Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-18

an active worker and had all sorts of OPP
portunities to demonstrate his versatility
and unusual ability. Many of his friends
think that his ill health in recent years
was due in small degree to burning the
candle at both ends in stress Of work,
Of which he never seemed to tire. but
which, in the end, told on his splendid con-
stitution. --"e
Mr.. Larner was closely identified with the
Gridiron Club almost from the time of its
inception. In fact, he was practically q
charter member Of that organization. hav-
ing been elected at the first meeting after
the club was formed, September Is. 1885.
W. e. Curtis, Charles Knapp. Walter B.
Stevens and John 8. Schriver were the
other members elected at the meeting in
question. From that day up to the time
of his death Mr.. Larner in a large degree
contributed to its success and reputation
as the most famous dining club in the coun-
try. He was elected secretary and treas
urer of the organization in 1888. which Of
fees he held for several years, and In 1896
he was elected member of the executive
committee, on which he served until 1900.
His fellow members are lavish in their
praise for what he did for the organiza-
ton.
Above Rank and File.
AS a newspaper man Mr. Larner stood
far and above the rank and fi.e. His ex-
perience was wide and diversified. He
served fve years as a compositor before he
that the old school of newspaper men re-
garded as but little less than essential
After his service Of two years as member
of the staff of the old Gnited Press he was
made a member OF the Washington stan
of the Baltimore Sun, when Frank Rich
ardson was chief of that bureau. That
was probably the first opportunity that ne
ever had to demonstrate his ability ana
nose for news.
mo one knows any better than just how
Doh T vUq0
Louis Garthe of the Baltimore American
saws in commenting on the death. of his
fellow member of. the Gridiron today
worked against him and know just now
superbly he covered the field
That the deeply-mourned journalist was
a sleepfess, tireless worker is the consensus
OF opinion among all of the newspaper ira
ternity who labOred with him shoulder TO
shoulder. For great many years he was
the Washington correspondent of the Char
lesion News and Courier, and his efforts FOR
that newspaper had much to do with its
success in latter years, some OF his frienos
assert.
In the days of the Washington Critic Mr..
Iarner was a liberal contributor to 1t, and
through the medium Of column which he
conducted for long time under the title,
1.-THE Whispering Club by Sister Silence,
he made reputation for himself as hui
morist. During his connection with the
Sun and while he was also the washington
correspondent of the News and Courier he
vannah News. Further. he had five years
experience on the New York Sun, which po-
sition he resigned to accept an engagement
with the New York Herald. and was as
signed to duty in charge Of the Evening
Telegram bureau, the afternoon edition OF
that paper. He was a base ball enthusiast,
and for years did that work on the old
Sporting Life. He was counted one Of the
his newspaper work he also found time for
several years to serve as private secretary
to the late Senator A. p. German
Work Attracted Attention.
During his long career Mr.. Larner did
much work that attracted attention both
at home and abroad. He covered the trial
and execution Of Guiteau for several news
papers. and his reports were regarded as
among the best that were written. His old
friends here recall his interview with Sir
Julian Pauncefote. tn British ambassador,
on the Boring sea: dispute. Mr.. Larner hap
pened to be in street car with the British
ambassador. and 1t flashed through his
mind that IT would be a good idea to tap"
him for his views on the subject, which
at the time was assuming the highest in
ternational Importance. Much to the cor
respondents surprise, Sir Julian talked
freely, and in due course of time he had
the pleasure of seeing the views which
he expressed very deliberately published on
both sides Of the land. In Great Britain
Sir Julian was very roundly ridiculed for
permitting himself to be interviewed lin a
tram car by an affable young person."
Mr.. Larner had other notable news beats
to his credit. The fact that Gen. Shafter
had underestimated the Spanish forces at
Santiago and needed reinforcements and
the first news Of President McKinley's call
for volunteers during the war were among
the scoops that he scored on his rivals.
Companion and Friend.
As companion and a friend the loss
caused by the death of Mr.. Larner Is said
to be most keenly felt. Early in June he
was persuaded by his fellow-members OF the
Gridiron Club to go abroad. they thinking
that the ocean trip would do him good. He