The Washington times., 1919-09-06


John g. capers. nationally promi-
nent as an attorney and political lead
er. died yesterday at his home, 1885 r
street northwest. Death was caused
by a stroke Of paralysis. =
Mr.. Capers had been al his offices
in the Evans building Thursday. he
left for home early, explaining tnat
he did not feel well and that he want
ed to rest. He started fo- work rs
usual yesterday morning. but was sud
denly taken IN and returned home. He
died at about 3 o'clock.
He was born in Anderson s. o
April Il, 1856. He was the son. 81
the late Bishop Ellison Capers and a
brother or Bishop William TheodoFus
capers.
Graduate of Colnnbia.
He was educated in the public
schools al Anderson and later attend
I'd the south Carolfna Military Acad-
eTuy at Charleston. from which be was
graduated In 1855 He earned the
degree Of LIZ Is. from Columbia Uni-
versity in 1857 and was admitted 20
the bar in the same year.
While Mr. Capers was praetieins
law in his home city he was ap-
pointed to the Department OF Justice
as Assistant United States Attorney,
by President Cleveland.
( He remained a Democrat until 1895,
when,. upon the nomination OF Bryan,
he became a supporter OF Mckinley
and Joined the Republican party. He
campaigned for Mckinley and ROOse-
Welt in 1900
Mr.. Capers was made Uhited States
District Attorney for South Carolina
In 1901. but after serving three years
resigned and came 70 Washington. TO
enter the practice OF law.
Attracted Taffs AttentIon.
: His work in the Federal service
had attracted the attention OF Presi-
dent Roosevelt, who appointed him.
Commissioned Of Internal Revenue in
1905.
In this office Mr.. CapeFs did most
effective work in breaking up-ilIielt
distillfng and in checking violations
OF the Internal revenue law.
As political party worker Mr..
Capers had few peers. Prior to the
Taft Presidential campaign, his serV-
ices were enlisted BY Frank II. Hitch
cock. then First Assistant Postmas-
ter General. to line up the Souther
delegates behind George b. Corteiyou,
for the Republican, Presidential eandi-
date.
Mr., Hitchcock went after the post
masters and postal employees. while
Mr., capers worked among the inter-
mai revenue employes.
Held In High Respect.
Both men had gained great head
way when Mr.. Hitchcock was advised
to give his attention to the candidacy
OF President Taft. Then followed
President Rooseyelt's memorable let
ter calling ION all Federal employees
10 re frain from political activity
Despite his reputation OF the Dem
ocratfe principles, he retained the re-
speet Of all South CaFoIinfans, al
time attempted to politically OStFacize
him for his act.
He was Republican National Com
mittteeman from south Carolina in
laO4-I0I2. and was a delegate al large
to the RepubIicaR National Conven-
tions in 1908 and 1908
was Twice Married.
Mr.. Capers was a member Of the
National Press Club. the Commercial
Club. the Southern Society a member
of the board Of directors OF the
chamber OF Commerce, and a member
OF the Board OF Trade.
He was twice married. his first wife
being Miss Sue Keels, OF Greenville.
s. c. He is survived by the present
Mrs. Capsrs. who was Miss Lila Tren-
holm, OF Charleston. S. C; two daugh-
ters, the Misses Frances and Char
lotte Capers: and q son, John g. Cap
ers. jr., and also by four. brothers and,
two sisters.
Arrangemeuts for the funeral win
be made after the arrival Of Mrs.