Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-10-19
DEATH OF FRANCIS p. BLAIR.
AH Ofd-ti,ae journalist Departed
a Noted Man In hls Time.

private dispatch received in this city
last night from Silver Springs, Md, made
the sad announcement of the death of the
yer ersble Francis p. Blair, at his home
at Sandy Springs. yesterday afternoon. The
venerable Virginian retained his physical
yisor, his mental faculties, and mis- spright-
illness OF disposition TO a remarkable degree.
and always took the deepest interest in the
events OF the time. He was, perhaps, the
best Informed man in the country concern
ing all the political irtrigues and exciting
Ell Ochs through which the country has nassed
during the last half OF century. In the
exciting Issues which divided men and
parties In the days of President Jackson,
Mr. Blair, as an editor, an advisor and a
politician. was most promir cot, and exerted
powerful influence. In the period pressed
Ing ard during the civil war ne was also a
prominent figure. He has outlived most of
those with whom he took an active part in
public affairs. When bis sou. F. P. Blair,
Jr.. was mere boy, Mr.. Blair said his hope
was 10 live TO see that boy man. The boy
died st the age OF j3 years, after a most
eveptful career, and his father has survived
him many months.
Francis Preston Blair was born at AbinE-
don, Washington county, Va, April 18th,
1871. and was consequently In the s6th year
OF bis age. He was educated at Transylva-
nla University, Kentucky, and studied law,
but from Ill health and weakness of voice
never engaged In the practice. He took an
early part In politics, and In 1923 supported
Henry Clay for the Presidency, but disseuted
United States Bank. When In 1929 the null
lincation movement was developed in South
Carolina, Mr.. Blair published an article
against IL In Kentucky newspaper which
attracted the after ton OF President Jack
son, who invited the writer to become the
editor OF the GLOBE, democratic journal
about to be established in this city. The
Globe was begun in 1880 and became the or
gan OF the seversl successive democratic
administrations, Mr.. Blair retaining control
OF II until ISIS, when President Polk thought
IL f,f no rs
that the organ should De placed In other
bands, offering Mr.. Blair the position of
Minister to Spain. which was declined. Mr..
Blair then retired to his estate OF Silver
Springs, Montgomery county, Md. After
the repeal OF the Missouri Compromise he
took an active part in the organic alton of
ued to act up to the close of the war, since
which he has not figured in politics.
The funeral OF Mr.. Blair will take place
on Saturday at the Rock Creek Church. The
pail bearers have not yet been selected.
THE CHKEsNAN MYsrERY.-T The condi-
or shot herself In her apartments at No go
sixth avenue, was unchanged yesterday.
The woman is improving slowly, and abso-
lutte quiet is epjoined. The mystery sur
rounding the case Is still unsolved,
unless the statement made by the woman,
and published in the Times on Monday, is
accepted as an explanation of the affair.
There is DO doubt that she made a state
ment similar 10 that published, although
she now denies II, and there is scarcely q
doubt that IL was true version of the affair.
No trace of her reputed husband has yet
been obtained. Toe man Cheesman, or
whatever his name may be, is described as
follows: About i've feet ten inches In height.
medium build. and has auburn hair, and
pretty full mustache and goatee. He dressed
neatly, and had the appearance Of COM
merc1al traveller or q small tradesmau.
During the time he lived in Sixth avenue he
was absent for a week or fortnight at inter-
walls. He seemed to be well supplied with
funds, and kept Mrs. Cheesman also well
supplied with money. 1t 10 stated that the
woman was clairvOJ ant and was q regu-
lar attendant at the Sunday meetings OF
Spfritualists held at a ball in the upper part
OF the city, but IL could not be ascerLained to
what extent she was connected with them
" y Times, 18Th.