Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-09-23
HONOR GEN, BURDETT
G. A. R. Veterans and Others
Congratulate Him on Escape.
TELLS OF WRECK OF OHIO
He Was Last to Leave Sinking
Pacific Steamer.
MR.. MACFARLAND'S ADDRESS
Believes in Praising Brave Men
While They Are Still Alive.
List Of the Guests.
MR.. MACFARLAND's ADDRESS

Gen. Samuel s. Burdett past COM
mander-in-chief Of the G. A. R., was the
guest OF honor last night at reception
given at the Arlington Hotel by the Le-
gion of Loyal Women to welcome the
veteran soldier home and to give his
friends an opportunity to congratulate
him upon his recent narrow escape from
drowning on the Pacific coast.
Members of many patriotic organixa-
tons Of the District attended the recep-
ton. Commissioner Macfarland repre-
scented the District. and In brief speech
extended to Gen. Burdett the congratu-
lations Of the city of Washington. Mrs.
Laura Mccullough, president of the Lee
gion of Loyal Women. spoke in behalf of
that organization, while the Grand Army
Of the Republic was represented by Cor
poral James Tanner.
And then, with characteristic modesty,
Gen. Burdett told the story of the acct
dent to the Ohio the night of August rs
and of the stirring events that followed.
Commissioner Mcfarland, who was the
first speaker, said he was present In Of
fetal and unofficial capacity to welcome
Gen. Burdett
'Ingratitude Is as bad in communities
as in individuals" said the Commissioner.
"RecOgnition of public services of private
citizens or of public officers is as impor-
tant to the community as to those who
are honOred. 1t helps us all to acknowl-
edge what has been done by any one OF
us and it makes others the more willing
to serve. Gen. Burdetts career Is full of
civic and patriotic services and we do
we'll not to wait for his death to say that
We appreciate 1t. Speaker Reed was right
when he said that an ounce of taffy was
worth pound of epitaphy. Let us stimu
late one another to good works by frank
and frequent expressions of appreciation.
This is the kind of criticism that best
deserves the name, for real criticism Is
just valuation and not simply condemna-
ton"
Express Pride in His Bravery.
Corp. Tanner and Mrs. Mccullough
spoke briefly Of the pride the organiza-
lions felt in the manner in which Gen.
Burdett protected the women and chill
dren at the time OF the accident to the
Ohio. They referred to the work Gen
Burdett did in holding the male passen-
gers back until the women and children
had left the ship.
In describing the affair. Gen. Burdett
said that he had sailed from Seattle for
Alaska after attending the encampment
Of the G. A. r. at Salt Lake City. The
Ohio ran on rock during the night.
Everything was in CONFUSION until the
captain. John johnson, came on deck and
gave the order for full speed ahead. The
boat shot toward a cove and struck into
the sand just as she was about to sink.
The passengers were taken off in life
boats. Only one man attempted to get
into the boats ahead of the women and
children He was knocked senseless.
Gen. Burdett and several other men stood
guard and saw that the women and chill
dren were taken of ahead of the men.
When all but Gen. Burdett and another
man were safe on shore the ship sank.
Gen. Burdett was beaten about by the
waves. but finally lfeboat came along
and picked him up.
A rescue party from a fishing station
nearby came with relief the next day and