Evening star., 1899-03-09
Death of Robert Ii. DashielI. Assistant
Naval Constructor.

Assistant Naval Constructor Robert
Brooke Dashiell, one of the brightest young
men in the navy, died at his residence No
2l53 K street, last night of spinal menin-
gifts after an Illness of only a few days.
His illness was not generally known, and
the news OF his death was a great shock
to his many friends.
Mr.. Dashiell was born in Maryland thir-
ty-eight years ago, and was graduated from
the Naval Academy in 1884. He took "a
special interest in the study of ordnance
and when the naval proving ground was
established at Indian Head he was placed
in charge of it and is entitled to much of
tie credit for its successful administration.
He held the rank of ensign at the time and
did his work SO well as to gain the COM
mendation OF his superiors at the Navy De-
partment.
His exposure at Indian Head without
proper means of shelter led to a severe at
tack of malaria in 1895 and resulted in his
transfer from the line to the construction
department.
AS an assistant naval constructor he made
specially of the study of docks and
spent two years abroad inspecting the docks
of England and other European countries.
On his return home he made report on
the general subject of naval docks which
has since been adopted by the department
as basis of dock construction.
Mr.. DaShiell was an expert in many lines
of work. At Indian Head he laid out and
built railways. built a travelling crane su-
perior to any then in use, designed and su-
perinfended the construction of officers
quarters and other buildings. and at the
same time kept up the current work of the
proving grounds in testing armor plate,
proiectiles and powder. He invented rap
| id-fire breech mechanism which is known
to ordnance experts throughout the world
and is very largely used in the navy.
Two years ago he jumped from a vessel
he Men. orfi 6pry~ir 11yfr
night and rescued from drowning a sailor
who had fallen overheard. and many other
acts of bravery of a similar nature are to
his credit.
Several years ago he was married to a
young lady of Annapolis. and since he was
appointed to the construction corps he had
resided here. His widow survives him
with three children. His father was the
Rev. Dr. julius NJ. Dashel. for several
years president of St. Johns College at
Annapolis and a divine of note In Maryland.
Dashiell of the Naval Academy, the we'll
known foot ball authority, and J. NJ Dash
iell. who served volunteer officer in the
war with Spain.
interment of Naval Constructor Dashiell
at the naval cemetery at Annapolis. He
will be given a military funeral The re-
mains will be taken from here tomorrow at
noon. Brief funeral services will be held
at the late residence of the deceased.
Secretary Long has written personal
letter of coincidence to Mrs. Dashiell. in
which he pays a high tribute to the ability
and loyalty of her husband.
Secretary Longs letter is as follows:
March ., 1899.
MY Dear Mrs. Dashiell:
1T is with great regret that I learn this
morning from the papers of the death of
your husband. for whom I came to have
great respect and regard in our association
in the department. l beg to offer you my
heartfelt sympathy in your great bereave-
lot iro do hi h,.rl,
ac.er and many lovable qualities.
'In the service which he has honored by
a record of unusual briiliancy, and in which
his genius had won for him an advanced
place. his loss will be universally mourned
IF anything can comfort you 1t will be
to have those who held him in high regard
pay their tribute of respect to his memory
and assure you of their deep sympathy for
you in the death of your husband whose
noble traits Of mind and heart and whose
high professional attainmenas eudeared him
to all who knew him.
Very sincerely yours,
(SigneO JOHN D. LONG"