The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1881-02-16
OBITUARY.
FERNANDO WOOD.

FERNANDO WOOD.
brief dispatch from Hot Springs, Ark, an
nounces the death OF Hon. Fernando Wood. of
New York. on Sunday night, at 10 o'clock. Mr.
Wood had been i'm poor health for some months
past. so that the announcement of his death will
not be received by the country with that unex-
pectedness which usually accompanies the It'd
ings OF the decease OF those who stricken down
suddenly, without any warning OF the approach
of the seldom welcome messenger.
Without being in the front rank of American
statesmen Fernando Wood has been conspicu-
Gus figure nAmerican politics for quite thirty years
past. Visitors to the House of Representatives
for the past two decades have been attracted by
the handsome and conspicuous appearance of the
member representing the Ninth New York Dis
trict. He was among the most attractive-look-
ing Members OF the Lower House
courteous and gentlemanly in debate,
Spopular among his fellow -members--faithful to
mented by all who knew him. He represented
one of the largest and most intelligent constitu
encies in the country. His Congressional District
embraced all that portion OF New York City
known as the Ninth District, running from West
Twenty-sixth to West Eighty-sixth street, aud
west OF sixth avenue.
Mr.. Wood was of Quaker stock and born in Phil
adelphia ia 1912. His father removed TO New
York eight years later, since which time Mr.
Wood has made that city his home. When nine
teen years of age he commenced business as a
shipping merchant in which occupation he was
entirely successful, retiring with an ample for.
tune i'm 1850. lie was three times elected Mayor
of New York, serving in that Office during the
years 1855, SO. 80. 'Gl aud go. lie earlier
Member OF the House OF Representatives than
any other Member of the present House. having
served a. such in the years 1911, II and
as: he was elected to the Twenty-seventh,
Thirty eighth, Forticth Forty first. Forty-second
Forty-third, Forty.fourth, Forty and Forty
sixth Congresses, and was re elected TO the Forty
seventh Congress Democrat, defeating Hardy,
ntiTammany and Bergman, Republican. In
1873 his friends proposed him for Speaker of the
House of Representatives, but he declined His
connection with the wellknown "Isefunding
BIZ and its history Is OF recent date that II
is only necessary to refer to It now In connec-
ton with the death of the author OF that import
ant measure.
When I'm 1861 Fort sumter was attacked, New
York City. In common with the entire Nation,
shared in the general excitement of the period.
Mr.. Wood was Mayor Of the city at the time. aud
suspected Of sympathy with the Southern people.
His proclamation rang out boldly for the defense
Of the Constitution and the Union, as follows:
NEW YORK, April Is. 1861.
AS chief Magistrate representing the whole
people feel compelled ut this crisis 10 call upon
/ them 10 avoid excitement and turbulence What
ever may be or may have been individual posi-
lions or opinions ON questions OF public
/ policy let us remember that our
| country now trembes upon the brink OF pIeci-
| pIce and that Il requires patriotic and honest
/ effort "a prevent its final destruction: Let US
| ignore the past rising superior 10 partisan con-
/ sideraiions, aud rally 10 the resto.
| ration of the Constitution and the Union.
rs they existed In the days and In the spirit OF
our fathers Whether this IS 10 be accomplished
/ by fatricidal warfare or lay concession.
Cancellation and sacrifice, men may differ;
| at least harmony and peace should prevail. Thus
may we, under the guidance OF Divine
Providence, set an example OF peace and
| goodwill throughout our extended coun.
try. In this spirit aud with this view ! call
upon the people of New York, irrespective OF all
other considerations or prcludices, 70 unite IN
obedience 10 the laws. In support OF the public
peace, In the preservation OF order and In the
FKRsASDo woop, Mayor:
A week later on the recommendation Of Mr..
Wood the Board OF Alderman OF the city OF New
York voted 81 900 900 to aid m the defense OF the
National Government
Both the Senate aud House Of Representatives
yesterday sdiouTued promptly upon receipt Of tho