The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1902-12-11
THOS. BRACKET REED.
The Ex-Speaker of the National
House of Representatives
Died Sunday.
he WAS ILL ONLY A FEW DAYS
He Was Born at Portland, Maine, October
Is, 1889, and Died In washington-He
Was National Figure For Years.
Started Out In Life to Be a Minister.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7th.-Ex-Speak-
er of the National House of Represen-
tatives Thomas Bracket Reed. of
Maine, died at 1916 o'clock this Sun
day morning at the Arlington Hotel.
where he was stricken suddenly on
Tuesday night with what was believ-
ed to be acute gastritis.
Mr.. Reeds condition became worse
yesterday morning, when signs of
blood-poisoning reappeared. On Fri
day night he was attacked with naus-
ca, which was taken as a symptom
that Bright's disease had developed.
and all of yesterday he was in a con
dition which his physicians knew
meant an early dissolution. At times
Mr.. Reed spoke and seemed to be in a
cheerful frame of mind, but it was
easily seen that death was approach
ing.
AT midnight a consultation was
held, participated in by Drs. Gardner,
Mcdonald, Bishop and Goodnow, the
latter being called as an expert con-
sultant from Philadelphia.
At the conclusion of the consulta-
ton DR.. Gardner announced that a
complete condition of uraemia was
found to exist and that Bright's dis
ease had developed as the latest com
plication. 1t was then decided that
the case was hopeless and that death
was matter of minutes only.
At 1915 word was received from the
sick room that Mr.. Reeds condition
was very grave.
Mr.. Reed reached Washington Sun
day, having come to attend to some
matters in the United States Supreme
Court. He was at the Capitol Monday
visiting with friends and former asso-
ciates in Congress and witnessed the
converting of the second session of the
Flfty-seyenth Congress. Apparently
he was enjoying good health, but la
ter in the day called on DR.. F. A. Gard
ner and complained of gastric dis
tress.
The following day his physician
compelled him to remain in bed while
a diagnosis was made of his condi-
ton. Mr.. Reed was strongly adverse
to staying in bed, but rise in tenn
|
perature made it imperative that he
remain quiet. Symptoms of appen-
dlcltis appeared, though his condi-
ton was not considered as alarming.
A trained nurse remained with him
throughout Tuesday night, and the
patient showed signs of improvement.
Mrs. Reed and daughter, Miss Kit
tie, arrived Wednesday and remained
with Mr.. Reed at the Arlington Hotel
since. On Thursday the physicians
announced that the appendicitis
symptoms were abating, but that kid
ney trouble had developed, giving
more serious aspect to the case. DR..
Goodnow was summoned from Phila-
delphla for consultation.
Thomas B. Reed was born on Octo-
Der IS, 1889, in Portland, Maine. His
father was a sailor, but abandoned
that calling to become watchmen at
sugar factory. AS boy Reed gave
small promise of future greatness. He
was more indolent than his fellows,
and home and school duties were irk-
some. Not until he had joined church
did he manifest any ambition to bet
ter his lot. With money raised by
the women of the church, Reed enter
ed Bowdoin Collegs to study for the
ministry. He decided, however, to
take another course, and later paid
back the money which made possible
his entrance into college He studied
law and soon came into local promi-
nence. He was elected attorney gen
eral of Maine and in 1876 entered
Congress. AS Speaker of the House
and Trainer of the Gar Reed rules
governing that body, he attained
worldwide fame.