San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1893-09-12
HIS MEMORY CHERISHED.
The Board Of Aldermen Adopt Suit
able Words of Respect on
the Death of Hon.
j. H. French.

the council chamber yesterday af-
ternoOn. After the roll call Mayor
Paschal read a communication re-
garding the death of Hon. James
H. French, which is as follows:
Mayors Office, Sept. l1.-To the
Honorable City Council: Gentle
men-It becomes my painful and
regretful duty to announce the
death of the Hon. James H.
French, the acting mayor of this
city and alderman of the Fourth
ward. which occurred on the 9th
instant, at has home in this city.
At your last meeting he occupied
his post of duty, freely giving to
us all the benefits of his superior
council, rare Judgment and ripe
experience in all matters apper-
tanning to the welfare of our city.
At the very moment that the sum-
mons came which called him away
from the field of his usefulness he
was giving the city for which he
labOred so long and so well, the
benefit of his wisdom, his knOwl
edge and his great experience.
The city never had a truer
friend, wiser councillor or more
honest and upright officer. In say
ing this ] but repeat that which
springs spontaneously from the lips
of all.
To. be associated with him in
council gave cheer, comfort and
encouragement, and the assurance
that the bright sun would soon be
seen through the haze and
the mists of perpleXing ques-
tiOns, that seem inSurmOunta-
bic to men of lesser wisdom and
experience than his own. The path
seemed not SO rugged nor the road
so long when he was with us to
point out the uneven surface and
the nearer way. Conscious weak
ness and ineXperience to cope with
problems that confront us, were
changed into abiding faith and con-
tidence when we could lean upon
him, as a tower of strength.
The loss of such a man is a loss
to the people and their servants,
and he will be missed, not only to-
day and tomorrow, but during the
months and years that are to come
when this city needs friend and
a guide.
He has left the impress of his
character stamped upon the statute
books of our city and many salu-
tary enactments that have Injured
to the public good. Through his
instrumentality, perseverance and
watchful care, our present admir-
able school system was founded
and brought to perfection. The
children of this city who have
struggled and are yet struggling
for their inheritance of knowledge
never had or will ever have a bet
ter and truer friend than James
II. French. Their welfare and
educational advancement was al
ways uppermOst in his mind, and
he took a paternal sOlicitude in
their behalf. 1t can truly be said
that the great cause Of education
in this city never had a wiser or
better friend
The public affairs of this city
took shape and We're given an i'm
petus under his guidance that
time can not efface. He dug the
trenches for her future advance
ment wide and deep, and has left
the impress of his marked person.
ality upon our municipal affairs
that can be seen at any time.
The future student of the history
of this municipality will find his
high character engraved through
out her limits.
His public career and p rivate
life might well be taken as a pat
tern worthy of emulation, and in
doing S" none would go astray.
Gentlemen, | might add much
more in just cOmmemOratiOn of
his many virtues, but | could say
no less in laying this poor tribute
npOn the grave of FREUD we
loved so we'll. GEORGE PASCHAL,
Mayor.
Alderman HOefling moved that
the communication be accepted and
spread on the minutes and that
copy be sent TO the family of the
deceased alderman. The motion
seconded by Alderman Elmendorf
and carried.
Alderman HOefling then intro
duced a resolution that the meet
ing adjourn until Tuesday after
noon at 3 o'clock, out of respect to
the memory of Mr.. French. The
resolution was adopted and the
meeting adjourned.