The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-09-24
mis-. JOHN G. FREMONT DESTITUTE.
Tho Daughter OF Geat Senator Benton
Without Means OF support.

Tho Daughter OF Geat Senator Benton
Without Means Of support.
San Francisco Bulletin.
The painful news OF the distress which
was said to have befallen the widow ard
daughter of the late General Fremont. as
announced in the Bulletin few days ago.
has been verified beyond question by Judge
Charles Silent. of Los Angeles, who ar
rived in this city Thursday night. The
wants OF these noble women have been
temporarily relieved by q few friends of
the family who. as coon as the fact was
known, stepped in and assisted. A fur
nished house has been provided for them
and also some necessaries.
Judge Silent was seen last evening by q
BssiIcfia reporter. He stated that he was
here Tor the purpose OF seeing what could
be done towards organizing committee
to raise fund for the maintenance
OF Mrs. Fremont ard her daughter. which
would put them beyond all possible danger
OF want. Judge silent said further: THE
proposition Is TO appoint three or four of
the leading men here to act as a committee,
aided By the Pioneers and Native Sons,
with such man as the mayor at the head
which will be an assurance that whatever
money is contributed will be properly ap-
piled. The ladies Of Los Angeles have in
augurated movement to provide Mrs.
Fremont and daughter with house COM
pletely furnished. The object of the COM
mittec ia San Francisco will be to try and
raise fund for their maintenance and
support. think that considerable con-
tributions wit be received from the East
Mrs. John r. Jones. OF Los Angeles, is at
the head of the ladies' movement there
She will De here in day or two and will
take m active part in the work of organic
ing the ladies of san Francisco.
''The work of raising a fund belongs
properly TO the people of San Francisco.
Mrs. Fremont is the daughter OF Senator
Benton. man who devoted the greater
part OF his life TO national affairs, and was
always warm friend to the people of the
Pacific coast He was the man who in
spired Fremont to start the pioneering to
open up the Rocky mountains and the
West. and he beiriended California in its
application Tor statehood"
In tie absence Of President Alexander
Montgomery OF the Pioneers, Willard b.
Farweli, a member OF the society, was seen
at his residence on Steiner street last even.
ing. MIR. Farweli is preparing q memoir oi
General Fremont, at the request of the
Pioneers. He had heard of the report in
question, and was much concerned when
he learned of It's truth. He said that he
would bring the matter officially before the
Society OF Pioneers today, and had no
doub, but that immediate action would be
taken by the society.
General Fremont disposed of bis Mari
posa estates SOON after the war, and with
the proceeds engaged in railway specula
! ton, with a result which is we'll known
AT the time OF his death he had several en-
terprises on hand, which might have
! proved highly profitable had he been q
eral on the retired list he enjoyed but /,
short time. The amount due him by the
| government on setting up old account.
amounted TO but 81 go instead of $4,000
| as is popularity supposed, and owing Il
| government red tape this still remains un
| paid. Immediately alter his death tive
bills were introduced simultaneously il
| TO Mrs. Fremont. one in tn,
Senate for So coo. and one il
the House for $1,000 The Senate bill
| passed without much opposition ana wa,
| sent to the Hoase. The House committee
| on pensions recommended a pension O
| $1,000 but when General Banks, OF Massa
chasetts. who bad charge of the bill, moved
| Tor suspension of the rules, which re
| quired unanimous consent and asked tina
the bill be passed, an objection was raised
and, although no reason was given for tn,
| action, 1t was sufficient to throw the bill
into the general calendar, where it lies alb
solutely buried. Doubtless the report O
Mrs. Fremont's condition, when it reache
Washington. will quicken action IN tn,
| House.
| For the last fifteen years of General Ere
| mont's life 1t was fact, known to but ,
| few, that he was on the verge OF poverty
| New York city is the maelstrom wherein
| public men sink and are lost to sight, un
less they are fortunate enough to posses
the material goods of this world. 1t is Lu
initiating TO think that man of Fremont
| renown and services TO his country should
| be reduced TO such a state. Alone and for
| gotten was be in his little house on Staten
| island, but his great heart never fiinches
| from his duly to his family. lie was con
stantly engaged in schemes, visionary
| perhaps, but all looking 10 the welfare @
| the family he so devotedy loved. This /
| 10 place 10 recall his rom antic and senti
| mental csreer in early life, but his ieyo
| ton To his wife was truly inspiring. Will,
| millions OF .nefS profitej by the results O
| the bod adventures of this pioneer ex
| plorer, he was lett in his old age to hattl
| with poverty. Yet few men have lived il
| the land be gave to civilization who's
| names will have so conspicuous a place il