The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-10-07

report that he was dead wns circulated and
believed In this country. President Mckinley.
whose personal affection toward the venerable
statesman had never changed despite attempts
made TO estTange them, sent q warship to San
tiago to bring Mr.. Sherman back TO the United
States. That act saved his life Careful nurs-
ing restored his health, but he never fully has
regained his strength.
Since then John Sherman had lived in COM
parative retirement. The death OF his wife
last year was a severe blow TO him After this
bereavement his daughter, Mrs Mary sherman
McCalum, took up her residence with him In
the handsome white-stone house on X street
In this city, facing Franklin Square, the con-
stnlction Of which his wife had jokingly called
Fan old mans folly" In her society and that
Of her children Mr. Sherman found his greatest
enjoyment lie seldom left his house. except
for a drive in the evening and an occasional
trip down town to attend to some matter con-
nected with his large property interests.
Early this year Mr. sherman went as usual to
his home at Mansfield. Ohio, to spend the spring
and summer. Last month he left Mansfield
with the intention Of never returning. Before
he left the place where he had laid the founda-
ton Of his large fortune by a lucky investment
In real estate he made arrangements for the
transfer OF his Mansfield property. The home
stead, with part OF It's splendid grounds. will be
sold. and the rest Of II will be divided into build
ing lots and placed on the market, Immedi-
ately after returning TO Washington MIR. Sher-
man placed on file deeds conveying his Wash
ington residence and the adjoining property 70
MIR. McCallum. These we're dated Nov. 10,
1899. Just before his wife died. and were signed
by her.
II has become apparent from these things
that for some time past MI, sherman has been
making preparations for the end. When he
went 10 Mansfield it was understood that he
intended to spend the remainder of his days
there. But Washington had too strong a hold
on his affections and he has returned. after
severing the ties which bound him TO his native
State.
In his library Mr.. sherman finds enjoyment
second only to that Of association with his
daughter and her children. There he may be
found for the greater part Of the day, reading
and musing IN the afternoon he takes a nap,
and sometimes drives out in a handsome VIC
toria lust before dinner He retires early.
Since his return here he has not been seen on
any OF the muCh-freGucnted streets. He re-
ceives no company except a few intimate friends.
among them Mrs. Miles, the wifeof the ~I.ieutcn-
ant General Commanding the Army. Mrs,
Miles is a niece of the late Mrs. sherman and
a great fsvorite with Mr. sherman. lLsformer
private secretary. Mr. Babcock. 10 whom he Is
much attached. calls early every day.
By those who did not know him well John
Sherman was accounted Il cold man How
ever this may be, in his declining years he
showed kindlineSs and consideration 10 all with
whom he came in contact The writer remem-
bers several Instances which served TO bring
out the warmer side of Mfr Sherman's nature
As Secretary Of State under the present Ad-
ministntion he always appeared glad to re-
ceive Newspaper men az his home, and the
writer remembers one occasion when Mr. Sher-
man person ally opened the front doors OF the
big white mansion, after they had been locked
for the night. 10 admit a belated. reporter in
search Of a piece OF news which his rivals had
secured and which Mr. Sherman alone could
give The reporter got the news " ithout ask
ing any questions. for Mr. Sherman anticipated
the reason OF his visit and proceeded not only
10 tell what was desired but 70 enter into Inter-
estiug details that made q readable article.