The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-12
4 FRIENDS RECOLLECTION
OF A NOTABLE CHARACTER

To the Editor Of The Washington Times:
Each day brings to US. in addition to
its own events and incidents. memories
Of delightful happenings and recoTee-
lions tinged with sadness. OF sorrowful
occurrences. The first is the training
school Of our lighter nature. where it
IS fitted TO enter the hall OF serious
thought into which our souls should
90 with zeal and intelligent apprecia-
ton TO seek the proper Interpretation of
life and the meaning of death
My recollection today is of my very
good friend. the late Mrs. Eugenia Phil
lips. than whom no nobler subject could
have been chosen to verify the beautiful
expression. The purer the soul is here.
the filter ii is for heaven. She died
one year ago. on the first day Of the
present month, a the advanced age OF
eighty-two years finishing a life in
which she contributed in the happy man
ner for which she was peculiarly fitted
10 the happiness. comfort, and pleasure
OF contemporaries and pUsterities in two
centuries much that should be talked
about. more than I could write about,
and al OF which should be appreciated
Mrs Phillips was actuated by the
highest Ideals in all her relationships in
life. The woman arose so clearly above
her prejudices and scared to sucn a lofty
height in thought ana action that those
who did not understand such position
were astoulded. But TO the apprecia-
tive mind, she furnished food for health
fuI thought and conduct.
This brilliant and remarkable char
acter was an aristoerat. not an auto
crat- She was proud, but arrogance new
er found I0dgment in her mind or
thought Whether in the whirl of So
eial activities or surrounded by the com
forts Of her home, her gracious and
charming manners, which made every
one feel easy and comfortable in her So
cisty. proved the attractive person which
she was Her presence gave 10 the at
mosDhere that she occupied a sweetness
and freshness which attracted every
/ body and made its development pleasant
and delightful
! II religion. Mrs Phillips did not prac-
! tiee after the prescribed form OF any
/ sect or denomination. but upon the broad
principle OF the brotherhood Of man.
which included ali. Her heart was so
/ large that it furnished a haven for all
and so small that it uuselfshly took
place beside one which needed the
warmth o. hers 10 relieve its anguish
/ and soothe its disappointment.
/ IN convictions was right and proper.
+ after satisfying herself that her position,
which was always assumed after having
{ viewed conditions through she veil OF
her own pure and transparent motive.
which reflected so brilliantly in her dee
( laratiou ;hat many have been guided
right by Is illumination. She was firm.
/ but never oppressive. although perhaps
her candor ant earnestness may have
at times been mistaken ror II
The legacy which this cultured and at
+ traetive lady has left her children and
/ friends cannot be valued by the commod-
ities Of trade. and is an Inheritance
which cannot be estimated BY compari-
! son with great riches.
] had the honor and good fortune to
/ enjoy for fifteen years her friendship,
and the memory OF her viii always live
F in my mind and thought W 5. Z
Washington, D. C., April II. 1903.