The Evening critic., 1884-03-03
DEATH OF WILLIAM A. WEST.
a Weii-Known Journalist Crosses
Over 10 the Other shore,

ONeE ~ tMe OtueE ShOFes
"Bllly West ia dead, Yes, no died suddenly,
OF pulmonary trouble, while coming up from
Fortress Monroe this morning on the
George Leary," was upon the lips OF the news
paper mon Of Washington yesterday.
In the lifo and death Of william A. West, the
journalist, there is much to teach the young
men OF that profession to-day. His journalistic
life was as an ocean, with bounds marked only
by rugged hills and n bosom dotted with but
Duoys, indicators OF danger, and sand bars aud
t,,e an, whore hopes stranded and good inten.
lions went TO pieces. Like many others Of the
profession, he built too many castles on folly
ana Followed too frequently the lndiscretions
OF deception. Like the inexperienced woods
craItman That ho was, no too often waited I'M
VI the return trip to blazen the trees, and con-
sequently lost his way and spont much time
10 nnding point from which TO gain rock
oning.
HIS impulses were for tho best, but no
seemed TO be frequently found in Distress Ia
me eddies OF carelossness, In tho endeavor to
reach tho haven OF effectiveness; aud much
OF what might have been a useful life fell
short OF Its mark by failure TO survey the dis
lance before tho projectile OF intent was
hurried. He had too much confidence In un-
deserving fellows, and was the victim OF many
lmpositions. With heart more generous than
me breadth OF his means, like many others Of
the quill, his generosity overlook HIS strength
and soon called him from vigor 70 weakness.
There were no traits OF vicousness in the
character OF Billy West Ho wished his COM
pahione Weli, unu INC prosperity OF n follow.
laborer gave him 10y. He was one OF those
who appreciated the fact that the success OF one
OF the profession elevated thom all, and did
not feel that tho world was his own, and that
the enjoyment OF life by others was an en-.
croachment upon his own domain and his own
freedom, but that there was room for all and
happiness enough for every one. He was,
therefore, popular wherever known.
Mr.. West held positions on the major por.
lion OF the newspapers OF this city at different
times during tho pact SIX or eight years. He
was ready and racy writer and had good
sense OF news. II was seldom that ono of the
profession could not be given q cue by Billy
West, and time was when the weary CORE.
"starter." The most OF his newspaper life
was spent on THE CRITIC, and for several
years Its columns gave out 60 tho readers OF
washington much brilliancy from his facile
pencil. He has been AFFLICTED seriously with
pulmonary disease during the past year, pre-.
Guiding the possibility OF remaining perma.
nently In any position. The last paragraph
he was known to have written was a special
to THE CRITIC from Fortress Monroe on Thurs
day last concerning robbery on tho steamer
Leary at Piney Point.
The recent death OF his wife seemed to take
from him all desire to live, and no has since
been very melancholy. He went to Fortress
Monroe about week ago, In tho hope that the
change precipitated his death. He died on
the return to Washington, as stated, yester.
day morning.
The remains OF Mr.. West Will DO Inferred In
oak Hill. Tho newspaper men OF the city Will
meet at the rooms OF tho Press Club at 4 80
O'Clock this afternoon and take steps to have
proper charge of the funeral arrangements.