Evening star., 1935-07-16

at Mr.. Edson's funeral:
H. H. Mckee, president of the Ma
tioral Capital Bank and chairman OF
the Washington Clearing House Asso-
citation; Robert v. Fleming, president
of the Riggs National Bank and first
vice president of the American Bank
ers' Association; Corcoran Thorn,
president of the American Security &
Trust Co.; George w. White. president
Of the National Metropolitan Bank.
and Francis @. Addison. jr.. president
of the Security Savings & Commercial
Bank.
Mr.. Edison was critically injured by
an automobile in 1928 as he was
leaving his offices on F street. The car
backed into him, fracturing his skull
and inflicting other injuries so serious
that surgeons for time deSpaired OF
his life. His strong constitution en-
abled him to recover fully after a
long siege at Emergency Hospital.
The Masonic fraternity today re-
corded the loss of its Oldest member
in point of continuous membership.
Mr.. Edison was a member of Columbia
Lodge, F. A. A. M.
Rose From Farm Boy.
The story of Mr.. Edsons rise from
humble farm surroundings to dean of
financial circles of the Capital City
was an Alger-like inspiration to youth.
Il learned how to work on the
fo honk hnvr1n hn SnlI
on his last birthday anniversary. 1T
was there I learned the value of
money. My first job was on the
neighboring farm Of Comfort Gid
dings. I received Is cents a day for
harvesting hay. At the end Of two
weeks was handed $3-the largest
sum had ever had in my hands. I
didn't keep it long, however. I had
to turn 1t back to Comfort TO pay
for two loads of pumpkins we had
bought from him. That was a bitter
disappointment"
Mr.. Edson's oft-expressed wish that
he might never become so infirm as to
sit idle was granted him-for, except
for his last short illness, he continued
his duties as head of the Equitable
Cooperative Building Association and
chairman of the Washington Loan &
Trust Co.
Had Faith in Youth.
"As long as I am physically able to
get about I will not forsake public
service nor leave my desk at my
Office" he declared. II hope the day
may never come when I am helpless
to pursue my labors."
He added: "The young people of
today are not going to the dogs, as
some critics are won't to believe. I
think that, on the whole, they are
working harder than some of their
elders did at the same age. There is
a lot of talk about crime, but you
must remember there are more laws
today than there used to be. That
means more opportunities for law
violation
Il don't think the people are any
worse by nature. AS long as the
young men and women keep working
there will be no need to worry about
them. And in work they will find
happineSs-aS I have"
Mr.. Edison died in fufillment of
his oft-expressed desire that death
would find him "still at work, still
active, still in harness"
On previous birthday anniversary
he announced his intention of curtail-
ing some of his heavier responsible
ties
Sought ID. C. Vote.
In the evening OF Hfe," he said, "I
feel that should preserve my health
and effectiveness and usefulness by
conserving my energy and strength.
cannot work at full speed and there
fore I must relinquish some of my
more arduous connections.
Mr.. Edsons death robbed him of his
chance of seeing another wish grant,
ed. This wish was summed up tersely
IN his famous declaration:
II want to vote before die in this
voteless community"
He long had been one of Washing
tons most ardent advocates of ma
tional representation and was a mem
Der OF the Executive Committee Of the
Joint Citizens Committee on National
Representation for the District of Co
lumbia.
In accordance with his plan for re-
ducing his active connections with
some organizations, Mr.. Edison in
1929 relinquished the post of treas
urer Of the. Associated Charities
after period Of service in that capac-
tty Of 81 years. He was presented a
brass fireplace set in appreciation of
his long services at an anniversary
Of the organization q few
weeks ago.