Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1899-12-22
News of the Death of the Brave Of
ficer Causes Deep Sorrow at Wash
ington and az His Home.
Was a Gallant Fighter and Had Won
Special Praise for His Service
in the Philippines
ms Brigadier General
Was Bcing Made out when News
of Death Was Received.

Manila, Dee. 19.-Maj. Gen. Henry
w. Lawton has been shot and killed
at San Mateo. He was standing in
front of his troops, was shot in the
breast and died immediately Gen.
Lawton started from Manila NJ )nday
night with cavalry, under Capt Lock-
eft, and battaiUns OF the twenty
ninth and Twenty-seventh infantry,
under Lieut.. Col. Sargent. for the pur-
pose Of capturing SAN N0too, where
Geronomo was said TO have 300 insur-
gents.
Not officially Informed OF Death.
Washington, Dec. 19.-Up to one
o'clock in the afternoon the war de-
partment had received no word of
Gen. Lawton's death except that con-
veyed in the press dispatch which
was Immediately given TO the war Off
cials The presidents first intimation
Of the loss of this brave officer was
also given him by the press. The dis
patch was sent TO the white house
while the cabinet meeting was in
progress and was Immediately sent to
ccivcd with expressions of profound
sorrow and regret.
Died on Eve of Promotion.
1t was learned at the war depart
ment that instructions had been re-
ceived Monday night from the pres
ident to prepare Gen. Lawton's com
mission as a brigadier general i'm the
regular army TO fill one of the exist
ing vacancies, and the adjutant gen
erals clerks were at work on the com
mission when the Information Of Gen.
Lawton's death was conveyed to the
department. Gen. Lawton was a ma
five Of Indiana and won his commits
sion in the army by signal gallantry
during the war between the states.
SORROW In His Home city.
Fort Wayne, Ind, Dec. 19.-Grief is
general and genuine in this city over
the announcement Of Gen. Henry w.
Lawton's death AT San Mateo. Gen.
LaWton was living in Fort Wayne with
his parents and was a student at the
outbreak Of the rebellion. lie enlisted
in the Ninth Indiana volunteers and
later became lieutenant colonel of the
Thirtieth Indiana regiment. He was
member Of Sion S. Bass post, G. a. r..
here, and a member in good standing of
Harmony lodge. l. o. O. +. Sion S. Bass
post had raised a fund of nearly 81 900
10 purchase testimonial sword. which
was to be presented TO Gen. Lawton
upon his return from the Philippines.
Ev-Prc>idcnt rlnrrison'S Triiute.
Indianapolis, Ind, Dec. 19.-Ir speak
ing Of Gen. Lawton, eX-President IIar-
rison said:
Il had the highest appreciation Of Gen.
Iawton a soldier and citizen and his
loss Will be deeply felt by Indiana He
was heroic, rageous and we will miss
him. II IS distressing news coming when
the trouble in the Philippines is so near
an end 1t is too bad that he did not live
TO come home. Killed while in front OF
his troops. This would not indicate that
he met death while in action. | do not
think tho sword which had been secured
Tor him through popular subscription has
been sent TO him. ] am very sorry, indeed
to hear the distressing news. II Is sad to
think that such a Geplorable loss should
fall TO Indiana just now. He has been an
honor to Indiana, and others share my
appreciation OF his distinguished military
services In the Philippines. Killed as the
news states ~ould Indicate treachery some
where"
Was Good Fighter.
Gen. Lawton was known as a good fight
err and soldier of experience and ability.
He was born in Toledo. O., and was APP
pointed to the army from Indiana. He
served in the union army throughout the
civil war, having entered the service as
sergeant of company f., Ninth Indiana
volunteer infantry, in April, 1851. He was
successfully promoted until in March, 1865,
he was brevetted colonel for gallant and
npif nV fnrfa Nf.
entered the regular establishment in July.
1866, as second lieutenant of the Forty-iirst
infantry (colored), and remained with that
branch of the army until January, 1871. In
September. 1855, he was appointed inspector
general with the rank of major. At
the opening of the war with Spain.
President Mckinley appointed him briga-
der of volunteers and assigned him 10 the
command Of a division OF the Fifth army
corps, commanded 10y Gen. Shafter.
In July 1898, he was chosen for the inn
portant duty of opening the military OPP
erations against the Spaniards by the cap
ture Of Caney and the irterception Of the
Spanish reenforcemonts then nearing San
tiago de Cuba.
Gen. Lawton sailed for the Philippine is
ands on the transport Grant January 10.
1899 His distinguished services i'm the
Philippines are recent history. He received
a special message of thanks from President
Mckinley after his capture of San Isdro.
Calls Meeting for February -.
Washington, Dec. l0.-Senator Jones.
chairman of the democratic national
committee, has issued call for meet
ing Of the committee TO be held at the
Raleigh hotel, in this city, on the odd OF
February next. The purpose of the
meeting is 10 fix a time and place for
holding the national democratic con-
vention next summer.
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