New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-11-06
DAVID A. WELLS DEAD.
AN ACCOUNT OF HIS CAREER AS A PUBLIC
MAN AND A WRITER.

MAN AND A WRITER.
Norwich Conn., Nov 5-David Ames Wells. the
noted economist died at his home In this city TINS
afternoon. His death was not unexpected. though
until yesterday Ii was thought that he might raly
from his illness. Mr.. Wells had experienced
general breaking down OF the system for upward
of two years hut he about during the sum-
mer and was able TO drive out until two weeks
ago. Then he contracted slight cold For
twentyfour hours he had been in a comatose state
David Ames Wells. the distinguished economist.
was born in Springfield. Mass. June H. 1893. He
was graduated at Williams College i'm 1871 and was
for n time associate editor of THE Springfield Re-
publican" While in that office he first suggested
the idea that the printed sheets OF books and news
papers might be folded by machinery; he suisse
quently became associated in the invention OF the
first machine devised for that purpose
He then entered the Lawrence Scientific School.
where he special student under Louis
Agassz. and from which he graduated In 1851
lie continued at Harvard for time as associate
professor. meanwhile publishing with George Bliss
the Annals of Scientific Discovery" During lS51-'5s
he was a member OF the publishing firm Of q. T.
Putnam & Co. and compiled several books on popu-
lar science
1t IL an expert taxation that Mr.. Wells
was most widely known. His earliest work on this
subject was essay entitled our Burden ana
Our Strength" published In 1864. Its exhaustive
and its influence in restoring public confidence In
the credit OF the Government was great AT the
close OF the war ne was made chairman OF Con-
gress commission to consider the subject of rails,
that work he was appointed in 1866 Special Com
missioner OF the Revenue. which office was created
many Important reforms in the National revenue
system. including the redrafting OF the Internal
Revenue laws, the OF stamps for the collection
OF taxes tobacco and liquors, and the creation
Of the Bureau Of Statistics of the Treasury De-
mar ma IL. ri tod N a Govern
ment commissioner to Investigate industries com
petitiye with those Of the United States. Although
trader. and probably tor this reason was not re-
appointed Special Commissioner of ne Revenue.
ON the expiration OF his term. In 1870 he was ap-
pointed chairman Of commission to eNan M ..e
York Two reports ana a code OF laws were sub
mitted to the Legislatures OF 1877 and 1913. IN lS.@
lie was a delegate 10 the Democratic National Con-
ventions Of 1872 ana 1850, and in 1916 was ga, S4'q
date Tor Congress from Connecticut IN b'o ne
was appointed a trustee ana receiver of the Ma
bama and CHATTANOOGA Railway, and rescued that
concern from bankruptcy lie was also one Oh li,e
Ieorganizers OF the Erie Railway. and in 1873 was
elected by the associated railways or ne nii' H
States member OF the Board OF Arnil I 30
which disputes and arrangements FOR POOLING Were
State Board of Canal COMMISSIONERS caai, ''''' " "
commission to consider tola or me canals. ,sa1 adj.
dress before the CobGca c.ub OF London in ~ ana
the following year vas elected foreign associa,e
in politica science OF the French Academy, TO sue
coed John Stuart Mil In 1877 he became iOrel5n
associate Of the Arcadem, del Lincei OF Italy me
degree OF - vas given nm Dy INC b bi i =
Medical College I'm 1862 that of Ill ID by ms AiIla
Mater in lSl and that of = C. l. by oxford t in B snd
Mr.. Wells = pro!ihc writer OF uo Mn, cd
much to the magazines. notably The pSpmafh 5ti
encp Monthly" Some of his more important pyoh;,
wera capitalization and Distribution of wealth.
$50 Robinson crus3ef None $50 oIE ec Mr
Great declined ana Decayed' OsS2), "A Primer o.
Tariff Reform" QSSD Practical ssS and re
cent Economic Changes" uss9l ,,,. nooord u,ifa
Mr Wells married twice I'd, s ,,s seGUpV wiz
l. .n1 alG
Who was for time Second Secretary OF Lesauo"
London