The morning news., 1898-12-31
MEXICAN EMBASSY MoURNS.
DEATH CLAIMS SENIOR ROMERO OF
THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS.


Washington Diplomats - ID
known Member OF the COrps-His
Distinguished Services for His
Country,
Washington, Dec 3O.-Senor Don Matias
Romero, the Mexican ambassador to the
United States, died at the embassy here
at 4:10 o'clock this morning.
On Wednesday an operation for appen-
dicitis was performed upon the ambassa-
dor, and although the operation was en-
tirely successful, the resulting shock prov
ed greater than he could bear. Up to
l 30 o'clock this morning, however. it was
thought that he was in fair way 20
recover but at that time a high fever
set in and he sank rapidly until his
death.
The death of Mrs. Romero, which oc-
Cured some time ago, was great shock
TO the ambassador and on his return from
Mexico, whittier he had taken her re-
mains for interment, his friends remarked
that he was greatly broken and showed
unmistakabe signs of falling health.
While in Mexico at that time Mr.. Romero
was stricken with fever, and although he
was soon able to return to the United
States he never fully regained his health.
Senior Romero probably was the best
known member of the diplomatic corps in
Washington, and was for some time its
dean.
When Great Britain raised her mission
to an embassy the added rank placed Sir
Julian Pauncefote, the British ambassa-
dor. at the head of the corps, though
junior in years of service to Senor Romero,
who was raised only recently from the
rank of minister to that Of ambassador.
Mexico's Eminent Statesman.
A sketch, prepared by the Bureau OF
American republics, and published in its
bulletin for the month of December, 1925,
after revision by Senor Romero himself,
gives the subjoined biography review of
the dead ambassador
"Senor Romero is one of the most emf
nent statesmen, writers and diplomats of
Mexico. He was born in the city of OAK
aca, Feb. "a, 1887 He received his first
education in his native place, and finished
it at the capital of the republic where he
received his diploma as a lawyer In 1855
he first entered the foreign Office, although
still pursuing his legal duties.
I'm 1857, when President Comonfort
made his coup d'etat, forcing President
Jaurez to leave the capital Senor Romero
accompanied him to Vera Cruz. where he
continued In the service of the department.
of foreign relations. In 1857 he came TO
Washington as first secretary of the Mex
lean legation, and remained here in that
capacity until August 1860, when, in the
absence of the minister, he became charge
d'affaires.
He returned to Mexico in 1868 to take
part in the war against the French, and
was appointed colonel by the President
Gen. Perfiro Diaz then appointed him chief
of staff. Soon after that, President Jaurez
accredited him. as envoy extraordinary and
minister plenipotendary 10 Washington.
FIe remained at this post from October
1868. until January, 1868, having rendered
most important services TO his country.
Efficient and Able Diplomat.
"On his return to Mexico he was ap-
pointed secretary of the treasury, but was
obliged on account of ill-health, to give
up that office in 1872 From 1877 to 1878
he was again secretary of the treasury
In 1880 he served as postmaster general
In March, 1882, he came back to Washing
ton as envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary, and has remained in that
capacity ever since, with an interruption
of only ten months in 1892, when, for the
third time he was called to serve as sec
retary of the treasury.
"As representative OF his country In the
United States Senor Romero has shown
himself a most efficient and able diplomat
His efforts have been most successful in
STRENGTHENING the friendly ties between
the two nations, and with this object in
view he has written a great deal, his pro-
ductions always receiving the highest en-
comlums from the press of the United
States and other countries.
'Senor Romero was a member of the In
ternauonal American conference and in
that body served with great distinction
having been one of its two vice presi-
dents"
Had Confidence of Leaders.
Senior Romero married a Washington wo-
man many years ago and their home on
/ street, off Franklin park, was social
center and the scene each season of brill
liant society functions A large part Of
resident as wen as official society always
attended these affairs.
Madame Romero died not long ago. She
and her husband enjoyed he friendship
and confidence Of the leaders in national
events Immediately succeeding the war
The intimacy between Senior Romero and
Gen Grant was especially close He also
was on intimate terms with President Lin
coin and Secretary Seward. In 1868 when
he returned TO Mexico, he was sent by Sec
retary Seward as a mark OF distinction In
a United states government vessel.
The legation was. by a concurrent ar
raneement of the two governments within
the last months, raised 10 The grade of an
embassy and next Tuesday had been fixed
upon as the day when Senor Romero was
10 present hts credentials to President Ne
Kinley as ambassador extraordinary and
minister plenipotentiary
Beside his diplomatic duties he was a fire.
auent contributor 20 The magazine litera-
ture of this country, mainly combining his
labors TO articles relative TO Mexico. Dur
ING the last few months, the first volume
Of "A valuable work from his pen appeared
.nlltsea Mexico and the United States"
being a study OF subjects affecting their
pollieal. commercial and social relations.
The Funeral Arrangements.
Sincere expressions Of regret were heard
In Official and other circles iu Washington
ID. fsF.a