Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-11-27

the ground upon which the Naval OBJ
servatory now stands.
I'm 1s4S.'' he said, ION the death of
my father, who was an old and faith
pointed to a small clerkship here, and
here I have remained, in continuous
service. This seems a long official
journey: yet it has been a sweet one
personal intercourse with distinguished
officers. from the renowned Matthew
Fontaine Maury down to the present
accomplished head of the observatory
parable Charles Henry Davis. and others
of high rank and attainments-Ad-
mirals John Rodgers. Charles Henry
Davis, jr., Benjamin F.. Lands, Samue!
them all / hold in grateful memory.
The distinction of being the oldest
clerk in the War Department belongs
to Raphael Prosper Than. Indeed, Mr.
the entire government service. occupy
ing that responsible position since 1855
Never before. in the history of any or
the executive departments of the gov
nor is it likely that another will for
many years, If ever. for 1T would re-
Qure the appointment of young man
Of twenty-three tc the Responsible posi-
tion of chief clerk of a bureau or Of
flee and retaining it for fifty-two years
*
On the recommendation of Gen. Irwin
Mcdowell tthen major, and assistant
general at the headquarters of the
army in New York city,. Lieut.. Gen
Winfield Scott September l. 1853. APP
pointed Mr.. Than chief clerk at his
headquarters. On Gen. SCOTS retire
ment, November !. lS3l. Mr.. Than
was transferred in the same capacity
to the adjutant generals office. in this
city, which position he retained until
June 80. 1904. when that office was
consolidated with the record and pen
Mr.. Than halls from the sunny land
of France He came to this country
with three young companions on what.
in the English vernacuiar, might pe
termed a lark.
we expected to find he said. In
dams in New York city. and wealth
for the asking. l need not say We soon
discovered our mistake: My three COM
panions soon returned to our native
country, but ] decided to remain and
to succeed. if possible. ] was acquaint-
ed with the English language only
through books. and my pronunciation
was decidedly puZZling to those with
whom ] conversed. ] would put the ac-
cent upon the wrong syllable so strong
IL as utterly to disguise my words. SO
that people. doubtless, wondered what
Il recall once being asked the time by
a stranger in New York. | replied that
il was three minutes past eleven. ac-
centuating strongly the first syllable of
the latter word. My questioner went
away quite puzzled. The name OF a.
passing steamer was asked ME by a lady
near whom l was sitting on hotel ve-
randa overlooking Lake Erie. at Buff
falo | said the Southerner. emphasiZ-
ing tine middle syllable this time. and
again, I am afraid. | did not enlighten
nv uuestioner.
Until my connection with the War De-
Dartment l had quite time in seeking
employment. l remember once going into
a newspaper Office and rendering my
services. but. l presume, my foreign &C
cent was not in my favor"
Mr.. Than inherits military tastes from
his ancestors his father having served
as an officer under the great Napoleon in
all the latter's campaigns save the dis
astrous ones in Spain and Russia. He il
IA student. however. by temperament. and
has devoted many of his leisure hours to
a systematic and exhaustive course OF
reading on the history. organization and
administration of the army Of the United
States. and. in addition to the duties o!
his position, prepared. from time to time
a number ofGpooks OF reference on mill.