Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-12-22

The Death Of Senator Plumb' OF KANSAS
Senator PLuMB's death, which occurred
IN Washington very suddenly on Sunday,
is attributed 20 overwork. He was a most
industrious man and had large property
interests in all parts Of the country. To
these he was accustomed TO give close per.
sonal attention. and what with ms senate
rial seat. his social duties. and his money
making schemes. no had lttle time left for
heaithful recreation
Mr.. PLUMB was born in Ohio in 1887 ana
fought his way q fortune. lie was
printer 10y trade, but soon Loft the case TO
become an editor. and, like so many OF the
editors Of his time, easily slipped intopoli-
tics.
We cannot be expected TO admire the
whole course Of his public life, but we can
never be unmindful or uDappreclatIve OF
the fact that be aided very materially IN
deed In the defeat Of the force bIl. That
cave him a title 10 respect and admiration
in the South. Besides he was brave sol
der. He was not one Of those who are
"inyincible in peace and invisible in wal"
The deceased Senator was man OF I'M
doubted ability. His mind was vigorous
and alert, and few men had tho details OF
the country's business 50 easily at com
mand. He had no great rank rs On orator.
but II was impossible 70 hear mm speak
without becoming interested in what he
said or 10 fail 10 recognize the force and
strength Of bis arguments.
Already it's suggested that the Governor
IF Kansas may appoint the brilliant but
erratic Mr.. lNGMis 10 hli the vacancy IN
al the Legislature meets, which will be III
1898. Certainly Mr.. INGALLS, viii not O1-
iect. He has been like n fish out OF water
ever since his senatorial connection was
sundered. and he has been pranclng around
end saving many foolish things. 1t Will
be remarkable If all of these are forgotten.
Doubtless his enemies have been treasu-
Iing them up and viii produce them when
aud where they can bo most effectively
used against him. Should Mr.. INGALLS,
have the extreme good fortune 10 receive
the gubernatorial appointment 1t Is far
from certain that he can secure the sup
port of the majority OF the members Of
the Kansas Legislature, for he Is no
favorite Of the Alliance men. In inter
views published in the Washington Post
both Senator PETER and Congressman
SINPsoS incline 10 the opinion that Mr..
INGALLS, will not De IN the race.
Mr.. PLUME had not been dead half a
dozen hours before the Washington and To-
peka politicians had begun TO discuss his
probable successor. So,quIckly does the cry
of Tho King is dead pass into the shout
Long live the King But 1t happens that
IN this case the name of the newcomer
can only be properly forecasted by the
Governor of Kansas.
BY the way, the family Of Mr. PLUMB
are somewhatin inclined to believe that he
died not from apopleXy but at the hands
of the embalmer. They imagine because
he once had prolonged fanting fit with
the absence Of the usual prominent signs OF
vitality that be was not actually dead on
Sunday morning last when the embalmer
was called i'll and poured INTO the Senator
body the deadly polsons OF which his fluids
are composed. The attending physicians
had pronounced him dead and probably
was dead; but 1t is lamentable that there
should be the faintest doubt on the sub
feet. 1t Is, however, likely that if the doc.
tors had known that Mr., PLUMB ever had
had an attack which was called suspended
animation they would have forbidden en-
balming for at least twenty-four hours.
The notoriety which this case will gain
will make physicians and embalmers much
more careful on this subject than they
ever have been. though there is little
foundation for the popular belief that
persons are often embalmed or buried
alive. To the expert eye the signs of death
ore well-nieh unmistakable