Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-12

The funeral OF George I. Gofham, the
veteran newspaper man, who died at his
place Of residence, 1853 Q street. early yes
terday morning, will be held from his
late home at II o'clock tomorrow morn
ing Rev DR. Wallace Radcliffe Of the
New York avenue Presbyterian Church
will conduct the services. The pallbear-
ers will be: Mr.. Justice Harlan and Mr..
Justice Brewer of the Supreme Court,
Senator Henry NJ. Teller OF Colorado,
former Senator William NJ. Stewart of
Nevada. Joseph Crawford and James r.
Watson. The burial will be private.
Mr.. Gorham. who died after short ILL
ness, was seventy-seven years old and for
forty years had been we'll known IN
Washington. His career in journalism
and politics was a notable one. From the
time he came to Washington In 1868 I'M
til the day Of his death he was closely
associated with the leading men Of the
country.
Entered Politics In California.
Although a native of New York. Mr..
Gorham went to California at an early
age and there laid the foundation for
the great reputation he afterward made
as d newspaper writer. When about
eighteen years old he left Greensport.
\. y where he was born In 1882. for
New London. Conn. There he embarked
for California. making the trip around
the Horn The gold fever did not hit
Mr.. Gorham when he reached California.
He engaged i'll mercantile pursuits nrSt
and later became clerk to stephen j.
Field. the alcalde OF Marysvllle. who
was later an associate justice OF tne
United States Supreme Court. Mr.. Cor
ham took an active part In California
politics. and was cnce Candidate for gov
ernor of that state. being defeated by
few votes on account OF his ef1orts TO
gain better treatment for the Chinese.
In 1868 Mr.. Gorham came to Wash
ngtOn and was made secretary of the
Senate, which Office he held until 1919.
In 1880 he became editor of the National
years his editorials in that publication
attracted attention all over the country.
He was pronounced one of the best edi-
torial writers this country ever pro-
duced. Some of his most effective lead
ers were written in support of the bill
creating the interstate commerce COM
mission and especially the long and short
haul clause
Until the presidential campaign of 1896
Mr. Gorham was an ardent republican,
but In that year he espoused the cause
of William Jennings Bryan He stuck
to Bryan ever after. working hard for
| the Nebraskan at every opportunity. In
1900 he wrote the democratic campaign
book.
Biographer of Stanton.
In later years Mr. Gorham continued
to write a great deal. In 1899 he COM
pleted and published biography of Ed
win NJ Stanton, Lincoln's Secretary of
War This work is text book in many
schools. While secretary of the Senate
Mr.. Gorham married Miss Eftie Bassett.
daughter of David Bassett of this city.
One daughter Maud Bassett Gorham,
was born to them.
Senator Stewards Tribute.
| Ex-senator William NJ. Stewart of Ne
vada, a warm personal friend of Mr.. Cor
| ham. paid him the following tribute:
| .'Gorham was one of the most remarka-
BILE men l ever met 1 was intimately &C
quainted with him from the spring of
| 1850 He was then a law clerk In the Of
| flee Of Stephen j. Field, later justice of
the Supreme Court of the United States
| He remained friend of Judge Field until
his death. The judge regarded him as
| friend and able adviser.
He was intuitively a great editor. and
was known by his Writings throughout the
| Pacific coast before he was twenty years
| old.
| He was engaged actively in the politics
of California Coming to Washington,
| where his reputation had preceded him. he
| succeed j. w. Forney. He remained Sec
retary of the Senate until the politics Of
| that body changed He then did editorial
| work for many leading papers
Of Strong Convictions.
Mr. Gorham was a man OF strong con-
| ycttons which he would not surrender for
| any consideration. and because OF this
| and other qualifications became an In
innate friend of President Grant. Sena-
| tor Conkling made him his intimate
| friend and associate.
Il do not know that his literary work
| on newspapers has been preserved or
| could now be collected He wrote the life
| and times of Edwin NJ. Stanton, Secretary
! of War under President Lincoln. which
| will be referred to authoritative by
| those who write the history of that great
| struggle in many years to come.
| "Gorham never abandoned friend In
| either good or bad repute. He would de-
| fend a friend advocate principle
! which he believed to be right without re-
| card for personal consideration.
| ''Ail who knew him we'll will respect
| and honor his memory l am glad knew
| him, and enjoyed his original and instruc-
| tive conversation for more than half a
| century ! hope the newspapers will
| speak of him as he deserves. Nothing
| more is necessary tc crafty the feelings
| of those who knew him we'll.
Suffers Scalp Wound From Fall.