New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-06
OBITUARY.
JOSEPH =. SMITH.

Washington Feb. (Spccial).-Joseph T. Smith,
the Director OF the Bureau OF American Republics
died this morning. after a lingering Illness. at
Miami Fla, where he had gone TO escape the
rigors of Washington winter. His body will be
taken 10 his former home. Urbana. Ohio, for
burial Mr.. Smiths illness dates from last Octo-
Der. when he was stricken with an attack OF
pneumonia. which was attended b. symptoms OF
heart trouble. Early in December he went TO
Florida. and, according TO reports, steadily I'M
proved in health until about a week ago, when he
suffered another attack OF pneumonia. II was
feared that the second attack would prove imfre-
dately fatal. but he again rallied. and his friends
began to hope for his ultimate recovery His sys-
TEN. much enfeebled by his long illness and
weak heart was not able however to stand the
severe physical strain and ne sank gradually but
surely until this morning. when death came to his
relief.
Frederic Emery. Chief OF the Bureau OF Foreign
Commerce. Department Of State. has been tempo
rarily designated by the Secretary Of State as Act
Ing Director OF the Bureau Of American Repub-
llcs. and took charge OF the Bureau this morning
In speaking Of Mr.. Smiths death Mr.. Emery said:
soon after the appointment OF Mr.. Smith, in March
last. brought into personal and official rela-
tons with him, and may say that | have never
met a who impressed himself strongly upon
mo in so short space Of time. he had traits
of character so lovabe that | can readily under
stand why ne should have had such host Of warm
and steadfast friends. lie addressed himself immed-
ately to the discharge of his duties as Director OF
the Bureau of American Republics with an en-
ergy which I am satisfied had much to do with
breaking HIM down. He had not been well man
since the middle of August last and most OF the
time had been in a feeble or dangerously critical
condition; nevertheless. he went on win ms Work
mp to within few hours Of the fatal attack about
week ago. Although he was able 10 direct me
affairs OF the Bureau on the spot for niue more
than four months. ne succeeded IN SNing a
greater usefulness than it had ever had fore and
ne described his plans lie contempl aied line or
zion UN icb ha
dignity and scope. He was. In fact. VtaHzing
force and his death undoubtedly removes strong
personality from public affairs
Joseph p. Smith was born in West Union, Ohio
August I. 1856. He was educated in the common
schools of that place, and there entered printing
Office Entering the newspaper business. ne he
came editor successfully Of The Western star, OF
Warren Lebanon County Ohio; THE Clermont
Courier" Batavia: "The Daily Citizen" Crbana
and The Toledo Commercial" In tho mean time
he served as clerk in the Ohio House OF Representa-
tves and Senate and also IN the Office Of the Adju-
tant-General. In 1892 Governor Mckinley appointed
Mr. Smith State Librarian. and he held the Office
four years. In March Of last year he was appointed
Director Of the Bureau ~ American Repuollcs
after competitive examination. to succeed clinton
Furnish. Mr.. Smiths relations with President No
kinley had been Of the closest nature Tor maly
years. In the recent campaign he rendered vdlu-
able services to the Republican candidate for Pres
dent His wide acquaintance with statesmen and
politicians caused him to take part in many inn
portant conferences in all parts OF the country
knowledge OF political history. well as mis- great
familiarity with books all subjects ne was IRE
quertly consulted by Major Mckinley on the sub
ject of campaign speeches. MIR. Smith some time
ago compiled and edited a volume of President Me-
kinley's public addresses.
Mr.. Smith leaves widow and seven children
Miss Hutches