The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1886-02-06
His LAST CALL.
Death of Joe Rankin, Representative
From the Fifth Wisconsin Dtstrios-A
Long Season of Suffering Closed ~
Last-Congressionsl Action.

Joseph Rankin, member OF Congress
sTom the Fifth Wisconsin District, died
ut his lodgings on NJ Street, Washing
Ton, on the afternoon OF the oath. A
couple OF weeks ago he was very low,
out rallied, and for a few days was
around and apparently very comfort
able. For forty eight hours he had
been IN a dying condition, being at
times deilrlous. Fears were entertain
ed that ne would be attacked by con-
Fulslons, but, happily, these were
avoided. In the morning it was ap-
parent that he could not last through
the day, and during much of the fore
noon he was delirious. One side was
paralyzed, but he gesticulsted wildly
with MS other arm, imagined num-
Der Of his congressional colleagues
were present, and addressed them,
called for DR.. Gray, OF Milwaukee, and
tined TO make q speech on the Fitz
John Porter case. The physicians,
tearing convulslons, about noon ad-
mlnistered opiates hypodermically
and he quieted down and became per
rectly rational His two children,
Jennie and Joe. were in an adjoining
room, and the dying man, hearing
them crying, had them brought into
ais room, and was just able to sum-
mon up strength enough to throw his
arms around them and bid them good
bye. He was passionately devoted TO
hls children, and his farewell to them
was heart-rending At half-past / he
became unconscious, his breathing in
sreased in difficulty, and at minutes
20 he died, There was with him in
MS last hours his wife, his two chill
dren, his brother, John Rankin, OF
Blnghamton, \. Y, and Mrs. Ran
kin's sister, Mrs. Miller, OF Chicago.
Mr. Rankin had been for some time
before Congress met in an advanced
stage OF Bright's disease, but insisted
on being sworn in as a mem
5er Of the new Congress, though
he had to bring a physician with him,
and it was feared be would die on the
say. For several days after he ar
rived he frightened up and seemed
pretty comfortable He was often in
rhe lobby Of the Ebbitt House, talking
with bis friends, and attended some OF
the sessions Of Congress. In accord
tnc5 with usage Congress will vote
bis family his salary for the remaining
fourteen months OF his term. Had he
died without being sworn in Congress
would probably not have extended
this favor to his family. In the case
OF Mr.. Schleicher, OF Texas, and IN his
olone, during recent years, Congress
voted the family the salary for the un-
expired term, though Mr.. SchleIcher
had not been sworn in when he died.
1t i also in accordance with Congress
-iOnal usage that the House of Repre-
-entatives should defray all the ex-
peuses of Mr.. Rankin's funeral.
At the capitol, on Monday, flags
were half-masted over both House and
Senate and the dead congressman's
lesk and chair, were entirely en-
geloped in broad foldsfof Grape and
il beautiful tribute OF Marechal Mel
roses and other flowers were placed
On the desk. As soon as the
reading of the journal in the House
sas finished Gen. Bragg took the floor
and announced the death OF Repre-
entative Rankin and said that at
-0me future time he would ask leave
D make appropriate and extended re-
marks on the lie and services OF his
distinguished colleague. Gen. Bragg
then offered the following resolutions
which were adopted:
Resolved That the House has heard with
eiacere regret the announcement of the
death OF the honorable gentleman, Mr..
Rankin, late representative from the state
i Wisconsin.
Resolved By the House OF Representa-
ives, the Senate cOncurriRg, that a special
E#int-cOmmittee Of seven members from the
House and three from the Senate be ap-
pointed TO take measures for superintend-
.ag the funeral and escorting the remains
af the deceased to Wisconsin, and the neces-
-ary. expenses shall be paid out OF the con-
i gent fund of the House.
HesoIred, That as a mark OF respect for
he memory Of the deceased, the House do
low adjourn.
Speaker Carlisle announced the fol-
loving from the House: Rep
resrntatives Bragg, Van Schaick, Ste
enson and Guenther, OF Wisconsin;
Carleton. of Michigan; Henderson, OF
illinois. and Johnson, OF New York.
The House then adjourned.
In the Senate Mr.. Sawyer called up
he House resolutions on the death Of
Representative Rankin and they were
iopted. Senator's Sawyer, Black
burn. and Jones, OF Arkansas, were
appointed as the senatorial commit
II e to escorsthe remains to Wisconsin.
Tpon motion OF Mr. Sawyer the SEN
tie adjourned out OF respect to the
memory OF the deceased
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