walls, and of windows overlooking those of the Depart- ment of Justice building, everything having been duly considered and the greatest care exercised to avoid making the building ob- jectionable in the slightest degree. Mr. Albaugh respectfully suggests that there has been an almost universal demand for a theater in the city of Washington which would be artistic and modern in de- sign, fireproof in construction and safe in its exits. That Congress has repeatedly pessed laws requiring the present theaters in the city of Washington to conform, as far as possible, to the advances made in the construction of theaters in matter of safety and in cases of accident. He re- spectfully asks that he be allowed to pro- ceed in the erection of a theater which in the matter of safety would be in advance and in elegance equal to any theater in this country. If by the action of Congress he is not allowed to build his theater so as to eratle him to carry out his contracts with attractions, he will be injured in credit, and caused financial loss far in excess of any damages he could reasonably hope to chiain by any award of condemnation. He respectfully states that for years the Blaine property hes been on the market, and repeatedly offered to the governmeat, who repeatedly refused to purchase it, upon the ground that it had no use for it, and that not until the purpose of building his theater was announced, and the buildings heretofore erected upon the property torn down, was there any indication that the government wanted or needed the property. He respectfully states that the exercise of] the right of eminent domain on the part of the government is an unwarranted interfer- ence with his rights, and against which he is helpless and without adequate remedy. t if the theater is in any way a ance, the law provides ample remedy, which question he will most gladly meet. The drama ranks among the fine arts and should have a suitable home at the capital. ——— THE COURTS, Equity Court No. 1—Judge Cox. Stellwagen agt. Green; Dodson and Hcdg- son allowed to intervene. Willoughby agt. Mackall; time to file transcript of record extended fifteen days. Washington Bene- ial Endowment Association agt. Com- mercial Alliance Life Insurance Company; acceptance of offer of Jesse H. Graham ordered nisi. Wright agt. Craig; appear- ance of absent defendants ordered. Suit agt. Brooks; Nellie F. Brooks appointed guardian ad’ litem. In re Louis V. Taft, Clarado Brown, Augustus Patterson, Fan- nie Ungan, Jas. T. McGovern, Jno. A. Me- Cormick,Johanna McNamara,Wm. Spriggs; inquisitions in lunacy confirmed. — Car- ruthers agt. Parsons; Trustees Huyck and Fleming authorized ‘to sell. Carey agt. Carey; allowance of $25 monthly pendente jite granted. Webster agt. Websier; pos- ssion allowed March 1, 1895. Cirenit Court No, 1—Judge Bradtey. United States ex. rel. Wm. Shakespeare agt. Lochren; rule to show cause on March why writ should not issue. Hoffman agt. ruway; judgment for defendant on de- murrer to amended declaration, United ) es agt. Boyd & Slater; motion for new trial filed. Nauck & Nauck agt. Shelley; judgment on verdict for defendant. Jos. 8. Dudley agi. Richard Wood; on hearing. Stauf agt. Corson & Macartney, garnishees; {ndgment for $08.75 condemnation. Mackey ct al, agt. Bayne; judgment against plain- tiffs for costs. Cireuit Court No, nief Justice Bingham. White agt. Roth; case given to jury. Flektron Manufacturing Company “ agt. Burket & Company; judgment on ve-dict. Choate & Company agt. Doherty; judg- ment for plaintiff by consent of parties for 3100. Hanna agt. Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Company; on hearing. Criminal Court No. 1—Judge McComas. United States agt. H. W. Howgate, for- gery and embezzlement; case given to jury. Criminal Court No. 2—Judge Cole. United States agt. Wm. Dixon, larceny from the person; motion for new trial filed. Civil case, in re estate of Annie E. North- cutt, on hearing. Probate Court—Judge Hagner. ate of Ann M. Copeland, will admitted to probate and letters testamentary issued to Emma L. Pettingill and Chas. A. Stur- zstate of Josephine W. M. Sherwood, artially proved. Estate of Jolin Ken- ny, will and petition for probate filed, and crder_of publication. Estate of Albert W. Sheriff, inventory filed. Estate of Sophia Rhodes, will partially proved. Estate of Caroline P. Meding, petition for appoint- ment of a collector filed. A Sad Chapter Closed. + Mrs. Lavinia Bohannon, daughter of William A, Harris, Congressman-at-Large from Kansa 9 eloped with Mr. Bo- hannon, a liveryman of Luray, last August, committed suicide yesterday at her home at Luray, Va., by taking poison, A letter in a drawer said: ‘This is my own work. I did it myself.” The letter also stated that no blame was in any way attached to her husband, who had always been de- voted to her. h the great | oo DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. The Anti-Grave Robbing Bill. The Commissioners, in a communication to the chairman of the Senate committee on the District, recommend favorable action on the House bill providing for the promotion of anatomical science and to prevent the desecration of graves in the District of Columbia. The American University. Favorable action has been recommended to the Senate District committee by the Commissioners on the House bill to amend the act to incorporate the American Uni- versity. Building Permits. Building permits have been issued as foliows: John Walton, four brick dwellings at Nos. 312 to South Carolina avenue southeast, to cost $12,000; A. W. Wells, three frame dwellings and stores at Twin- ing City, to cost $2,000. Liquor Licenses. The excise board has granted the follow- ing liquor applications: Retail—Hubert Bohnke, 1202 Bladensburg road; John Eller, 21 O street; William Ry- an, 2: street. Whoilesale—Henry L. Blount, 52 E street southwest; John Eller, 21 O street. Requested Permission. August Donath of G11 7th street has re- quested permission to tap the sewer run- ning southwardly from the corner of 9th and K streets. The matter has been re ferred to the engineer department. Impassible Conditon. Messrs. Meyers and Anderson of 1323 G street have called the attention of the Commissioners to the impassable condi- tion of the streets in the vicinity of Ly- decker and Morgan streets, Holmead Maror. They request that the Commis- sioners have suitable crossings put down. Employment Approved. The employment of Henry Green, Edw. Forrest, Rudolph Murphy and John Scrog- gins, in the pound service, from February 15 to 20, inclusive, with compensation at the rate of $40 per month, has been approved by the Commissioners. Removal Ordered. The inspector of buildings has been re- quested by the Commissioners to notify the parties owning frame building in 6th street just north of M street to remove the same on or before April 1, 1895. : New Sewers. It was ordered by the Commissioners yesterday afternoon that the following sewers be added to the schedule of sewers to be built, in order of necessity, and not in order of place upon the schedule: In @ street southeast between Mth and 15th streets; in Pennsylvania avenue southeast between reservation 55 and 15th street; in 13th street southeast between K street and Pennsylvania avenue; in Georgia avenue between 13th and 14th streets, and in Penn+ sylvania avenue between 13th and 14th streets; in Kentucky avenue southeast be- tween Pennsylvania and Georgia avenues} in O street southeast between 9th and 10th streets, and in 10th street southeast between N and O streets. The total estie mated cost of the foregoing ts $9,310. Proposals Accepted. Proposals for constructing sewers were accepted by the Commissioners yesterday, afternoon, as follows: John Jacoby, Wilmington, Del., for cone structing sewer in 6th street southeast, $20 lineal feet of brick and concrete sewer, and 660 lineal feet of concrete and brick sewer in 12th street southeast. Bolden & Wormley, for constructing pipe sewer in Holmead avenue. G. S. Good & Co., to construct pipe sewer in_lith street extended northwest. J. P. Larguey, to construct pipe sewer in llth street northwest, and pipe sewe® in_Massachusetts avenue. T. Buckley, to construct pipe sewer ig Maryland avenue southwest. Nailor & Brenizer, to construct pipe sewer in M street southwest. Allotment Approved. The Commissioners have approved ay allotment of $10,000 from the appropriation for assessment and permit work, 1895, td be expended in the improvement of sides walks and alley pavements in the current quarter of the fiscal year upon requlsiti approved by the officer in charge of surface department. ———— TOMORRCW'S EVENT. Various Celebrations in Honor o& Washington's Birthday. Tomcrrow will be generally observed af a holiday in this city. As the anniversary of the birth of Gen, Washington is a lega} holiday, the banks will be closed and pubs lic business, and to a large extent private business, will be suspended. In addition to the military parade, there will be several public observances of thé day. Appropriate exercises will be held in the afternoon at Metzerott’s Hall, under the auspices of the Sons of the Revolution, ‘There will be patriotic songs and add and the presentation of a gold medal a8 the best essay on_a subject referring the revolution of 1776. A program suitable for the day has‘ beet prepared for the sessions of the Woman’ Council, and the patriotic spirit of the od= casion will be duly observed. In the evening at the Metropolitan M. By Church a meeting will be held under thé auspices of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic. The members of the army will appeat in uniform, and a number of distinguished people have been invited to be present. The Oldest Inhabitants’ Association will meet, as usual, and listen to the reading of Washington's farewell address and will transact any business that may be brought up. —= > Transfers of Real Estate. Deeds in fee have been filed as followst Edward J. Collins et ux. to Jno. C. Liskow, lots 213 to 219, sq. 156; $1. Charles H. Cra- gin et ux. et al. to Frederick L. Moore, part lot 72, in Peter’s square, Georgetown; 500. Chas. C. Glover to Washington and Georgetown Railroad Company, part lot 25, sq. 32, Georgetown; $2,500. Henry C. Mackall and Ledru R. Miller, trustees, to Lucas P. Loving, lots 1 to 4, bik. 1, Rose- dale and Isherwood; $3,100. Caroline Her- ron to Wm. M. Clayton, lots 20 and 21, blk. 29, Brightwood Park; $1,800. Julian J. Alexander to Rosalie M. Gittings, lot 59, sq. 139; $10, C. A, Brandenburg and Fountain Peyton, trustees, to Smith Twys man, part lot 10, bik. 16, Meridian Hilly $1,050. Eugene Carusi and Aldis B. Brown trustees, to American Security and Trust Company, lots 173 to 177, sq. 556; $13,900, Alice G. Crooks to Frank R, Harding, lot sq. 628; $10. Wm. H. Gee, trustee, on oe — roperty; $10. Anna E. Duvall to Joshua x "lark, lot 21, sq. 358; $9,000. Wm. & Frisbie ét ux. to Edwin B. Foote, lot 7 bik. 30, Rosedale; lot 22, bik. 26, Brookland; lots 17 to 30, Clark Mills’ estate; $10. Mare tha B. Gardner to James J. Lampton, lot 74, sq. 152; $14,500. Mary A. Gregory to August Donath, part lot 10, sq. 51 $3,000. Chas. W. Handy et ux. to Jos. R. Johnson, lots 139, 140 and 141, sq. 133; $10. Albert B, to Arthur W. Fergusson, part on Peter's Mill Seat; $10 Forest W. McElroy et ux. to Alex. L. Sate terwhite, part original lots 1, 2 and 22, sq, $5; $6,000. Eugenia Pruden to Jonas Hy McGowan, lot z4, bik. Zé, Wesley Heights; $332.69. Joseph R. Johnson et ux. to Chas, W. Handy, part original lot 2, sq. 158; $1 Jchn 6.Swormstedt and Robert E. Bradle; trustees, to John C. avidson, lots 80 33 and 35, sq. 062; Lz. a son et ux. to Mount Zion Tabernacle No, part of the Ridge; $75. —_—>__ Another Big Strike Ordered. A strike among the building trades on aff the buildings in course of construction if New York city was declared yesterday, afternoon by the board of walking deléy gates. The strike 1s in sympathy with tl of the Electrical Workers’ Union. It wil call out 20,000 to 25,000 men, and may ex- tend to Brooklyn and Jersey City. Amo: the trades a%ected are the carpent plasterers, plumbers, gas fitters, élevat constructors and tin and sheet-iron wo ers. —_—_—__+e+____—_ Struck Oil in Missourt, While engeged in boring a deep well of the Faror farm, near Rich Hill, Mog John Marshall, a prospector, struck a fing show of petroleam oil at a depth of. TU feet. Oil has been found at a number different points in this vicinity, but no w ‘f this depth has ever been sunk here,