The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1911-01-05

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4.-Senator
Stephen b. Elkins of West Virginia
died at midnight tonight. At his bed
side were his wife, his daughter,
Katherine, and four sons, David, Rich
ard, Stephen and Blaine, and the
physicians. Death was due to septi-
caemia, or blood poisoning, He was
conscious until within half hour Of
death.
In the early evening there were per-
sstent rumors in Washington that the
senator S condition had become grave,
and fears were expressed that he might
not live through the night. The Elkins
family, however, were hopeful to the
last, and to the numerous inquiries
which poured in at the Elkins home
encouraging responses were given.
Senator Elkins became i'll in the
early summer at his home at Elkins,
W. Va. He was kept In strict CON
fnement there, and only the members
OF his Immediate family were allowed
10 see him. On November 8, when he
was removed TO Washington in pri-
eate ear, he was reported considerably
improved, Physicians declared that he
might possibly be able to take his seat
IN the senate at the opening of con-
gress.
Never Accurately Diagnosed.
Senator Elkins's ailment had never
become definitely known. IN the sum
ner he was reported to be suffering
rom an intestinal trouble, in many re-
spects similar 10 acute Indigestion. As
other times physicians are said to have
oclieved him afflicted with nervous
lnalady
Last week it was reported that open
ar treatment had been advised. and
mat room Oh the roof of his home
would be arranged for him.
According to the physicians in at
tendance tonight the senator died from
complication of diseases arising from
septicaemia.
Though no funeral arrangements
nave been announced, it is probable
mat ina Senator EIlsins will be buried at
Elklns, W, Va.
Genial and Practical
ccniality and practicablity were The
pteoomIndting traits In Senator Ellsns
charactcr He seldom was without a
@ sl,,llc and his prevailing manner was
.ourteouS and sympathetic y man ol
vast affairs outside the senate and re-
sspohslblc therefore for important lcgisla
tuoh' nc always had time TO give alton
hs,oh TO tho wants Of his constituents oI
-, During ii large part of his service II
.nc senate Mr.. ElkIus was chairman o
.ne important committee on intcrstat,
commerce.. As head Of tfis committee
ne mad charge of the Hepburn rate reg
olation bill OF 1907 and OF the admins
.rhLlon bill Of 1910. 4 railroad buildc
uhd owner himself. MI Elkins had ln!i
mate knowledge OF all questions affected
v! thiS legislation. He WAS the out
spoken champion Of tie bill Of 1910 an,
aS such. fought for its passage nigh
aua DAY for months Probably the long
s9St speech ever delivered by the Wcs
port.
senator Elkins WAS ono OF the frs
mowers for an Investigation into the higl
.ppst OF living. which was inaugurated II
VIC second session OF the sixty first con
Sross. and when the controlling power
~ the senate decrccd he should not b
chairman of the special committee ap
pointed To mako tho Inquiry. he wa
deeply chagr.ned.
One Great Disappointment.
f:c asDired 10 a place on the commit
c Ic on finance. and his failure TO attai
lIiat position probably was the creates
mm,sdppolntmcnt Of his senatorial career
,c I committee on hnnncc deals with tn
'ar'ff. and Mr., E,ikins made open protes
Concluded on Page Eleven.