The Washington times., 1902-07-30
Continued from Fir Il Page.)

said he had no enemy. There is sin
ccre grief over his departure.
Upon the arrival of Commissioner
Macfarland at the District Building he
held a conference with Commissioner
Biddic. and it was decided to suspend
the municipal business until after the
funeral This action is in accordance
with the precedent set on the death of
Major W. ]. Twlning, who died in office
May 4. 1882.
1t is understood that enc employe will
be on duty in each office to attend to
few pressing matters which cannot
be entirely postponed. but the building
will he closed to the public.
The Health Office the Street Cleaning
Department. and the cfIicc, of the per-
sonal tax assessors are exempt, as they
are obliged to he open. under the pro-
visions q i2-r.
Formal Resolutions Adopted.
The Board took formal act.on upon
the death of their colleague by the
adoption of the following minute:
THE Commissioners of the District OF
Columbia record with deep sorrow the
death of John Wesley Ross. Commis-
sioner of the District of Columbi at his
residence in this city, early this morn
ins. after a brief illness resulting from
the exacting demands Of his public ser
vice.
Mr.. Ross had served the District CT
Columbia as Commissioner from October
/. 1896. continuously. under the appoint
ment and with the advice and consent
NJ q
Presidents of the United States.
He served as president of the Board
of Commissioners CT the District CT Co
lumbia from March l, 1888, TO June l.
1898. having been thrice elected to that
position. He had previously served as
member and as president OF the Board
of Trustees CT the Public Schools of the
District of Columbia.
'Probity, fidelity and ability have been
characteristic Of all the past Commits
sicncrs of the District of Columbia. Mr.
Ross met the high standard Of the Office
throughout his unexampled period of
service. He was distinguished by Fer
sonal qualities Of unusual attractive
ness. which cndeared MIN to his asso-
ciates, to all the officials and employees
cf the executive government Of the Dis
trict of Columbia. and to the people OF
the District generally.
Born in Illinois, sixty-one years ago.
of fine American stock, he came to the
District to reside, and to practice at the
bar. equipped with the highest Qualif-
cations-natural and acquired-for good
citizenship. During his thirty years
residence here, whether in private or in
public station, he fulfilled the duties OF
good citizen. His service TO the Dis
trict of Columbia has never been cx
aa1t tC1
Fire Departments Tender.
Several days ago when 1t was learned
that Commissioner John W. Ross was
critically iii, Chief Dutton, of the Fire
Department. gave orders that his own
driver and Chief Assistant Engineer
Belts driver should hold their horses
and carriages in readiness at night to
respond to any calls from the house of
the Commissioner TO go for the doctor
or on other important errands. Chief
Dutton also notified the family of Mr..
Ross of the order. and told them to call
upon these drivers whenever it became
necessary 20 summon the doctor or
other assistance in the night hours.
Yesterday morning about O'Clock
telephone message was sent to Foreman
J. e. Hooper, OF Truck A, where Chief
Belts horse is kept, giving hurry call
for DIR. Chamberlin to come to Mr. Ross
house at once. Foreman Hooper ordered
out the horse and himself drove TO the
physician's house. 223 New Jersey Ave
nue. southeast, and took him to the resi-
dence of the dying Commissioner. The
run between the house of the physician
and that of the Commissioner was ac-
complished in little over seven min
utes.
The Ross family yesterday expressed
their thanks to Chief Dutton for his
thoughtfulness in providing the means
OF quickly summoning the doctor to the
Commissioner bedside.
Vacation School Adjourns.
The Lincoln Vacation School ad- |
In,,rrrd irnr-,odIntnlr nftnr nrrnr,hii..s.