Evening star., 1940-02-04
Cons
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month. "At least they tell me they
do"
His one regret was that his wife,
Mrs. Wilhelmina Barton Cans, who
died in 1888, and his mother were
not present on the occasion of the
celebration In his honor.
Nationally regarded as distin-
guished citizen Of the District and
the Nation, Mr.. Cans received many
tributes during his career.
President Roosevelt, on the occa-
sion of Mr.. Cans 74th birthday, paid
tribute to the civic leader. lauding
him as "a good and valuable citi-
zen." Mr.. Cans was presented with
a citation by the national convention
Of the American Legion, naming
him as one of five distinguished citi-
zens of America.
Mr.. Cans had been q tireless
worker In civic affairs in Washing
ton ever since his arrival here from
Baltimore in 1882. He was born in
the Maryland city, the son OF Simon
and Rosa Cans. He attended school
there, and was graduated from the
Baltimore City College in 1881.
Was Past Retirement Age.
He announced his intention to
retire from the Alcoholic Beverage
Control Board late in 1899. He had
served since the boards establish
ment in 1884, even though he was
past the retirement age of 10 when
he was appointed by the District
Commissioners.
Congress, however, passed a spe-
cial act enabling him to continue
as a member of the Liquor Control
Board, after it was learned through
a newspaper story of a celebration
Of his 18th birthday anniversary
that he was beyond the retirement
age.
Prior to this service, Mr.. Cans
was chairman of the District Board
OF Indeterminate Sentence and Pa
role. In 1927, he was appointed as
member Of the Board of Education
to fill the unexpired term of E.
c. Graham, and later was reap
pointed for a three-year term.
During his service with the School
Board Mr.. Cans was instrumental
in directing the school system
finances under the five-year build
ing program, when that work prob
ably was heavier than at any other
time. Mr.. Cans announced his re-
tirement from the Board of Educa-
ton in 1880 because of the press of
other duties.
Received Many Tributes.
Continuously active In the well
fare of District residents, Mr.. Cans
received many evidences of the sim
cere appreciation of friends and fell
low workers. Senators and Repre-
sentatives joined with high Gov
eminent and District officials, heads
OF civic organizations and private
citizens in testimonial dinner jan
uary IS. More than 400 persons at
tended the dinner, which was one
OF number rendered to him in
gratitude for his unfailing selfish
ness and devotion to the interests
Of the District.
An official of Saks & Co. in WASH
ington, Mr.. Cans was a member of
the Board of Trade and had twice
served as president of the Chamber
OF Commerce. He had been chair
man OF the board of the American
Automobile Association, president of
the advisory board of the Salvation
Army, chairman of the Jury Com
mission, the first chairman of the
Board of Appeals, Veterans Bureau:
chairman of the board of directors
of the Lee Highway Association, past
president of the Merchants and
Manufacturers Association, chair
man of the legislative committee of
the Retail Clothiers' Association,
twice foreman of the grand jury and
a member of the Boy Scouts execu-
tive committee.
Mr.. Cans lectured on business
topics at Catholic University, st.
Johns College and at business
schools and wrote commercial
articles for magazines in addition
to his commercial duties.
He was a member of st. Johns
Lodge, No. II, of the Masons, and
his clubs included the National Press
Club and honorary membership in
the American War Veterans and
Walter Reed Post of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars.
His wife was q native Of Wash
ington, the daughter of Judge Will
liam and Mrs. Harriet Barton,
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