Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-01
JOSEPH Y.POTTS DEAD
Chief Clerk of Police Court for
Twenty Years.
LONG FIGHT FOR LIFE ENDS
Three Weeks III. With Many Re-
lapses and Rallies.
UREMIC POISON AND DROPsY
Funeral to Take Place Friday, With
Masonic Rites - Pallbearers
Chosen From Fraternities.
UREMIC POISON AND DROPSY

Joseph Y. Potts. FOR the past twenty
years chief clerk of the Police Court. died
shortly before o'clock this morning at
Providence Hospital.
He was removed to the hospital June
II last from his home. 300 & street north
west. His death was directly due TO
uremic poisoning and dropsy. Dropsy
developed Monday night and undoubtedly
FASTENED the end.
Since Mr.. Potts was stricken he indi-
Gated n remarkable vitality. He suffered
several severe relapses which it was
thought he could not survive. Each time
his case was practically given up as hope
less
The patient responded again and again
to heroic treatment of attending physi-
clans of the hospital. Twice after such
relapses it was thought he would re-
cover.
Recovery Was Expected.
Toward the end OF last week the pa
tents condition revived hope that he
would recover. 1t was believed il would
only be q. question of several weeks be-
fore he would be able to leave the hospi-
tai.
The last and most serious setback in
his condition developed Sunday and Mon
day. Aggravated symptoms of dropsy
were noticed. Treatment administered In
an effort to stop its progress met with
little success. In the vain hope of elimi-
mating the trouble by surgery slight
operation was performed Monday night.
The relief was only temporary. The
aggravated conditions reappeared yester-
day accompanied by slight symptoms OF
other complications. The wasted strength
of the patient was not able to withstand
the repeated shocks to his system.
Dies While Unconscious.
Yesterday afternoon he sank into state
of complete Inconsistencies. This ended
with his death early this morning. At the
time of his death only the hospital attend
ants and physicians were at his bedside
Several Of Mr. Potts friends. who were
constant in their attentions to his needs.
had left the hospital earlier in the nigh,
believing he would survive until today.
Mr.. Potts was the last member of a well
known family of the District. 1t is be-
lieved his illness was directly brough,
about by the death Of his mother. Mrs
whom he was devoted.
The funeral will take place Friday after
noon at o'clock from the undertaking
establishment of Howard G. Tabler. 1lOl
In direct charge Of the Masonic fraternity,
with which Mr.. Potts for many years was
closely affiliated. The several Masonic
bodies which will have charge of the
funeral are Harmony Lodge r. A. A. NJ
Columbia Chapter. r. A. NJ, and Wash
ington Commandery. X. 7.
The pallbearers will be selected from
the Masonic fraternity and the Elks. OF
which Mr.. Potts was also a member.
Interment will be at Oak Hill cemetery.
where other members of the family are
buried.
Sympathy in Police Court.
Mr.. Potts was popular with those with
whom he was thrown in daily contact for
so many years. The news cast a gloom
throughout the Police Court building.
Expressions OF regret were heard on all
sides. Many called to inquire concerning
the circumstances of his death.
At the conclusion Of the days business
in the United States branch OF the court,
with many of the dead mans intimate
friends and associates in the audience.
Assistant United States Attorney Ralph
Given delivered an impressive tribute.
Before closing for the day." said Mr..
Given, Il desire to express my feelings