Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-01-01

was the first treasurer of the Washington
National Monument Society, holding the
office from 1888 to his death in 1915. His
son, Jonathan Bayard H. Smith. a men,
Der of the District bar and father of our
late colleague. succeeded to the treasur-
ership of the society. Thus the ONCE OF
trea surer of the society. except for the
term of the late DR.. Daniel B. Clarke, for
nearly seventy-five years has been filled
by members of the same distinguished
family.
An Extensive Traveller.
MIR. ]. Henley Smith, after the civil
war. resided for many years in the state
of California. returning to this his native
city about ten years ago, and resumed
his former residence. He was an eX-
tensive traveller, and spent part of each
year abroad In Europe at the time OF
his death, which came suddenly. he had
planned to return home the past fall
Prior to his last departure. Mr.. Smith
placed in the Library of Congress most
valuable and highly interesting collection
of historical documents and letters reiat-
ing to the early days and times OF the
republic; the earlier papers comprising
personal letters from all the Presidents
from Washington to Jackson. Inc papers
are now available to the student of Amer
lean history.
The news of the death of Mr.. Smith
was shock to his wide circle OF TRENDS
in this city, since on his leaving home he
was in his usually robust health.
Resolved, That in the death OF, our col
league, Mr.. Smith, the society has SUI
ferec a distinct loss in its membership. no
other member, perhaps, being more deeply
concerned in the early organlzatlon ana
history of the society, and inspired oy II.
The city of Washington has lost a Valu-
able citizen, and many frlenos mourn
their loss in his death.
Resolved, That copy of these resolu-
lions be sent to the nearest relatives OF
our deceased friend and colleague.
Its Seventy-ffth Year.
The Washington National Monument
Society enters today upon the seventy
fifth year of its extistence-a notable ex-
ample of the vitality of a purely voluntary
association of public-spiriteG citizens.
AS the oldest organization. outside OF
secret societies. in this city, the history OF
the Washington Monument Society is one
of interest.
In response to a call for d public meet
ing, which appeared in the press of the
day, a gathering of the citizens of wash
ington was he'd the 18th of September.
1888, in The aldermen's room of the city
hall The object was to attempt to do
what Congress had failed to do-that Is,
to provide a memorial to the first Presi-
dent. The organization of the society
was effected at this meeting, and, as
stated MT. r L. I1dl NtS iiioLoi ION VI
the society, the names of those forming
the first board were a passport to public
confidence.
While in one sense the purposes of the
society were accomplished when the
stately shaft reared to the memory of
Washington, first President of the United
States. was completed. yet in pursuance
of an act Of Congress the society still ex-
lists to act in an advisory and cooperative
capacity" with the representatives of the
government in the case of this important
work
AS a center about which moved the va
rious influences in favor of redeeming
the pledge of the nation to commemorate
IN some suitable manner the life and
character of President Washington. and
as a means of keeping alive during all
the years of the movement the sentiment
that made it possible to procure by popu-
lar subscription the money to begin the
building of the monument. the society
has rendered q service that in itself en-
titles it to the gratitude of every patriotic
American.
Work of the Society.
The character of the work performed by