The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-06-18

William Walter Phelps was descended
from William Phelps, who settled In Con-
necticut in 1880. and who was brother OF
John Phelps, private secretary to Oliver
Cromwell.
William Walter was the son OF John
Jay Phelps. wealthy citizen OF New
York. He was edacated at Yale, where
he distinguished himself, and was gradu'
ated second in his class In 1850. After
this he Travelled Ia EaFepe for a short
time, and then entered the bia col
lege law school, taking his degree In 1868
He began active practice at once When
Justice Bartlett resigned his place on the
bench OF the Sixth district court of New
York city, Governor Fenton offered Mr..
Phelps the position, which he declined.
His active career as a lawyer. however,
was brief, for In 1869 his father died, be-
queathing him the bulk Of his great
property, and he had enough to do to
undertake the responsibilities OF the
varied and important interests intrusted
to his care. He established his home at
Tea Neck, N. j.. and in 1872 was elected to
congress by vote of IL, 70l to 99S8 In
the house he took his place among the
leaders Of his purity. Two years later he
was candidate for reelection to congress,
but was defeated by seven majority.
In 1850 he was delegate to the Repub-
lican national convention, where he
played conspicuous part as the friend of
Mr.. Blaine, and an opponent OF the third
term movement. After the nomination
of Garfield he entered upon course of
vigorous campaign work, but his health
gave way and he was compelled to go
abroad He was at Nice In 1881 when
o. II int al htr, tn
Austrian mission, a position which he
held few months only. resigning 1t
upon the succession of General Arthur.
In 1882 he was again elected to congress,
as he was also in 1884 and 1885
A Presidential Nomination.
The name of Mr.. Phelps was heard fire.
uuently in 1885 in connection with the
nomination for governorship of New Jer-
sey, but the talk came to nothing. In the
Repu blican national CONVENTION of 1883,
however, his State did him the honor OF
presenting his name for the presidential
nomination, and he received 25 votes on
the first ballot.
In the following year he was appointed
one of the three commissioners TO the Ber-
lin conference, on affairs in the Samoan
islands. He bore his full share In the
negotiations. which resulted In the tri-
partite treaty. and his services on this oo-
casion were rewarded by his appoint.
ment to the Berlin mission. which was
made In June. 1889. on the day of his re-
turn from Europe. AS minister he exerted
himself actively to introduce American
farm products into the German market,
and with great success
Upon his return to this country he was
appointed by the governor Of his state TO
q judgeship of the court of errors and ap-
peals, and a few weeks ago he was ap.
pointed member of the commission to
recommend amendments to the judiciary
articles Of the state constitution.
All through his life Mr.. Phelps was a
liberal friend to Yale college. and the
alumni In no small degree owe their share
In the government Of the college to his
Efforts He was q fellow OF the Yale
corporation, vice president Of the Alumni
association of this city, a regent OF the
Smithsonian institution, and founder of
The Union league and University clubs.
The chamber of commerce Of this city
elected him an honorary.
Like all men of similar wealth, con-
slant demands were made upon him for
charitable, church and Other public
enterprises, and he responded to them
generously.
When, In the seventies. two savings
banks in Hsckensack failed, Mr.. Phelps
bought up the books Of the small de
positors. at par.
His country house at Tea Mech. In which
he took much pride. was burned . few
years ago. lie has since lived when at
home In large house near by, which he
purchased after the fire.
He leaves . widow. two sons aud .
daughter