Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-03-24

for the worst, because of his advanced age.
He had been ailing for about two weeks, but
attached very little Importance to his COM
plant. 1t was not until last Tuesday that
it was thought necessary to call in physi-
clan. DIR. H. c. Yarrow was sent for and
found General Schenck suffering from
capillary bronchitis. Afterward pneu-
monia of the right lung set in and later the
left lung became involved. DR.. Yarrow
called DR.. O'Reilly in consultation.
THE LAST DAY.
When DR.. Yarrow visited General
Schenck this morning he found him much
worse, and it was discovered that diphthe-
ritic exudation was commencing on the
right SIDE of the throat. He became
rapidly weaker until the end came. His mind
was clear and bright to the very last His
three daughters. Mrs. Bates. an old friend. and
Miss Sedgwick were with him at the time Of
his death.
The General. with his wife and two daughters
lived in a large and fashionable house on
Thomas Circle. just across Fourteenth street
from the residences Of Senators Morrill,. Ali,
himself a counselor at law. and has lived in
semi-retirement. He has been engaged in many
important legal cases. but has not appeared in
court for several years. He was on terms of
the closest intimacy with the prominent men Of
the capital of both political parties, and he has
been often sought for to give political and
legal advice.
One of General Schencks warmesr and
closest friends was Secretary Blaine, who had
great admiration for his friends abilities as a
lawyer, politician and diplomat, and has sought
his aid in the preparation of many State pa
pers, Very frequently Mr.. Blaine has gone
out for constitutional walk bringing up
at the residence of General Schenck and spend
ing an hour in friendly conversation. In his
Twenty Years of Congress-" Mr.. Blaine has
this to say of the character and services of
General Schenck in speaking of the strong
members of the Thirty eighth Congress.
THE OPINION OF BLAINE.
Robert c. Schenck was an invaluable addi-
tion to the House. He had been serving in the
field since the outbreak of the war. but had
been induced to contest the return of Vallan-
digham to Congress. His canvass was so able
and spirited that, though in other parts of the
State the Democrats captured eight Republi-
can districts, he defeated Vallandigham in
Democratic district. Mr. Schenck had origin
ally entered Congress lS43, at "a years of age,
and, after distinguished service of eight years.
was sent by President Fillmore as Minister
Plenipotentiary to Brazil. After his return he
had taken no part in political affairs until now.
His temperance in Congress was. therefore,
significant He was at once placed at the head
of the Committee Military Affairs then of
superlative Importance and subsequently was
made Chairman of Ways and Means, succeed
ing Mr.. Stevens in the undoubted leadership of
the House. He was admirably fitted for the
arduous and difficult duty. His perceptions
were keen, his analysis was extraordinarily
rapid, his power of expression remarkable. In
the ive-minute discussion in committee of the
whole he was an intellectual marvel The COM
pactness and clearness of his statement, the facts
and arguments which he could marshal in that
brief time, were constant surprise and delight
to his hearers. No man in Congress during the
present generation has rivalled his singular
power in this respect. He was able in every
form of discussion but his peculiar gift was in
leading and controlling in committee of the
whole"
Probably the most unfortunate incident in
the interesting life of General Schenck is that
which occurred when he was Minister to En-
gland and was credited with the honor of
having introd iced the American game of draw
poker into Great Britain. His name has ever
since been connected with that seductive
pastime in way that has not at all times been
pleasant.
ON SLIGHT FOUNDATION.
General Schenck has always said that he was
not entitled to the honor. His reputation as
poker authority rested on nothing more sub
stantial than the preparation by him of little
pamphlet containing few of the simple rules
of the game, for the Information of his friends
in London which was privately circulated. The
family of General Schenck are very prominent
in the fashionable society of Washington and
great sympathy is expressed for them in their
present sorrow.
Robert Cumming Schenck was born in Frank
lin, O.. October 4, 1909. graduated at Miami
University in 1877, and remained as resident
graduate and tutor for three years longer, then
studied law with Thomas Corwin, was admitted
to the bar and established himself in practice
at DAYTON. He was a member of the Legisla-
turo of lS4l. distinguishing himself so III debate
that he was elected as Wing to Congress and
thrice reelected. serving from December 4,
lS43, until March 3, 1851. He was member of
important committees and during his third
term was the Chairman of that on Roads and
Canals After the close of his Congressional
term in 1851 he was appointed Minister to
Brazil.
In 1852, with John S. Penrose, who was ac-
credited to the Argentine Republic, he ar
ranged treaty of friendship and commerce
with the Government of that country and one
for the free navigation Of the La Plata river
and its great tributaries. They also negotiated
treaties with the Governments of Uruguay and
Paraguay. In 1853 Mr.. Scheck returned to
Ohio and engaged in railroad business.
HIS MILITARY CAREER.
He offered ms services to the Government
when tie Civil War began, and was one of the
first brigadier generals appointed by President
Lincoln, his commission being dated May II.
1861. He served with his brigade in the first
battle of Bull Run, in which the Union army
was defeated. He next served in West Vir-
gInia under General Rosecrans, and did some
brilliant fighting at Mcdowell and Cross Keys.
General Fremont then intrusted him with the
command of division, and, while leading the
First division of Franz Siegers Corps at the
second battle of Bull Run. his right arm was
shattered by musket ball, incapacitating him