The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1892-11-05

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Congressman Edward F. Mcdonald is
dead. He passed away quietly at twenty
minutes past twelve ve'o'clock today. The
first knowledge of the sad news in this
city was when Register George B. Fielder
rushed excitedly into the Democratic
State Committee room in Taylor's Hotel
and declared ED Mcdonald is dead"
The sad news, which had been con-
veye6 in telegram from Harrison, fell
like thunderbolt among his many
friends about the hotel and many hur-
ried to his home in Harrison or tele-
graphed words of regret or coincidence to
the bereaved wife.
THE FATAL ILLNESS.
Mr.. McDonald was first taken with a
severe cold two weeks ago. Manfully he
struggled Oh, never giving up. He re-
manned at his post of duty until his fail
ing strength compelled him to take to his
bed. AT intervals he was con-
sidered better and the attending
physicians, Drs. Soth, Henry aud
Teh gave words of encouragement to his
faithful wife and hosts of friends. An
gle against death. Yesterday he was
considered much improved. The doctors
had great hopes for his recovery and so
informed all enqulring friends.
Late yesterday afternoon he suffered a
relapse. His condition Kept growing
worse until at midnigh5 there were grave
doubts for his recovery.
THE LAST CHANCE.
This morning, he slept and upon awak-
ening declared then he felt almost strong
enough tie get out and work. His wife
and family were much encouraged
But at eleven o'clock he sudden
ly began to sink. The attending
physicians consulted, and at half-past
eleven O'Clock stated that death would
claim Mr.. Mcdonald as its victim within
Two hours. The prophecy proved true.
Surrounded by his wife and family and
only few of his most intimate friends,
Mr.. Mcdonald passed away.
The news caused the greatest sorrow in
this city. The flags at Taylor's Hotel are
at baif-mast and upon the lips Of every
one are expressions of grief. Mr.. Nc
Donald was an unusually popular and
respected man. His integrity aud honesty
won him friends at every point.
Mr.. Mcdonald leaves a wife and four
children. No arrangements have as yet
been made for the funeral The scene at
the St home was touching one.
BILE. Mr.. McDonald's death causes
vacancy on the Democratic ticket.
Vino the candidate will be to replace Mr.
Mcdonald is not known. William L.
McDermotu declined to discuss the stu
alton until he has had a conference with
the local leaders.
MR.. M'DoNALD's CAREER.
Perhaps no man was more generally
known or more highly respected by the
people of Hudson county than Congress-
man Edward +. Mcdonald But OF the
thousands who knew him and enjoyed his
acquaintance those who are familiar with
the details of his life's record are COM
paratively few.
He was not controlled by bosses nor
subservient to the wishes of any ring or
Clique. He was a straightforward, hon
est business man. His denomination as
the Congressional candidate was made
by the people, and this honor was con-
ferred upon him because of the highly
satisfactory manner in which he guarded
aud protected the interests OF his con-
Stltuency in The last session of Congress-
Edward E. Mcdonald was of Irish
parentage and was born in Ireland on the
twenty-tirs5 day of September, 1S45. He
came 10 this country wneu but six years
of age. A lew years of his life were
spent III Newark. He finally came to Jer-
sey City aud attended the pubic schools
ton made him the envy of his school
mates and the pride of his instructors,
A BRAVE SOLDIER.
When but seventeen years of age he
showed his great love of country by en-
listing in Company OF the Seventh New
Jersey Volunteers. His extreme youth
attracted attention toward him. He won
favor with his officers by his bravery and
strict atteltlon TO duties. He TOOK par6
in the Peninsula Campaign and also III
the Seven Day fight. lu the latter event
he acted as sergeant in his company,
and he was on the ladder of fame and
climbing it rapidly when he was stricken
with typhoid fever. He desired to re-
main with his comrades but it was
deemed advisable to send him North
aud he was compelled TO submit. He
was removed to a hospital and de-
tanned there for months, at times there
being no hope for his recovery. On De-
celnber 80, 1862, in the city of Philadel-
phia, he WAS honorably discharged from
further service. He then returned to his
home. but his health was so impaired
that he was unable to perform any sort
of labor.
HARD WORKER.
Upon recovering sufficient strength to
wCrs he returned TO his work of machin-
ist and tool maker, and he continued to
work at it until December, 1874. During
IutS lHloEVal uS Hdu grown lmm6uSelY
popular. He had displayed unusual ora
torical ability, and had on many occasions
addressed vast assemblages. In De-
cember, 1874. he entered politics and
IRON that time dated a record of which
any man might well feel proud. From
the bottom of the ladder he steadily ad-
ed until he was rendered one Of the
gree.test honOrS that can be conferred
upon an American citizen by the people
OF the community in which he lives.
LEGISLATIVE SERVICES.
In 1874 be was elected to represent the
people of the Eighth district in the AS
sembly. Three years later Le again came
before the public as the candidate for Di-
rector-at-Large of the Board OF Fseenold-
He alanfad hsr hnr rirr