The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-06
A President, a Secretary of War, a Senator, Newspa-
 per Man Speak
TEARS FORGE TAFT
 TO CEASE SPEAKING
Impressive Memorial Services for President Taft's Late Aide Held in Washington-Major Typi-
 cal of Our Army

Washington, May 5-The life of Ma Jor Archibald " Butt. as a soldier. newspaper man, aide to presidents, and lodge member. and his heroic death on the Titanic. were commemorated by his commander In chief-a president, sec retary of war a senator of his native state, a contemporary in the newspaper field, and the fraternity of Masonry, at an impressive memorial service here today.
 The tribute President Taft paid to his late aide epitomized all that was said. Everybody knew Archie, as Ar chie,'' said the President. T cannot go into box at a theatre; I cannot turn around In my room-I cannot go any where without expecting to see his voice in greeting. The life of the President is rather isolated, and those appointed to live with him come much closer to him than anyone else. The bond is very close and it is difficult to speak on such an occasion. Archie Butts Character" Archie Butts character was single. simple, straightforward and incapable of Intrigue. clear sense of humor frightened his life, and those about him. Life was not for him troubled prob lem. He was q soldier, and when he was appointed to serve under another, to that other he rendered implicit loy Ialty. I never knew man who had so much self-abnegation. so much self sacrifice as Archie Butt.
 occasions like the sinking of the Ti- tanic frequently develop unforeseen traits in men. It makes them heroes when you don't expect 1t. But with Archie 1t was just as natural for him fo hal, al him a if fp- him to ask me to permit him to do. something for me.
 He was on the deck of the Titanic exactly what he was everywhere. He leaves a void with those who loved him. but the circumstances of his going are all what we would have had and, while the tears fill the eyes, and the voice Is choked, we are felicitated by the memory of what he was l Taft Breaks Down President Taft spoke with difficulty, and he was forced to an abrupt ending by a failure of voice and a steady flow of tears Beside Mrs. Taft sat MT. and Mrs. Lewis Butt of Augusta, Ga. Opposite them sat Secretary Wilson, Secretary Meyer and other prominent officials. Sen stor Bacon sat with the members of the Georgia delegation in Congress and throughout the meeting place were states men. soldiers and friends of the late of- icer Temple Lodge No. S2, of the Ma sonic fraternity. was seated with the speakers.
 Secretary Stimson recounted Major Butts military career and described his heroic conduct on the Titanic.
 we like to think of him there as fit repre- sentative of the American army, quietly doing his duty. Such an end is far from a tragedy it is the fulf1lment of a soldiers faith.' said MT. Stimson.
 Tribute of the Press
 Senator Hoke Smith of Georgia, who once employed Major Butt as a Washing ton correspondent. and knew him as man and boy, spoke feelingly of his assocla- tions He said he could not fail to mem tion the splendid courage of another Geor- gian. Jacques Futrelle, who lost his life on the Titanic a fellow worker with Major Butt. Edgar C. Snyder, Washing ton newspaper man, spoke of Major Butts activity in the newspaper field and quoted a tribute written by Henry Watter- son. former employer of the Presidents aide.
 Carter B. Keene, master or Major Butts lcdgo, also spoke. Phander C. Johnson read a poem dedicated to Major Butt. During the services the Marine band. as- sisted by a choir. gave programme of appropriate music