New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-08-29

Long, IOTHHeT oeCfeldiy VI inc Navy
and former Governor Of Massachusetts,,
died at his home here tonight.
Mr.. Longs death was generally I'M
expected. He returned from trip to
Maine two days ago, suffering from an
intestinal trouble, with which he had
been afflicted for several years. He
was ordered to rest by his physician,
but reports that his condition was crit
ical were denied
John D. Long was born at Buckfeld,
Oxford County, Me-, or October q,
1888. He got a common school educa-
ton in his native place, an academic
education at Hebron, neighboring
town, ard a collegiate education at
Harvard. lie was not fifteen years of
age when he entered Harvard and was
less than nineteen when he was grad
uated. lie stood fourth IN a large class
for the whole Harvard course, and was
second in his senior year. He com
posed the class ode to be sung at the
commencement in 1851
/ AS q boy young Long had the reputa-
tion of being studiOus and thoughtful.
After being graduated ne went to West
ford Mass. where ne became the prln-
cipal Of an academy. He was admitted
to the Bar in 1851, and shortly after
that returned 70 his native state, but in
less than two years was back in Boston.
lie lived in Boston until 1863. when he
moved to bingham.
His neighbors in bingham were the
first to bestow on him legislative hon
ors. In 1872 lie joined the Greeley
movement and ran for the Legislature
on the Independent ticket and was
beaten. In 1871 he became a candidate
for the Legislature rs a Republican and
was elected. In 1875 he was made tenn
porary presiding officer of the Legislat
ure and Speaker in 1878. He was elect
ed unanimously in 1877, and by all but
six votes in 1878.
In 1877 and 1873 Mr.. Long was cam
didate for the nomination for Cover
nor. In 1877 he was unsuccessful, and
in 1878 he was able only to land the
nomination for Lieutenant Governor.
But in 1879 Mr.. Long not only received
the nomination, but was elected by a
handsome majority. Governor Long
was renominated unanimously twice
| and reelected. Then he declined a re-
! election and his constituents in the 10Th
/ Congress District of Massachusetts,
nominated him for the National Legis-
: lature by acclamation. He was elected
without any difficulty and served for
l six years. Toward the end of his term
he became the candidate for election 20
/ the United States Senate to succeed
/ Mr.. Dawes, but Mr.. Dawes defeated
him.
Appointed BY Mckinley.
Mr.. Long accepted, in 1897, the po-
ston of Secretary Of the Navy under
| President Mckinley From the mo-
ment the Cuban question began to as
sumo look that threatened possible
disturbance of peaceful relations be-
tween Spain and the United States the
new Secretary devoted his attention TO
ths development of the power Of the
/ navy.
In few months, with the least pos
sible advertisement, the naval service
was advanced rapidly from condition
of unreadiness TO one of comparative
! ly great efficier cy.
! 1t was Secretary Long who chose
/ Captain W. T. Sampson for the chief
command of the blockadng fleet in
/ Cuban waters with Ii title Of acting
read admiral: and the successful issue
of the naval battle off Santiago de
/ Cuba justified the selection. The Sec
rotary upheld Admiral w. 7. Sampson
throughout the unfortunate contro-
versy that followed the defeat of Adj
miral Cervera's feet, and the decision
of the Schley court of inquiry vindi-
Gated his position toward both officers.
1t was Mr. Long, also, who sent the
order to Dewey to attack the Spani-
ards in Manila Bay.
I He continued in the Cabinet after
/ President McKinlot's reelection, and
remained in it after the Presidents
assassination, serving under President
Roosevelt, who, only few years be-
B fore, had served under him as Assist
ant Secretary of the Navy.
Why He Resigned.
President Roosevelt indorsed the
| findings Of the Schley court Of inquiry,
and on March 10, 1902, Mr.. Long re-
signed, his resignation to take effect
on May |. The President accepted Mr..
/ Longs resignation on the same day
and announced that he had appointed
: William II. Moody, also of Massachu
sets, TO succeed him.
Mr. Roosevelt's letter accepting the
/ Resignation lOllOWS'
MY Dear Mr.. Secretary: Il is with
very sincere regret that | accept your
resignation. | shall always count it a
privilege not only to have served with
you during the las. six months, but to
have served under you at the outset Of
President Mckinley's administration. |
have seen you in both relations, and it
has never been my good fortune to be
associated with any public man more
single minded in his devotion to the
public interest. Our relations have
been not merely official, but also those
of personal friendship. May all the
good fortune you so richly deserve at
tend you wherever you go. Sincerely
yours, THEODORE ROOSEVELT"
After his retirement from official life
Mr.. Long spent his summers at Hing
ham, Mass, and his winters at Boston.
A few years ago Mr.. Long gave TO the
town of Buckfeld a free library build
ing, with carefully selected books, as
memorial to his father, Zadoc Long,
and mis- mother, Juba Davis.
that Mr.. Long was a man of scholar
ly tastes and abilities is manifest from
a mere narration Of his life In 1879
he published translation of the
Eneid, which ran through several edi-
tions. He delivered many addresses,
mainly historical. Harvard gave him
the degree of IL D. in 1880 Greatly
interested in temperance work through
the agency Of moral suasiOn, he had
long been president of the Massachu
sets Total Abstinence Society. An
active Unitarian, he was president of
the Unitarian Club and member OF
the American Unitarian Association. He
was president Of the board Of oyerseers
OF Harvard College.