The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-06-22
1T CAUSED SURPRISE.
The News of Stanford'S Death
Received in Washington.
Though Known to Be Very lii, His
Sudden Demise Was Not
Looked For.
Special to THE MORNING CALL.

WASHINGTON, June 21.-The news of
Senator Stanford's death was received in
Wasnin gton with some degree of surprise,
although his friends knew his advanced
age and feeble health augured his decease
within no great period.
Senator Stanford was last in Washing
ton in April. He was very feeble and
seemingly on the verge of dissolution. He
called on President Cleveland at that time.
and number OF Congressman who saw
him at the White House sorrowfully pre-
dleted that the end was not far off.
For several years Stanford has been so
feeble that he required the assistance of a
servant to enable him to move about.
Rheumatism. added to the debility of old
age, caused him much suffering.
Two years ago he went abroad to try the
medicinal waters at European health re-
sorts, and returned to America apparently
in better health.
Since then he has travelled a great deal
between California and Washington, ac-
companied always by his devoted wife, but
his feebIeness increased noticeably.
Notwithstanding his condition, his death
at this time was unexpected. and caused
something of a shock to those who knew
him.
Senator Dolph of Oregon was the only
member of Congress from the Pacific Coast
in town. He said this afternoon that it
would be impossible for a Congressional
committee to reach Palo Alto in time for
the funeral, and he thought that Vice
President Stevenson would designate SEN
ator Mitchell and such other Senators as
are now on 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 Stan
ford's death.
The life of Senator and Mrs. Stanford in
this city was naturally very prominent
one. After Mrs. Stanford laid aside deep
mourning for the loss Of her son she enter
tained every winter in most elaborate
style. Her dinners were always notable
events and perhaps no banquet in this city
ever eXcelled in elegance the dinner given
in honor of President and Mrs. Harrison.
The preparations made for Mrs. Stanford s
aftern on receptions each winter were no
less marked. The humblest visitor was
made as welcome as the most favored. and
the resources of the entire establishment
were at the pleasure of the great throngs
who always came.
OF Senator Stanford's magnificent gifts
in the cause Of education and charity it IS
safe to say that he never refused an appeal
aud that he frequently gave much more
than was asked Stanford, in all the great
undertakings which accumulated for him
such immense wealth, never started any
project, no matter how important or
simple, without talking it over with his
wife. Both of them were serious minded
and both were full Of goodwill and be-
nevolence in managing the riches entrusted
to them.
No class Of people will miss Senator
Stanford mure than those who make it q
business to seek aid of wealthy citizens.
you have no idea how many inquiries
are made here for the addresses of rich
men," said an official of the city Postoffice
II should think that Senator Stanford was
the man most asked about of all. For a
long time hardly day has passed that
some one has not been to this office to ask
how he might be reached by mail. In nine
cases out of ten l suppose the person
wanted to write a begging letter. Rich
men, and especially men like Senator
Stan ford, who are known to be generous,
are simply flooded with bushels of letters
asking for pecuniary assistance; but 30
far as we could judge by the mail matter
that goes through this office, Senator Stan
ford was the largest sufferer from this I'M
pleasant business"