Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-17

few minutes after his noonGay meal he was
attacked with acute indigestion. which
made him very sicx nan. He went
to his home On r street and was 50 III that
he had to be put to beG, ana physician
was su:rinomed to attend him. He ccn-
tinued to grow worse. the 2iln.ent failing
to respond to medical treatment. For sew
eral days his family and friends have had
but little hope of his recovery.
MIR. Bruce Gid not appear 10 realize that
he was nearing his end until about q
O'Clock last night, when he called his pri-
vate secretary, Mr.. George c. Smith, to
his bedside and had quite talk with him
in regard to private matters. In his con-
versation with Mr.. Smith he referred to the
latter'S severe illness some years ago, and
for the first time it was realized that Mr..
Bruce felt he would not recover. although
he did not refer to it directly in the talk
with his secretary.
Becomes Unconscious.
Shortly after this conversation with his
private secretary Mr. Bruce went into a
semi-comatose condition, from which he
did not recover. He was unable to recog-
nize those of his family who were at his
bedside. His end was described as perfect
ly peaceful and calm, the smile so familiar
to NaShingtonians remaining upon his
face
Mr.. Bruce's son, Roscoe Conkling Bruce
VIII DGetl the
school at Exeter College, n. H., arrived in
the city yesterday and hastened to the bed
side of his dying father. The scene was
touching one, as father and sen embraced
each other for what proved TO be the last
time Mr.. Bruce recognized his boy and
the two had quite q chat together, the son
appreciating more than the father that
death was near.
lis wife and son, DR.. Francis the family
physician, and his wife, the latter a sister
OF Mr.. Bruce, and his private secretary
Mr.. George c. Smith, We're with him when
the end came this morning but up to the
moment of his death he was unable to rec
ognize either of them.
Mr.. Bruce was member of the Park
Temple Congregational Church, and for a
number of years was communicant of the
First Congregational Church.
The arrangements for the funeral have
not as yet been completed. although it was
stated that it wiuld take place Monday.
OF National Repute.
Mr.. Bruce was a man Of national repu-
tation. President Mckinley appointed him
to the office Of register of the treasury
because he was recognized as a thorough
representative of his race and known in
all portions of the country as able brainy
and upright. The Mississippi leaders op-
posed the appointment of Bruce because
ne mad not been actively engaged in poll
TICS IN that state for several years, but
his good work in the campaign of two
years ago was appreciated by the Presi-
dent Mr Bruce spoke in many states
an ana rallied the colored voters wherever
his voice was heard. He was Convincing
orator as well as an eloquent one His
appointment by President McKinIey wac
made December 2 1897. The Senate con-
iirmed the appointment as soon as Con-
grees met
Mr.. Bruce was born in Prince Edward
county, Va, March 1, 1S41. He was born
slave and received the rudiments of his
eoucaton from the tutor of his masters
son. He was the companion and servant
OF ms young master up to the breaking
out of the civil war. The young master
went from Missouri to join the confederate
army leaving Bruce behind. Despite his
scanty opportunities Bruce was fairly well
educated when he left his master Toward
the last OF the war Bruce taught school for
time at Hannibal Mo-, and then be-
came student at Oberlin. In addition.
he pursued special studies at home.
Elected to United States Senate.
At the close Of the war Bruce went to
Mississippi becoming planter ana eneag-
ing in politics. He quickly became prom.
inent as a republican and safe leader of
the negro race. He first became sergeant
alarms Of the Mississippi legislature, then
In turn member of the Mississippi leyee
board. sheriff of Bolivar county in 1S7l-sT2
and county superintendent of education.
election to the United States Senate. In
which body he took his seat March a 1873.
serving six years. In the Senate Bruce
made record which pleased his people and
his race. He won the friendship and esteem
OF the most eminent statesmen and poH-
ucians In the country.
E At the close OF the term in the Senate
President Garfield appointed Mr.. Bruce reg
for four years from May 10. 1881, showing
q devotion, fidelity and ability to duty
which won him additional reputation