The morning call., 1894-10-31

tion in the recent convention, distin ction
to which his past services certainly en-
, titled him. 80 convinced, however, was
he that he occupied a safe place In the
peoples hearts that he declared himself an
Independent candidate for the Office. In
| his candidacy he was given the support OF
many prominent newspapers and host OF
individuals, and though the result Of his
faith will never be known, it is certain
that regret at his death will be wide
spread. The State will mourn the un-
timely taking eff of public officer who so
consistently identified himself with ster-
ling qualities.
Many characteristic anecdotes are told
of Colonel Waite's sturdiness and utter in
sensibiliyy 10 the lures of corruption. Ore
of these recGunts an episode shortly after
the colonel had been appointed chief clerk
and therefore executive officer OF the Mint
in this city.
One day stranger entered and abruptly
remarked: ''WeH colonel, l guess I'll
take that hose to-day"
"What hose?" asked the colonel in sur
prise.
"Oh. come and get it every year-that
fire hose on the roof. you know" was the
reply.
The colonel still expressing ignorance,
the stranger informed him that he had been
in the habit of buying quantity of hose
from the chief clerk at the Mint at about
20 per cent OF its value, his purchase being
replaced annually by an entirely new SET
of hose furnished by the Government.
1.-THE hose is on the roof, is ftp" re-
marked Colonel Waite. Il have never
been I'D there; suppose we take look al
it,"
On ascending to the roof the new clefk
found the massive roof nearly covered
with lines of hose with elegant brass
nozzles and other fittings. the whole ap-
Daratus seemingly entirely new.
Look here" said the colonel, after a
thorough inspection, this roof is perfectly
tire-proof. There is a two-foot layer OF
concrete. another OF iron, and finally there
are the paving stones Oh which we stand,
and the hose is entirely superfuous."
You won't sell it?" asked the man in
amaZsmeDt.
mo, sir"
The man unfolded the fact that he was
president of political club in the Mission,
with strong pull" and departed vowing
vengeance. Subsequently he reappeared
with loud-m outhed contingent, but the
clerd remained unshaken in the determina-
ton that the hose should remain on the
roof, and there it may be to-day, monu-
ment to Colonel Waite's stubborn integrity.
One OF his latest letters, showing the
character OF the man in its rugged hos
tlllty to corruption, reads as follows. 1t is
addressed to the independent candidate
Tor the Assembly in the Forty-irst District
OCTOBER 5, 1894
i. W. Coe, Esq.-DEAR FRIEND: L am glad
to have company in the independent line, and
am more glad that you are in the field ana
agln'" the bosses and huckslers. houe and
believe you will get there. Once get the old
men OF the sea on the back of the party and we
VIII have 10 burn the barn TO gel rid OF the rats.
NOW Is the time 10 make the effort TO throw Oh
the incubi and expel the sucubl.
1 nave beeD very much out OF health for about
Tour weeks, but am picking up little now.
Very truly, L. &. WAITE.
The funeral will take place tomorrow
at O'Clock from the Congregational
church in Alameda.
All the departments of the State Capitol
closed yesterday at noon, and gloom pre-
vailed throughout the entire city.
Colone! aud Mrs. Waite had five daugh-
being single and living with their parents
In Sacramento. Mrs. Remmel had been
married Dloe years and lives in Now York
City with her husband and little girl. The
daughters are: Bertha, Effie, Genevieve,
Mary, Agnes and Edith Agnes. The first
TWO were his assistants IN the office. He
also leaves brother. Byron Waite. an at
torney OF Springwater. n. Y, and sister,
Mrs. Augusta Reynolds of New York
City.
The Misses Bertha. Effie and Edith
waite arrived in Alameda from Sacra-
mento last night at z 80 o'clock.
BESIDES his family he leaves no relatives
In california, his kin residing In the East.
For several years Mr.. Waite had been
engaged In the preparation of book con-
tanning his career and "reminiscences OF
bis long and eventful life. This work be
expected 30 complete in few months. He
possessed considerable literary ability, and
on several occasions contributed articles to
the magazines.