The times., 1899-06-16

though it was but few days ago that his
physicians practically abandoned hope of
his recovery. He had for years been
sufferer from catarrh OF the stomach.
While attending to his duties in Congress
last winter he was taken with grip, from
which he never recovered. Mr.. Bland was
conscious up to few hours before he died.
His funeral will take place today from his
late residence
The death OF Mr.. Bland removes from
public life, perhaps. one Of the strongest
characters who has occupied a seat on the
Democratic side of the House of Repre-
sentatives for great many years. He had
been a conspicuous figure in the eounsels
of the Democratic party for more than
quarter of a century.
During the last session Of Congress Mr.
Bland was less active in general debate
| than at any other time during his long
| service He was growing old and seemed to
realize it. During the last session ne made
few speeches, his principal address being
delivered during the debate on the Army
! REORGANIZATION bill. He opposed the paS-
| sage of that measure with much of his old
| time force He was as hostile to its en-
| aetmeut as a man could well be. He did
not believe in the establishment OF great
military power. Like many of his Demo-
cratic colleagues, he feared the building
up of military aristocracy. as he termed
it, which might, under various conditions,
be used to thwart the will of the people.
| No man ever questioned Mr.. Bland S
| Democracy, OF the courage of his conVic-
tions. He believed firmly in the wisdom OF
| the coinage of silver at ratio OF 10 TO /.
He was welded to the idea. He began the
advocacy of the coinage of silver early IN
his Congressional career. At no time did
he ever falter. He believed as strongly
in the doctrine on the day he walked out
of the House of Representatives on the
4th of March last as he did when he
framed the bill in 1878 that has since been
known as the Bland act.
As introduced by Mr.. Bland and passed
by the House of Representatives 1t pro-
vided for the free and unlimited coinage
OF silver 1t was amended in the Senate
by making the coinage limited. So
amended it was there sent back to the
House and there passed.
President Hayes vetoed 1t. but in both
branches of Congress the necessary two
thirds vote was secured for passing it over
the veto. II remained in force until super
seded by the Sherman act of 1880.
Mr. Bland was a vigorous debater
though not what might be termed an at
tractiye speaker. He was unquestfonaDiy
friend of the people. He was the en-
eny Of combinations, and seldom left ar
opportunity go by in Congress that be
did not do what he could to better the
condition of the general public.
He was prominently mentioned in the
Democratic Convention at Chicago in 1885,
! as the possible nominee for the Presi-
dency At that time he was out of Con-
gress. having been defeated in the cleo
! ~ 10
the nomination. He was engaged in farm
ing. and while the convention was going
on was following the plow. That he eX'
pected the nomination no one ever doubt.
ed He realized that for the first time
during his political career the question
of the free coinage of silver was to b'
made a cardinal issue by the Democratic
party. and with his weIl-established posi-
tion upon this question his friends re
garded him as the logical candidate. Mr.
Bland took his defeat for the nomination
in the most philosophical manner. He wa!
among the first to telegraph congratula'
: tions to Mr.. Bryan. A few weeks later
when Mr.. Bryan started on his trip from
the West to New York. the ''enemy's coun.
try" where he made his celebrated speeci
of acceptance, Mr.. Bland was his travelling
companion. He was with Mr.. Bryan OF
his first campaign IN the East, and durint
that period contributed very largely Il
some OF the metropolitan newspapers de.
scribing Mr.. Bryan's campaign and the re-
eeptions given him by the people Soor
after the convention Mr.. Bland was again
nominated for Congress and was elected.
His ways were simple and his want
were few. He was not in political sens,
what might be termed great mixer.
All men were his friends, but few wer,
his COMPANIONS. His most Intimate frienC
and companion was his colleague. Mr.
DOckery. The two lived at Willard's Hote
for a great many years. and their even
ings were generally spent together.
Richard Parks Bland was born 1,
Ohio county, KY. August 10, 1895 Hi
: father was educated for the Presby
terian ministry, but owing to roo
health became a farmer. He died Fl
! 1912. Seven years later young Bland los
!: his mother. He was then compelled I,
earn his own living. He worked on farm
In summer for his board and S6 or 81
month. Out OF this money he saved enougl
to attend school in the winter At tn
age of eighteen he entered the Hartfor,
Is the