The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-02-25
Martyr to Cause
of Prohibition
Commissioner Peters Pays a
Striking Tribute to Slain
Inspector Payne-Funeral at
Alexandria Yesterday.

Especial TO the Richmond yirginian.)
Alexandria,, Va. Feb. 24.-The
body of William T.. PAYNE, the
brave and efficient prohibition In
spcctOr- who was killed Last Fri
day night by a negro bootlcggev
whom he had arrested. sleeps to-
night In q newly laid-out cerne-
terry near the center of the county
in which he had rendered match
less service i'm the enforcement OF
prohibition. to which he ssacrf-
feed his life. Fragrant flowers.
abundant and beautiful, arc
banked on tho new-madc mound.
beneath which all that was NOR
tai of the faithful officer was laid
to rest under the trees hate this
spring-like evening. just before
the sun sunk behind the western
sky. About the scpulchrc stood
with bowed heads and SOrrOw-
stricken hearts n great concoursr
OF peOple-people representative
of the county and state and of
that Virginia sentiment that ap-
piauds courage. maniiiicss and
such devotion 10 duty and the
public welfare M will lead a man
10 risk and even lay down his life
for them.
TIE funeral was a worthy tegtirao-
NAL to "a worthy man and bore evil
dence of pubic appreciation OF the
man and his work There WAS a
great outpouring OF the necpie of Rose
Ign and OF the county OF Alexandria.
Tho attendance of officials who knew
INSPECTOR Payne and recognized the
great value of his work waE notable.
The great bulk of Mr. Payne's work
in The department of prohl bition had
been done in the county, and the court
off ais were almost as appreciative
of the exceptional value Of Mr.. Payne
as Commissioner Peters and his aaso-
ciates.
Great Crowd at Funeral
The funeral took place this after
noon at o'clock from the inspectors
home in Rosslyn, Just across the Po-
tor 10 from Georgetown. and not far
from Alexandria courthouse. The
house, the porch and the yard were
roadad with grief stricken friends.
Tho casket was covered with beauti-
full and fragrant flowers. Many OF
the pieces were large and very hand
sore.
The services were simple bat very
tender and touching. They were con-
Quoted by Key. O. u. Jackson, pastor
Of he First Baptist church, OF Alex
aneria. Who had known Mr.. Payne
and valued him for his high charac-
ter and splendid work. Reg C. F.
Eyland. pastor of the First Baptist
church. NJ Clarendon. who is affec-
t!onately known in Rielslerd. where
he was for Il nam Der If years pastor
~ FIT End Baptist church. assisted
in the services In hts very earnest
prayer. Few. Mr.. Jackson bore the
atr! ken wife aud little boy TO the
throne of mercy and asked the guild
ance OF the divine hand for the men
Of the county and state. that they
might be real men, true men. who
would stand for the law aud it's en-
forcement.
Tribute of DIR. Peters
Rev, + Sidney Peters. commissioner
nf prohibition, responding To an invt-
tatiou extended by Rev Mr. Jackson,
made n brief address which com hined
a feeling tribute to his associate and
friend and an appeal for Increased re-
spect for and support of the law, es-
p"cialiy the prohibition law, which
many are dispeqsd both to rexist and
TO bring into disreputs.
II did not expect to take any part
in the services said, DR.. Peters, re-
vi fhe< sad u%eAssstn .sngs the
terrible tragedy which caused IL. hut
I appreciate the opportunity which
Or. Jackson has SO courtsously ex~
tended me of saying a few words. My
place here il With the family. not with
the preachers, for my grief is akin to
theirs
Evidently feeling deeply. ana his
voice falterinC. RS his eyes oiled with
tears. the commissioner continued:
mir. Payne was not only valued,
yea. an Invaluable associate in my
work. but he was my friend. loved
him like a brother. and my feelings
as | stand here in this sad presence
arc just like those I experienced when
we buried my brother in the flesh.
Mr.. Payne was to me all that both a
friend and a brother may be-"
Dr. Peters spoke briefly and with
of Mr.. Payne's striking
MISUNDERSTANDING modesb, his ut
most courage. his fearlessness, his
his tireIessness, energy
and his setf-denial. his tenderness and
even for those whom ne had
to arrest. and his devotion to duty.
Il do not believe Mr.. Payne knew
the meaning Of fear" said DR.. Peters.
Nearly all of MS sometimes have fear.
but l don't believe Mr., PAYNE knew
the meaning Of the. werd. Certainly,
he never showed II or allowed even
those nearest 10 him to suspect it
And vet he had n tender and synipa-
thetic heart. And the judges and
other officers of the court to which
most of his cases went knew of the
SYMPATHY he showed for those whom
1t was his duty to arrest and prose-
cute.
CONTINUED on Page T'wo.)