Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-07-09
NEWPORT NEWS BUDGET.
Death of Colonel Barton French-To
Dredge IA Bar-Struck.

NEWPORT NEWS, VA, July S.-(SDe-
cial )-Colonel Thomas Barton French, a
prominent Confederate veteran and one
Of Newport News's best-known citizens,
died this morning, in his 69th year,
apoplexy being the direct cause Of his
demise. Colonel French was stricken
several days ago, and the announcement
to his many friends. His condition be-
came worse, and yesterday 1t was plain
that the brave old artilleryman, who
fought under General Kirby Smith in the
civil war. and time and again received
the plaudits Of his superiors for gallant
and meritorious deeds, was nearing his
end He was one of the most genial or
men, and one of the noblest of Christian
characters. The funeral Will take place
Monday afternoon. Prior to his death,
when it was realized that the end was
not far distant. Colonel French became
a member OF the Catholic church, and
the funeral will probably take place from
St Vincent's church. Deceased left a
wife and five children-Misses Louise,
Marion. Bessie, and Mercer, and Mr..
Randolph French. The son has been al
lending school in Baltimore, but he was
al the bedside OF his stricken father, as
was the Colonel's sister, Mrs. Eliza
Smith together with the other members
of the family. Colonel French was born
in Spotsylvania county, Va, just OUTSIDE
OF Fredericksburg When the civil war
commenced he enlisted in the Contede-
rate army. and was appointed first lieu
tenant of the Stafford Light Artillery
The captain of that battery was John H.
Cooke who after a series OF promotions
was advanced TO the grade or Drlsauier-
general. Lieutenant French was pro-
NOTED to the captaincy of the battery IN
September Of 1862, and November 18TH Oh
the same year he was promoted 10 ma
Tor of artillery. In 1861 MaJor-uenerai
TAYLOR recommended him for promotion
10 Northumberland and chlet OF artll-
Ierv IN walkers Division. He was al
forwards appointed full colonel under
General Kirby Smith. Several times du-
zinc the war he was complimented high
Iv nv General Taylor for his conspicuous
bravery. After the war Colonel French
went TO Louisiana, where he resided FOR
more than twenty years, coming to New
mort News In 1890 In 1891 he was APP
nointed an inspector of customs by COL
lector l.. p. Stearns. This position ne
had held with credit, and hlled II up 10
the time of his death.
Reports Just completed at the custom
house show that the fiscal year pr lsso- ~
was the greatest in the history or the
mort for imports, the total value or al
articles shipped to Newport News ana
handled by the custom-house officials be-
ing 43O5. 2S5. The imports for the nscal
wear ending June 80 1898, did not reach
81 900 600. including transportation. Inc
total duty and tonnage collections al the
custom.house for the fiscal year ending
Iune Goth last amounted TO An,SOOio
A representative of the United states
Ereineering Department is In this city
obtaining information about the chanhei
at Newport News middle ground par,
which will in all probability De areusee
next spring. He is sent here py Soione'
Casey. At present the bar at 10" uNe
gives not more than 70 feet OF water anu
at high tide not more than y rect IL 10
a fact that many OF the big cargo shipS
which pass out heavily laden sur UP Con-
siderable mud in their passage across ene
bar. The plan OF the ENGINEERING DC
partment is to dredge middle GROUND ~
order 10 give a mean low depth OF not
less than 30 feet. which VIII give d maA'
mum depth of at least IS feet.
Tha bova who have been employed on
the cars OF the Newport News and old
Point Railway and Electric Company IN
the capacity of brakemen on trailers
struck for a raise OF wages, and when
they we're refused the advance stopped
working. The company has been In the
habit of paying the boys 10 cents Tor each
trim and refuses to pay Ii cents.