Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-11


1T was the crowning victory of his
life, and showed his high sense of public
duty
Representative Serene Payne announced
the death of his colleague. Representa-
tive James B. Perkins of New York. at
the opening of the House session this
morning, and in the language quoted he
paid high tribute to Mr.. Perkins MEM
DRY and epitomized the unique situation
which the observance of Mr.. Perkins re-
quest, made on his deathbed. that Con-
gress he not adjourned because of his
death, brought about today. Mr.. Payne
declared there was no precedent for such
a request on the part of a member OF
the House.
The House of Representatives observed
strictly the dying request of Mr.. Perkins.
and after hearing the formal announce
ment of the death of the member from
New York, proceeded to the consideration
of pension bills on the calendar.
Senate Action
The Senate found itself in an awkward
predcament over the question of ad-
journment on account Of the death of
Representative Perkins.
taken. Senator Depew prepared the Gus
tomary resolution. Accordingly, at about
1890 o'clock the Senate went into execu-
tive session, with the intention OF ad-
journing Immediately afterward.
Upon inquiry it developed that the
House had taken no action because of
Mr. Perkins last request. and that in
reality the Senate had no information as
tn 4, he ho1
made its calculations for an early ad-
journment, and Senator Kean presented
an ordinary adjournment resolution.
which brought the session to a close.
Representative Perkins died early this
morning at Garfield Hospital, where he
had been ill for four weeks. For several
months he had been suffering with in
testinal trouble, and February II he was
taken to the hospital. where it was
thought that an operation might afford
him some relief. 1t was found, however,
that his condition was so serious as to
make an operation inadvisable. He
showed remarkable vitality and several
times during the last two weeks made a
substantial rally.
Mrs. Perkins was with him at the time
he died and had been in constant At
tendance upon him during his illness,
He was attended by DR.. II. b. Dale.
The arrangements for the funeral are
now onY in tentative shape. bat 1t is be-
lieved the principal services will be con-
Quoted in Christ Church, Rochester, Mon
day. The body was removed today from
Garfield Hospital, where the representa-
tive was confined during his last illness.
to his Washington residence on New
Hampshire avenue.
Mrs Perkins is being assisted by
her sister. Mrs. William Kidd of AL;
bany, n. Y, and the late representatives.
private secretary in perfecting the funeral
arrangements.
Mrs. Perkins and her sister. Mrs Kidd
will accompany the funeral party to
| Rochester. The interment will be made
Monday.
Mrs. Perkins is president of the Con-
gressional Club, an organization formed
for the purpose of promoting social life
in the congressional set She has taken
great interest in that work, but whether
she will return here, to live where her
husband devoted the last years of his
life to the public service. is uncertain.
Committees to Attend Funeral.
Both the House and Senate will ap-
point committees TO accompany the body
to Rochester.
Mr.. Perkins told his wife that he was
opposed To the interruption of public
business on account of the death OF
member of the House, and requested that
his wishes in this respect be complied
with.
two houses of Congress to accompany
the body 10 Rochester was left largely
| in the hands of Representative Serene
Payne. Mr.. Perkins colleague in the New
York delegation and floor leader of the
majority in the House.
Was Serving Fifth Term
James Brock Perkins. who was serving
| his fifth term in Congress as the repub-
lican representative of the thirty-second
district of New York, was regarded by
his colleagues as one of the strong men
| of the House. Owing TO his exceptional
knowledge of European affairs and their
relation TO the history of the United
| States he was appointed by Speaker
| Cannon chairman of the House commit
| tee on foreign affairs. He served also
l on the committee on railways and canals.
His service I'm the House had been so
| satisfactory to his constituents that the
| last time lie was reelected he received
more than 10000 majority in his district
! over the democratic. socialist and prohi-
| bitionist and Independence League can
/ didates combined.
/ Representative Perkins was born in ST
! Croix Falls. Wis. November 4, Is47
! While ne was still boy his parents
| moved 10 Rochester. y Y. where he at
1 tended the public schools, and later enter
| ed the University OF Rochester from
: which he graduated In 1861. Years after
| ward ne received the degree Of IL. n