The country was sadly shocked last Frida...

The country was sadly shocked last Friday morning by the announeement of the death on the evening previous, of William Windom, secretary of the I'nited States treasury. Death was the result of heart disease and occurred at Delrnonico's, where a banquet was in progresa. Mí. Windom had just resumed his seat after responding to a toast, when he sank into unconsciousness and expired without a moment's waming. The news cast a gloom over the entire nation. The following is a brief sketch of bis life : AVilliam Windom was born inBelmont County, O., on May 10, 1827, of Quaker parents. When he had completed liis preliminary education he studied law and was admitted to the bar at Mount Vernon in 1853. Two years later he went to Winona, Minn., where he practíced law until 18511, when he was elected to congress, and re-elec:ted for four succeeding terms. In 1871 he was elected to the United States Senate and re-elec_ted in 1877. President Garfiekl made him secretary f the treasury, but he resigned after ten. Artlmr's accession, and was re"íarned to tlie senato by the Minnesota ieglslature to üll out his unexpired term. In 1883 Mr. Windom was again a candidate for the senate, and was apparent!v the choice of the republicana of the state, but lic was bitterly and energetically opposed by M. H. Dunnell, membet of congress froui the first Minnesota district. In caucus Mr. Windoun recieved 83 votes out of 84 necessary to a choice. Dunnell fought hini openly and secretly, and the deadlock continued for sonie time. Finally a break was rnade and Dwight M. Sabin was elected. After his defeat for the senate Mr. Windom spent most of his time in New York until called by President Harrison to his cabinet to take the treasury portfolio. A Chicago paper in describing the Chicago river says it ia sometimes pink, at times brown, pea green and various colors, while it is occasionally flecked with opal spots of grease. One day it is a mass of bouillion, the next it is a river of mulligataway or bean au crouton, and xts somberness is relieved by little bits of realism in the shape of tin cans, oíd ■casks or decaying animáis. And yet Chicago drinks this water, and the peoof all nations will go there and partake of a "drop" in 1893.