The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15
Feeling Letter from the President to
Mrs. DingIey in Behalf of Him.
self and Mrs. Mckinley.
ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS
As A MARK OF RESPECT TO THE DIS
TINGUISHED STATESMAN.
StRte Funeral in the House of Repre-.
sentatives on MOnday-Tribute
from Speaker Reed.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14-Profound sor-
row was manifest to-day in every walk of
public life in the announcement that Nelson
Dingley, of Maine, had passed away. AT
the late home of Mr.. Dingley, the Hamil-
ton Hotel there were many evidences of
that deep personal esteem in which he was
held. Messages of coincidence came from
every quarter of the country, and to these
were added the personal condolences of Cab
met officers. senator's, supreme justices and
members of the House. Secretaries Alger
and Wilson were among the earliest callers,
and following them were the bishop Of
Washington, Right Rev. Dr. Satterlee, Sen
ators Hale, Burrows, Fairbanks, Repre-
sentatives Henderson, Cannon, Dockery
and, indeed, nearly every man in Congress
with whom Mr.. Dingley had been associated
during his long and notable service. The
callers left their cards. as the family was
too deeply bowed down with grief to re-
ceive in person the many tributes of re-
spect Mrs. Dingley was Frustrated with
the shock and with the tension of many
days of constant vigil at her husbands bed
side But she was reported to be bearing
up bravely, and no serious apprehension was
expressed as to her condition.
AT the House of Representatives the death
Of Mr.. Dingley came as a personal bereaye-
ment to the many with whom he had long
been associated The desk he had occupied
as floor leader OF the House, in the center
OF 49, Republican side Of the chamber, was
heavily draped In Grape, while on top was a
profustons or Ufcf1f1s.s sweet flag, coral
sprays and smilax. AS the members came
on the floor they Joined in groups and in
hushed tones spoke not only of the personal
loss but also Of the loss to the country, and
the House Of Representatives in particular,
IN the passing of this notable leader at a
time when his genius and talents were Of
incalculable service to his country. There
was but one voice from both sides of the
chamber In the expression of grief.
STATE FUNERAL
In view Of the long distinguished services
Of Mr.. Dingley the funeral ceremony
win be in the hall Of the House and will
be in the nature of a state funeral 1t will
be held at II o'clock noon on Monday, Rev.
Newman officiating, assisted by Rev. DR..
Couden, chaplain Of the House. Invitations
viii be sent to the President and members
Of the Cabinet, the chief justice and justices
OF the United States Supreme Court, sena-
tors representatives and members of the
diplomatic corps.
There was a constant stream of letters
kilograms Of coincidence and cards pouring
in at the Hamilton Hotel all day. They were
from public men in all sections and personal
friends of the family. President Mckinley
sent very feeling letter in his own hand
and expressing his grief and that of Mrs
Mckinley. 1t was as follows:
Dear Mrs. Dingley-I have this moment
learned Of the death of your distinguished
husband and write to express the profound
sorrow which both Mrs. Mckinley and
myself feel for you in your great aff1iction.
We mourn with you in this overwhelming
loss, which will be (eeply felt by the whole
country. From my long and intimate as
ISOLATION with him it comes to me as a.
personal bereavement. A great consolation
in this sad hour is a recollection of Mr.
Dingley's exalted character, his domestic
virtues his quiet. useful. distinguished life,
and his long continued and faithful service
in behalf Of his fellow-citizens, who will
always cherish his memory as that of a
great statesman and true patriot. With
sympathy, believe me, always sincerely,
WILLIAM M'KINLEY."
A number of letters of coincidence were
received to-day from members of the Cabi-
net and one from Sir Louis Davies, of the
Canadian joint high commission, and Gen.
Joe Wheeler. They were all addressed to
Mrs. Dingley.
Secretary Of State Hay wrote: my wife
joins me in expressions of sincere sympathy
In your profound grief We have lost a great
statesman endowed with eminent gifts of
mind and character. i hope it may be some
consolation in your sorrow to know the
whole country is mourning with you"
Secretary Long said: Il have called sew
eral times during Mr.. Dingiey's illness and
again this morning on hearing of his death
to show the profound interest which in
common with others l have felt in his be-
half. know that no word can relieve your
sorrow, but I take the liberty to express
my sympathy and also my appreciation of
his long, useful and distinguished career. As
a native OF the district he so ably repre-
scented and almost a neghbor, 1 know that
among his constituents the news of his
death will be especially deplored. There was
no better man in the public service. If
can be OF any service I trust you will COM
mand me-"
MR.. CAGES TRIBUTE.
Secretary Gage wrote: while your family
weeps a nation mourns. The legendary in
gratitude OF republics is refuted. The char
acter and public service Of Nelson Dingley
is appreciated, gratefully recognized and
will not be forgotten. History will faith
fully preserve the record OF his Intelligent
zeal and his loyal devotion 10 the public
good. l cannot foThear to put in evidence
my testimony TO his virtues. NY relations
TO him were official rather than personal:
Because or this perhaps, was enabled n
comprehend the great reach of his mind. his
vast knowledge Of public affairs as related
70 questions Of the national revenue and the
pubic expenditures. His accurate Judgment
AZ al questions OF currency and finance