The New York herald., 1922-06-17
Tribute by Francis Wilson.

Tribute by Francis wilson.
The first and one of the most eloquent
tributes was paid by Francis Wilson.
president emeritus of the Equity. who
said that the gathering was 'honoring
the memory of a woman who honored
u.s."
NO one would have been more sur
prised.' he continued. "at such tribute
than she. She would have said; Surely
such a tribute is worth dying for We
actors adored Lillian Russell, not only
because she was beautiful, not only be-
cause of the charm OF her personality.
but because she was big and bold and
brave enough to stand up for the rights
of her profession when standing up for
them meant something. Farewell. Lill-
ian Russell-the legend of your beauty,
the legend of your charming personality
are destined to remain with US thI ough
the long, long years.
As presiding officer Mr.. Wilson then
read kilograms of regret at their In :
ability to be present from Secretary OF
Laber James J. Davis and Mrs. Harding,
who said that Miss Russell had radiated
charm throughout a busy life that ended
all too soon. A representative of Sec
retary Davis, Mr.. Shanor, read a per-
sonal message from him that said in
part
From her inexhaustible spirit of youth
"a nation has been inspired. All her
life she remained dnspoiled by fusome
praise and flattery. Her words to an
audience of boys and girls at Moose
Temple, Pittsburgh. inspired the slogan
of the Moose. which ! later adopted :
DO some good for some one each day.
The men OF the marines regarded her
as one of themselves and mourned her
| as "a comrade
! "She brought back report on the
| immigration situation from Europe
! founded on humanity and American
ideals. She believed with many others
that American shores should be safe
guarded abroad and that all those COM
ing here should be forced to meet Amer
lean standards in blood. in body. in
mind and in morals. No greater tribut.
could be paid to her than this. that she
made the world a merrier, happier place
to live in
After Mr.. Wilson announced that
Frank Gilmore. executive secretary of
the Equity, was at that moment laying
wreath on Miss Russells tomb Ia
Pittsburgh. the Rev. Archimandrite
Patrick Mythen of the Greek Cathedral
Of ST. Nicholas read a message sent by
DR.. Edward S. Travers, the officiating
clergyman at the funeral. DR.. Travers.
after stating that he had met Miss
Russell only in church. where she was d
| frequent attendant. went on:
mot many persons know that her
Bible was well thumbed--the kind of
Bible clergyman loves to see-worn,
marked and remarked. She sought TO
love God--in service to her fellows she
sought to fulfill the will of her Master
For one hour every day. while she read
her Bible. she would not be disturbed
by the things of this life. She liked also
Go attend church II was in the church
that her career began and she always
spoke of ii with affection.
She was proud of her connection
with the stage. Many time / have
heard her speak of you as my people.
What made Lillian Russell great was
her religion"
''Was n Pal to All of U.s."
De Wolf Hopper spoke for the pro-
fession, saying:
We shall always remember her at
The pinnacle Of her life when she passed
on She was the perfect embodiment
of the three most beautiful words
loyalty. maternity and altruism. For
two years | had the pleasure of appear
ing on the stage with her. and / never
saw such democracy. She was Just a
because that suited her so we'll. Miss
Russell did as much as any one per-
son to give our profession a niche in
the social fabric"
Col. William Hayward also spoke in
behalf of the military service.
During the afternoon Lieutenant-Com-
mander John Philip Sousa led the
navy band in the playing of the ma
tional anthem, and a quartet sang
Miss Russelrs favorte hymns. Rock
of Ages" and My Faith Looks Up to
Thee" The services ended with a volley
by the marines and the sounding OF
:aps.
on the platform were 4. O. Brown,
9, epherd OF the Lambs; Grant Stewart,
corresponding secretary of the Equity;
Grant Mitchell. acting president: Miss
Florence Reed, Miss Marjorie Rambeau,
Ernest Truck, Fred Stone, Otto Kruger
and Harry c. Browne.
Tomorrow morning at 1l.l5 O'Clock
the b. +. Keith vaudeville circuit, on
which Miss Russell appeared on nu-
n,eroug occasions. Will render tribute to
her all over the country. Local services
will be held at the Palace Theater.