The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-11-26
SENATOR RAYNER
DIESAT HIS HOME
IN WASHINGTON
Had Been III for Years With
Neuritis-Funeral Serv-
ices Tomorrow
CONDUCTED CASE OF
ADMIRAL SCHLEY
Senator Rayner Was Recognized
Authority on Constitutional Law.
Control of the Senate May
Hinge on His Death

Washington. November 2b.-Isidor Ray
ner of Maryland, ono of the leading demo-
cratic members of the United states SEN
ate and man whose name was offered
to tho Chicago convention by William j.
Bryan as suitable candidate for the
presidential nomination.. died here at $50
o'clock this morning as result Of con-
tinued attacks of neuritls.
Senator Rayner had heen in coma
since Wednesday last, with only one or
two slight rallies. Ills severe illness COW
cred period of about six weeks, dating
from the effects made in the joint po-
litical debate with Bourke Cochran at
Baltimore late in September. Physicians
compelled him TO retire from the campaign
Immediately after that and he returned
to his Washington home. where he died
tits forenoon.
Funeral services for Senator Rayner
will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2
o'clock at the Rayner home in this city.
The services will be conducted by the
Rev. u. G. B. Pierce, chaplain of the
Senate and President Taft's pastor, as
sisted by the Rev. Charles Wood of the
Church of the Covenant in Washington.
Interment win be in Rock Creek cemetery
in this city.
President to Attend Funeral
Official Washington will be largely rep
resented at the funeral President Taft
and members OF his cabinet have signi-
fed their intention of attending and conf
mittees from both houses of Congress,
as we'll as many Marylanders prominent
in official and civic life will be present.
For over five years Senator Rayncr
had been sufferer from neuritis. the
attack often making his work in the Sen
ate arduous and painful. His death cre-
ates vacancy in the Senate that prob
ably will be filled by republican,
through the appointment By Governor
Goldsboro Of Maryland. While the lcgis-
lsture of that state is democratic it does
Not meet this winter and the republican
governors appointment will hold through
the opening sessions Of the next Con-
gress
Senator Rayner was one Of the strik-
ing figures of the senate lie had been
member OF that body almost eight years
and was one Of its strongest debaters
and recognized authority on constitn-
tional law. Before he entered the Sem
ate he had attained national reputa-
ton because of his vigorous conduct OF
the late Admiral schley case before
the naval court of inquiry that investi-
gated the action OF American officers In
the battle with Admiral Ccrvcra's Span
ish fleet.
Was 81 Years Old
Mr. Rayner was a native of Baltimore,
aud was 81 years old. lie was a MEM
ber OF the Maryland legislature when
% years old, and served three terms in
the national House of Representatives In
the period from 1886 to 1892 lie was elect
ed to the United States Senate In 1904.
after having served four year term as
attorney general of Maryland.
AS a member of the committees on for
eign relations and judiciary Senator Ray
ner devoted especial attention during the
last few years TO Americas foreign prob
lens and constitutional and legal aues-
tions. lie was n strong advocate OF the
of the treaty with Russia be-
cause of that country's discrimination
against passports presented by American
Jews and exercised a marked influence
in getting the Senate TO indorse such
action.
The control of the United States Senate
after March may hinge on his death
The republican, who 1t is expected Gov
ernor Goldsboro win appoint in his place.
will hold office at least until the Mary
land Legislature meets in 1913. Senator
Raynor's death removes one OF the demo-
Gratis who was depended on in the new
democratic Congress The democrats
counted on marshalling him as a majority
of one. IN any event 4s votes, with the
vote OF the vice president in cast OF a
tie, was looked upon as sufficient strength
to insure control While the democrats
still have an apparent strength Of AZ, the
death OF the Maryland senator reduces
tho supposed majority to a point very
near the dividing line of party control.