New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-13

time and Immediately gave medical aid. DR..
G. L. Magruder was hurriedly summoned Mr..
Proctor was assisted to bed and shortly after
ward fell asleep and improved so much as to
encourage his friends TO hope for a speedy re-
covery. Civil Service Commissioner Cooley in
formed Mrs. Proctor and also the President,
who expressed concern and kept in touch with
the patients condition.
Shortly after 2 o'clock there was another at
tack The stricken man gasped twice, and
death followed. The President and Mrs. Roose-
welt were shocked by the news. They called
personally at the clubhouse AID spent consid-
cradle time at Mr.. Procter's bedside When the
President returned to the White House Mrs.
Roosevelt remained with Mrs. Proctor. The
body was carried late this afternoon TO the
family apartments, in the Marlborough.
NJ Proctor had been frequent visitor to the
White House ever since Mr.. Roosevelt's acces-
sion TO the Presidency. The two met years age
in Kentucky, where Mr.. Roosevelt was trav-
cling and the acquaintance then began quick
ly ripened into close intimacy.
Funeral arrangements are deferred pending
the arrival Of son, Lieutenant Andrew Morton
Proctor in charge Of a torpedo boat sta
toned at the Norfolk Navy Yard Another son.
John R Proctor, jr., is a lieutenant OF artillery.
Both Of these sons served IN the Spanish-Arner-
lean War.
John Robert Proctor who was president Of the
United States Civil Service Commission for ten
wears was born in Mason County. KY, on March
16 1874 He began the scientific course at the
University Of Pennsylvania. but left college in
1864 to serve in the Confederate Army until the
end Of the Civil War. For the eight years fol-
lowing he was a farmer in his native State. and
from 1873 TO 1850 he assistant in the Ken
lucky Geological Survey. He made State
Cieoogist Of Kentucky in 1880. and held that Office
until appointed a member Of the National Civil
Service Commission in December. 1888. He a
member OF the jury Of awards mines and min
ing at the Worlds Columbian Exposition, at Chi
cago in 1893. In politics Mr. Proctor was a Demo-
crat He was the author Of a number of magazine
and review articles. Of which. in The Forum"
in 1897 Hawaii and the Changing Front Of the
World" caused considerable comment.
When Mr.. Proctor State geologist OF Ken
lucky he refused even at the dictation Of members
OF the legislature. TO remove competent assistants
for political reasons. and was sustained by all
the Governors whom he served until 1888 when il is
said the then Governor wished him TO make ap-
DOintmentS personal and political reasons. Mr..
Proctor resisted this. and advised that the survey
be closed rather than used a machine for ad-
yanCing the political interests Of any by making
the offices spells for partisan favortes Mr. Proc
ter's appointment the Civil Service Commission
was urged on President Cleveland by Mr.. Roosevelt
then a Commissioner. who when III Kentucky, had
learned OF Mr.. Procters vigorous and practical ap
pIication reform methods in the face Of adverse
Conditions He and Mr.. Roosevelt were colleagues
on the Commission from 1898 until Mr.. Roosevelt
resigned 10 In Mr.. PrOcter'S service the
Commission the number of places subject 10 the
merit system increased from 1900 TO 10000. He
interested himself especially securing in 1886 the
wfthdra Of the places OF chief clerks and chiefs
OF divisions from the spoiIs system. and they
now filled by the promotion transfer of trained
men within the classified service. Mr.. Proctor
a member OF the Century Club Of New-York