The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-06-02
.REvERSES DROVE
ADAMS TO SUICIDE
Widely Known and Popular Con-
gresham From Pennsylvania
Takes Own Life.
DRAMATIC SCENE IN HOUSE.
Letter From Former Member
Revealing Cause OF Act Read
BY Speaker.
DRAMATIC SCENE IN HOUSE
f1av Asaociated preas.l

NNASHlNGION,& june t4.--1cpTcscltd-
tive Robert Adams, died at the Emer-
gency Hospital to-day from tho effects
Of self inflicted bullet wound.
Mr.. Adams wns discovered In u dying
condition In his apartments at the Metro
poiitan Club chambers shortly after. s
o'clock this morning. He was sitting
in chair. A bullet wound In his mouth
and pistol lying near him. made It clcar
that he had attempted to kill himself.
a letter received by Speaker Cannon
from Mr.. Adams this morning ex-
planned tho cause OF the suicide. He said
In the letter that his debts exceeded his
resources and forced him to abandon his
official position. While he did not indl-
cate any intention TO take III life. he
spoke OF the form OF his burial indicat-
Ing that he had then made up his mind
to commit the rash act. DR. hewitt, the
coroner, issued certificate OF. death by
suicide, saying that It was such clear
case no inquest would be necessary.
Gloom in the House.
Not in years has there come to the
membership OF the lower house OF Con-
gress such sudden gloom as came with
the going out5of Mr. Adams
IS But yesterday, having charge OF the
diplomatic and consular BILL he showed
energy and activity, getting the bill
through the House with less friction
than usual but few amendments being
made to the measure When the House
convened, there was an especially large
membership present, and. when the chap
lain referred 10 the death OF the late
congressman. members were visibly af-
fected. Then came scene that 4 has
never had Its parallel in the historic
chan.>AGr OF the nations law-makng
body. The Speaker rose and asked that
| Ind, E1,,1,i Ia No. Il
a letter from the dead, a letter received
while the life OF Robert Adams was
passing away. a silence fell on the
House that but yesterday was surchargod
with animation. Is s.. "a. j8 set35
The Letter Read.
The letter was as follows:
washington. May 81. 1906.
Hon. j. G. Cannon.
my Dear DIR. Speakcr,-The fact
that my personal obi tons exceed
my resources Is my only excuse for
abandoning the responsible position
occupy IN the House. am willing
to be buried at Its expense. but
ask that no committee be appointed
or memorial services held. as have E
never been In sympathy with the latter
CUSTOM
"Wlth assurances OF my high regard
Sincerely yours,
"ROBERTs ADAMS
Following the reading OF the letter Mr..
Morrell presented resolution directing
the scrgeant-nt-arms to make the neces-l
sary arrangements for the funeral and
expenses to be paid out OF the contin.
gent fund Of the House. and then as a
further mark OF respect the House ad-
5ourned.
Representative Adams was one OF the
most popular representatives In Congress,
and he has been identified with many
matters OF worldwide Importance. Mr..
Adams was society man and club man,
and was at all prominent social functions
in this city. 1t was only yesterday morn
Ing he. as acting chairman OF the House
Committee on Foreign Affairs, managed
the diplomatic and consular appropria-
ton bill In Its final passage In the House.
AS this bill has been before the House
for the past week, Mr.. Adams has been
the principal figure In the House There
was nothing In his department during
cate an unusual condition Of his mind.
Had Dealt in Stocks.
1t is general knowledge among Mr..
Adams's associates in the House that he
was dealer on the stock market ana
had been for many years.
He had, however, met reverses ) !. " ,, um.s
connection In the past and had at tihes
also been a very successful operator.
Mr.. Adams had always been a consist
ent Republican Of the stalWarts type. re 5s
was born In Philadelphia FEBRUARY .s; -,
Of Pennsylvania. In 1893 he began. .his
political career as q member OF the sue .a
Senate OF Pennsylyania and IN 1855 eEt no :,
minister OF Brazil, He filled this post for
q little over q year, and then came pack
to re-enter politics., being elected q mem,
body no had served continuously ever