New-York tribune., 1918-07-07

evoked expressions OF hdmlTatiOn anu
esteem yesterday from those who had
been his opponents and those who had
been his adherents during his term as
Mayor and before. Mayor Hylan
ordered all city flags lowered to half
staff and sent message of sympathy
to Mrs. Mitchell on behalf Of the city
and himself.
Borough President Bowling recol-
lected that Major Mitchell had told him
shortly before starting for California
training field: "If 1 die, 1t doesn't
matter when or how. A man could not
die more gloriously than for his coun-
try"
The Rev. DR.. Christian f. Reisner
suggested immediate plans for monu-
ment. Some of the comments follow:
"Mayor Hylan-The news Of the
death of John Purroy Mitchell is
great personal shock TO me. My sin
cere sympathies go out to Mrs. Mitchell
in this, her great bereavement.
proper steps will be taken by the
officials of the city and the public
generally to pay every respect to the
late Mayor"
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt.-"I have
just telegraphed my deep sympathy
and concern to Mrs. Mitchell and asked
her to express my sympathy to the
ex-Mayor's mother. OF course, John
the service of his country as if he
had been killed fighting German
planes in France, and every air
fighter shows by that very fact that
he is man of peculiar mark in our
army.
"No stauncher American, no ADLER
and more disinterested public servant,
no better citizen. and no finer natural
soldier than John Purroy Mitchell was
to be found in all our country.
mourn his loss from the standpoint of
a friend a%d the standpoint of an
American citizen"
Theodore Rousseau, formerly secre-
tary to Mayor Mitchel-"J Purroy
Mitchell was the best friend l had in
the world. 1t is to be regretted that
man of such value to the world should
be taken away in the prime of life. The
dearest thing to Mr.. MitchePs heart
was desire to get. into the fighting
that he did not live long enough to
have his cherished wish gratified. He
died for his country just as much as
the brave men who are dying in actual
battle abroad"
Borough President Frank L. Dow
ling-"J ohm Mitchell was a man who did
not know what fear was. | talked with
him many times about his entrance in
ITO the aviation service, and always to
my words Of caution his only answer
was that for himself he did not care
what happened. but that he would not
want to have his wife or mother suffer.
"In a talk with him just before he
started to begin training for the avia-
ton service, suggested to him that
his services might be larger in some
other branch of war work, but he shook
his head in answer. If | die, it don't
matter when or how. A man could not
die more gloriously than for his
country
"He was what I would call a game
man In every sense, and was as plucky
as he was game. / knew him intimately
for years, and admired him. We diff
fered radically as to the manner of
handling municipal affairs, but l al
ways found him ready to listen and to
counsel with me-"
Charles Evans Hughes-"I am deeply
shocked to hear of the death of ex-
Mayor Mitchell. He was gallant sol
dier and will always be remembered
for his sterling qualities and for his
efficient service to the city"
Department of Charities-"Tkis is
most regrettable occurrence. Former
Mayor Mitchell certainly made good as
a man and a soldier, and he died as
soldier. We cannot pay too much re-
spect to his memory. | will, of course,
join in any service the city may see
hit to arrange"
County Clerk William F. Schneider:
81 am very greatly shocked, for l had
expected Mayor John Purroy Mitchell
would be Of great service to his coun-
try. He was possessed of an exception
ally keen mind and was the best in
formed man on municipal affairs in the
United States"
William M. Bennett:
at was a great shock to me-. This is
all can say"
Ebert H. Gary:
81 am terribly shocked by news of
the death of ex-Mayor Mitchell. His
death will be deplored by multitudes of
people Of this country and of other
countries. His acquaintances were very
extensive His official position brought
him in contact with many prominent
men Of all nations. He was man of
high character and of brilliant address,
and was the best of friends. In nv
opinion he was one of the best Mayors
New York City has ever had He was
honest, Industrious and progressive.
His death is great misfortune, and he
leaves a vacancy in world affairs which
it will be difficult to fill. While he was
temporarily removed from the activi
ties of political life, he had before him
expectations Of great achievements. He
offered himself as a supreme sacrifice
to his country. Memory of his ac-
quaintance will be cherished by all who
knew him"
c. Give Bayley, British Consul Cen
eral:
81 had known former Mayor Mitchell
for many years, and his sudden death
is great shock to me. We who knew
him deeply regret his untimely end, but
are proud to learn he gave his life in
the service Of his country"
DR.. Katharine Is. Davis, former head
of the Department of Corrections:
at is simply terrible. He was my
close personal friend, apart from our
associations in the administration of
the city's affairs. Somehow I have felt
all along that this would be the end
when he entered the service. I don't
know why, but | have had misgivines