Evening star., 1885-06-23
HON. RICHARD r. MERKICK DEAD.
A Brilliant Career Closed This Morning
RESPECT TO THE MEMORY OF THE DECEASED
IN THE oouRrs-A BRIEF SKETCH OF HIS
LIFE, ETC

RESPECT TO THE MEMORY OF THE DECEASED
IN THE ooURTs-A BRIEF SKETCH OF HIS
LIFE, ETC.
Mr.. Richard T. Merrick died this morning
shortly after ten o'clock at his home on +
street. near 18th, in the 59th year of his age.
He had not been conscious for several days up
to the time Of his death. None of the members
| OF his immediate family were present at his
death-bed except his eldest daughter. Mrs.
Taylor and others of Mrs. Merricks relatives
were, however, present. Mrs. Merrick, who is
very ill, was not aware of the critical nature of
Mr.. Merrick's illness, as her physicians deemed
1T tnadvisable to inform her. Last night there
were such hopeful signs in Mr.. Merrick's con-
dition that the physicians and watchers were
encouraged to believe that his condition would
improve. So this morning when he began to
sink, and his fine physique succumbed to the
kaaa,s s'eH,ggie s,s Win disease the shock was
when few minutes after the death occurred
badge Of mourning was placed upon the door
OF the house. the news of the death was spread
very rapidly through the city, and everywhere
ELECTED expressions of sincere regret. Many
persons called at the house to tender such SER
hold.
Last night, as already stated, there were signs
OF Improvement In Mr.. Merrick's s condition, but
Of short duration. About quarter to O'Clock
TINS morning II was observed that he was sink
ing, and then all hope was abandoned. A little
/
but the hope that the change inspired was
delusive. In a few moments he began to sink
again, and the decline continued until death
ensued. He passed away very quietly, but
never regained consciousness.
Mr.. Merrick was member Of the Catholic
church, and during his illness Father Murphy,
Of st. Aloysius' church, an old friend of the
deceased, was present a great portion of the
m,1 time ne The funeral will take place at p m.
meeting of the bar of the District has been
called for pm: tomorrow in the Circuit Court
the bar at the loss of one OF its most brilliant
successful and genial members.
Mrs. Merrick Is still in a critical condition,
and as q matter Of precautiOn Information of
her husbands dangerous illness and death was
Kept from her. To-day 1t was a subject of con-
family as to the advisabiiity of telling her the
truth. She is at the residence of her father Mr..
James c. Mcguire. Among the earliest callers
to offer coincidence was Mr.. w. w. Corcoran.
ACTION IN THE COURTS.
In the Court in General Term Judges Hagner
and James, this morning, Mr.. A. G. Riddle an
nounced the death of Mr.. Merrick, and sug-
gessed that the court adjourn. Judge Hagner
said that the members of the court, as well as
that Mr.. Merrick was dead The announcement
came to him with peculiar force, for he had
known Mr.. Merrick probably longer than other
dated back to the boyhOOd days of the deceased,
when as student he gave promise of a success
full career at the bar. 1t was sad to think that
must give up his life ere he has reached that
age most of US are looking forward to. They
would miss the vigor, Judgment, intelligence
his cases. He felt, as doubtless many others
felt, that a friend had gone from us. The court
in respect to his memory was thereupon ad-
Mr.. Riddle informed the Equity Court of the
death of Mr.. Merrick, and Judge Cox at once
adjourned that court.
In the Criminal Court today, about noon,
Mr.. ". A. Cook announced the death of Mr..
Merrick, and moved the adiOurnm MT of the
Merrick long and well. His wonderful power
and peculiar fascination and persuasive powers
as an advocate in many celebrated trials here
gave him one of the first positions at this bar,
and would have given him such a place at any
bar in the country. He was one OF those whose
loss was misfortune. In respect 10 the mem
ory OF their friend, the court would adjourn.
A SKETCH OF MR.. MERRICK'S LIFE.
MIR. Merrick was held in high esteem in this
community, where he had spent many years of
his active life. He was a member Of a we'll
known Maryland family, and was born in
Charles county in that state in 1928 His
ted States Senate from 1888 to 1915. Mr.. Mer-
rick when the Mexican war broke out, though
not OF age, raised q company, which under his
command did gallant service in Mexico. Re-
turning home he began the practice of law, and
was also sent to the state senate. Just before
ticed law there for a while. He was a delegate
from Illinois to the democratic national con-
yentlon Of 1850 and supported stephen A.
Douglas. In 1864 Mr.. Merrick married a daugh-
ter of James c. Mcclure, of this city, and shortly
afterwards removed from Chicago to Washing
ton. During his twenty years practice here he
Won eminence in his profession and had taken
part in some of the most celebrated legal con-
tests of the day. His influence has been felt
not only In Maryland politics but in national
politics as well. Under the territorial form of
government he was the democratic candidate
Tor delegate to Congress from the District, but
his republican competitor, Mr.. n. p. Chipman
was elected. His personal qualities made him
many friends. His wife and eight children sur
vive him. He was brother OF Judge William
ID. Merrick, of the District bench.