Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-06-16
This Sleep Succeeded BY the One
That Knows No Waking.
A SKETCH OF HIS CAREER.
His Prominence us a Democrat ana
In the Cause of Free Silver-Hfs
Unnssuming Characteristic Great
Popularity.
Popularity.

LEBANON. MO-, June 15.-Congress-
man Richard P. Bland died at his home.
near Lebanon, at 4:30 O'Clock this morn
ing, peacefully and without apparent suf-
fering
Mr. Bland returned home when Con-
gress adjourned, in March. and soon suf-
fered q relapse from an attack OF la
grippe. For more than two months he
has been confined to his home, and his
health has gradually declined. He thought
he would not survive the attack
from the first, and showed his thorough
knowledge Of his condition.
on tho Sd of this month Mr.. Bland
suddenly grew worse, his sons who were
in school, were summoned home, and for
the first time the public was informed
of his critical condition.
MONDAYS RALLY.
From time to time since the patient
showed signs of improvement, but he
continued to grow weaker. Sunday and
Monday he presented an improved con-
dition, and Monday afternoon strong
hopes for his recovery were entertained.
~ about 10 o'clock Tuesday night, how
ever. he fell asleep and continued in that
condition until death.
The funeral will take place at Lebanon
at o'clock Saturday afternoon. Mr.
BANDS remains will be placed in the
opera-hOuse tomorrow, and will lie in
state for twenty-four hours. The funeral
Will be conducted by the Masonic order,
and all the ministers OF Lebanon will
be present to assist.
MR.. BLANDS CAREER.
Richard Parker Bland was a prominent
candidate for the Democratic nomination
in 1896. when Bryan was hardly regarded
as among the possibilities. He had gain
ed this pre-eminence By his answering
championship OF silver for more than
twenty years in and out of Congress.
Because of his devotion to the cause OF
the white metal he was niCkndmed Sill
YER Dick" by his political friends and
foes. Sometimes they varied it BY calling
him "Silver Dollar Bland"
He was born in Ohio county. Ken
lucky, August 49, 1885. His father was
educated for the Presbyterian ministry,
but owing to poor health became q
later young Bland lost his mother. He
was then compelled to earn his own liv-
ing. he worked on farm in summer
for his board and - or 81 a month. Out
of this money he saved enough 10 attend
school In the winter. AT the age Of Is
he entered the Hartford (ky) Academy
and took a teachers course for one year.
He obtained a teachers certificate ana
taught school for two terms In Ohio
county, Kentucky, and for one term IN
Wayne county. Missouri.
He went to California in 1850. He spent
ten years I'm California, Nevada, and Col
orado, teaching school, studying, and ar
forwards practicing law and occasionally
taking a hand in fighting P,ute Indians
He served one term as Treasurer OF Car
son county, Utah. He was admitted 10
the bar in Utah In 1850.
He returned to Missouri in 1860 and
practiced law for three years In Rolla,
that State Then he moved to Lebanon.
where he made his home until his death,
combining law, politics. and farming.
SERVICE IN CONGRESS.
He was first elected to Congress in 1872
He was reelected 10 each succeeding
Congress until 1891. when he was defeated
by his Republican opponent DR.. I. ID.
Hubbard At the next election he turned
the tables handsomely on Hubbard, beat
ing him by nearly 5000 votes.
From the outset of his long legislative
career he identified himself with the cause
of silver. He introduced a bill providing
for the free coinage Of silver In 1876. A
year later he introduced the Dill Win
which his name viii always be associated
In monetary history-the bill which be-
came the Bland act Of 1878.
AS introduced by Mr.. Bland and passed
by the House Of Representatives, IL pro-
vided for the free and unlimited coinage
of silver. 1t was amended in the Senate
by making the coinage limited. 80
amended. It was sent back to the House
and there passed.
President Hayes vetoed 1t, but In poth
branches of Congress the necessary two
thirds vote was secured for passing IT
over the veto. 1t remained in force until
sunerseded by the Sherman act OF 1890
MIR. BLAND'S FAMILY.
Mr. bland married in 1873 Miss Virginia
Elizabeth Mitchell, daughter Of General
70. Y. Mitchell OF Rolla, Mo. She was
Catholic. and though Mr.. Bland was him
self a Methodist, his two oldest children
were brought up in the Catholic faith,
which caused the American Protective
Association 10 bestir itself against him.
In 1896 he had six children living.
Mr.. Bland was man of genial per-
sonality and popular IN Congress, even
with those who disagreed entirely with
his monetary views.
BRYAN WILL ATTEND FUNERAL"
A dispatch was received from Colonel
w. ]. Bryan. at Chicago. stating thut
he would attend the funeral.
AIRS Bland has received several dozen
messages Of coincidence from aumirers u
r.. husband all over the country The
strain ON Mrs. BANDS nervous system
has been very great. and her friends are
somewhat concerned.
Mr.. Bland leaves no rfe-lnsurahce' anu