The Washington times., 1917-04-08
EOPOLUCCI AMONG
2S DEAD ON AZTEC
Ambassador Sharp Officially
Reports Death Of Washing
ton Seaman.
Continued from First Page.)

and sunk without notice April 3, ten
miles from Barsleur. Submarine un-
seen. No Americans. Three of crew
missing"
American Consul Washington at
Liverpool, reported that five were lost,
including JaTres Collier, an American,
in the sinking of the British steamer
Cristin. Preston, an American survi-
vor, has sailed for New York.
Capital Feels Loss.
The National Capital has been
deeply touched by the fact that one
of it's sons, John A. Eopolucci, was
the first of Americas fighting forces
to die in the war waged on this coun-
try by Germany.
Sentiment to this effect was much
in evidence today, echoing the tribute
paid to the American seaman by Sec
retary of the Navy Daniels, who in his
address before a Red Cross meeting
at Memorial Continental Hall Friday
night made reference to the loss Of
the steamer Aztec, torpedoed in the
Bay OF Biscay last Sunday.
at II the proud and sad privilege
of the people OF the Capital OF the
nation to have given the first sacrifice
in the struggle in which we are about
to take part" said Secretary Daniels.
when IL was decided to put armed
guards on merchant ships the call
came to the crew of the Dolphin. Its
officers and crew were known to me
personally, and fro mthis little ship
went forth John a. Eopolucci, the
first TO lose his life under arms in this
awful war which we have been COM
pelled to enter.
The Mothers Sacrince.
ing in her home tonight. my heart goes
out to her. for she has given more to
the cause Of Liberty than any billion
aire could give"
Mrs. William Cumming Story. presi-
dent general Of the Daughters OF the
American Revolution. said today in ref
erence to John Eopoluccis death:
"A mother who gives her hearts dear
est treasure-her son to her countrH's
service-has made the supreme sacri-
fee. That the first to die in service the
heart Of the nation. seems to have
many OF the brave hearts that respond
spiritual significance. l believ that in
in personal service there will be the
exultation that can alone come from i
war waged only for the cause OF h l.
n'anity. liberty, and justice to all peO-
pies"
The fact that & Washington boy was
the first to give his life in this struggle
for liberty ought TO impress district
citizens profoundly" said Mrs. Ada II.
Weiss. president Of The Legion OF Loyal
Women. Every association and indi-
vidual ought to aid in raising a fund
for a memorial
Three Generations In Service.
Though John Eopolucci bore an
Italian name he was a thorough
American for his father and his
grandfather were long members OF
the Marine Band. Antonio Eololucci
was for thirty years a member of
the band. and his son, father of the
seaman lost on the Aztec. retired af-
ter serving a shorter time in the
same organization. Antoio Eopolucci
died last year. Samuel died about
ten years. ago.
mother, two younger brothers
and four sisters survive John. With
the. exception OF one OF the sisters.
who is married, all live at $40 / street
southeast. a short distance from the
Navy Yard. and less than a block
from the Marine Barracks.
Lieut.. William II. Santelmann,
leader OF the Marine Band, was well
acquainted with both members OF the
Eopolucci family who served in that
organization.
Both were of the highest type of
men, said Lieutenant Santelmann.
Not only were they efficient SOL
ders. but they were musicians ana
gentlemen. John Eopolucci. who died
in service, deserves a fitting me-
mortal.