The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-12-31
AN EMINENT STATESMAN
BEST KNOWN DIPLOMAT OF ALL
IN WASHINGTON.
He CAME HERE FIRST IN THE YEAR 1857
Has Held Positions Of Trust and High HonoI
for His Country Here and at Home.
His Wife Washing
ton adv.
ton Lady.

Washington, ID. c., Dec. 30.-Senoi
Don Matias Romero, the Mexican Am
bassador to the United States, died a,
the Embassy here at 4:10 o'clock this
morning. On Wednesday an operation
for appendicitis was performed upon the
Ambassador, and although the operation
was entirely successful the resulting
shock proved greater than he could bear.
Up to / 80 O'clock this morning, however
it was thought that he was in fair
way to recovery, but at that time high
fever set in, and he sank rapidly until
his death.
The death of Mrs. Romero, which oc-
CURED sometime ago, was great shock
TO the Ambassador and on his return
from Mexico whittier he had taken hel
remains for interment, his friends re-
marked that he was greatly broken
and showed unmistakable signs of fail
ing health. While in Mexico at that
time Mr.. Romero was stricken with fe-
yer and although he was soon able to
return to the United States, he never
fully regained his health.
Senor 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 Ambassador. at the head OF the
corps though a junior in years of ser
vice to Senor Romero, who was raised
only recently from the rank of Minister
to that of Ambassador.
\ sketch prepared by the Bureau of
American Republics and published in its
bulletin for the month of December
1898, after revision by Senior Romero
himself gives the subjoined biographical
review of the dead Ambassador:
''Senor Romero is one of the most
eminent statesmen, writers. and diplo-
mats of Mexico. He was born in the
city OF Oaxaca, February 24th, 1887.
He received his first education in his
native place, and finished it at the capi-
tai 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. In 1867
when President Comonfort made his
coup d'etat, forcing President Juarez to
panied him to Vera Cruz where he con
tinued in the service of the Department
of Foreign Relations. In 1857, he came
to Washington as First Secretary of the
Mexican Legation. and remained here in
that capacity until August. 1850, when
in the absence of the minister he be-
came charge d'affaires. He returned to
Mexico i'll 1868 to take part in the war
against the French and was appointed
colonel by the President. General Por-
frio Diaz then appointed him chief of
staff. Soon after that, President Juarez
accredited him as Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Plenipotentiary TO Wash
ington. He remained at this post from
October. 1868. until January, 1869 hav-
ing rendered most important services tc
his country.
''On his return to Mex:to, he was ai'-
pointed Secretary of the Treasury, but
was obliged, on account of i'll health to
give up that office in 1872. From 1877
TO 1878 he was again Secretary Of he
Treasury. In 1886 he served as Post
master General. In March, 1882. he
came back TO Washington as Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipoten-
tiary, and has remained in that capacity
ever since, with an interruption of only
fen months, in 1892. when, for the third
time, he was called to serve as Secre-
tary of the Treasury. As representative
Of his country in the United States Sc.
nor Romero has shown himself a mosl
efficient and able diplomat. His eff
forts have been most successful in
Strengthening the friendly ties between
tho two nations and with this object
in view he has written n great deal
his productions always receiving the
highest encomiums from the press of til,
United States and other countries.
"Senor Romero was member Of the
International American Conference and
in that body served with great distinc-
tioh, having been one of its two vice
presidents"
Senor Romero married a Washington
: woman many years ago, and their home
ON | Street off Franklin Park was n
Eocial centre and the scene each season
f brilliant society functions. A large
ybart of resident as well as official so
ciety always attended these affairs
Madame Romero died not long ago. She
and her husband enjoyed the friendship
and confidence of the leaders in national
events Immediately succeeding the war
The intimacy between Senor Romero and
General Grant was especially close. dc
also was on intimate terms with Pres
ident Lincoln and Secretary Seward
Tn 1868 when he returned 10 Mexico
kle was sent by Secretary Seward as !
mark OF distinction in a united Siate'