Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-04-22
F|Lp|NOS LAMENT
CHAMPIONS DEATH
Send Condolences to the
Widow of Representative
.. william A. Jones.
PORTO RIcANS ALSO MOURN

have officially conveyed to Mrs. Will
liam A. Jones. widow of the veteran
representative from Virginia, who was
author of the bill for Philippine inde-
pendence and who devoted the best
years Of his legislative career to its
passage, their sympathy and apprecia-
ton of the former members efforts for
their welfare.
These sentiments were conveyed in
tho following cablegram from Manuel
Quezon, formerly delegate here, now
in the Philippine legislature:
Message From the Philippines.
'"The Nacionalista party desires you
to convey to Mrs. Jones its most pro-
found 70 .na sorrow and sympathy for the loss
we owe cordial and disinterested sup
port in our long and persistent efforts
for the freedom Of the Filipinos.
His constancy and determination to
Congress. as well as his success in the
passage OF the act which bears his
name. entiue him to our permanent
gratitude. May the blessings Of our
people and Of our posterity fall upon
his tomb to reanimate his great serv-
ices"
From Porto Rico came a message from
the house or representatives. It ex-
pressed sympathy and asked that the
the late virginian. Mr.. Jones also IA
thered legislation for Porto Rico.
Twenty-Eight Years in House.
Representative Jones was not only the
dean of the Virginia delegation. but he
was next to Uncle Joe" Cannon. the
House. He was elected to serve four
teen terms. twenty-eight years. repre-
seqting the first district Of Virginia. He
however. until he was forty-two years
old. He was born in Warsaw. Rich
mond county, on March 81. 1s49, the son
Of the late Thomas and Anne Trow-
mothers side to the Lee family and
wore a watch charm which had been
worn by Light Horse Harry" Lee Of
revolutionary fame. from whose family
Mr.. Jones was descended.
Mr.. Jones entered the Virginia Mill
tary Institute in 1854. and as a cadet
served In the defense Of Richmond.
After the civil war he attended the
University Of Virginia law school He
took up the practice Of law as soon as
served as commonwealth attorney in
his home county. He early took an
active part in politics and was a dele
gate to the Democratic national con-
VcntiOW6 III 1ooU, 1880 ana IN 1SUU.
He was elected to the House in 1891
and as soon as he became a member
he challenged the attention of his COL
leagues by his courage and his bold
ness in debate. He was known for his
fearless and uncompromising advo-
Long Fight for Philippines.
When the Philippine Islands were
coded to the United States by Spain
tcommittee was created to deal with the
problems presented by the islands.
pme of the most prominent mon on
Soth sides of the chamber were ap-
being the ranking democratic member.
He was among the first who espoused
the cause of granting the islands the
right Of self-government ultimately.
The Virginian regarded the passage
of the Philippine Independence bill,
giving the Filipinos the right of self
government, as the greatest achieve
ment OF his congressional career. The
last eighteen years he devoted himself
heart and soul to advancing the cause
Gratis gained control of the House he
became chairman of the committee on
the Philippines and Porto Rico.
Mr.. Jones left his mark in Congress,
being known on both sides Of the cham
Der for his honesty and high IDEALS He
was often too outspoken for his political
good. But he did not play politics"
standing for or opposing measures on
their own merits.
In the summer Of 1911 Mr. Jones oo-
posed Senator Martin for the nomination
for the Senate. At the Same time Repre-
sentative Carter Glass became q candi-
date for the senatorial nomination against
Senator Swanson. Jones and Glass were
linked as running mates and conducted a
joint campaign.
Mr.. Jones' only daughter is the wife Of
Maj s. Roland Hopkins Of the Regular
jr. Is a lieutenant in the aviation corps
and is stationed at training camp in
Texas.