Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-09-19

SylVania avenue between 9th and 10th
streets became popular and notable. Young
Gardner after receiving an excellent edu-
cation. was associated with his father for
some time, but afterward branched out in
business for himself. He of the
incorpOratorS and for many years the sec
retary of the Washington Beneficial En-
dowment Association, which during its
early career was one Of the most popular
life insurance organizations in the District
1t was operated upon the assessment Sys
TEN. which was not then known to be as
it now is. unwise and impracticable when
subjected to the test of time. When the in
evitable trouble that must overtake such
undertakings came MIR. Gardner exercised
all his remarkable executive ability to avert
1t. but it was beyond his power. But even
in the criticism that invariably follows such
outcome breath was ever directed
against his integrity.
Public Sentiment Voiced.
This general sentiment was voiced today
by Mr. john Joy Edison, president of the
Washington Loan and Trust Company and
of the Equitable Building Association, with
which latter corporation Mr.. Gardner was
connected for many years.
Il have krcwn Lawrence Gardner as long
as | have known any man in Washington"
said Mr.. Edison. land to me he has ever
been the personification of absolute in
tegrity. He possessed splendid eXecu-
tive ability; he was ever active in char
liable works and in everything that served
to promote the progress of Washington.
He was leval-headed in everything, except
one. and that was his sacrificial devotion to
politics His best friends pleaded with him
time and time again to give up politics and
devote his eminent energy and ability to
more substantial things: but. unfortunate
ly, think. he was deaf to them. Washing
ton can i'll afford TO lose such excellent
citizen
AS stated above Mr. Edison eoitomized
sal nar rt n he c rir
when the sad news of Mr.. Gardner's death
MADE known. No man in Washington
had a wider acquaintance among the classes
or the masses. and none was held in greater
esteem. The poor had good reason to mourn
him. In past years whenever there came a
crisis where want needed alleviation Law
renee Gardner's rotund form was always to
be found in the front ranks of the most in
defatigabe workers. 1t was the same upon
occasions whsre the interests of the District
were at stake. His influence. and at times
ii was great, was always exercised in be
half of them.
Prominent a Democrat.
In the democratic party Mr.. Gardner
had always held high place. and the many
responsible positions he has occupied in its
active machinery have been filled with sat
isfaction to party leaders and the members
at large WELL AT the time of his death
he was the member of the democratic ma
bia and secretary of the national associa-
ton of democratic clubs, which embraces
every democratic organization in the coun-
try. He was several terms secretary of
the democratic congressional committee.
AT the first inaugura ton of President
Cleveland Mr.. Gardner was secretary of
the executive committee having the cele
bration in charge, and at Cleveland's sec
ond inauguration he chairman of the
committee on the inaugural ball. He was
chairman of the executive committee which
had charge of the arrangements in connec-
| tion with the centennial celebration of the
laying of the corner stone of the United
States Capitol. At the time of his death
Mr.. Gardner a member of the board
of directors and the treasurer of St
| Josephs Orphan Asylum.
Mr.. Gardner's domestic life was a
blessed one. Despite his activity in public
| affairs he was devoted to his home He
| married. many years ago, Miss keating
who survives him. He is also survived by
his sister Miss Elizabeth Gardner and
| two adopted daughters, Mrs David Moore
and Mrs. Harry w. Houser
The funeral arrangements have not been
| be held al St Patricks Church, Thursday
| morning. where requiem mass will be said
| Mr.. Gardner was attended In his last days
| by his devoted friend and religious adviser
| Rev. DIR. d. j. Stafford and he will preach
| the sermon at the mass.
| Many kilograms of sympathy were re-
l ceived at the late residence of Mr. Gardner
| today from friends all over the country =