The Washington times., 1921-07-07

For -FOUR long Year, ne HAo ooeh
drifting, unable TO help or take care
OF himself. But for the charity Of
william Powell. and his wife, Lulu
Powell, the professor" would have
no place to lay his head.
Prof. Theophyl was musician.
His whole heart seemed wrapped in
music. One of the saddest moments
Of his declining years was the time
he found that no longer could he give
freedom TO his musical genius.
POWELL, THE SAMARITAN.
william Powell. 10 the good sa-
maritan" of this story. Though he Ia
but a poorly paid gardner. at the Ag-
riculturai Department, he promised
the professor that he would support
his as long as he had bread himself"
Tears welled in his eyes as he told the
story Of his protege's death. He strove
to suppress them, and his mouth quiv-
cred as the tale came in frsgmentary
episodes. ''''-"' 40
"'Tain't all Joy In this life. and
know it," he said, Maybe that's why
I cared for the old man. For nine
years he's been here, and don't even
know his last name. I loved him
like a father. But 1t is q blessing for
him to go. He's happy now, with mu-
sic, as think. in heaven"
Emotion shook the gardeners frame
as he recited what he knew Of Prof.
Theopbyl and how he died. A pause
and he continued: The old man never
spoke OF himself. heard all ! know
from others. He was famous. not
70 say renowned, musician. He play
ed the organ In many churches IN
Washington. He had many pupils.
and taught them up till few years
ago.
Hes been failing right along.
him. for II touched my heart to see
him come in my kitchen hungry.
OFTEN he csme for scraps. but hts
pride was never forgotten. He won
a place in my wife's heart aud IN
nina
SOUGHT FAME IN AMERICA
More than eighty years ago he
was born in Europe. From his baby
hood, through childhood. and all
through life he loved music. The
best Of a musicai education was af-
forded him: when European masters
no longer could teach him he came to
America
Here, twenty-five years ago. he
raw his sister. Since that time he
has never met relatives. Music was
his love His heart held nothing
else As age approached he found
that no longer could he eater his at
fections to music. "S-s
TT was as though his poetic heart
had been drained Of its last drop OF
vitality. and. dry and stir. had been
cast on the rocks OF despair to be
shattered AMI the bits scattered to
the winds That was the way the
professor felt he told his few frtenda
The bitter cup was drain ed--And since
then he has been drifting.
Four long years and he has
drifted into the shade beyond to
use his own words.
Prof. Theophyi was widely known
as a player OF many instruments. His
principal love was the organ. A pic
ture worthy OF painting, it was, say
his friends, to see him caress the
keys OF an organ to . melody OF
beauty; with his eyes turned up and
his gray hair and beard swaying
gently.
: The other day he was crossing
Ninth street and he fell right In the
middle OF the car tracks. Two kind
soldiers brought him home. since
then all has not been well. He was
a familiar sight In this neiehborhood,
with his small straw hat, his swal-
low-tailed long coat and his cane
But I've been told he was better
known in Baltimore. He was q great
musician there His fddle he loved.
HE just came to Washington and
lost himself from the world when he
was getting old. Tuesday he was
feeling bad. A roomer found him
lying across the bed and undressed
him. As hot as X was he was for