Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-29
w. B. rloses & Sons, Street, Corner 11tfl.


one so devoid Of jealousy and the desire to
crfticise that one felt that in his company
there was cool fellowship indeed.
There existed a charm about John w.
Ross, due to his transparent simplicity and
to his genuine kindness of heart. No one
could bs more considerate of anothers feel
ings than he. In the best sense of the word
he was democratic. He bore himself to-
ward everybody with dignity and with re-
spect. No matter how humble or even de-
graded was the individual, John Ross could
find something in that man worthy of
kind and very courteous treatment. This
trait fitted Mr.. Ross peculiarly for public
service. He was pationt always, sympa-
thetic and tender when there was nothing
else he could do for an applicant than to
show a kindly interest In him.
Il well remember Mr.. Ross at the bar in
the '10s partner of the late Mills Dean
Both were promising lawyers. When Ross
became postmaster everybody was glad
that the office had been given to him. He
was so universally liked that his appoint
ment as Commissioner for the District
seemed to come along as a matter of course
John w. Ross was one of those rare men
whose devotion to the public interest Is
perfectly single-hearted and unselfish. He
had labored so faithfully for the District
and had so laid hold upon the affections OF
this community that his memory deserves,
and will be, cherished for years to come as
a man whom the people of Washington
trusted and loved
Mild and Gentle With All.
IN the death of Mr.. Ross said Mr.. WILL
lam v Cox, 1.-The District has lost the most
popular Commissioner 1t ever had. He was
mild and gentle with those who had a right
or thought they had a right to see him,
and with this disposition was also the con-
scientious performance of his arduous du-
ties
None More Popular.
Mr. B. H. Warner said:
Il have known Mr.. John w. Ross for
many years as high toned and public
spirited citizen. He was generous and
sympathetic in his nature and patient in
his disposition. SO that he made many
friends and but few enemies. I think all
will agree with me in saying that no more
popular officer ever held the position Of
District Commissioner. Hts long expert
ence had given him great familiarity with
District matters and his loss will be severe
ly felt
Secretary Barry Buckley of the citizens
committee on the G. A. R. encampment
knew MIR. Ross well and feels his loss
deeply.
The death of Mr.. Ross will be very
keenly felt by all citizens of the District
of Columbia" said MIR. Buckley. land will
be a welI-nigh irreparable loss to the Dis
trict service in which he had displayed for
SO many years the highest qualities OF eX-
ecutive ability. He united with his eff
cheney as a public official loveableness Of
nature, generous heart and sympathetic
tolerance for the opinions Of others.
Major Sylvester said:
The name of Commissioner Ross is
known in every District household Rich
and poor, young and old, who knew him
loved him. AS an official he was very close
to all his subordinates. Not only did he
admire and advance them, but he exercised
| IL ;,,ta -, ttAv,r h i,s, tnnl-
Of fatherly care. 1 knew Mr.. Ross for
over twenty years. He and my father were
close friends. Under the most trying cir
cumstances he was dignified and deliberate,
disposed to adopt that course which carried
with the least friction embarrassment
He was a man of firm convictions, con-
stantly endeavoring to do the greatest good
for the greatest number. I have never
heard any one speak i'll of him in these
many years. The poor and oppressed had
their burdens Hghtened when in his power
to do so. he often contributing from his
own purse to alleviate their sufferings.
Mr.. Ross was a strong figure in eff
fecting reform in the public service. He
earnestly advocated municipal building
and civil service for the District. and told
me a short time ago that If these two
needs were provided he would relinquish
his official work feeling happy and proud
in being instrumental in such accomplish
ment.
Mr. Ross leaves a grand legacy to his
family In the good name which lives after
him and an official record worthy of emula-
ton These two constitute one grand
monument to his memory"
A Great Misfortune
Mr.. Ashley M. Gould, United States attor-
ney for the District of Coiumbia-'The
death OF Commissioner Ross is great MS
fortune for the District of Columbia His
long experience and devotion to local inter-
.ests made him an exceptionally valuable
man for the office he held
MY acquaintance with Mr. Ross began
when he was member of the faculty of the
law department Of Georgetown University.
He was exceedingly popular with the stu
dents. Mr.. Ross was a man OF splendid