Evening star., 1901-03-27

Mr.. Murtagh in a critical condition Paraly-
sis of the right side soon developed as a
symptom of the apopleXy. During Monday
night the patient remained unconscious.
Yesterday morning signs of Improvement
were noticed, and Mr., Murtagh seemed to
be resting much easier. AS the day wore
on his condition continued to improve, and
last evening he recovered partly the power
of motion and was conscious enough to
speak to those about his bedside. The
little family circle, consisting of Mrs. Muir
tagh, who was Miss Lloyd of this city,
and a niece and nephew, watched atten-
lively and faithfully throughout last night
and noted a general Improvement.
Early today there came a sudden change
for the worse. Oedema of the lungs set in
and this condition, coupled with the apo
pieXy and paralysis, soon made it apparent
that death was a matter of but few
hours. Mr.. Murtagh continued to sink until
IL :16 clock, when he breathed his last
Mr. Murtagh had been in excellent health
and it was believed his naturally strong
constitution might pull him through the
stroke of Monday. The complications fol-
lowing, however, overwhelmed his strength
Many messages of sympathy have been
received from friends of the family out of
the city. in addition to the large number
who have called personally to express their
coincidence.
His Newspaper Career.
Mr.. Murtagh, in connection with Lewis
Clephane and others, started the National
Republican newspaper in the fall of 1S60
during the closing days of the exciting cam
paign which resulted in the election of Abra-
ham Lincoln to the presidency. The feeling
in Washington at that time was decidedly
pro-southern, and on the night of the elec-
ton mob of people assembled around the
office of the republican, which was then on
Louisiana avenue, and attacked and gutted
the office. Its publication, however con-
tinued and after some time the other gen
tiemen associated with Mr.. Murtagh with
drew from the enterprise and he became
the sole proprietor of the paper. During
the years of the war of the rebellion and
those Immediately following the paper at
tanned prosperity and was quite influential
with the national administration.
Its Office was removed to the corner of
10th and d streets during the war, in what
was known as the old Peter Force building
where it remained until the fall of 1876
When 1t removed to the handsome brick
building on the southwest corner of 18th and
pennsylvania avenue, which Mr.. Murtagh
had erected and which was at that time the
most completely equipped newspaper build
ing IN washington. Mr.. Murtagh, however,
went into several financial speculations out
SIDE or his newspaper business, and of the
money that he made legitimately In the con-
duct OF his paper a great deal was lost in
PAD investments, and he subsequently, sold
the paper to the late A. NJ. Clapp who was
for long time at the head of the govern
ment printing office. Mr. Clapp retained it
for few years and then it was sold to a
Coiipdny OF WHICH Gen Brady, at that time
the second assistant postmaster general was
the largest stockholder. When the trial of
Gen Brady for completely in the Star route
alleged frauds was begun, Gen. Brady dis
posed OF his interests and ex-senator Wm
h. Chandler became the controlling force
He sold it to the company of which the
late FRANK Aatton was president but the
payments failed to be made at the proper
time and Mr.. Chandler again took control
OF the paper. finally selling it to the late
T. w. Fox. During Mr.. Murtagh's owner
snip and conduct of the Republican he
made 1t power in national affairs and
for long period it's utterances upon ma
ional policies were regarded as authori-
tative and rejecting the views of the ad-
ministration.
He was a member of the common coun-
ell of the old municipal government. and
for many years was chairman of the board
of police commissioners.
In disposition Mr.. Murtagh was kind and
generous, and during his prosperity he had
hosts of warm personal friends, many Of
whom continued their regard even to the
time of his death. and during the later
public view. He was possessed of consider
able business ability, and he fortunately
saved from the fortune. that he once made
sufficient to enable him and his wife to
live comfortably.
Mr.. Murtagh was about sixty-five years
of age, it is stated. The accompanying il
lustratic1 is from his last photograph
taken number of years ago.
Spring handicap, steeplechase and four
ID