Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-07-07


loved dearly William Robertson Smith
native Of Scotland, and regarded
as one of the most lovable characters
in all Washington, passed into death
shortly after 1 o'clock this morning in
his quaint home in the center of the
National Botanic Garden. of which he
had been superintendent for many years.
Heart trouble was the direct cause of
death. Mr.. Smith was eighty-four years
old and had been resident of Washing
ton since 1862. He had been in poor health
for nearly a year. and for the past month
his death had been expected momentarily.
Funeral arrangements have not been COM
pleted. but in accordance with the wishes
Of the deceased they will be under Ma
sonic auspices and will doubtless include
the blue lodge, knights Tempiar and Rose
Croix service of the Ancient and Ac-
cepted Scottish Rite. William F. Guide
will make the arrangements, by special
request of Mr.. Smith before his death.
and part of the services at least will be
conducted at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
Sd and E streets northwest.
Mr.. Smith was a memoer of the Asso-
citation of Oldest Inhabitants of the Dis
trict of Columbia. He was a thirtieth
member Of Washington Centennial Lodge.
No. IA, F. A. A. NJ, since July. 1877 of
Lafayette Chapter, No. 5, Royal Arch
Masons. since November o. 1873. and of
DeMolay Mounted Commandery. No. 4, X.
T., since April 2, 1888.
During the past half century few men
were closer to the nations leading states
men than was William Robertson Smith.
There was no man, woman or child, no
matter Of what station in life, who was
not welcomed at the gardens OF which he
was in charge. To some he pointed out
the peculiarities and beauties of the thou
sands of vines, plants and flowers within
the garden which he had developed from
barren morass of sixty years ago to
its present state Of perfection. To others
he spoke OF his priceless collection of the
works of Robert Burns within the library
of his home, a collection that represented
his lifes work and which is surpassed by
none In this country and by but one in
the world.
His House Resting Place.
Members of both houses of Congress,
tired by long debates and discussions
sought out Mr.. Smiths home as a resting
place. Others visited there to memorize
addresses that were to make them
famous, In this way Mr.. Smith became
acquainted with the country's foremost
statesmen. He made acquaintance which
invariably grew into warm friendship.
Mr.. Smith was ever on the alert to
make Washington more beautiful. When
he came to this city sixty years ago
parks and gardens were practically un-
known, and it was largely through his eff
forts that they have been brought to
their present state of perfection Not
only were the parks of the city benefited
as the result Of his labors but under his
supervision thousands Of plants and vines
which were propagated in the National
Botanic Garden were shipped to many
points throughout the country.
Mr.. Smith was a man of wide culture
ana eminent scientific requirements. He
believed firmly In the occupatio which
he had followed from childhood.
THE occupation of a gardener has
never held among the professions the
rank it deserves to hold Mr.. Smith re-
marked while showing a visitor through a
greenhouse on one occasion
An artist, for example, who gives the
world a painting of flower. mere imi-
tatton of the originals shadow of the
substance, as 1t were-has a higher posi-
ton than that of the horticulturist, the
co-worker with the Creator who by
years of toll and care and earnest study
OF its requirements, brings that flower to
perfection.
Worked for Park Development.
Mr.. Smith was throughout his long
career In Washington an ardent believer
in the future of the capital as one Of the
worlds most attractive cities. He labor
ed earnestly in this cause with the states
men Of his wide acquaintance and was
influential to a large de-
gree in creating sentiment favorable to
park improvements. His intense love OF
trees and all other natural products
caused him to oppose with all the rugged
strength of. his nature all attempts at
park encrOachment and tree destruction.
His fight for the protection of the Bo-
tanic Garden against encroachment toI
make way for the misplaced Grant monu-
ment Is still fresh in memory. He was
consistently an advocate OF the natural
or Downing plan of park development
of the Mall as opposed to the artificial
LIE Notre plan. One Of his most cherish
ed conceptions was that Of an American
Appian way, a boulevard to Gettysburg
to be lined with trees that would make
II a great national arboretum. During
the latter years Of his life Mr.. Smith |
espoused this cause earnestly and I'M
doubtedly won many friends for the pro- |
posed Lincoln boulevard project.
His Early Life.
Born in Athelstane, Haddingstonshire. |
Scotland, in 1923. Mr.. Smith was a child /
of seven years when his father came to /
this country to prepare q home for the /
family The latter were expecting q let /
ter summoning them to join him when q /
missiye came instead announcing the
fathers death. AS he advanced in age |
young Smiths desire to see America in
creased as keenly as his desire for learn
ing.
named Geordie Simpson, who had book /
Of travels on America. Smith earned the /
right to read this precious volume by /
a cord Of wood for Geordie The /