The San Francisco call., 1906-06-02
Robert Adams of Penn
sylvania Shoots
Himself.
Financial ReverseS Are
Given AS Cause
of Deed.

Metropolitan Club, where Mr.. Adams
rad resided for several years, some
3 inc between 6 and 7 o'clock this morn
lng Ii was not until s o'clock. how
ever that he was found by Horace
Clark. one of the Negro bellmen, whose
habit il was each morning at that hour
10 carry hot water TO the room
Epen opening the door Clark found
Adams. entirely nude. sitting upright
in ar armchair. Adams was then un-
conscious. and the physician who was
summoned pronounced the wound ia
tax Adams was soon afterward re-
moved 70 the hospital. where the bullet
and some fragments of bone were re-
moved from his brain.
CHASTITY feature of his act was that
after shooting himself Adams proceed
ed out into the hall and to the bath
room, where he washed himself and
lhen returned TO his room. The hall-
and bathroom were spattered with
blood.
II. NOTE SENT TO CANNON.
Adams last night wrote the following
letter 70 Speaker Cannon 1t was re-
ceived at the Capitol just before the
hour Of convening the House today:
Washington, May 81. 1906.
''Hon J. g. Cannon:
My Dear Mr. Speaker-The fact that
my personal obligations exceed my re-
sources is my only excuse for abandon
lng the responsible position I occupy in
she House. ] am willing 10 be buried at
its expense, but ] ask that no commit
see be appointed or memorial services
held, as have never been in sympathy
with ehe latter custom.
with. assurances of my high regard
sincerely yours. ROBERT ADAMS"
IN Adams room an unsigned note was
found addressed 10 James Clark, an
other bellmaR. reading as follows:
Notify II. G.: Clement 1926 L street,
telephone Main 1853, and also Francis
P. Adams 1917 Wallace street. Left
money for breakfast bill. You can di-
vide the things IN the closet"
At the Metropolitan Club chambers
So was recalled today that yesterday
morning Adams did not act naturally
and appeared TO be under some mental
strain, Before leaving for the Capitol
ne demanded his board bill, which he
paid. remarking at the same time that
the bellmen could divide up the change
among themselves. He seemed himself
again last night. and there was moth
ing in his actions; which indicated that
he contemplated taking his life
Robert Adams was one OF the most
popular Representatives in Congress.
and he had been identihed with many
matters OF worldwide Importance His
position as ranking member of the ma
- .3ority after. the chairman on the House
committee. on foreign affairs has, ow-
ing 10 the Ill health Of Mr.. Hit, made
r II necessary for him TO largely direct
the business. Of that important COM
mitteei and he was thus brought into
close contact with President Roosevelt
and Secretaries Hay, Root and Taft.
PROMINENT CLUBMAN.
Adams was a society man and club
man and was at all prominent social
functions IN this city It was only yes
terday that he, acting chairman of the
House committee oA foreign affairs,
managed the diplomatic and consular
appropriation bill TO its final passage
IN the House Az this bill has been be-
fore the House for the past week
Adams had been the principal figure in
the House. There was nothing in his
department during the consideration Of
the measure 10 indicate an unusual
condition Of his mind | -
Adams became prominent at the be-
ginning of the session OF Congress by
introducing and championing the whip
ping post bill which had been recon-
menGed by the President Adams had
% stand geod-netured chaff1ng during
the debate on the bill. The fact that he
was bachelor and was trying 10 Sc
cure the passage OF a bill TO punish
wife beating by whipping the man
found guilty gave opportunity for pok-
ing fIn at the PennsyIvanian's measure
Adams, like most mebemrs of Con-
gress from PhiIadelphia, seemed to
have life. lease on his seat in Con-
gress, although it was rumered a few
years ago that he had been threatened
with opposition. At that time there
was suggestion that he had lost a
large portion Of his fortune through
unfortunate investments.
Adams was always consistent Re.
publican publ e., Of the stalwsSt type He was
and was graduated at the University
OF Pennsylvania twenty years later. He
pract3ced law for five years and spent
some time in scientific explorations as
a member Of the United States geologic
survey. IN 1883 he began his political
career as a member Of the State Senate
OF Pennsylvania, where he served four
wears. and in 1883 entered the dipIo-
matte service as American Minister to
Brazil. lie filled this position for lit
tie over a year and then came back to
this country to re-enter politics, being
elected member OF the Fifty third
Congress. in which body he had served
continuously ever since.
~. SYMPATHY IN THE HOUSE.
The seat which today was covered
with black was selected by Adams for
his late colleague. George A. Castor,
Of the Third Pennsylvania District,
who dying before he could occupy it.
Adams selected the seat for himself
one OF those unexplained condolences
that come without warning
When the House convened there was
an especially large membership pres
ent and when the chaplain referred
70 the death Of the late Congressman
members were visibly affected.
Immediately after the approval of
the journal Mr.. Morrell (Pa.) rose and
amid d profound hush said:
Mr.. Speaker, IT is with the feeling
OF deepest pain and sorrow that have
10 announce TO the House the sudden
death this morning of an old friend. |
The death OF one of our members. one
OF my colleagues from Philadelphia. !
a gentleman whose personality was
with US yesterday and whose conduct
of the bin Of which he had charge /
brought il to a successful passage in I
the late hours Of the afternoon. a gem
ueman whose characteristics were such |
as 70 be admired and enfulated.
Mr.. Speaker, ii is my sad duty TO an
nounce TO the House the sudden death I