Evening star., 1902-09-12
Expressions Of Regret.

only from those who knew him and who
appreciate his many noble qualities. but
also from the younger men of the COM
nunity who only know of Governor Shep-
herd as the man who lifted the city of
Washington out of mudhole and made il
the most beautiful city in the United
States. Every one who mentioned the sub
JCct has expressed the hope that the gov
ernor would not pass out of existence in
the far-of land of Mexico, but that he
might be spared to return to the city of his
blrth, which he loved well, which he
did SO much to regenerate and beauty and
be allowed to end his DAYS among his
friends and those who admire his worth
ana many sterling, manly qualities.
Mrs. Shepherd Speeding to Mexico.
Mrs. Shepherd and her daughter and sen
in-law, DR.. and Mrs. Frank Merchant, are
speeding to Mexico as fast as trains can
carry them, but it will be Sunday at the
earliest before they can reach Chihuahua
and then begins the journey by stage and
horseback. Grant Shepherd, the governors s
second son, is still at Bleak House and
waiting anNiously news from his stricken
father. DIR. w. p. Young, a brother Of MS
Shepherd. and his family are deeply Inter-
ested, as is also the family of the late Jus
tice Bradley, whose widow is a sister of
Mrs Shepherd.
Probably the Illness Of no Washingtonfan
would excite more general concern than
that of Gov. Shepherd. He was brought
into such prominence during the time of
ms service as the executive officer Of the
board of public works that he became more
widely known not only in this community
but also throughout the whole country
than any other citizen of the national capt.
tai.
Since he left Washington and went to
Mexico many who were his bitter oppo-
nents during the days of the reconstruction
OF washington have changed their views
and now see that he was the benefactor of
the city and have become among the warm
est admirers of his energy his industry
and his great ability. These men who now
see their property far exceeding in value
what 1t ever would have been had Gov
Shepherd not had the courage and perse-
verance to rebuild the city, are among those
who express the greatest concern for his
welfare and they hope that he may recover
Commissioner Macfarland's Regrets.
Il regret exceedingly to learn of Gov
ernor Shepard's serious illness and trust
that he may speedily recover In common
with all the people of the District of Co.
lumbia, l have been hoping that he will
soon be able to return to Washington to
spend the rest of his days, and to receive
a constant expression of the appreciation
of our people for what he did for the Dis
trict as member of the board of public
works and as the second governor.
Il think the people of the country gen.
orally now appreciate the work that he did,
and that there is widespread feeling Of
gratitude for it. The life of the District of
Columbia as such dates from the first gov
ehlment of the District of Columbia, which
was Governor Shepherds work.
Before that time the District Of Columbia
was only name and the cities of Washing
ton and Georgetown were mere country
towns. Gov. Shepherd saw the possi-
bilities of George Washington's plan for the
national capital and began the improvement
which is to go on until this is the most
magnificent capital In the world. In a
very short time he did a very great work
and 1t will stand for all time his monu-
ment.
The manner of doing it was at times
rough and costly, but that is almost inev-
liable in any such case. 1t was plow-
ing that he was doing, and he had only
brief time in which to do it, and his method
was the only practical method. Now that
we see some of the results and foresee
others, We are ready 10 overlook whatever
was deficient in the method"