Evening star., 1920-04-01


past month and a half.
Under Treatment for a Month.
Gen Simnls came to Asheville early in
February. staying for some time at
the Manor. He left the Manor for
the Hfllcrest Sanitarium, where he
had been taking treatment for a
stomach disorder for the past month.
Physicians said he had apparently
been gaining in health and had possi-
bly, had a setback yesterday. His
horse was found grazing near the
body. which was attired in a riding
ha bit.
The condition of Gen. Simms had
been improved in the past few days
and he was allowed to take a horse
yesterday. ostensibly to go riding.
Apparently he secured piece of rope
at the same time. His body was found
near the road not more than a mile
from the sanitarium. The county
sheriff and county clerk took charge
of the case in the absence of the
county coroner. They pronounced it
case of suicide and stated it was not
necessary to hold an inquest. 1t was
said at the sanitarium today that Cen
Simms had brooded very much lately
ocer his condition. but that yesterday
morning before starting on his ride
he had appeared in good health and
spirits.
Accompanied by the widow the
Washington this morning. The body
left here on the 6 am. train and will
probably arrive in Washington to-
night some time. 1t was prepared
for burial by the Hare Reynolds
Company of Asheville. Gen. Simms.
months or more. the majority of
which time he had been taking treat
ment at Hillcrest sanitorium in the
suburbs, apparently became despond-
ent over continued i'll health.
Gen. Simms went off the main high
way selecting a spot on Bose's creek
on the mountain side. His horse was
found grazing nearby.
Had Nervous Trouble.
Arriving here over two months ago,
Gen. Simms stopped at the Manor. but
he later entered Hillcrest Sanitarium,
apparently suffering from a nervous
breakdown. He had since been at this
sanatarium and recently his wife
Joined him there and she too has been
taking treatment.
Yesterday morning Gen. Simms ap-
peared to ge in good spirits. and joked
with the physician in charge about
helping the carpenters who were
place. stating that he would like to
get job there. The physician had
one of his horses nearby, and the
general asked to be allowed to use it,
The general rode way waving good
bye to the crowd. He had the rope
ed. When his body was discovered
the county authorities were notified,
and with the undertakers, went to the
scene and cut the body down.
Identified With District Affairs.
Brig. Gen. Simms was ffty-one wears
OF age and had been closely identified
with District affairs all his life. He
was born in the District of Column
bia. the son of Charles and Elizabeth
Simms. Charles Simms, his father.
was a naval of1cer on the Merrimac c
during the civil war.
cosG 0aleiais OF Of the, the Capital Traction
been treasurer for the past flfteen
years. Joined today in expressing their
regret at the death Of a friend and
esteemed business associate. John H.
Hanna. vice president Of the COM
pany. said he and other offlcials had
that they had not yet regarded their
| official loss. Mr.. Hanna had known
Gen. Simms for thirty years. as had
other officials OF the company, and
said Gen. Simms was known as one
OF the family" Of the Capital Trac-
1--WE regarded Gen. simms very
| highly" Mr.. Hanna said today. HE
| was man who made friends and kept
them. He filled a very important post
with the company and flled 1t WE'LL
Gen. Simms enlisted in the District
National Guard more than thirty
years ago as private of field artil.
| lery. He then was transferred to the
cavalry as sergeant. and later wa.
assigned to infantry, serving q tota
of seven years as an enlisted man ant
seventeen years as a commissioned of.
| fcer. He was made first lieutenant
in the guard in 1895. He was commits.
stoned captain in the 1st District o.
Columbia Volunteer Infantry in 1898
and saw special duty in Florida. as
signed to the chief Quartermaster'l
brigade. AT the conclusion Of the
| Spanish American war he returned Il
the District Guard as first lieutenant
he was promoted to major in 1899 and
In 1903 was made colonel. He was re
tired on his own application In 1911.
| Succeeded Gen. Harvey.
| In 1915 Gen. Simms. then colonel
retired, was recalled to active serv
cruiting in the District ana on oom
pletion of this duty was again retired
| He was appointed by the Presiden
brigadier general commanding thu
/ District National Guard on Januar!
! is. 1913. succeeding Gen. Harvey. Dur
ing his command of tho guard here
Gen. Simms had succeeded since th'
armistice in putting the organization
| on an active basis. During the wal
the guard served as a valuable adjunc
TO the forces protecting Washington
Under the regime Of Gen. Simms. In
door and outdoor rife practice for thu
guard was inaugurated and Q series o.
weekly drills carried out.i
Gen. simms went tor<ths Capital