The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-07-10
The Final Catastrophe Accel
Grated by an Accident.
Ingralitude Of Parties and TreacheTy Of
the Missouri Democracy,
Eloquent Eulogy from General
Sherman.
THE STORY OF HIS LIFE.


more than TWO years, expired last night at half
past eleven O'Clock, at mis- residence IN this city.
over two years ago he sustained stroke OF
paralysis. which forced hin TO retire from public
nie and made him a confirmed invalid. After his
paralyto attack he also became afflicted with
softening OF the brain, and the decline in ais
mental vlgor was plainly perceptlble. Hs had
been able TO speak snce last fall Three
months ago, as a last resort the operation OF
TRANSMISSION OF blood was performed upon him.
the operation was performed by Drs. Franklin
and Farrar, Of this city Two ounces OF blood
were drawn rom the arm or strong,
healthy man and transfused into The
veins OF the General This operation
was repeated three times, the last being
seven weeks ago. The treatment seemed to i'm
prove him to some extent, and his physicians an
nounced that they had strong hopes that ne would
in tune fully recover. General Blair's intimate
friends, however, who knew the latest cause OF
mis- malady, always believed that It was distemper
beyond the PHYSICIANS skill His family were
always hopeful. During the present summer ne
has taken carriage rides quite frequently. One
day last week he descended the stairs without as
sistance, and went about the room unsupported.
Yesterday afternoon he was taken out for a drive
and returned in about an hour apparently much
refreshed. He was placed at front room window
by his family where could look out and enjoy the
breeze. shortly alterward, being alone, he arose
and made an effort 70 go to an adjoining room
While passing from the first he was sud-
denly seized with vertigo and before assistance
could reach him he fell to the floor, striking with
nis right temple the corner OF o bureau. The fall
stunned him and he was picked up In
AN INsENsIBLE STATE.
Or. Farrar Immediately summoned ana
every eifort mace to revive the General but with
out success. he remained in comatose state,
breathing easily and apparently suffering pain.
1t was evident that his END was near. his pulse
was slow, his heart beats getting lower and lower
ana his features growing rigid. At haipast
eleven he quietly oreathed his last, dying pain
lessy and without a struggle.
Surrounding bis deatabed were the Generals
wife and eight children. Besides his family no
others were present, except DR.. Farrar and Mrs.
samuel Simmons, friend Of Mrs. Blair. 1t is an
acknowledged fact among General Blair's best
friends that his par2lytic stroke was superin-
duced by political DISAPPOINTMENT, ana his case
must be regarded as q striking Illustration OF
the
NGRATTrUDE OF PARTIES
In 1870 Frank Blair headed the liberal movement
IN this State, and it was TO his influence chiefly
that the confederate element owed their enfran-
ch1semenL In that year he was elected TO the
Legislature this otsy, and n January
was chosen to I'LL the unexptred term Of Senator
Drake IN the United States Senate. 1t Is well
known fact tnat compact was mace between
Blair and the democratic party leaders that the
expiration of his fragmentary term in the Senate
he was to be returned for six years, and that the
leadership or the party in Missouri was
70 be accorded to him. Blair took this
agreement upon the part Of the democracy in
good fslth and did splendid service in putting it
upon q firm footing. At thai time he was in mag
nificent health. In the winter Of 1872 occurred
the memorable Senat rial struggle between Gen.
eral Blair and Hon. L. V. Bogy in which the latter
came or victorious. Blair now saw that he had
been duped INTO allegiance to party which had
proved treacherous TO its solemn pledges and had
utterly ignored its promises to reward his SER
vices ~. n,r,,7
hurt him very much and the source OF keen
dependency, ard it was manifest that his
physical health became affected from that
period. Two years ago ne was appointed to
the position OF State Insurance Commissioner,
bot IL was a lsmentable fact that although
his services to the democratic party had
been OF such an eminent character it look an
extraordinary cnort to have him confirmed by the
democratic State Senate and this only done
by the unanimous vote Of the republican men,
bers in his favor This glari ng proof Of ingrati-
Iude was TOO much even for the vigorous Blair
and the snock was SO great to him that shortly
thereafter he was stricken with paralysis and has
Deen DelplesS ever SINCE Inc best democrats
here acknowledge that Blair was treated badly
aud that their party broke faith with him in most
inexcusaole manner. The position OF Insurance
Commissioner he held up to the time OF MS death.
It was his only means OF support. Though Gen.
eral Blair's family have expressed desire TO
nave
HIS FUNERAL
simple and unostentatious his remains will
doubtless be buried with great pomp and public
demonstrations Els father, Francis p. also his
mother and brother Montgomery Blair, are Twin g
at Silver Springs, near Washington, and are now
en- route TO this city 10 take last view OF their
dead kinsman. His death has cast gloom over
this entire community and the people, without
distinction, unite IN paying the moBt graceful
tributes TO his manly virtues.
TRIBUTE FROM GENERAL SHERMAN.
Among the touching tributes is that Of Genera,
Sherman. Your correspondent met him this
morning he was coming down town to bis
headquarters. Upon being asked II he had heard
Ene announcements OF Blalr's death Sherman re-
Piled
Eyes, poor Frank is gone; poor Frank is Rone.n
Then the General mused a moment and said,
with some warmth, mat some expressions OF his
had been distorted into reflections upon General
Blatr's character as soldier, and that great IN.
Justice had been done 10 him thereby.
II always had most exalted regard tor Frank
Blair" pursued General sherman, with much
forcibleness OF manner 81 always regarded him
az one Of
THE TRUEsT PATRIOTS,
most honest and honorable men and one OF the
most courageous soldiers this country ever pro-
duced. never lost sight OF the services he
0ered the country on the outbreak Of tne war and
fully conceee and always have CONCEDED that 10
mis- bOldness, promDHtude and frmness more
than 70 anything else the country
Is indebted for the preservation OF 81
Louis as q strategic point ana for the salvation
OF Missouri. Frank Blair was noble, generous,
honest man. he brave, frank, sincere and
npselhan. His virtues Will 1--we forever, because
gh0y reflected good upon others, wnie his faults
will be buried with MN, because they harmed no
one but hfmselLp
Tue Generals manner Indicated that he thought
BIS utterancea IN regard 20 General Blair IN the
slMemoirsU mad bee wiluily and maliciously mis-
Interpret ted, and when asked II he had any Obec-
lions 10 the publication Of the tribute he mad paid
30 tue memory OF the departed statesman ana
SOLDIER instantly replied
1 Glad To IL Duh-