The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-20
Was Victim of Acute lndiges-
ton and Passed Away In
Few Minutes After Attack
WAR DEPARTMENT
PAYS HIM TRIBUTE
Army and Nation Has Lost
Brave Soldier and One of
Most Practical Fighter. In
Entire Military Service

ran antonio. Tex. Feb. IA
Ma ior-{.encral Frederick Fun.
ston. commander OF the Southern
department. dropped dead follow
ing dinner at the 81. anthony
hotel at S:f5 tonight. 4 compan.
ion OF the general stated that he
ate very sparingly and declined
rich foods. When offered n lob
sfer cocktail. he declined. saving:
on viii have to excuse me-
as / have had several attacks OF
acute indigestion lately"
Shortly after the dinner General
Funston. accompanied by friends, pro.
ceeded to the lobby. where his conf
panion suggested that they sit and
listen to the music. Seated Just across
from him was little girl. General
Funston motioned for her to come
over. At this moment his companion
remarked:
isn't that the Blue Danube
Waltz
General Funston replied:
No. I don't think it is"
He listened FOR few moments and
remarked
Yes. I believe it is 1t is the old
tunes that sound good
"ihS AuNousefo9s.
His companion noticed that one Of
General Funstons feet, which was
resting against a post. slid from its
position General Funston closed his
eyes. and his companion supposed. as
is the custom with many people, Cen
eraI Funston had relaxed his position
and closed his eyes In meditation
when suddenly he toppIed over. un-
conscious. He was hurried to a room
and physicians worked vigorously to
revive him. Their efforts failed.
The doctors said General Funston
had died Of acute indigestion.
Colonel Barnum chief OF staff of
the southern department.. stated Mt
the 81. Anthony tonight that the bodv
would be aiken to Fort Sam Houston
at 10 o'clock in the morning. II II
assumed that the body will be accom-.
panied by heavy military guard.
colonel Barnum also stated that he
was notified of General Funston.
death tonight by Captain Fitzhugh
Lee. General Funstou's aide. when
Captain Lee said that General Fun
ston had dropped dead in the lobby
OF the ST Anthony hotel. Colonel
Barnnm could hardly believe the re-
port. and Cantain Lee was Obliged "a
repeat the message three times.
Colonel Barnum Wires News
colonel Barnum then wired the ad-
jutant general at Washington that
General Funston had dropped dead
shortly after a dinner heia at a local
hotel tonight He also Wired Ma ior
General Pershing and other army Of
fcers OF the death OF General Fun
ston
There are two theories regarding
the death of General Funston. Ore
is that death was caused by heart
failure, and the other and most prob
able theory is that acute indigestion
was the cause. General Funston had
been suffering from acute indigestion
for the past few weeks, and had been
unable to see neMspa per men n,4 se..--
eral occasions on account OF this III
ness. bur as the general would be all
sent one day on account OF his Illness
and then appear the next dav in good
spirits and apparently good health, /.
was assumed that his condition was
not serious.
General Funston was very popula II
with the army. as well as the citixn~-
OF San Antonio. Shortly after hts
death the lobby of the hotel wa
was crowded with officers and cits-
zens lake. Men stood about discuss
ing his death with tears in their eyes