Proclamation—Announcing the Death of James Schoolcraft Sherman

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

THE WHITE HOUSE, October 31, 1912.

To the People of the United States:

James Schoolcraft Sherman, Vice-President of the United States, died at his home in Utica, N. Y., at eighteen minutes to ten o'clock on the evening of October 30, 1912. In his death the nation has lost one of its most illustrious citizens and one of its most efficient and faithful servants.

Elected at an early age to the Mayorship of his native city, the continued confidence of his community was shown by his election for ten terms as a Representative in the National Congress. As a legislator he at once took and retained high rank and displayed such attributes of upright and wide statesmanship as to commend him to the people of the United States for the second highest office within their gift.

As presiding officer of the Senate he won the respect and esteem of all for his fairness and impartiality. His private life was noble and good. His genial disposition and attractiveness of character endeared him to all whose privilege it was to know him. His devotion to the best interests of his native land will endear his memory to his fellow countrymen.

In respect to his memory and the eminent and various services of this high official and patriotic servant, I direct that on the day of the funeral, the executive offices of the United States shall be closed and all posts and stations of the army and navy shall display the national flag at half-mast and that the Representatives of the United States in foreign countries shall pay appropriate tribute to the illustrious dead for a period of forty days.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

WM. H. TAFT.