Evening star., 1894-02-23
ABOUT GEORGETOWN.
The Citizens Committee Act Unfavorably
on the Traction Bill
Death Of Brother Ross. q well.Known
ColoreI Preacher-Other Mat.
ters Of Local interest

The Traction Railroad Company's bill
was discussed last night by the executive
committee of the West Washington Citi-
zens' Association and the clause asking
for the right TO connect with the High
Street Railroad Company at the junction
OF 52d street extended and Massachusetts
avenue met with very unfavorable con-
sideration. The objection was based upon
the fact that Massachusetts avenue passes
within comparatively few feet of the
Naval Observatory and the vibration
caused by the passage of cars would Sc
rioGsly affect the extremely delicate in
struments in use there. In order to insure
accurate astronomical work the surround
lnSs, astronomers say, must be kept free
from disturbances. The work of the Naval
observatory is not only of national but
international interest, it was said during
the discussion, and they could not con-
sclentiously recommend or sit passively by
ana see any work progress which would
Ultimately check the progress of science.
80 necessary is 1t to have perfectly undis-
turbed surroundings that for some time it
was thought that the Industrial Home
school buildings, which had been erected
long before the observatory structures,
would have to come down, at least in part
one of the principal reasons advanced for
the selection of the present observatory
site was that it was removed from all
ODJSCllOndDte nlHuenceS.
Death Of Brother Ross.
The Rev. Jacob Ross. or Brother Ross
as he was more commonly called, a colored
minister Of the Gospel. whose tall, bent
figure has been familiar to three genera
tions of Georgetowners, died yesterday. A
general wearing out Of the system pro-
duced death Brother Ross was one of
that class of ministers known as "itin-
Grants" and made long incursons into the
back counties of Maryland and Virginia,
where in an old-fashioned way he preached
the Gospel from stumpS in good weather
and extemporized churches in bad. His
only companion on these trips was an old
horse whose decrepit condition was almost
painful to behold.
For the past year, though, Brother Ross
has been so feeble that he found it almost
impossible to continue his work and the
Mt Zion Church congregation of this place
put him on their superannuated list.
Brother Ross was a favorte with the
children. both black and white. He was
eighty years of age, Deceased was a MEM
Der of Mt. Hermon. Salem Lodge, No. O..
The funeral services will be held on Sun
day afternoon at O'Clock at Mt. Zion
Church. Brother Ross died at 1928 7
street. He leaves one daughter. Mrs. Fan
ME Burley.
Notes of Interest.
Mrs. Thomas B. Hall. the wife of a COL
ored farmer residing near Hancock. on the
canal, reports that day before yesterday
two young white men entered her house
while she was alone and robbed her of $50
which she had in her dress. The clothes of
the woman were nearly torn from her be-
fore the money was secured.
The Rev. Alfred Harding, rector of St.
PauPs Church, Washington, will be the
speaker at the service for men to be held
Sunday evening at 1:3O o'clock at st. John S
Church, corner . and Potomac streets. The
interest in these monthly services has
steadily Kept up. and st. Johns Chapter,
Brotherhood of st. Andrew. under whose
auspices they are held, are very much
pleased with the results.
Miss Lily King of this place and her
friend, Miss Seep of Titusviile. Pa, are WIS.,
iting former school associates in New York
and Brooklyn.
Covenant Lodge. No 13. gave a pound
party last evening for the benefit of the
poor of the lodge. Donations We're liberal
and the affair consequently big success.
A fair for the benefit of the poor was held
last evening at the Presbyterian Church.