The Wahpeton Times

DEATH OF SCHUYLER COLFAX

Expressions of Regret from the President and Congress-Reminiscences of Old-Time Friends.

MANKATO, Minn., Special Jan. 13. -This morning, when the 10 a. m. train on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road arrived, an elderly gentleman of noble-looking physique stepped from the coach, and, with satchel in hand, walked to the Omaha depot, as is supposed for the purpose of taking the 11 a. m. train on that road west. He walked up to a gentleman outside of the depot and inquired for the gentlemen's waiting room, and was directed thereto. After stepping inside he walked up to a map on the wall, and after perusing it awhile walked across the room to a window and looked out for a short time. He sat down with his overcoat on his lap. There were at the time three persons in the depot. These parties observed the stranger growing pale, and they hastened to him with water, supposing him to be in a faint. He settled back in the seat and gave one gasp for breath, which was the last evidence of life he manifested. The fact was telephoned to the business part of the city that a stranger had dropped dead at the depot, and in a few minutes it was reported that the deceased was supposed to be Hon. Schuyler Colfax, ex-vice president of the United States, as letters and other papers were found on his person bearing his address at South Bend, Ind. Parties who have seen Mr. Colfax in life were hastily summoned to substantiate the fact, which was only too true. The members of the Odd Fellows' lodge took charge of the body of their illustrious brother, and through the kind thoughtfulness of Dr. G. G. Harrington and lady, the remains were taken to this gentleman's residence and cared for by the undertaker, and laid in a fitting casket. The spacious residence of the doctor was thronged with visitors until the hour of departure for the depot, all anxious to get a glance at the illustrious face. Steps were taken early in the afternoon for a proper disposal, and the telegrams were received from relatives at South Bend, Ind., to have the remains taken on at once. The lodge of I. O. O. F. at that city instructed the same brotherhood here to detail a committee from the lodge in this city to accompany the body to Chicago, and the services of L. P. Hunt, Esq., and L. Patterson were secured for that duty. Leading citizens assisted in their efforts to make this last tribute to the illustrious dead every way becoming the distinguished reputation of the deceased. A special meeting of the lodge of I. O. O. F. was called to make preparations for a proper conveyance of the remains to the depot.

NOTIFYING THE PRESIDENT.

As soon as the identity of the deceased was established, Mr. L. P. Hunt, postmaster at this city, sent the following dispatch to President Arthur:

To the President of the United States, Washington, D. C.: Ex-Vice President Schuyler Colfax dropped dead in the city of Mankato, Minn., at 10:35 this morning, when about to take a train. He arrived in the city on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul at 10 o'clock and walked to the Chicago, St. Paul & Omaha depot, a distance of three-fourths of a mile. The thermometer was at 30 deg. below zero. He entered a warm room and expired within three minutes thereafter. His remains now lie in state at Dr. Harrington's residence, under charge of Odd Fellows assisted by prominent citizens. Every attention will be paid to the remains until advices from the family are received.

[SIGNED]
L. P. HUNT, P. M.,
P. ZIMMERMAN
CARL DICE,
And Citizens Generally.

The president made acknowledgment of the message as follows:

Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C., Jan. 13, 1885. -Mr. L. P. Hunt, Postmaster, and others, Mankato: The president has received with deep sorrow your dispatch announcing the sudden death to-day at Mankato of ex-Vice President Colfax.

[SIGNED] FRED J. PHILLIPS, Private Secretary.

This afternoon Coroner Paddock summoned a jury and held an inquest over the remains, the verdict being in substance that the deceased came to his death suddenly from some cause to the jury unknown. Several theories are advanced as to the cause of the death of Mr. Colfax. It is thought by some that the walk in the cold atmosphere, the thermometer being at 30 deg. below, after remaining so long in a heated car, produced the sad result, while others maintain that apoplexy was the cause. The old theory of heart disease, of course, was advanced. No one here knows where the deceased was en route for, and there were papers on his person indicating that he was in South Bend, Ind., Monday morning at 7 o'clock. The remains, as they lay in a beautiful casket, clothed in a suit of black, were the picture of quiet repose. There was not the least resemblance of a corpse about them.

THE NEWS AT SOUTH BEND.

SOUTH BEND, Ind., Jan. 13.-The news of the death of Mr. Colfax created the greatest consternation in this city, where he passed his life from boyhood, and where he was so highly honored and respected. He left here yesterday morning at 7 o'clock. A note to the editor of the Tribune from him said he was compelled to leave that morning to fill engagements in Northern Iowa made a month ago. He concluded his note as follows:

I feel regretful that I have to be away from the funeral of my life-long friend, Mr. Burroughs, for there has been the warmest friendship between us for over forty years.

It would seem that Mr. Colfax had a premonition of death. On Saturday, in the Tribune editorial room, he said: 'I have appointed George W. Matthews my executor.' When asked if he expected to pass away soon, he replied: 'I am liable to drop dead at any moment.' His remains will reach here Thursday morning at 2 o'clock. A delegation of citizens will go from here to Chicago to receive them. Mrs. Colfax is completely prostrated at the terrible news.

Telegrams of condolence are pouring in upon her from every part of the country.

INDIANAPOLIS, Special Telegram, Jan. 13.-News of the death of Hon. Schuyler Colfax was received with sincere regret by political and personal friends here, and both bodies of the legislature adjourned until to-morrow out of respect to his memory, when the announcement was made to them. Mr. Colfax was here about two weeks ago on business, and purchased $30,000 worth of stock in the Indianapolis National bank. He also at the same time made a will, disposing of his property to his wife and children. His estate, it is thought, will amount to $150,000, the greater part of which he has earned by lecturing since he left political life. For many years he had been one of the leading members and officers of the order of Odd Fellows, and an active participant in all the deliberations of the grand lodge. Ex-Gov. Porter, who for years was his warm personal friend, the state and federal officers, and a large number of private citizens are arranging to attend the funeral.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT IN WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON, Special Telegram, Jan. 13.-The announcement of the sudden death of Schuyler Colfax was received here late this evening, while preparations were being made by senators and members to attend the reception given to-night at the White House to the diplomatic corps. There are comparatively few men now in congress who served in that body with Mr. Colfax; and these few, whatever may be their opinions as to the misfortune which overtook him in the Credit Mobilier investigation, speak of him as a man who possessed ability of a high order, and whose kindly nature drew to him in friendly intimacy even his political opponents.