The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-11-07


subpit to the council suitable minute
on his life and character, 10 he inscribed
upon the records OF the city council beg
leave 20 report that I'm accordance with
resolution OF the city council they nrst
the city hall 10 be properly drap-
ed in mourning, and then arranged with
the family for the attendance Of the city
and officers OF the city govern
ment upon the funeral OF the deceased,
which was held In Grace church az IL
o clock NJ. on Friday, the 29th Of Septem-
ber. 1905. and your committee further
In accordance with instructions contained
In the resolution appointing them, sub
init a minute OF the life and character
OF the late mayor for inscription Upon the
records OF the city council.
Respectfully submitted.
Wilma X. Reynolds. Chairman. Francis
Colwel John T.. Kendrlck. Committee.
THE MINUTE
Augustus Samuel Miller was born at
Plainheld. Conn, Aug. l3. 1871
graduataed from Brown university 1871,
admitted TO the Rhode Island bar April
2. 1874 member OF common council 1856
1887 president OF common council 1887,
representative 10 General Assembly.
Rhode Island Is8i-iss5. speaker OF the
house OF representatives iSss-lssl. state
senator from Providence ls9S-lS9i Elected
mayor OF Providence Nov. 1902. Re
elected mayor in 1903 and 1904 Died Tues
day. Sept. ~. 1896.
In apparent vigor OF health fortified
by recent vacation abroad, I'm the midst
of his responsible duties "a chief magis-
trate Of our city. Mayor Miller was sud
denly and fatally stricken down.
The shock OF the sudden death OF Mayor
Miller was keeny felt and mournfully
regretted throughout our whole state. as
we'll as by the city with which he was
in close contact a. It's chief officer.
Aside from tho sorrow and regard par
ticipated In by the city council and the
city officers. there was spontaneous
assembling at the mayors funeral OF
other distinguished officers and represent
tativee oc our own and neighboring
states. The university. the bench ana
bar. and n large number or societies ana
organizations were also fully represent
cd. prominent and influential citizens of
all creeds and faiths were there, the
streets were thronged with sympathizng
people young and old, places OF business
and entertainment over the whole city
were closed during the funeral hour, all
emblematic beyond words that I'm the
death OF Mayor Miller. the community
had lost an able man, a valuable SER
want. and A warm-hearted friend.
Although Mayor Miller had hlled the
office OF chief executive Of the city less
than three years he had during that time
by his sturdy. broad and intelligent grasp
of the problems and conditions vital 10
the highest interests OF the city. inspired
confidence and regard in all classes OF
our community. including those who might
be OF opposite political affiliations.
All questions presented 20 him were
fully and conscientiously considered, and
when his conclusions were arrived at.
IL s1xs xtrtfh
party adhered 10 so long as they appeared
10 him 10 be on the side OF the best In
tercsts OF the city.
Mayor Miller's annual messages 10 tho
city council are models In respect 10 clear,
thorough and fearless preeentment OF
what ne from close study and obserVa-
ton. on every line considered TO oe i'm
portsnt to be urged upon the attention or
the council and representatives, OF the
CITY.
Mayor Miller was possessed OF a laud-
able ambition 10 serve the public in what
ever manner he could and sturdy integ-
rity OF purpose ever characterized his ac-
tion. He was a Democrat In political
faith. but no party bigotry I'm any manner
influenced him In the conduct OF his OF
fee and hence he commanded the vote or
all parties irrespective OF their political
creeds and beliefs.
Mr. Miller was "A sound lawyer nat
urally strong minded modest man. broad
y educated, having Ind experience as TO
political rights and ways. an apt and
most agreeable public speaker whenever
called upon, possessing kindly. sympa-
thetic nature with a charming social side, |
approa chable by all, high and low, and in
4 word amply equipped by nature and ex-
perience TO serve his fellow man in what |
ever capacity he might be called.
AS truthfully may IL be said of Mayor |
Miller, as he said OF his illustrious pre-
lecessor Thomas A Doyle, None could |
say that he ever shrunk from the per-
formsnce OF any duty which seemed to he
required of him. or that he hesitated TO
assume any responsibility which belong
I'd to his position" What higher tribute
could be paid 10 public officer?
Mr.. Miller was In the maturity OF his |
powers and usefulness. II Is not for us to |
attempt 20 fathom the Providence which |
cuts short a life Of such signal value to |
all; We can simply bow 10 the dspensa-
ion. and pausing 10 reflect upon the life |
and character OF him who has been taken |
from US, gather strength and inspiration |
70 emulate him In our own lives
The report OF the committee was unan-
mously adopted.
Several OF the members OF the two |
branches OF the city government express
I'd their appreciation OF the mayor in |
.erms of glowing tribute The motion for !
he adoption OF the report was made by |
clifford :. Tower. who said:
Mr.. TOWERS REMARKS.
Mr.. Mayor-While we are assembled
here this evening To do homage TO the |
OF our late mayor. IL seems fit-
ling that should say a few words con-
,erning him. 4 number Of years ago /
irst came personally in contact with him
through our college fraternity. ana
earned to appreciate him as a brother and
4 friend. Augustus Samuel Miller was
a man OF high ideals and character: he |
was brave and courageous. taking, as he
always did. a high standard for his goal
His was true friendship and brotherly |
owe
His life has been one OF continued !
success from the time or his college career
10 his untimely death. His high position
n his profession was obtained by hard
work and application AS an attorney
in the courts OF Rhode Island
he attained the highest degree of emf
neuce for honesty, integrity and lesal
scumen. He was an advocate OF sur
pa ssing ability, presenting his arguments
N a pleasing and impressive style that