New-York tribune., 1911-01-05
Death Due to Complication of
Diseases Arising from Blood
Poisoning.
FAMILY AT HIS BEDSIDE
Suffered Long from Illness,
Though Recovery Was Ex-
pected-His Long and
Eventful Career.

night tonight. At his bedside were his
wife; his daughter. Katherine; his four
sons. David. Richard, Stephen and
Blaine. and the physicians. Death was
due to septicamia, or blood poisoning
He vas conscious until within half an
hour Of death.
In the early evening there were per-
sistent rumors in Washington that the
Senator's condition had become grave,
and fears were expressed that he might
not live through the night. The mem
bers Of the family, however, were hope
ful 10 the last. and 10 the numerous
Inquiries received at the house encour-
aging replies were given.
Senator Elkina became i'll in the early
summer at his home at Elkins, W. Va.
He was kept in strict confinement there,
and only the members of his immediate
family were allowed to see him. on
NoyVmber 9. when he was removed to
Washington in a private car. he was re-
ported considerably improved. Physi-
clans declared that he might possibly be
able to take his seat in the Senate at
the opening of Congress.
Senator Elkins's ailment had never be-
come definitely known. In the summer
he was reported to be suffering from in
tsstinal trouble i'm many respects similar
10 acute indigestion. At other times
MUSICIANS are said TO have believed him
afflicted with a nervous malady. Last
week 1t was reported that open air treat
nent had been advised and that a room
on the roof Of his home would be ar
ranged for him.
According to the physicians in attend
ance tonight. the Senator died from n
complication Of diseases arising from
septioamia Though no funeral arrange
ments have been announced, it is proba-
bIe that the Senator will be buried at
Elkins, W. Va.
Stephen Benton Elkins, senior United
States Senator from West Virginia. was
horn in Perry County. Ohio. on September
g 1871 He was Of Nirginian ancestry, his
grandfather having been man Of consld-
erable wealth. His principal possessions
were coal fields in the Hooking Valley
which were sold by Mr.. Elkins's father for
p small sum. Senator Elkins was born
within a short distance Of the birthplace of
General Sheridan and Of jeremiah Rusk. at
one time Secretary Of Agriculture. Wmie
Re was vet in his teens his parents moved
10 Missouri and there he attended the pub
liz schools. afterward entering the Univer-
city Of Missouri. from which he was gradu-
ated in 1850. He then took UP the study OF
law and was admitted to the bar in 1858 In
the same year ne went TO New Mexico.
where he attained considerable prominence
in the practice Of his profession.
He early engaged i'm politics and in 1856
was elected to the territorial Legislature.
Shortly afterward he was made Attorney
General Of New Mexico. and in 1865 Presi-
dent Johnson appointed him United States
District Attorney. In this office he rem
Gered effective service in carrying out the
act Of CONGRESS which provided that there
should be no slavery or involuntary servl-
tude in the territories or in the District OF
Columbia. His activity was largely respon-
sirle for the freeing of several thousand
slaves held in bondage by the Mexicans In
1873 he was chosen 10 represent the Terri
tory Of New Mexico as Delegate in Con-
cress. and at the same time was made
member Of the Republican National Com
mttee
While in Congress Mr. Elkins displayed
un,irinZ energy. especially in regard TO
matters which affected the southwestern
part or the country. He exhausted every
possible effort to obtain the admission of
New Mexico as a state, and in an elaborate
speech set forth the resources Of the ter
fitory ne represented. His project, however
was defeated because Of the hostility of the
Senate
Shortly after this rebuff he moved to
West Virginia where he became interested
in extensive coal fields. This marked the
beginning Of his business career, although
he had acquired large holdings Of land IN
New Mexico in his soiourn there. His
business ability led President Harrison 70
appoint him Secretary of War in 1891.
-Four wears later he was elected 10 the
United States Senate, in which body he
Served until his death. being reelected IN
N4l and 1907. He soon came TO be recog-
rized as one Of the leaders on the Repup-
lican side he was for many years chair
nan Of the Senate Committee on Interstate
Commerce. and took prominent part III
framing interstate commerce leglsauoh.
The act intended 10 prevent the giving ot
relates and determinations by railroads
hears his name lie was also member or
the committees on Appropriations. Com
merce and Rules. and powerful hgure IN
all the business Of the Senate. His Repuo-
lcanisru was Of the stalwart type, ana ne
vas a efaucb defender Of the doctrine OF
Protection.
Personal characteristics
Genia,ty and practicability were the pre-
Dominating traits in Senator Elkins char-
scer. lie seldom, was without "A smile
and his prevailing manner was courteous
and Sympathetic man Of large al@Hs
outside the Senate and responsible there
Tor important legislation. he always nau
time 10 give attention TO the wants oi no
constituents and OF his friends.
As chairman Of the Committee on lhte'-
state Commerce he had charge Of tie hep
bum rate bill Of 1907 and of the adii''i''
uston bin Of 1910 A railroad builder ana
owner himself Mr. Ekins had intimate
khowedcc Of all the questions aHecteu oS
This legislation. He was the outspoheh
champion OF tie Bin Of 1910. and fought TOT
us passage night and day for many moh,nS
Probably the longest speech he ever DEW
cred was made in its support. The bIlI hau
oeen sharply assailed by Democratic ana III
S1rgent Republican Senators. who ohafeeu
mat no one dared raise a voice IN its de
fence Mr.. Elkins was the first TO reply 10
inns challenge
lie would not allow differences OF opih-