The Washington times., 1925-05-21

CONTINUED fFom First Page.J
unoeasing devotion to his public
work.
Great Loss to Capital
He declared the National Capital
was suffering a great loss in the
departure of this distinguished
touched on the home life of the
Commissioner. particularly the bond
which existed between the Com
missioner and his late wife.
There were prayers by the Rev
erend w. s. Abernathy, pastor Of
the Calvary Church, and the sarv-
ices were concluded.
Once again and for the last time,
the body Of the Commissioner was
carried past the guard of honor of
policemen and firemen. In a salute
the men paid their last tribute to
their beloved chief.
The procession went out H street
to Pennsylvania avenue, to Twen-
ty-eighth street and to Oak Hill
Cemetery. Only a few relatives
and close personal friends OF the
family attended the services at the
grave.
Rests Beside Wife.
The body of Commissioner Oyster
was laid to rest beside the grave of
his wife, uniting him again with
the woman whose death was such
blow as to hasten his own end.
Commissioner Oyster died early
Tuesday morning in his apartment
with his son, Norman W., and his
daughter, Helene, at his bedside.
He did not want to die; he wanted
to complete the two years which
remained of his term as District
Commissioner.
He knew, that he could not do
this and so he consoled himself in
the thought that he was dying Sin
of the District of Columbia; dying
in the service of the people whom
he served so long.
Oysters passing brings an end to
the career of a citizen who was
known and honored by all Wash
ington. He was born on Capitol
Hill, seventy-four years ago, when
washington was but a village.
Saw Beginning Of New Era.
Oyster was just blossoming into
manhood when Governor Alexander
r. Shepherd put over his ppectac-
beginning of a new era in Wash
ington. Shepherd, Washington s last
governor, put over a program OF
public improvements which turned
Washington from a village TO a city
almost over night.
1t was about this time, in the
early 1870's, when he made three
resolutions. He set three goals to
reach before his death. These were:
To never do anything to bring
disgrace upon his parents; to do
nothing which he would be ashamed
to tell his father and mother.
To gain the respect and serve the
people Of his city.
To earn $4,000.
Accomplished All Three.
II have accomplished all three"
he told friends just before he died.
He first came into public notice
in a business mems organization,
being then a rising young butter
and egg merchant, working with
his late father. He joined several
organizations. and his work in The
public interest soon attracted city
wide attention.
In his early years Of life he de.
NOIcO HuCn JIIn6 10 SIuQylnR the
needs Of the National Capital and
getting behind worthy civic
projects.
He became president Of the
Chamber of Commerce and Board
of Trade. He devoted much time.
at a great financial sacrifice, to
the duties Of these offices.
Headed School Board.
His first appointment to any Of
nctal position was as a member
of the Board of Education. He soon
became president. His achieve.
nents on the board were note
worthy. He went through many
exciting controversies in his deter.
mination to do what was right.
The fight that Oyster had with
President Theodore Roosevelt has
become almost history in Washing.
ton. He refused RooseVelt's de-