Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-06-27
sIMON CAMERON DEAD.
The Aged Pennsylvania Statesman al
Rest.

Gen. Simon Cameron died at his home at
Donegal Springs Pa, at 512 O'Clock last evening.
Almost to the last hour the vitality of the man
who recently celebrated his ninetieth birthday
was remarkable, the physicians who had been
in attendance pronouncing Gen. Cameron's
case very extraordinary one. Although his
death has been expected ever since he was
stricken with paralysis last Thursday afternoon,
it was a surprise to all who have been for six
days at his bedside. During the early day Mr..
Cameron's condition was such as to encourage
the physicians. Tuesday night the statesman
slept about usual, enjoying rather short but
peaceful maps. When he awakened at day
light he appeared to those in the room to feel
much brighter. He seemed to have more en-
ergy than usual.
Yesterday afternoon, however. he became
unconscious and at times the pulse-beats were
scarcely PercePtible.
WHEN THE END CAME.
The patient grew worse very rapidly, and
every one knew that the end was now surely
coming About o'clock the nurse at the bed
side mournfully shook her head, while the
others leaned gently over. For a few moments
every one thought that he was dead. but such
was not the case. Breath came slower and
slower, until it seemed that every breath must
be the last. Finally DIR. Bachman, who has
been constantly at the Donegal homestead,
turned about, made some almost inaudible re-
mark, and solemniy and silently left the room.
All was over.
Acknowledgement Wayne MacVeagh was in the
chamber when his fsther-in-law died. Mrs
MscVeash was also present, were the gener-
ais daughter, Mrs. Richard Haldeman, of Har-
risburg; James NJ. Cameron. Simon b. Cam
eron. grandson Of Simon Cameron: Mr. and
Mrs. Chauvenet and Mr.. and Mrs. David N.
Watts.
The body will probably be embalmed and the
funeral delayed until the arrival of Senator Don
Cameron, who yesterday cabled that he would
start for home at once.
A SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
Simon Cameron lived to the good age Of
ninety. During this long term Of life he at
tanned place of high distinction in his coun-
try's service. He outlived generation of
statesmen and always held the honor and re-
spect Of the whole country. He was born in
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania March 8, 1899.
and was left an orphan at an early age. With
fair English education he started life as a
printer. He was but nine years old when he
began to learn that trade. In 1920 he became
editor of paper. Later ne became interested
in banking and railroad construction. He be-
came Acknowledgement of Pennsylvania and in
1916 he was elected to the U. s. Senate for the
term ending in 1Si9, and during this period
acted with the democrats on important party
questions, such as the Missouri compromise
bill After the repeal of this. in 1854. he be-
came identified with the peoples party, which
was soon merged into the republican. AS q
candidate of that party he was reelected to
the Senate for the full term of six years be-
ginning in 1859. period that covered the ex-
citing crisis of secession. During this time he
was so earnest an advocate of peace that his
loyalty was suspected At the republican con-
vention that nominated Abraham Lincoln he
was strongly supported for the presidency and
again for the vice-presidency. Mr.. Lincoln
called him to the cabinet as Secretary of War;
and he proved equal to the arduous duties of
the place. He advocated more stringent
and aggressive war measures than Mr. Lin
coin was prepared to carry out, and when
General Butler asked for instructions re-
garding fugitive slaves, directed him to en-
ploy them under such organizations and
In such occupations as eXigencies may suggest
or require" Similar instructions were given
to Gen. sherman and other officers in tie
field In the original draft of his annual re-
port to Congress in December, 1861, he boldly
advocated arming fugitive slaves, but this was
modified On consultation with the Cabinet
Mr.. Cameron resigned the Secretaryship jan
uary ii, 1852. and was sent minister to
Russia. His influence undoubtedly tended in
large measure to secure the friendship of
that powerful nation during the civil war; His
official conduct in Investing Alexander Cum
minis with the control of large sums Of public
money aud authority to purchase military sup
plies without restriction and without requiring
from him any guarantee for the faithful per-
Torrance of his duties, while the services Of
competent public officers were available and on
involving the government in large con-
tracts with persons not legitimately en-
gagged in the business pertaining to
those contracts, and particularly in the
purchase of arms for future delivery" was
censured by the House of Representatives April
80. 1862. but Mr.. Lincoln Immediately sent a
message assuming, with the other heads of de-
partments. an equal share in the responsibility.
He resigned as minister to Russia November 5,
1862. and remained at home until 1866 when
he was elected United States Senator and ap-
pointed chairman OF the committee on foreign
affairs on the retirement of Mr. Charles Sum
ner In 1872. He was elected to the Senate for
the fourth time in 1873, but resigned in favor
OF his son. the present Senator. During his ac-
tive public life he was a powerful political
leader. practically debating the policy of the
republican party in Pennsylvania and welding
strong influence over its national policy.
His influence in the party has been great even
In the retirement of his old age.