Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-29

j AA IL -AIAN 1AN ~ NJ -
known for many years. He was one of the
most popular men in the District among
all classes, and his popularity was due to
his many excellent qualities of character.
AS official and man he was kind-hearted
and ever ready and willing to patiently
hear every citizen, matter how humble,
in whatever cause that came up before him
or the board for decision. Every question
demanding his official consideration was
carefully Investigated, and his integrity
was above reproach. He was impartial in
his decisions and fair in criticism whenever
such had to be made. The death of Com
missioner Ross is not only loss to his
family, but to the entire community as
well.
How News Was Circulated.
News of the death of Commissioner Ross
travelled fast throughout the District dur
ing the early hours this morning. The fire
department served primarily as the diStrib-
uting agency of the sad information. Under
an arrangement which had been effected
weeks ago. in fact, when the condition Of
the Commissioner became serious, 1t was
agreed that any call for DR.. Chamberlain S
service during the night should be made
through Truck Company A of the hre de-
partment, located near the Capitol and also
near the home of the attending physician.
The heart attacks which Mr.. Ross suffered
during the earlier stages of his illness made
it apparent that help might be needed at 4
moments notice, and it was arranged that
the physician should be conveyed TO the
Commissioners home in such an emergency
in fire wagon.
The emergency came this morning. When
the nurse saw the first symptoms of the
fatal attack she Immediately called for DIR.
Chamberlain through the fire department.
Foreman j. E. Hooper of Truck Company A
answered the summons. Jumping into the
wagon of the first assistant chief, stationed
at the truck house, he drove in a gallop to
DR.. Chamberlains house.
The doctor had already been notified OF
his coming and was ready He seated him
self alongside Foreman Hooper, and quick
drive from the Capitol to Commissioner
Ross house on Columbia Heights was be-
gun. The service rendered by the foreman
was deeply appreciated by Commissioner
Ross family.
DR.. Chamberlain asked Foreman Hooper
to notify Chief Dutton of the department,
and he did So Mr.. Dutton then called up
Commissioner Macfarland at o'clock, and
notified him of his associates death. The
news was also conveyed to Colonel Biddle
the Engineer Commissioner, with whom
Commissioner Mcfarland had brief talk
over the phone.
Commissioner Mcfarland today wired to
President Roosevelt at Oyster Bay the
news of Mr. Ross death.
Matters Under His Supervision.
Commissioner Ross was charged with the
supervision of many of the most important
of the District departments. He was well
acquainted with the work of all the bu-
reaus. Perhaps his greatest interest was
centered in the police department and in
the assessment and tax departments. His
last important act in the District service
was to recommend the appointment of
Messrs. Alexander Mckenzie and Francis
Nye as members of the board of assistant
of no g ar
of the personal tax provided for under the
last District appropriation bill
Mr.. Ross recently asked to be relieved
from further service on the board of trus-
tees of the Columbia Hospital, saying he
felt some younger Commissioner should be
assigned to that post.
1t had come to be pretty well understood
in District circles that Mr.. Ross intended
retiring from public Office next May when
his term Commissioner under the last
appointment would have expired. He felt
he would like to return to private life again
and spend the remainder of his days in
quiet and comfort
In addition to having charge Of the police
department, the assessors and tax col
lector's Offices, Mr.. Ross had supervision of
the following: Street cleaning, removal of
city refuse, ashes, ETC.; assistant assessors,
corporation counsel, auditors office, bath
ing beach, claims against the District, dis
bursting officer, dog tags gauger and in
spector of spurious liquors, hacks and hack
liquor; property clerk, special assessment
office, surgeons Of the police and fire de-
partments, the Washington Asylum and the
workhouse.
Mr. Ross was also member of the Rock
Creek Park board of control.
Sketch of His Career.
A native of Illinois, graduate Of Har
ward and successfully an eminent practi-
toner of law, a member of the Illinois legis-
1,+, 30 Univ
sity, president of the board of school trus-
tees of the District, postmaster of the city
of Washington and member of the board of
District Commissioners for the past twelve
years, John Wesley Ross had a varied and
Interesting career.
The prominence to which he attained IN
District affairs, and occupied for so many
years. has been equaled by few men, if any
II WOul1 be no eXaggeration to say that he
was perhaps the best known man in the
District. His long association with public
affairs and his communion with the people
Commissioner made this easily so. And
wherever he was known Mr.. Ross was
popular. He possessed a suavity of man
ner and reassuring composure that made
one feel at home in his presence. He was
consequently the most sought of the Dis
trict Commissioners by the citizens of the
capital. His familiarity with all matters
pertaining to the District was practically
unlimited. This, together with his marked
executive ability. sound, good Judgment
and knowledge of the law, made him an in
valuable public servant.
Born in Illinois.
Mr.. Ross was born June 3d. 1871, at Lew
iston, Fulton county, ILL.,, community
which was settled by his grandfather. He
was pupil in private schools until 1858
and in the Lewiston Seminary until 1855.
He then went to the Illinois College and re-
manned there until 1862. He attended the
Harvard Law School during 1864 and
1865, and was admitted to the bar
upon examination in open Supreme Court at
Springfield, ILL.,, in January, 1866 He en-
tered upon the practice of his profession in
his home city, Lewiston and had beer thus
engaged but two years when he elect
ed as a democrat to the state legislature.
This was in 1868. He served the first term
of two years with great credit to himself
and his constituents and was rewarded with
a second term, which began in 1870.
Came to Washington.
With the expiration of this second term
in the legislature Mr.. Ross decided to come
east. Following out these intentions, he
came to Washington in 1873 and was ad-
mitted in April Of that year to practice be-