Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-04-19
TRIBUTE TO GEN. BIRD
AS SOLDIER AND CITIZEN
Memorial Service Held Yesterday
at Westminster Presbyterian
Church.

ut NtTN1ttS tt Ills tNuhatN
soldier and to his State, city and church
citizen, were recountcd yesterday
afternoon at the vcsper services at West
minister PRESBYTERIAN Church in memory
of the late Gen. Charles Bird. For many
years Gen. Bird was member of this
church.
The services were conducted by Rev.
Charles l.. Candee. the pastor, who
eulogizcd the deceased soldier and cltl-
zen. The first speaker, Judge George
Gray, gave short sketch of the life of
General Bird and remarked on his de-
votion To his State and his country. HE
was the highest type of citizen, devoted to
his home, his country and his people,
said Judge Gray.
The services OF Gen. Bird as a soldier
were the subject touched on by Gen.
James H. Wilson, who told many stories
of the various campaigns in which Gen.
Bird played part during the Civil War,
and spoke of the high esteem In which his
officers held him
Henry b. Thompson told of the great
interest manifested by Gen. Bird In the
Y. Nj. {. A. Thomas Z. Carswell, speaking
for the Young Peoples Society of West
minister Church, referred TO the great IN
terest taken by Gen. Bird in the promotion
of all movements for the benefit OF the
young men and young women.
Gen. Birds interest in the church was
told by Rev. j. II. Crawford, pastor of the
First and Central Presbyterian Church.
"He was the leading man in the Presby-
terian Church. He was leader IN the
community. He was soldier who per-
formed every duty fully and fearlessly.
We can i'll afford to lose a man of his high.
courage and lofty morals at this time
His memory will ever be guide to US
Henry II. Scott, chairman of the eXecu-
tive committee of Delaware Chapter,
American Red Cross, spoke for that or
ganlZatIon.
TRIBUTE OF THE RED CROSS.
Speaking for The Red Cross, of which
Gen. Bird was Delaware chairm IN, Henry
r. Scot said: MY intimate ASSOCIATE
with General Bird began in the develop
ment of the Delaware Chapter of the
Red Gross, to meet the war emergency.
Very few realize how far-reachIng this
work became. The Delaware Chapter at
the time of the armistice had over 100
branches an l auXIharies and an adult
membership in tbs State of over $4,000.
All honor to the noble Red Cross women of
Delaware, General Bird led this move
ment He made us feel his paternal inter
f~t- Ills NlAitutlt' Wis ttOt tiistA VI Il HAtiN-
nor officer, hut that of father, encourag-
ing TO the best endeavor through sym
pathy and understanding. His constant
attendance and loyalty were our best eX-
ample. He felt the difficulties. inspired us
with his faith and rejoiced in the good
work accomplished. Blessed he his MEM
ory."
Mr.. Scott next read the resolutions
adopted at the last meeting of the Red
Cross executive committee, which were
printed AT the time IN Every Evening.
AT the conclusion of the last meeting
which General Bird attended, MIR Scott
continued, 'he called me aside. He told
me Of the operation he must undergo and
his fear Of the result. He hoped to recover /
10 help work ont the peace program Of the
Red Cross, which was very near his heart.
In very touching words he spoke Of his
tender appreciation of, and his affection /
for us, his associates. / tired to cheer him
TO more confidence. but IL seemed as if the
shadows already were enclosing him. We
10 not flee the desolation which would be
ours II death ended ALL General Birds
spirit Is still with us-it seems 10 impel
Us 10 continue 70 place our means and our
services at the foot Of the Red Gross.
TRIBUTES FROM ABSENT FRIENDS.
Mr.. Scott read me following letters:
Washington, ID. C.. April IS, 1920.
'Aly dear MIR. Scott: We have Just
learned with deep regret Of the death of
Brigadier-General Charles Bird In the
death of General Bird, the American Red
Cross suffered the loss Of one of It's Oldest /,
and most loyal officers At the first an
nual meeting Of the American Red Cross.
held December ), 1905 General Bird was
elected member o. the central committee
by the delegates Of the State branches.
lie was AT that time also president of the !
Delaware State Branch and for Is years,
until the time Of his death he continued
ms valuable services as chairman of the
chapter when the State branch became a
chapter. From December ), 1905, until T
May ?, 1917, when he resigned, General
Bird remained ON the central committee. /