Evening star., 1936-06-04
Speaker and Vice President Garner discussing poll
tics in the early days Of the administration.

was about Speaker Byrns simplicity
and rugged honesty which We have
come to associate with the name
of Jackson.
Fearless, incorruptible, unSelflSh,
with high sense of justice, wise IN
counsel, broad of vision, calm in ad-
verSity and modest in victory, he
served his State and the Nation with
fidelity, honor and great usefulness.
Il personally mourn the passing of
a steadfaSt friend of many years"
The President had relied on Byrns
to assist the New Deal program since
January 3, 1885, when the Tennesseean
was named to succeed Henry Rainey,
who had died during the recess.
Byrns is the first Speaker in genera
tions to die during a session.
Mr.. Roosevelt ordered all flags in
the city at half staff and Cancelled
today'S cabinet meeting.
The Senate called a halt on its dis
cussion of the revenue bill to recess
out of respect to the noted figure.
All thought of the adjournment
drive. on which Byrns worked SO hard
it probably contributed to his death,
was put aside as the Capitol joined
in mourning.
Named Speaker January 3, 1888.
Mr.. Byrns, who was named Speaker
January 3, 1885. reached his home
yesterday afternoon after a day of
hard work, which nevertheless seemed
! to leave him in the best of health.
He left the Capitol early when the
House edjourned out of respect to
| Representative Andrew of MaSsachu-
SettS, who died Tuesday night. He
apartment talking to Mrs. Byrns,
when suddenly his head fell to his
chest.
This was at pm DR.. Everett M
Ellison and Col A M Whaley of the
Army Medical Corps, hurried to the
frantic call of Mrs. ByrnS. They man.
| aged to revive the stricken Speaker,
who smiled wanly after the heart
attack. A nurse came to attend him
DR.. George w. Calver of the Naval
Medical Corps, stationed at the Cap
itol, soon reached the Mayflower
apartment. The Speaker, unaware
that death was near, greeted the
| physician who had attended him for
years.
The Speakers brothers, M J. Byrns
of Washington, and John Byrns of
Cincinnati, and Representative Nc
! Reynolds Of Tennessee, a devoted
friend, joined Mrs ByrnS and the doc
tors around the bedside of the man
who learned his law and politics in
the Hermitage district, famous for its
home of Andrew Jackson.
Fell Asleep at $3.50 PM
At $3.50 pm. Mr.. ByrnS fell asleep.
At II pm. Mr.. Byrns shuddered and
lapSed into a coma. He had suffered
cerebral hemorrhage There was a
hush in the apartment. One hour
and IS minutes later he was dead. He
would have been 81 years old July 20.
He was the best friend ever had" !"
McReynolds said, turning his head.
His eyes were misty.
Mrs. Byrns stared at a table, occa-
sionally dabbing at her wet eyes, but
giving no indication of breaking down.
Mrs. William Bankhead, wife of the
House majority leader, urged her to
drink coffee, while Mrs. John Byrns
sought to comfort her. Representative
Bankhead and Representative Boland,
the Democratic whip, joined the group.
DR.. Calver explained that Mr. Byrns
had suffered from a bad heart" for
! several years as result of an earlier
attack of influenza. The doctor term
ed the two attacks of last night "acci-
dents" which are not unusual.
Il am shocked almost beyond imag-
| ination," gasped Representative Smell
of New York, the Republican floor
leader, who was stunned by the news.
ut is an almost irreparable loss"
Robinson Pays Tribute.
''He was a great speaker" said
Senator Joseph T Robinson, the SEN
ate majority leader.
A group Of his colleagues on both
sides of the Capitol hurried in the
early morning hours to the Mayfiower
to express to Mrs. Byrns their sorrow
over hers and the country's loss.
When he had recovered from his
initial shock, Senator Robinson spoke
his eulogy for his partner in the Capt.
tol team on which the White House
depended for the success of the New
Deal program.
His death comes as great sur
prise and shock to his friends, and
| particularly to associates in Con-
greSS," he said. His work during
the session has been very difficult
and trying.
He had the respect, confidence
and admiration of the members of
both bodies. He was my personal
friend and exceedingly regret his
passing"
Mrs. Borah Is Shocked.
Mrs. William E. Borah, wife Of the
Senator from Idaho, exclaimed:
How shocking! I am astoniShed.
know the Senator will regret
Speaker Byrns' passing very much"
senator Barkley, Democrat, OF
Kentucky, remarked:
Speaker Byrns' long experience in
public life, together with his earnest
devotion to the public welfare, make
his death grievous loss to the peo-
pie in these times of stress"
Gov. James M. Curley, MaSsachu-
sets: "A really great, modest, re-
firing American. His wife mourns
the passing OF q fine husband; the
Nation mourns the passing Of con-
scientious and able legislator; mourn
the passing of a true friend"
Bankhead Mourns Friend.
Representative Bankhead said this
morning:
Il cannot reconcile myself to the
death Of our Speaker ana beloved
friend" His hand shook as he fumbled
his Office door key.
Chairman poukhten, peuocTat q