The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-08-24

FLAGS OVER CITY
PLACED HALF MAST
Was Native Of Philadelphia and
Well Known in Law and
Politics.

Surrounded by only the members of
his family. the body Of John Watkin-
son Douglass, former Commissioner Of
the District Of Columbia, was laid to
rest IN Oak Hin Cemetery at II o'clock
this morning. The Rev. James Mcclure
Henry offciated.
Mr., Douglass died at o'clock Satur-
day morning at Kent. Conn, where he
Was spending the summer with his
daughters. Mrs. William McMurtrie and
airs. William NJ. Strong. With him at
the time Of his death we're Commits
ington by Commissioner mcfarland,
who was a daughter of Mr.. Douglas.
The body was accompanied to Wash
ington by Commissioner Masfarland,
Mrs. Macfarland, Mrs. Strong and
George l. Douglass. a son of the former
Commissioner.
Mr.. Douglass had been in failing
health nearly two years. Eighteen
months ago he went 10 New York for
treatment and never returned TO Wash
ington.
Flags on all the District buildings
were placed at half mast today and the
following resolutions of sympathy were
adopted by the Commissioners:
Resolutions Adopted.
The Commissioners Of The District Of
Columbia have learned with regret Of
the death. on the Dist instant, at Kent,
Conn. OF Hon. John Watklnson Douglass,
who served as Commissioner of the Dis
trict OF Columbia from May q. 1889, TO
February =, 1893, and who during his
term Of service acted as president of the
board.
During his incumbency Commissioner
Douglass displayed high order Of ad-
ministrative capacity. ana inaugurated
ana was instrumental in securing much
legislation Of great value 70 the citi-
gems OF the District and to the public
service. He had especial jurisdiction
over charities, public schools, the Fire
Department, and the assessment Of
taxes. and in these departments was ef-
fective in advancing the District well
fare.
patty 10 the family OF the deceased, and
as a mark of respect direct that this tes-
timOnial be placed upon the official
minutes of the board, and that the nags
on All District buildings be placed at
half mast until after the funeral
Born In Philadelphia.
Mr.. Douglass was Born in Philadelphia
Bn October ., 1877. Ten years later tine
Family removed TO Erie. Pa, where he
received his early education and studied
law in the office Of James Thompson,
RfterWard chief justice Of the supreme
court of Pennsylvania. Mr.. Douglass
was admitted TO the bar In 1880. and i'm
mediately began 10 take an active inter
est IN political affairs. in 1852 he was
appointed collector of internal revenue
fer the Nineteenth district OF Pennsyl-
vania, and later was given the position
Of first deputy commissioner of inter
nal revenue under Secretary Boutwell,
IN 1871 the Office of Commissioner Of
internal Revenue became vacant. and
Mr. Douglass was given the position,
which he retained until 1919. Various
fneasureS Of economy were introduced
bY him. and he reduced the number Of
employees from $500 TO 3.000 and did
much 10 perfect and simplify the meth
Bds of the department
Practiced Law.
After his resignation from the inter-
pal revenue service, he devoted himself
20 the practice Of law in the United
States and District courts. and in 1889
was appointed by President Harrison as
Commissioner of the District, being
N'VN-NA ~ -l-.4'Ll- "a t'iS pSa-u oit KS
organization Originally a Democrat
Mr. Douglass united with the Republi-
can party, and was aHa active worker in
ITS councils for many years
he was a member of a family dis
huguished in-COlonial and Revolutionary
days. One ancestor, Paul Lily White,
vas associated with William Penn in
The early development of Pennsylvania.
Col. John Douglass, another ancestor.
4
8 regiment for the Revolutionary army.
Ior which service me was personally
thanked by General Washington, who
became his friend and bestowed upon
PIN many gifts which are today heir
looms IN hp family.