Evening star., 1902-09-15

lives, deserting their homes and leaving
behind them the sick, the dying and the
helpless. Appeals for relief and aid were
made by governors of states and mayors
of cities In the infected section, and meet
ings of citizens were at once assembled in
the large cities of the north and west to
formulate plans of relief.
I'm Washington the first practical move
ment to furnish immediate relief was in
augurated by the Hebrew organizations.
followed by a call for a mass meeting of
citizens to take action. This meeting was
attended largely by representative citizens
Of all creeds and persuasions, and an execu-
tive committee appointed, which was au-
thorized to act for the citizens of the Dis
trict in exercising promptness to assist the
suffering and protect the weak. The COM
mfttte organized with Alexander r.
Shepherd as chairman, myself as secretary,
Lewis ]. Davis. treasurer; A. s. Solomons,
Simon Wolf, John T. Mitchell, L. Whitney,
B. II. Warner, DR.. Jno. M. Woodworth,
Jno. F. Cook and George Hill.
THE citizens of the District responded
cheerfully, and within forty-eight hours Of
organization carloads Of necess sary supplies
and provisions were speeding toward the
stricken cities. Every member of the COM
mittee worked energetically. and large con-
trfhutions were coll The national gov
ernment was powe:less, without autno ity,
TO act, and the result followed that the ma
ttonal relief commission became it's re cog
nlzed agent. Monies contributed through
the State Department in foreign lands, in
tIiS w department on tRe if0HbeF ana
elsewhere. in the navy on the seas. ard in
all the departments of government, found
Its way to the distressed through this COM
mission. The supplies and funds col
lected were forwarded to mayors of cities,
to the Howard Relief Association and to
the Sisters Of Mercy. Reports were rife
that many of the suffering were being
neglected, and the poorer classes, white
and black, were dying like sheep in isolated
sections along the Mississippi river
AT this time. grasping the possible situa-
ton of affairs, Alexander Shepherd con-
ceived practicable plan of relief and with
government approval, at once set 1T in mo-
ton By telegraphic communication he
contracted for vessels at St. Louis, arrang-
ed for loading them with nourishing food,
medical stores, ice, clothing bedding and
all the necessaries imaginable and, accom-
panied with physicians and nurses the ma
ton relief boat went out on it's mission
of mercy and relief. Mr.. John T. Mitchell
accompanied Gov Shepherd to ST Louis
and rendered active service in carrying out
his plans. Lieut. Benner of the army vol
unteered to assume command of this chari
table underta king, and lost his life by con-
tracing the fever
THE name of Alexander Shepherd will
long be held in grateful memory, not only
by those who knew him best at home. but
along the Mississippi, from ST. Louis to
New Orleans, for his practical charitable
work in the name of our people. Let US
honor his memory in some substantial
way"
Gov. Shepherds Estate.
Mr.. William F. Mattingly of the local bar.
who acted as the representative of ex-Gov.
Shepherd in this city, stated this afternoon
that the reports to the effect that the de-
ceased Immensely wealthy and had
been living in luxury are erroneous and
misleading.
"All Gov Shepherd possessed said Mr..
Mattingly, was his interest in the Batopi-
las Mining Company This company va
ca pitalzed at 81 100000. and Gov. Shephe rd
held one-ninth of the stock. The latter has
never paid a dividend, although it is eX
pected that one will be forthcoming next
year. The profits of the mines have been
invested in vast improvements to the prop
erty. OF course, the ex-governor received
a salary as the manager of the company.
He owned no property in this city
Board Of Trade Action.
At a meeting of the directors of the
Washington Board of Trade, held after The
Evening Star went to press Saturday after
noon, the following resolutions were adopt
ed:
The directors of the Washington Board
of Trade note with profound regret the
death of Alexander r. Shepherd, which oc-
CURED at Batoplas Mexico, on September
II, 1902; express their appreciation of the
great public services rendered to the ma
tionai capital by the deceased, and place
record the boards feelings of sorrow,
and that of the people of the District of
Columbia, whom it represents. at the loss
of a valued fellow citizen and founder OF
greater Washington.
Alexander R. Shepherd was born in the
District of Columbia siXty-seven years ago,
and resided here until 1879, when he en-
gagged in silver mining in Mexico.
n.t1yr ,t,.,,
ously identified with the interests of the
District, serving the community SOL
dier, municipal legislator, and then as gov
ernor Cf the District of Columbia. His
greatest public service to the republic was
that rendered by him founder of the new
Washington. which is now developing in
realization Of his plans. He felt keenly
that the capital, neglected by the people of
the republic. was held in contempt instead
of honor, and he devoted all his vast pow
ers of brain and will and organizing ability
to the task of restoring the national capt.
tai to its rightful position in the regard and
affection Of the American people. He over
came tremendous difficulties. He recreated
Washington And we of today who the
beautiful city of which he dreamed and for
which he planned and fought taking con-
crete shape hasten to pay our tribute of re-
spect and admiration to this great man and
to the noble work which he wrought.
He was physically and mentally strong,
positive and aggressive, benevolent and
ever ready 10 Help Ill all Tue
affairs of life men worthy of his confidence
and respect. His friendship was true and
lasting. His memory will be cherished by
all who knew him well and appreciated his
noble nature. To this organization as
well as all other institutions having for
their objects the improvement of the city
he loved SO well he gave his most cordial
support and his name is borne on our rolls
as our first honorary member
His death will not only be mourned by
the people of the national capital, but in
all portions Of our country, as also in our
sister republic Of Mexico. where he was
esteemed and honored by it's president and
people.
Resolved, That a monument should be
erected on some public space square in
Washington to his memory, and that ar
rangements should be made by the citizens
of the District Of Columbia for that pur
pose
Resolved, That the directors of the Board
of Trade extend to the bereaved family
their profound sympathy.
Resolved, That note Of this proceeding
be entered the records Of the Board of
Trade. and that engrossed copy of the
ha 70 he fo,, of tha