St. Paul daily globe., 1893-06-22
SURPRISE AT THE CAPITAL
Washington Friends Had Not Ex-
pected His Death.

Washington Friends Had Not Ex-
pected His Death.
WASHINGTON, June 21.-The news of
Senator Stanford'S death was received
in Washington with some degree of
surprise, although all his friends knew
that his advanced age and feeble health
, augured his decease within no very
great period of time. Senator Stanford
was last in Washington in April. He
was very feeble, and seemingly on the
verge of dissolution. He called on
President Cleveland at that time, and a
number of congressman who saw him
at the White house sorrowfullv pre-
dicted that the end was not far off.
For several years past Senator Stanford
has been so feeble that he re-
quired the assistance of servant
to enable him to move about.
Two years ago he went abroad
to try the medicinal waters of European
health resorts, and returned to America
apparently in better health. Since then
he has travelled a great deal between
California and Washington, accompa-
MED always by his devoted wife, but
his feebleness increased noticeably.
Notwithstanding his condition, his
caused something of shock to those
who knew him. Senator Doiph, of
Oregon, is the only member of congress
from the Pacific coast in town. He said
this afternoon that il would be impOssi-
bic for congressional committee to
reach PalO Alto in time for the funeral,
and he thought Vice President Steven
son would designate Senator Mitchell
and such other senator's who are now Oil
the coast to attend the funeral in behalf
OF the senate. 1t is probable that this
action will be followed by Speaker Crisp,
when he learns of Senator Stanford'S
death. II
Senator and Mrs. Stanford's life in
this city was naturally very promi-
nent one. They came here eight years
ago, when the shadow of their great
griet over the loss of their only child,
Leland Stanford Jr., whose death oc-
Cured two years previously at Flor
ence, Italy, was still over them. The
first part of their stay in this city the
Stantords occupied the old Reverdy
Johnson annex of the Arlington. Sub
sequently they leased the mousse, 1701
K street, and, having made many
changes and improvements in 1t, have
lived in it since whenever they were
here. After Mrs. Stanford laid aside
her deep mourning she entertained
every winter in the most elaborate
style. Her dinners were alwaya not
able events, and perhaps no banquet
in this city has ever exceeded the
elegance of the dinner given in honor
of President and Mrs. Harrison.
While nothing was spared on these
special occasions to do honor to distin-
guished quests, the preparations made
for Mrs. Stanford's afternoon recep-
tions each winter were no less marked.
The humblest visitor was made as well
come as the most favored, and the
resources of the entire establishment
were at the pleasure of the great throng
of people who always came. Senator
Stanford made it rule to get home
from the senate early on those days, and
took the same interest in seeing the
crowds of strangers enjoying what he
had to offer them as if he had a per-
sOnal acquaintance with each. Time
and again, both the senator and his
wife spoke of the pleasure it gave them
to meet the people of this city in their
home. 1t was custom they brought
with them from California.
OF Senator Stanford'S magnificent
gifts IN the cause of education and his
constant responses to all claims of pub
lie charity, the world already knows.
OF the thousands and hundreds of
thousands of dollars as freely bestowed,
but of which none knew but himself.
the record will not be told. 1t is safe to
say that he never refused personal ap-
peal, and frequently gave much more
than was asked. Mr.. Stanford, In all
the great undertakings which accumu-
lated tor him such immense wealth,
never started any project, no matter
how important or simple. without talk
ing it over with his wife. Her judg-
ment weighed heavily with him in
every incident Of his career. Both OF
them were seriQus-minded, and both
full of good will and benevolence in
managing the riches intrusted to them.