Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-10
BOBBIE BURNS DEAD
FAITHFUL POLICE OFFICER DIES
IN THE HARNESS.
"Bobbie" Burns Is dead!

"Bobbie" Burns Is dead
To any one outside Of Washington this
sentence has little meaning. and to many
within the city 1t conveys nothing more
than the demise of some one unknown. To
the policeman. newspaper men and other
frequenters Of police headquarters. how
ever the statement comes as shock. for
Robert Burns was one Of the oldest, most
faithful and best-known members of the
Washington police department For almost
a score OF years he was detailed at police
headquarters. He died, as he wished, Gin
harness." He became Ill about four days
ago, but, with determination not to give
up, he stuck to his duties uncomplainingly
until he FELL almost unconscious, on the
floor at police headquarters, at the end
of his night trick" at o'clock Friday
Providence Hospital pronounced it. and an
operation was performed yesterday The
result was that "Bobbie" Burns died from
the shock at 6 o'clock last night.
Robert Burns was born in Ireland about
seventy years ago. and came to this coun-
try when yet young man. When the civil
war broke out he was a resident of New
York. and he enlisted In Company X, 10th
New York Infantry. He was taken a pris
oner by the confederates and for many
weary months he was confined in Ander-
sonvile and Libby prisons.
Result Of Imprisonment.
In the latter place he contracted disabili-
ties which caused years of suffering, but
such was his courage that even his init
mate friends knew nothing about the after
math Of the war which was his portion. At
the close of the rebellion Robert Burns
stopped In Washington and soon afterward
became a member of the police force. For
many consecutive years he served on the
then turbulent island" now known as the
fourth precinct.
pened that Bobbie Burns was walking along
his beat with Major Moore. the then super
intendent Of police, and the latter COM
mented on several piles Of wornout bricks
which had been taken from the pavement
and stacked in the street
Yes" replied Bobbie Burns. ''they have
been worn out by my tramping over them
and l am almost as worn as they"
The quick Irish wit awaited much for the
policeman. He was eventually transferred
to the easier night duty at headquarters.
which position he held until striker with
his fatal illness two nights ago. About a
Burns had earned retirement and pen
sion. and the suggestion, made in a spirit
of helpfulness. almost resulted In actuality
Opposed the Suggestion.
Against this move Bobbie Burns fought
early and late. for 1t was contrary to his
idea Of the fitness OF things to get out of
the service when he felt able to work. The
policeman won his point and Friday night.
when he was in the hospital, was the first
time he failed to report for duty after de-
featiEg the move for his retirement.
well, how do you feel tonight, Mr.
Burns?" said an acquaintance only few
evenings ago.
Never felt better in my life," he re-
piled, but in an aside, as the inquirer
turned away, he said: Il might as well
tell him that as anything else"
NIGHTS
for duty, though he was obviously suffer-
ing much. His only complaint was that
it was indigestion. Friday morning at 6
o'clock Operator Killmon of the central
telephone bureau found Mr.. Burns in
semi-conscious condition on the floor in
the front Office" The Emergency Hospi-
tai ambulance was summoned and he was
sent to his home. The family physician
pronounced the Illness to be Appendix
citis, and the transfer to the Providence
Hospital and the operation followed in
close succession.
Mr.. Burns wife. formerly Miss Mary
Barclay Boland. and seven grown chill
dren survive him. Arrangements for the
funeral have not yet been completed, but
II will be held from st. Dominick's Cath
Ole Church. of which he was long q con-
sistent member.