The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-06-01
CONGRESSMAN ADAMS
SHOOTS HIMSELF IN HEAD

washington, June 1.--Congressman Rob-
ert Adams OF Pennsylvania. shot himself
in this city this morning. He Is In a Sc
rious condition.
II was Mr. Adams who reported, con-
Quoted through the house and had charge
OF in conference with the senate, the
Cuban resolutions and drafted. introduced,
reported and passed through the house OF
representatives, In one hour, the declara-
tion OF war against Spain.
The shooting occurred in one OF the
chambers OF the Metropolitan Club, whore
Mr.. Adams was stopping. He was found
unconscious at about S o'clock this morn
Ing sitting upright in an armchair. The
pistol was lying on the floor.
He had shot himself through the mouth.
The discovery was made by Horace Clark,
one OF the bellboys OF the club chambers,
and Mr. Adams is believed 10 have COM
mtted the act some time between and
o'clock. He was taken at once TO the
Emergency Hospital, where It is expected
that he will recover.
Robert Adams was one OF the most pop
ular representatives in congress and he
has been identified with many matters OF
world-wide Importance. His position as
ranking member OF the majority after the
chairman on the house committee on for
eign affairs has, owing 10 the ill-health
OF Mr.. Hit, made IL necessary for him
largely TO direct tho business OF that im-
portant committee. and he was thus
brought into close contact with President
Taft.
Mr.. Adams was also a society and club
man and was at all prominent social
functions In this city. 1t was only yes
terday that he, as acting chairman OF tho
house committee on foreign affairs man.
aged the diplomatic and consular appro-
priation bill to its final passage in the
AS this bill has been before the house
Tor the past week, Mr.. Adams has been
the principal figure In the house. There
was nothing In his department during the
consideration of the measure TO indicate
an unusual condition OF his mind
Mr.. Adams became prominent at the be-
ginning OF the session OF congress by In
Producing and championing the whip
ping post" bill which had been recon-
mended by the president. Mr.. Arams had
20 stand a great deaf OF good natured
chatting during the debate on the bill
The fact that he was bachelor and was
trying TO secure the passage OF a bill TO
punish wife-beating by whipping the man
found guilty, gave opportunity for poking
fun at him
Mr.. Adams like most members OF con-
gress from Philadelphia, seemed 20 have
life lease on his seat In congress, al
though It was rumored a few years ago
that he had been threatened with opposi-
ton. At that time there was a suggestion
that he had lost a large portion Of his
fortune through injudicious investments
and this is one OF the possible causes OF
his CT
Mr.. Adams has always been Re-
publican. He was born in Philadel-
phia Feb. 26. ls49, and graduated
from the University of Pennsylvania 20
years later. He praetlced law for
five years and spent some time in
ecienthc exploration as member OF
the United States Geological Survey.
In 1853 he began his political career
as a member OF the State Senate OF
Pennsylvania. where ne served four
years and In 1889 entered the diplo-
matte service as American minister 20
Brazil. He filled this position for a
little over a year and then came back
20 this country 10 re-enter politics.
being elected member OF the Fifty
Third congress In which body he has
served continuously ever since.
"A CHASTITY feature Of his act was the
fact that after shooting himself Mr..
Adams proceeded 20 the ba IN room, where
he washed himself and then returned 20
him room. The walls and bath room
were spattercd with blood In the room
an unsigned note was found addressed
10 James Clark, "A bellman reading as
follows: Notify IL O. Clement. 1926 |
street. Telephone Main 1858 and also
Franci =. Adams. 1917 Wallace street
Left money for breakfast bill You can
divide the things in the closet"
Mr. Adams last night wrote the fol-
Mr. Adams died az 1880 O'Clock
lowing letter-t4- Speaker Cannon. -s---
received at the Capitol just before the
hour u convening the house today:
Washington. May 81.
PTIon. J. q. Cannon:
MY Dear speaker--The fact that my
personal OBLIGATIONS excood nv resourcas
j. my only excuse for abandoning the
responsible position I occupy IN the house
J am willing 70 be buried az It's expense
bat I ask that no committee be appointed
- memorial sorvfces he'd. as have never