New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-08-28
OBITUARY.
DEAN RICHMOND.

DEAN RCHGOND
Dean Richmond, who died in this city yesterday
ing at tho residence Of Samuel j. Tden born March
81, 1884, at Woodstock Vermont His parents poor
and his friends without influence, and at years OF age
he was an orphan; hut from tho first be displayed that
restless and eneprsing spirit which marks his career
he left Vermont in boyh ,od to seek bis fortune In
this State, and FIRST settled at Selma, where he
obtained situation clerk. His first savings de-
voted to paying the debts he had received sole Legacy
from his parents. Soon after be removed Syracuse
where he engaged In the salthoing business and In
few years became very successful His step was
engage in the commission and forwarding bus
ness, by which he gained fortune which be invested
in the purchase of railroad securities, becoming
largely interested in several important roads.
Western New-York was in 1895 a grand field
for such energy and foresight his and about this
time he was maze Director Of the Buffalo and State Line
Railroad Upon its consolidation with the Central Road,
in 1853 Mr. Richmond elected Vice President OF ths
COMPANY and in 1861 succeeded Mr.. Erastus Corning@
President Hi connection with other railroads, though
not official was influential For many years he had hved
in Batavia and acquired great wealth These are the main
facts Of fe but it as politician that no
became one Of the powers of the State
He was Democrat all his c but in his youth espec'-
ally liberal Democrat using his influence for the free
soil wing of the party He opposed the annexation OF
Texas in 1874, and sustained Martin Van Buren,
In 1854 he denounced the Nebraska bill But
though representing the more tolerabe prin-
ciples of his party he always very
careful not to risk it's success the polls Hence his fire.
auent reconciatons with the leaders who differed with
him in opinion and the compromises Of the two sections
of the party No State politician had higher reputation
manager and wireworke aud in 1850 he was appoint
cd Chairman Of the Democratic Central Committee
position which he held till his DEATH At the Charleston
Convention in 1860 he did all in his power oprevent the
division Of tho Democracy approaching perhaps the
national danger and doubtless foreseeDg the ruin Oh his
party During the Rebellion be acted with the Democ-
racy in opposing the Administration though it must be
remembered to honor that he did not join with those
who would gladly have rsked the destruction Of the Union
TO gain party triumph. At the Chicago Convention OF
1864, Mr. Richmond was very active and srdently
promoted the nomination of Mcclellan. His po'
tcal course of late is well known. He was
one of the three or fourImen who shaped the action
of the Saratoga Convention, and ct Philadelphis
was consulted equally by the seceders from the RePub
can party the Southern delegates, and the Democrats
He sustained Of course the policy of Mr. Johnson and
Tie Post intmatss that the Democratic platform and
ticket ofS65 adopted after assurances given him dur
ing an interview with the President This fact may note
in passing important showing how early Mr. john
sons secret negotiations with the Democrats began
Dean Richmond was a shrcwd leader, but withai bold.
The spirit Of adyenturer born in him. be loved
politics as some gamblers love cards. much for the sake
of the excitement as the power His ambition did not
seem to aim Office for be repeatedly declined nomina-
tons for the Goyenorship and the United States Senae.
Il was better his estimation, to rule party, than Ia
lead it. for he well knew the difference between
the freedom and the might of few gentlemen meeting
quietly dinner TO plan great campaign, and tho tram
meed influence of an official. II his pride to placa
In the throne the Of his choice and to stand behind
it. Thus all his extended influence personal be had
woven web the State and the threads all cenerod
in his grasp. His energy, il not his principles, was
entitled to respect. The Illness of which he died. hrsi
showed itself at Braatrd Conn., about three weeks sgc
yet he did not yield but without consulting physician.
went TO the Saratoga Convention. Constantly growing
worse he perseyeed and attended the Philadelphia Con-
yention and thence Travelled to Washington. After Mr.
Tlden who knew his condition, had removed him TO hs
own home, he would if permitted, have gone to Alban1
TO attend the meeting the Democratic state Commttees
This the nature of the Rest was not rest ia
him when he heard afar off the noise of the battle
Personally Mr.. Richmond had much popularity, and
though his opponents were many he had few enemies
But while are glad TO speak of him generous
opponent than many of his colleagues, business mar
OF enterprise and politician Of rude force his powd
only of the day. He invented plans but did not enforce
principles In the great reforms which have recressd
the nation Dean Richmond had no part, and little p
pathy the ceverncs and cunning Of the manager Of mon
and parties always ouweghed by the earnest Devotion
of simple mind truth. The public life of this success
full controller Of elections will have little influence on the
future He was the treless architect of edices that per
petuay fell down; the rebuder of ruins which should
have been left decay. Death snatched him suddenly
from his schemes but may not be said TO have taken h
before his work DONE for such work never done BY
its nature il without end; il is the labor Of Sysphus
the rolling of the heavy stone up the bill or Reform the
pouring Of water into the caSk of the Daniades Inc
Democratic party will lose an ardent able and sefshy
devoted leader Dean Richmond but the future viii moi
miss him.
THE REV John PIERPONT.