New-York tribune., 1900-07-15

JOHN H. GEAR DEAD.
THE JUNIOR SENATOR FROM IOWA EX-
PRES SUDDENLY IN WASHINGTON.

washington, July l4-Unted States Senator John
i1enry Gear. of Iowa, died 430 a m. to-day from
Htart trouble in his rooms at the Portland. in this
CITY While he had been in i'll health for a year
OI more his death entirely unexpected. He
was IN excellent spirits last night and made en-
sdsehents with some political friends for to-day.
ohortIy before o'clock last evening. accompanied
py MIS-. GEAR he went out driving with Secretary
wilson Of the Agricultural Department. They
returned about 10 o'clock and the Senator retired
ABOUT an hour later, apparently in his usual health.
shortly before o'clock this morning Mr. Gear
summoned his secretary, Colonel Root. and in
formed him that he troubled with congestion
IN his chest Mrs. Gear was called. and she and
colonel Root applied some simple remedies, which
seemed 10 relieve the Senator's suffering. At 2:30
senator Gear complained of serious difficulty in
breathing. His condition became critical. and his
family physician, DIT. Davis, summoned. An
examination convinced DR.. Davis that his patient
was suffering from heart trouble, and calling
Colonel Root aside, he informed him that Senator
Gear probably could not live hour About
O'clock the Senator seemed to be easier, and when
asked by Mrs. Gear TO his condition. replied
family, L feel a Jrihe better" These his
last words Fifteen minutes later he dead.
Early to-day Sergeant-at-Arms Ransdell Of the
Senate, was informed of Senator Gears death, and
began to make arrangements for the funeral The
body viii be taken to Burlington, Iowa which for
many years had been the home of Senator Gear.
A special car will be attached to the Pennsylvania
train at $50 tomorrow afternoon for the accom-
modation of the funeral party. Colonel Ransdell
communicated to-day with Senator Frye OF Maine,
President pro of the Senate, who viii name
committee represent the Senate the funeral.
Speaker Henderson, of Senator Gears State, was
b a5o nI Lofd e VII b aPPont cSSmTS T9m W
son will accompany Mrs. Gear on her sad journey
westward Funeral services will be held in Bur
Iington on Wednesday There will be no services
The news Of Senator Gears death was great
shock TO his personal and official friends in Wash
tary Wilson was almost overcome when the news
was conveyed to htIe He had been been a I lifelong
early callers at the Portland this morning Ad-
Gear for nearly half century accompanied by
their services and Sympathy Mrs. Gear was pros
trated, and unable to receive callers
No man in public life was more generally or
warmly beloved than Senator Gear. He was demo-
cratic in all his ways, charming in his personal in
tercourse and, although stalwart Republican,
some of his most Intimate friends were among his
political opponents. He not a SNOWY man nor
an orator, but he possessed sturdy common sense.
solid abilities and sterling qualities which COM
manded the respect and confidence of his associ-
ates in public well in private life. AS a
member of the Ways and Means Committee of the
List Congress- which framed the Mckinley Tariff
law his knowledge of business affairs came into
play and his wise counsel was often sought and
his suggestions were adopted by Chairman McKin- |
ley and his other Republican colleagues. Between |
him and AIr. Mckinley warm and intimate per- |
sonal friendship was formed in Mr.. Gears first |
term in Congress- which only grew stronger as |
the years passed.
Senator Gears public service long and |
honora Bile one although It did not begin until he
was nearly forty years old, when he elected |
Mayor of Burlington, Iowa. He was thrice elected
a member of the Iowa Legislature serving as !
Speaker in his last two terms. He elected |
Governor In 1873 and reelected In 1880 In 1885 |
he was elected TO the Lth Congress and reelected |
In 1885 President Harrison appointed him Assist |
ant Secretary of the Treasury and IN 1892 he was |
gain elected to Congress. Before the expiration |
Of his he elected to the United States |
Senate, and took his seat March 4, 1895. He |
was reelected last January for the term beginning |
March T. 1901. AT the time OF his death he was |
chairman of the Senate Committee Pacific Rail
roads and e member of the committees on Agri-