The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1881-02-25
SENATOR CARPENTER Dead.
WAsHIRGTOR, FEB. 2

WAsHIHGToS, Feb. Is.
Senator Matt ii. Carpenter lWis.l
died at his residence in this city at
$50 this morning. His wife, son and
daughter, DR., Fox, Of Milsaukee, and
q. G. Williams. of Wisconsin, were
present. He sank quietly away with
out a struggle, simply dying from ex-
haustion incident to the disease that
had spent itself upon his system.
Three days ago yapor baths were
tried upon him with apparent success
and delusiye hopes were held out that
he would recover.
Matthew ii. Carpenter was born in
the pretty town of Moreton, Vermont,
in July, 1924, and, in his young days
was noted for his athletic powers and
aptitude for public speaking. His
father desired him TO study law, but
he preferred a military life, and went
to West Point, where he remained but
two years. The restraint of such a
life was unbearable to the highly
strung, nervous youth, who would
rather romp than study. Afterwards,
however, he settled down and read
law in the Office of that prince of advo-
Gates, Rufus Choate.
Shortly after being admitted to the
bar he went to Wisconsin and settled
down in Milwaukee. He grew into q
large and profitable practice. Taking
a prominent part in politics he babe his
time and did not become a candidate
for office until he aspired 10 succeed
Senator Doolittle in the United States
senate in 1869. He was elected.
After serving out his term he wa:
defeated for reelection, but in 1879 hi
got even with his enemies by obtaining
another election for the term ending
March 8, 1885.
Senator Carpenter was a man o.
more than ordinary strength of intel
lect. lie was a fine lawyer, an elo
quent and forcible speaker, and a logi'
clan. lie was a stalwart withal,-ont
Of the sort described by Senator Conk.
ling in speaking of Senator-elect Plat
''he never apologized for being a re.
publican. In the senate during his
first term Senator Carpenter welded a
great influence, but during his late term
he suffered from disease and was sci.
dom heard on the floor.
In 1877 Mr.. Carpenter was one of the
counsel engaged in Mr.. Tilden's inter
est before the famous electoral com
mission. He delivered some very effec-
tive speeches and made telling points.
but the dliunde business was too much
for him and he was defeated, like his
client, Tilden, by Il vote of 8 to Z.
Privately, Mr.. Carpenter, was a
''hale fellow well met" He had hosts
Of friends and a number OF enemies.
The latter at one time busted them
selves by connecting his name with a
Long Branch scandal, but Mr.. Car
penter succeeded in coming out of the
crucible purified, and he had the salts
faction of turning upon his pursuers
and putting them on the defensive
where he left them in their own misery.
While he was stalwart, bold and ag-
gressive, he was honest and candid.
Everything he did in politics was done
openly land open for inspection-to be
praised by friends or to be criticized
by enemies.
Chicago, Feb. PA private dispatch
from a well informed gentleman at
Madison, Wis, says: Our legislature
will be not flied of the death of Senator
Carpenter. Under the law Of congress
his successor cannot be regularly elect
ed until March 9th, the vacancy not
having occurred during a reces of the
legislature.
A suggestion has been made that the
legislature adjourn after indicating its
preference for q senator and permit the
governor to appoint a successor. The
question might arise, however, as to
the legality of such appointment and
action of the legislature.
Washington, Feb. Ex-senator Car
penter's funeral takes place at three
O'Clock p. m, Sunday afternoon, and
after the Inauguration his remains will
be taken to Wisconsin.
The death of the distinguished sena-
tor wasn't al unexpected event. He
has long been i'll, and towards the last,
it became plain that he would not long
survive.
His health has been failing for about
two years past, a naturally strong con-
stitution enabled him to rally from
these several attacks, but he has been
almost a wreck for the past six months.
Though his death was caused directly
by Bright's disease of the kidneys, there
was a general dissolution of vital ener-
gies.
Yesterday afternoon he had improv-
ed considerably, and it was expected
that he might again be able to get
about. During the night, however, he
grew worse and it was known that he
could not live. Last Friday he was
out in his carriage and called upon the
president and at several of the depart
ments. He went to bed the next day
and never rose again.
Arrangements for the usual con-
gressional honors in connection with
the funeral are not yet decided upon.