Evening star., 1901-04-15
DEATH OF ExlMAYOR BERRET
FUNERAL SERVICES WEDNESDAY
AT ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH.
The Commissioners of the District
Adopt Resolutions of Regret
and Respect.

Ex-Mayor James G. Berret died at his
residence. No. 1885 / street northwest, at
I:3O O'Clock yesterday morning. He had
been unconscious for forty-eight hours pre-
viously, and the passing from life to death
was scarcely perceptible to the devoted
watchers at his bedside. The venerable
gentleman had made a gallant struggle
against the inevitable, and that he held
out so long after all hope of his recovery
mad faded was surprising. When the end
came there We're present his two nieces,
Mrs James George and Miss NJ E. Berret;
his two grandnieces, Miss Lille Berret
George and Miss Eleanor w. Berret, and
his grandnephew, Mr.. James Berret George.
Two nephews, the only other living rela-
yves, Messrs. Joseph w. Berret and James
u. berret, Jr., arrived from their homes in
CaTrol! county, Maryland, today.
NumDerS of persons who had known and
loVed Mr. Berret called at the residence yes
terday and today to offer their condolences
ana services, and many of his near friends
were given opportunity to take a farewell
look at his familiar features The body
was lald out upon a bier in the room in
"nch death came, the large middle cham
per or the suite on the second floor. The
hanos We're folded naturally over his bosom
ana the face was remarkably lifelike. But
Tor the pallor of death, he looked as though
ne might be resting in peaceful sleep.
Inc funeral will take place Wednesday
morning. Low mass will be celebrated at
81. matthew's Church at II o'clock by Rev.
father Bart The music will be limited to
the organ, at which Miss Jennie Glennan
VIII preside. Interment, which will be pr-
vate, will be made in the Congressional
cemetery 1t is the wish of the family
that flowers be omitted
Inc pallbearers will be announced tomor-
row and will comprise leading citizens of
washington and Maryland.
District Commissioners Act.
the District Commissioners upon receipt of
the news of the death of Mr.. Berret:
That the Commissioners learn with sor-
row OF the decease of the Honorable James
u. Berret, one of the most esteemed and
alStlngulshed citizens of the District of
Columbia and formerly mayor of the city
OF washington. who expired in this city at
slant.
That, as a mark of respect to his memo
,ri ri, dae Iass on the District buildings be
placed at half-mast until after Wednesday
next, the day of the funeral"
Special Mark of Respect.
Mr. John JOY Edison, chairman of the
committee which had in charge the recent
inaugural ceremonies, has issued a notice
concerning Colonel Berret's death to each
member Of the committee, as follows:
Learning of the death Of Mr. James G.
e. "
occurred at his residence yesterday v morning
nave deemed 1t proper, as a special mark
OF the respect in which he was held by
members OF the inaugural committee to
request you to be present at his funeral
Wednesday morning, April II, at II O'clock
at 81 Matthews Church. on Rhode Island
avenue between 18th street and Connecti-
cut avenue"
Expression From District Officials.
Speaking of the decease Of Col. Berret,
Mr. Henry B. f. Macfarland, president Of
the board of District Commissioners. said:
Col. Berret's death will leave a large
place in the life of the District Of Colum-
b1a vacant. He was not only public-spfrtt-
ed, and always ready to serve the District
but he was wise and intelligent in his ser
vice, and his memory held the precedents
ana traditions of half a century of civic
eHort. AS chairman Of the centennial
committee l saw great deal of Col Ber-
ret, VINO took, he told me- more interest in
that than in any other celebration and
learned to appreciate as never before all
his fine qualities. 1t was delightful to see
how fresh and keen his int crest in the CEN
tenn1al celebration and his pleasure in it's
success We're. 1t brought out all his strong
leellnS or devotion to the Districts well
1are. Personally he was one of the most
ATTRACTIVE men in the District, and drew
out afection as well as admiration,
Commissioner Ross also spoke of Col
Berrets death, referring to him as one Of
the grandest and noblest men he had nver
known. He was man, said Mr. Ross of
the highest and pureSt character and one
who was held in the highest esteem Inv,
every one who knew him.