Omaha daily bee., 1911-01-06
SENATOR ELKlNS DIES AT HOME
west virginian's Sudden Death Due 20
Blood POlsoRinE-Long and
Noteworthy Career.

WASHINGTON, Jan Ex-senator stephen
b. Eikins OF West Virginia died at mid
night Yesterday. At his bedside were his
wife, his daughter. Katherine; four sons
David Richard, stephen and Blaine, and
the physicians. Death was due to septicao-
mia or blood poisoning. He was conscious
until within half hour OF death
In the early evening there we're persis-
tent rumors in washington that the sena-
tors condition had become grave and fears
were expressed that he might not live
through the night. The Elkins family, how
ever were hopeful 10 the last and to the
numerous inquiries which poured in at the
Eikins home, encouraging responses were
given.
Senator Elxins became NJ in the early
summer at his home In Elkins. w. Va. He
was kept in strict confinement there and
only the members of his immediate family
were allowed to see him. On November ..
when he was removed to Washington in a
private car, he was reported considerably
improved Physicians declared that he might
possibly be able to take his seat in the
senate at the opening Of congress,
AiIment Complicated.
Senator Elkins ailment had never be-
GENE definitely known. In the summer he
was reported TO De suffering from intesti-
nal trouble In many respects similar to
acute indigestion. At other times physi-
clans are said to have believed him af-
flicted with a nervous malady. t,
Last week II was reported that open air
treatment had been advised and that a
room on the roof Of his home would be
arranged for him.
According to the physicians in attend
anee tonight. the senator died from a com
pllcation Of diseases arising from septic
aemia. Though no funeral arrangements
have been announced, It is probable that
the senator will be buried at Elkins,
w. Va.
Man 81 Vast Atfairs.
Geniality and practicabllity were the
predominating traits In Senator Elkins'
character. He seldom was without a
smile and his prevailing manner was cour-
teous aud sympathetic A man OF vast af-
fairs outside the senate and responsibility
there for important legislation, he al
ways had time to give attention to the
wants OF his constituents or his friends.
During a large part of the time Of his
service In the senate. Mr.. Elkins was
chairman OF the important committee on
interstate commerce. AS the head Of this
committee ne had charge OF the bill Of
1910. A railroad builder and owner himself.
Mr.. Elkins had intimate knowledse OF all
the questions affected by this legislation.
He was the outspoken champion OF the
bill OF 1910 and as such fought for its pas
sage night and day for many months.
Probably the longest speech ever deliv-
cred by the West Virginia senator was
made in It's support
Cost OF Living Investigated.
He was one OF the first movers for an
Investigation into the high cost Of living,
which was inaugurated In the second ses-
sion of the Sixty-first congress and when
the controlling powers in the senate de-
creed he should. not be chairman Of the
special committee appointed TO make the
inquiry. no was deeply ohagrined. He as
plred 60 a place on the committee on H.
nance and his failure to attain such posi-
ton probably was the greatest dlsappont-
ment that came TO him during his senate
rial career.
The committee ON finance deals with the
tariff and MI, Elkins made open protest
against the action Of the senate in over
looking the republicans OF the south in
filling the committee
Among the achievements standing to
Senator Eikins' credit are the passage of
the Elkins antitrust bill soon after he
entered the senate, legislation providing
tor many important improvements of the
ohio, Kanawha and Big sandy rivers; in
aumerai amendments to the railroad bills
81 1907 and 1910 and many notifications
Of the tariff. He was the first 20 suggest
the use OF the army engineers In building
the Panama canal
ROrn in Ohio.
Mr.. Eikins was born in Ohio IN 1871
While stin very young he went with his
Iather's family 20 Missouri He was one
u the first graduates from the University
% Missouri and as early as 1864 went TO
New Mexico where he lived for several
years. becoming IN succession attorney
general, United States district attorney.
territorial senator and delegate in congress
from that territory.
While serving as delegate IN congress
Mr. EIkins married the eldest daughter OF
Henry GAssaWay Davis then senator from
West Virginia. Soon after his MARRIAGE he
established his home in that state ana there
built up a great fortune, largely through
the development Of the natural resources
q the state. He came into possession OF
extensive coal and timber areas and was
most active In putting their products on
the market
The republican party In West Virginia
awes much 10 Mr.. ElNins. He became chair
mon Of the republican national committee
which elected Beniamin Harrison TO the
presidency and became Mr.. HaTFison's sec
retary Of war. His first election TO the
senate took place In 1876.
Narrow Eseape from auantFsI.
While residing IN Missouri Mr.. Elkins
auEht school and 20 this circumstance
owed as escape from one of the most