The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-05-27

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Consul F. A Bee.
he fell forward on the sidewalk breathing
heavily. When Consul Bee fell a number
rushed TO his assistance and inquired OF
him what was the matter. But he spoke
not, for the hand Of death was upon him.
Mr.. St. John, assisted by Colonel j. f.
Evans, special agent Of the Treasury and
Attorney Thomas A, Ri0rdan. who had just
arrived on the scene. carried Consul Bee
into the Office Of Mr. Sresovich, where every
effort was made to revive the unfortunate
gentleman. Consul Bees face flushed, and
he opened his mouth as if to speak, then his
head fell back, and it vas soon apparent
that the old Consul had gone to join his
Maker.
The hour being the one for the officers OF
the various Federal departments to leave
the Custom house and Appraisers building, a
great many OF them were sOOB gathered on
the sidewalks in the nelchbOrhOOd discus
sing the sudden end Of one whose face was
familiar 10 all of them, there having been
hardly day for many years which failed to
bring the presence Of the tall, trim old
Consul. There was sadness In that gathering,
for Consul Bee, notwiihs tanding his office,
was much respected by Federal officials for
his unfaling courtesy and personal charm
Of manner 1t could hardly be believed
that death had carried off the representa-
tive Of the Chinese, as but a few moments
before he appeared to have been in the best
of health.
The Coroner's Office was notified. and a
deputy shortly afterward removed the
body. Ar autopsy revealed the fact that
organic disease Of the heart caused death.
Ii is a singular coincidence that Consul
Bees wife met death several years ago in a
similarly sudden and unexpected way.
The remains of the Consul were seut to
GTay's undertaking parlUrs for prepare
menJ for lnterment; but at a late hour
were removed to his late residence on Pine
street, near LaguDa.
Consul Frederick A. Bee was born in
Clinton, Oneida County, Y. Y, in 1925, his
parents being Of English and Scotch de-
scent. After going through a regular
academic course. he studied law, and
was duly admitted to the bar. He was a
pioneer. Attracted by the gold fever, he
came around the Horn in the ship Eliza beth
Ellen, reaching California In August, 1919.
Immediately on his arrival be repaired TO
the mines. and prosecuted that industry i'm
various counties in the State up to 1850. II
was in FL Dorado County in this wear that
Consul Bee first disclosed his sympathy for
the Chinese. A number OF them were at
the mises IN this county, and in many in
stances were roughly treated. Colonel Bee
assisted then in maintaining their rights,
and for his defense OF the prosecuted coolies
was rewarded with the position of paid at
tOrney of the Chinese in California. This
position he kept for 81 years.
In 1876 a Congressional committee met in
this city to investigate the Chinese question
So great was the feeling against the Chinese
that no attorney could be persuaded to de-
fend the Chinese before the committee.
Oliver p. Morton, the great war Governor
OF Indiana, was chairman OF the committee
In response TO 4 request from Chairman
Morton Consul Bee agreed TO defend the
ggd Ia OF Tpa Lpr In
and the ability he displayed in the case the
Emperor Of China rendered Colonel Bee the
position of Chinese Consul at San Fran
cisco, a position he maintained till the day
of his death. He subsequently was decor
ated three times by the Chinese Government
for services rendered. and made a mandarin
OF the second degree The last time he was
decorated was when he secured S247. 600 in
demnIty from the United States Government
Tor outTages committed upon the Chinese
at Rock Springs, Colo. For some years
Colonel Bee was dean Of the foreign con-
sular corps. Consul Bee rendered good
service TO the Chinese during his long oc-
cuuancy Of that Office. and in return en-
jOyed a good salary. Although he acted for
a prescribed race, his personal sterling
qualities always saved him from being Yis-
tied with repToach, for he represented the
best Chinese element and was always will.
Ing TO assist IN controlling and furnishing
the highbinders and other Chinese law
breakers. Personally his life was above
TeprOach, and his domestic life is described
by those who knew him well to have been
happy enc. Although he made 10 trips
across the continent he never once failed
to take his wife. After her death several
years ago he IS said never TO have been the
same man. but to have only performed his
business in PERU nctory way, and to have
acted like one q part Of whose life had
passed away.
Consul Bee leaves one SOD, Frank NJ Bee.
aged 40 years, who runs ranch in Contra
Costa County. His other surviving rela-
tves are Mrs. Everett Bee and a nephew
with whom he lived on Pine street ever
since the death of his wife.
Although Colonel Bee was reputed TO be
very wealthy his legal adviser stated last
night that his entire fortune would not ex-
coed $500 The funeral will not take
place till Sunday or Monday next.
Considerable speculation was INDUCED in
last evening as to who would succeed to
Consul Bees office, as the position was said
10 be lat one, reaching way into the
thousands. The names of Attorneys T. ID.
Ri0rdan and Lyman /. Mowry were men,
TONED most prominently as the probable
successors Of Consul Bee, they being most
intimately acquainted with the duties of the
office, besides having acted for many wars
as attorneys for the Chinese Attorney
Ri0rdan was seen last evening, and
aSkeu ABOUT Inc matter. lie said there was
no present necessity for n white Consul TO
represent the Chinese. Tic Office was only
created to reward Consul Bee for services
rendered. IL any appointment were made
1t would be made by the Chinese Minister at
Washington. The Chinese had left
Consul General, and a Vice Consul, Mr..
King. Attorney Riordan believed that if
any body were appointed it would be only TO
a subordinate position. The attorneys could
represent the Chinese in the courts, and the
attaches of the Chinese legation were
familiar with all consular duties. For him.
self he did not desire the position and
would not take it il offered to him.
At the Chinese legation the Consul Cen
eral could not be seen last nipht and thu