Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-10

Robert Mills was evidently . man az wide
vision and not only interested in his own pro-
fession but in the public and the public vel
fare IS well. As an early advocate OF prOhi-
bition measures what he had to say many
years ago seems quite apropOs even today. He
said:
"A reduction of the number Of licensed tav-
erns and dram shops, which prove 20 ruinous
to . youth and servants, is much demanded.
The increase Of these tempting retreats b q
serious evil and should command the particular
attention and vigilance Of our public authori-
ties. II we must have drinking places
let them be beer houses: let US encourage the
use Of malt liquors. which may be drunk with
impunity."
Evidently the architect was not In favor of
capital punishment. for he writes:
IF 1t be true that the proper object OF
human punishment Is the reformation Of the
offender, IL will follow as q necessary conse-
quence that 1t Is not allowable under any COM
bination of circumstances to put a fellow crea-
ture to death.
I'm order to prevent the perpetuation Of
sanguinary crimes it seems in the first place,
necessary that the legislature should show its
adherence of the shedding of blood and should
incucate in the strongest manner sacred
regard for human life A sentiment Of this
nature, impressed upon the feeling of people,
would be more efhcacious in preventing the
crime of murder than the severest punish
ments"
MR.. MILLS was also keenly alert to the
necessity of an adequate supply Of water
IN case Of fire in the public buildings and
advocated protection that was given BY Con-
gress to the extent of $4,000 IS far back as
1881.
A personal description of Robert Mills is
given by Mrs. Austin Gallagher, who says: "a
Washington lady of 90, of phenomenal men
tally. whose early youth was spent in close
1lA kl,2 ~
Hill, among them that of Robert Mills,
members him distinctly as one Of the celebri-
ties of the day. She describes him as a man
Of strikingly strong features, of evidently stu
dious habits with air Of deep absorption
or abstraction; a man of unusual dignity
and reserve yet affable and kindly, and with
the humor of Bobby Burns. He OF
simple but correct taste in dress, and his
presence was always an interesting one to
everybody. She speaks of his regular attend
ance at the Presbyterian Church, where he
and his friend, President Pierce. seldom missed
q service She relates one redeeming vice. the
incorporate use OF snuff"
Mr.. Mills lived 35 years in the City of WASH
ington. He moved his Office from place to
place the only one now identified being the
old Masonic Hall. at the corner Of John Mar
shall place and d street. He took. no special
part in political or social affairs.
He died on the morning of March 3, 1855,
at 1880 o'clock. The funeral services were
conducted at his residence, at the southwest
corner of New Jersey avenue and street
southeast, and the body was inferred in Con-
gressional Cemetery. He left but a small
estate the residence being In the name of Mrs
Mills
The obituary notices In all the newspapers
were brief. The Star said he was generally
known throughout the country as an archi-
tect of great merit Mrs. Mills continued to
live in the old home for five or more years
after her husbands death.