New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-03-22
WASHINGTON DEEPLY STIRRED.


PORT THAT MIR. SHERMAN WAS DEAD.
Washington March 21.-sedom has official
Washington been more greatly stirred by
hicting emotions than it was to-day by the
nouncement. first, Of the death Of John Sher-
man, and then by the contradiction of the re-
port, which came a few hours later, the one
giving a relief which was as marked as the
sorrow produced by the other
The first report. which came from New York.
was received at 3 o'clock p. m, and was crcu-
lated in the departments just before they closed
for the day. The announcement seemed to fol-
low naturally the other cable dispatches Of the
day saying that the venerable statesman's con-
dtiOn had grown worse since yesterday. and
there a universal expression of regret and
in many cases Of personal distress over the
news Cabinet members. Senators and Repre-
sentatves expressed deep sorrow speaking not
only in terms Of admiration and respect for the
eX-Secretarys public career, but dwelling with
affection on his personal character
The contradiction Of the report did not arrive
until $50 o'clock. 1t came in the shape of a
positive statement from Santiago. made with
the knowledge that the report Of Mr.. Sherman's
death had been circulated This dispatch i'm
mediately received wide circulation in the
city as IT was possible to give it at that hour
Secretary Hay was placed in possession OF
copy Of the dispatch. as were also the members
Of Mr.. Shermans family. "A most marvellous
condition Of affairs" remarked the Secretary
He then expressed his great relief that the first
report was not confirmed.
The report Of the death Of Mr.. Sherman took
many persons to his house. in K-st Among
others who were congregated there were the
two former private secretaries Of Mr.. Sherman.
Mr. Babcock and Mr.. Vale, as we'll Miss Kate
Willack. a niece. and Mrs. Charles Hoyt, whose
husband was cousin Of Mr.. Sherman. They
and others present read the dispatch saying that
Mr. Sherman was still alive with Joy
The reading of the message had scarcely been
finished by those present when Mrs. McCaum,
the adopted daughter Of Mr.. and Mrs. Sherman
burst into the room. accompanied by the daugh-
ter of General Miles They had received the
news through a telephone message from The
Associated Press while at General Miles's house
and had hurried 10 mpart it to the rest Of
the family.
1T has been trying day said Mrs. Nc
Callum but all Is we'll again"
Indeed there were heartfelt rejoicrgs and
thankseivlngs on the part of all who had as
sembed at the house when they realized that
the invalid was better and might yet be restored
10 them
Mrs. Sherman was the person Of the
koushold who neither suffered from the first
announcement nor rejoiced over the second.
She was not informed Of either. Mrs. Sherman
has been i'll from d paralytc attack for several
months and had never been informed even of
her husbands serious illness for fear Of its ef-
feet on her. 1t was felt when the report of his
death came to-day. that II would have TO he
broken 70 her but all hesitated to make the
announcement. II ultimately decided TO
postpone the sad duty until tomorrow. She
was thus saved from the shock Already many
telegrams Of coincidence and personal calls Of
svmoathy had been received at the house.
Prompt efforts We're made by Tie Associated
Press to inform the prominent officials Of the
Administration and others of the safe arrival of
Mr. Sherman at Santiago. and IT with A
feeling Of genuine qualification and satisfaction
that this news was received, supplemented by
an expression Of hope that Mr.. Sherman would
entirely recover
When the report Of Mr. Sherman's death was
first circulated a reporter called at the house.
He was received by Mrs. McCallum. who was
asked if the report was confirmed. She said.
Yes. I have heard it from the State Depart
rnent that he Is dead" Mrs. McCallum added
that she did not know from whom the State De-
partment received this information.