The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-10-24

CHARIFS +. CRISP.
DR.. J. p. s. Holmes. director OF the Hal
cyon sanitarium, made the following
statement of his sickness, and the man
ner of the end:
Judge Crisp had been in ill-health foi
the past six or eight months. He had
been suffering for two or three years
with intense pains, coming at intervals
in the chest. He had two attacks of
pneumonia, one about four years ago,
and the other about two years ago. on
account OF ill-health, he had to give up
his joint debates, last summer with Hoke
Smith. After the speeches in June, he
went 10 Asheville. y. c., and spent some
time there From there he went TO Tate
Springs, and remained until about the
middle OF August, then going 10 his home
in Americus. There he was taken with
malaria fever He came TO Atlanta for
treatment. He came here to the sanl-
tsrium on Sept 16. examined him care
fully and found evidence of his
previous attacks OF pleuro- pneumonia.
His fever yielded to the treatment. and
10 days ago he was considered GONZALES
cent He was out drivir several times
last week, even as late as last Sabbath,
and was feeling unusually well on that
day. Sunday night he was attacked
with congestion of the lungs He suf-
fered intensely all day Monday, and
Tuesday he was still in bed. He was
better Wednesday. Yesterday he had
favorable day. The lung trouble
yielded very satisfactorily 10 the treat
nient. Last night ne was visited with
very severe pains in the chest, that oc.
CURED at very short intervals. He con-
tinued to have these paroxysms until
of n I., al,
pired, probably frosl rupture OF the
heart, and the result Of fatty degenera-
ton
Washington, Oct. 24.-Speaker Crisp's
death was not altogether a surprise in
political circles, asst had been known for
some months that he had not long to
live. and never again could be an active
figure in public affairs. The speaker had
several spells OF sickness in Washington.
He suffered from asthma, and later from
heart trouble. His nl-health. however,
did not become a matter OF public
notoriety until The past spring, when he
was compelled to abandon a series OF
joint debates, arranged with ex-Secre-
tary Hoke Smith, by reason of the advice
OF his physicians that IL would imperil
Lis life for him TO continue the debate,
which had attracted great state, as well
as national Interest, by reason OF the
fact that ii involved the position of the
Democratic party Of the state on the
silver question, as well as the senator
ship from Georgia, for which the ex-
speaker was an active candidate The
silver men won their fight, and Mr..
Crisp, had he lived, would have been the
next senator from Georgia.
He was a forceful speaker. but a man
Of great tact, and possessed of other
qualities that eminently fitted him for
leadership in a parliamentary assem-
blage. His first prominence I'm nationa!
affairs came from the skill with which
he led his party In several warm election
contests. The prestige he then acquired
lea TO his election To the speakership.
after one OF the most memorable can
vases in the history of the house. His
chief opponent was Senator Roger Q.
Mills of Texas. whom he defeated after
a strusgle that was prolonged SO that
the house OF representatives. contrary
to custom, assembled on the opening
day with the question Of its next speaker
still in doubt.
as speaker MIR. Crisp was fair. but
firm. His rulings have been upheld
and though sometimes they were the
subject OF considerable criticism from
his political opponents. he always COM
mandcd their respect and confidence.
lie was pronounced advocate of the !
free coinage OF silver, aud on one oc-
caslon his casting vote as speaker saved /
the defeat Of a free coinage bill. on the |
other hand, IL was largely due to his !
firmness in ruling that passed the Sher- /
man silver repeal law through the house. |
his ruling defeating a formidable fill !
clustering movement led by Mr.. Bland I
OF Missouri, and others.
Charles II. Crisp was born i'm England 1
In 1915, and came 90 this country when
child. His parents were actors. and so /
was young Crisp for a while lie served |
In the Confederate army. and afterward j
studied law and practiced for six years. 1
Hc was made solicitor general and after |
ward a Judge OF the supreme court. but /
gave up his Judicial office 90 accept am /
election In the Georgia legislature. In I
1888 he was elected 90 congress. and was i
q hard working member OF that body for 1
several years. While speaker OF the /
house he declined the appointment as !
senator % succeed Colquitt. because he /
Thought hc could be more use to his party /
where he was. lie married Clara Bell /
Burton. Afr and Mrs. Chsp had seven /
children. OF whom four are living