Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-02-09
a3tistellaueul.s geading.
A TRIBUTE TO WORTH.
Words Spoken BY a virsinian at a
Neuro's Funeral.

Words Spoken BY virsinian at a
Negroes Funeral.
This clipping from the Alexandria
Gazette. writer's a correspondent. be-
| ing the tribute of a celebrated vir-
ginia lawyer, Mr.. John M. Johnson. to
the memory Of Herbert Tancil, the
negro barber, deserves publication as
Illustrating q certain side Of the rela-
tions between the best types Of two
races-an appreciation of faithful and
efficient service by one whose eficien-
cy and faithfulness in his own service
has fitted him to recognize and ac-
knowledge the qualities. A Democrat,
a Confederate soldier. yirginian,
with the racial creed Of the Virginia
gentleman. publicly announcing ne
gro barber as "a perfect gentleman"
may seem an anomaly to those who
do not know the Virginian; but to
those who do know him 1t seems most
natural that he should say the truth
as he sees 1t, and do reverence at the
bier Of any man who had gained his
respect. A recognition Of this fact
will go far to establish better recog-
milton of the beautiful In the relations
between the races:
"My hearers: It Is impossible to do
justice to the character Of Herbert
Tancil in the few words will have to
say to you. OF course I can only
speak Of his mortal life-that Is. the
life he lived on earth. AS to his views
Of a future life I know nothing. That
matter was between him and mis-
Maker.
"The highest tribute that can be
paid to any man is to proclaim him
gentleman. The one word gentle
man, you will understand. embraces
all the higher, finer and nobler quail
ties of human nature; therefore, when
1t is said of one. he is a gentleman. 1t
means he is the possessor Of such
qualities.
"It can be truthfully said Of Herbert
Tancil that he was perfect gentle-
man. or instinctiyely gentleman
for 1t was as natural for him at all
times and under all circumstances to
demean himself like gentleman
would, as 1t was for him to breathe
In the air to sustain life.
I'm his heart there was no envy,
hatred or malice: on the contrary, his
heart was full Of kindness, tenderness
and sympathy During my acquaint-
ance with him for more than thirty
years, aud coming In daily contact
with him, never heard or knew him
to speak Ill Of any one. He was frank.
polite, civil and courteous to all alike.
| I believe him to have been faithful
and conscientious In performing every
duty and In fulfilling every trust.
Truthful and honest to himself and
toward his fellowmen, there was TO
sham, pretense. affectation, deceit or
hypocrisy In his nature, Ills life and
character Is fine example for others
to initiate.
"In the words Of your preacher.
His sun has gone down Indeed!
But you all know after brilliant sum
set a beautiful twilight fingers. So
likewise with him; his pure life has
set, but the glory Of his twilight linz
gers still and will inger for some
time, and when it finally fades away
then memory will with pleasure and
delight recall him to US as he was In
life.
| "I hope It may not be out Of har-
mony with this sad and solemn mo-
| ment for one now three score years
old to make few observations per-
sonally to the members of his family,
or rather to his sons and daughters.
| want to tell them that good name
Is more valuable than great riches.
Your father may not have left you
goods and chattels, land and money.
but he has left you something more
precious than earthly possessions, for
he has bequeathed to you good
name. It is an asset or capital that
you may use all through life II you be
like him. Because you are a son or
daughter of Herbert Tancil. that fact
will be, as it were, a passport to OBJ
tain for you the respect confidence
and support Of the best people, white
and colored, Of your city. Remem-
ber your father and resolve to deserve
the great distinction that came to him
in life, as this large congregations
presence at his funeral bears testi-
mony to 1t.
"a word more to my young hearers.
Remember Herbert Tancil. Think Of
his life and character-what he made
It and what 1t was in this community.
AS far as possible be like him; that
is, be true and honest to yourselves
and toward your fellow men. And II
you are it will make you not only more
self-respecting but more respected by
others, and thereby you will improve
the citizenship Of our CITY,"
I'm conclusion, let US hope that the
words we have heard this afternoon
with our outward ears and the i'm
pressions from these sacred services
may bring forth in all our hearts the
fruits of good living. So may 1t be-"
myself, continues the correspond
ent, knew Herbert Tancil and am,
therefore a competent witness as to
his worth. know not how many OF
the best blood Of Virginia have had
the offices Of those skillful hands, but
| I do know that, however many they
be they will agree in honortng the
memory Of the dead and Mr.. Johnson
for his appreciation Of that memory.
=. To AI