Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-04
FRANK PALMER DEAD
Former Public Printer Passes
Away in Chicago.
SHOCK TO FRIENDS HERE
Oscar ]. Ricketts, Gives His impress
sions of Deceased
DISTINCTLY A sELF-MADE MAN
Service in Congress With Blaine,
Garfield, Conkling, Cox, Sherman,
Thurman and Others.

Word uas received here late yesterday
afternoon of the death of Frank Way
land Paine. formerly public printer.
which occurred yesterday at Chicago. He
was eighty years OF age, having been
horn October II, 1927, at Manchester.
Ind. The announcement of his passing
came as a surprise to his many friends
here, as they had received no intima-
ton OF his illness. 1t is said the i'm
mediate cause of death was pneumonia,
following a severe cold contracted recent
ly: His popularity in the public printery
was attested today by the many kind
expressions of the officers and employees.
from Public Printer Stillings to the
humblest laborer.
Perhaps there was no person in this
city who was more intimately associated
with Frank w. Palmer. officially and So
Cially. when he was at the head of the
government printing Office. than Oscar
J. Ricketts,. In referring feelingly to
TIE death of the forme- public printer,
Mr.. Ricketts, said that, next to his father,
Mr.. Palmer was the most loyable man he
had ever known. He added:
had the good fortune to be asso-
cIaied with him intimately a long time,
ana therefore speak advisedly. He pos
sessed in such unusual degree those hixh
traits of true manhood as at once
stamped him man of far more than or
binary attachments. His daily life was
literal emulation of the golden rule.
Was an Ideal Executive.
As public officer he was the ideal ex-
ecutive, always just, broad-minded, con-
sentative and far-sighted. When vexa-
tious questions presented themselves, af-
fecting the welfare of individuals or en-
rloyes. Mr.. Palmer preferred as a remedy
the broad mantle of charity opposed
TO the methods of cold commerciaism.
No employe of the great workshop over
which he presided was too unimportant
10 gain his presence, and no man who has
ever held the Office of public printer has
retired from il holding the unbroken
esteem and love of the operatives, public
men and the public in general as did
Frank W. Palmer. His was long. hon.
orable and active public life. character
lied by clean-handed methods and devo-
tion TO duty.
Frank w. Palmer was self-made man.
coming up to positions of prominence
and trust from literally the bottom of the
ladder. He entered upon the activities of
life pr-ipter's devil in the office Of
the Journal, Jamestown, N. Y, in 1913.
of which paper he eventually became
editor and manager. In 1858 he went to
Dubuque. Lnwa. where he became editor
and publisher of the Times. He became
power in politics. and In 1881 was elect
vas also state printer of Iowa.
In 1873 he became editor of the Chi
>ago Inter Ocean. in which position he
continued until 1877. when he was ap-
pointed postmaster of Chicago, serving
until 1885.
Service as Public Printer.
Mr.. Palmer served two terms as public
printer. He was first appointed In 1882
serving until 1894. and again in 1897. con-
Guiding his last term In September, 1905.
AS public printer Mr. Palmer was a po-
tent influence on the side of progress. He
was the first to Introduce the Mergen-
thaler typesetting machines into the gov
crnment printing Office, and the present
efficiency of that branch of the federal
government Is said to be traceable to his
long and faithful service.
1t was under MIR. Palmer's occupancy of
the off1ce of public printer that the pres
ent fireproof extension of the government
printing Office was erected at cost Of
81, JOOdOO.
Mr.. Palmer retired from active business
life two years ago.
Representative in Congress.
While serving two terms as a member
of the Forty-first and Forty-second Con-
crosses he was member Of the House
committee on appropriations. Clifford
Rose of the government printing office re-
calls that shortly before Mr.. Palmer left
Washington he called at the Capitoi one
day and visited the room of the appro-
priations committee. He was reminded
that he was then the only living member
OF that committee that had served in the
Forty-tirst and Forty-second Congresses
and II was proposed to make him an
honorary member Of II for life.
Mt. Palmer served in Congress with
James G. Blaine. James A. Garfield. Ros-
coe Conkling, William B. Allison. Shelby
NJ. Cullom. s. s. Cox. Simon Cameron.
Hannibal Hamlin, John Sherman. Allen
u. Thurman and many other great men.
At the close Of his congressional term
editor-in-chief of the Chicago Inter-Ocean
Tributes of Washington Printers.
Public Printer S,ilings has arranged to
have brief but appropriate ceremonies in
honor OF the late Public Printer Palmer
al the government printing Office on the
day of the funeral. The flags on the
building have been half-masted.
President T. G. Parsons Of Columbia
Typographical Union said that organiza-
tion proposes TO send one of its officers to
Chicago to attend the obsequies. hear
ing floral piece as tribute from the
union printers OF Washington.
Capt. Henry T. Brian. deputy public
Public Printer Frank w. Palmer today,
said: Il knew the late Public Printer
Palmer intimately for over twenty years.
having served under his first administra-
ton foreman of printing and chief
Clpr during his nj troff tor,