Evening star., 1942-06-08
Bell
Continued From First Page J

while youngster at Gaffney. S. c..
and advanced through the ranks OF
his chosen profession to one of the
most responsible news posts in the
world, directing the largest staff
assigned to the coverage of the
United States Government. He at
tended Presbyterian College in
South Carolina, Davidson College
and Washington and Lee Univer-
sity. Washington and Lee con-
ferred on him the honorary degree
Of doctor of literature
Mr.. Bells early newspaper work
was as Gaffney correspondent of the
Columbia IS. c. State. Later he
spent Is years on that paper. as
reporter, sports editor and news
editor.
He joined the Associated Press
staff in Atlanta in 1924 A year
later he became chief of the New
Orleans bureau. and then went to
New York to the general staff, where
his varied experience made him a
key man for four years. He wrote
general news stories while specializ-
ing in sports, and covered everything
from baseball games and sporting
powwows to world championship
boxing matches, World Series, and
national political conventions.
Directed Scopes Trial Coverage.
Mr.. Bell was named chief of the
Los Angeles bureau in 1880, serving
there six years, and then became
news editor at San Francisco. with
responsibility for Hawaii and the
Western States. He was named head
of the Washington staff at a time
that the international picture was
becoming more complicated every
day.
During his long career he di-
rected the coverage for the Asso
ciated Press of the famous Scopes
trial in Dayton. Tenn, and the death
there OF William Jennings Bryan
He was assigned to the sensational
Halls-Mills murder trial at Somer-
vile, N. j., and was at Roosevelt
Field, Long Island. when Charles
Lindbergh took off on his fight to
Paris.
Mr.. Bell was an easy-going, low
able man who made friends wher-
ever he went. He was equally at
home among Sportsmen, politicians,
diplomats. or royalty, and was al
ways in demand as an dinner
speaker.
He was Presbyterian, a 32d de-
gree Mason and a Shriner, and a
member Of the Pi Kappa Alpha,
Sigma Delta Chi and Omicron
Delta Kappa fraternities. He was
also a member of the Gridiron Club.
Kent Cooper Pays Tribute.
In New York, Kent Cooper, gen.
eral manager of the Associated
Press, commented:
The noblest character with whom
I have ever been associated is gone
with the passing of Brian Bell. l
could refer to the great loss to the
Associated Press. to which he was
ardently devoted. I could tell of
how ne excelled as a writer, editor
and administrator and of the large
responsibilities that he has carried
so well.
But when one thinks of Brian
Bell, one thinks first of a great
human being who loved his fellow
mana friend to each person who
was fortunate enough to know him,
A great newspaper man, yes, but one
could 20 the world around and not
ind a friend who can take his place.
The world is going to be sadder for
those OF US who knew him"
Supreme Court Justice James
Francis Byrnes paid tribute in a
statement. They had been friends
for many years.
In his work." Justice Byrnes said.
Brian Bell was efficient and tire
less. He enjoyed to an unusual de-
gree the confidence of men in public
LIE and deserved that trust. His
oeath is a great shock and a source
OF sincere sorrow to me-"
Capitol Hill expressions of regret
included:
Senator Tydings, Democrat, OF