Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-06
NEWPORT NEWS,
Death of Colonel II. Deb. Clay
Council Action RecOnsidered.

NEWPORT NEWS, VA, June s.
fspecial)-Colonel Henry deb. Clay, the
well known Republican politician, died
at his residence in this city at 2:3O o'clock
this morning OF rheumatism OF the heart.
Colonel Clay had been i'll for the last
two weeks, but his condition was not
regarded critical until Tuesday evening,
when symptoms Of heart affection de-
veloped. He then continued to grow
worse being at times unconscious. Last
night ne sank rapidly, although restora-
tives were used. The end was peaceful.
This afternoon at 8 o'clock the funeral
pal church, the rector, Rev. J. Francis
Ribbe officiating. The obseques
were attended by members Of the
Business Mems Association. Bremond
Lodge, No. 2il. Ancient. Free, and Ac-
cepted Masons, and the local lodge OF
Odd-Fellows, OF which organizations
Colonel Clay was a member. The re-
mains were sent to Cincinnati over the
Chesapeake and Ohio railway this after
noon. Among the prominent Republicans
OF the State who attended the funeral
were al-Committeeman George
Bowden and Major Nickols. Of Norfolk.
Colonel Clay had been a conspicuous
figure in Virginia politics for a number
Of years. and at the time of his death
was the recognized leader OF the anti
Lamb faction in this city. He was an
applicant for the appointment Of Collec-
tor of Customs at this port. Colonel
Clay was born in Cincinnati, O., June
o. 1873.
He was appointed Collector Of Gus
toms at Newport News in 1883, which
position he held till September, 1880. IN
May, 1887, he was elected Clerk Of the
Courts OF Warwick county, but resigned
few months later 20 accept the collec-
torship at this port, from which latter
position he retired in November. 1898.
as a result of change in the national ad-
ministration. For the last fourteen
years he had been chairman OF the Re
publican party Of Warwick.
At the adjourned meeting Of the Com
mon Council held last night, the ordi-
nance granting a franchise to the New
port News Gas Company was recon-
sidered, and the clause requiring that
the company should pay the city per
cent. Of it's gross receipts was elimi-
mated. The franchise will be accepted
by the company, and the work of put
ting in the plant will be commenced In a
few days.
Commencing with next Thursday. the
Norfolk Presbytery will hold celebra-
ton of the 2J0th anniversary Of the adop-
ton Of the Westminster standards IN
the First Presbyterian church of this
city. The celebration will continue for
three days, and a large number OF cleri-
cal and lay visitors are expected to be
present Among the speakers will be
Rev. Moses d. Hoge, d. D., LII. D., Of
Richmond Va; Rev. c. G. Hersman,
u. d. IL. D.. of Union Theo-
logical Seminary. Hampden-Sidney, Va;
Rev. Thomas r. English. d. D.. and
Rev. w. w Moore. ID. D.. IL. D., of
Union Theological Semlr ary. ts9at
The counnencement exercises 81 the
public high school will take place Tues
day evening.
Rev. z. Y. Wexford. pastor OF the
First Presbyterian church Of this city,
Ieft this morning for Blackstone. Va.
where tomorrow he will preach the bac-
calaureate sermon before the students
of Hoge Academy.