HE IS DEAD.
Few words suffice to tell the saddest of stories. The spark of life goes out and the human race marches on in its accustomed way. Death is indeed relentless! It visits the babe in its cradle the while the fond mother bends over to press upon its sweet lips a parting kiss. It takes in its sweep the sunny haired school boy whose earthy laugh and childish enthusiasm have been the delight of some fond parent's heart, yet the sun shines as brightly as though no hearts were bowed or broken. Death comes to the man and woman whose wrinkled brows and bended forms indicate that they are nearing the end of life's journey, and we softly whisper that nature's decree has at last been fulfilled. But when it strikes down a man yet in the prime of life, we question the justice of he summons and our hearts rebel.

"He is dead," were the unwelcome words that came from mouth to mouth on Thursday afternoon as the old bell in the church proclaimed, in solemn tones, that the spirit of Dr. George M. Barber had passed down the valley of the great unknown. Hardly did it seem possible that he, who but few short days ago, had walked and talked with his fellowmen was no more; but ah! too true.

Dr. Barber had been in good health until last Friday morning when, on returning from a professional call, he complained of being sick. Dr. Williams was immediately summoned, but the case was not considered serious at the time. Later in the day the patient grew worse and showed symptoms of pneumonia. Dr. Wright of Carroll was telegraphed for and arrived Saturday morning. He agreed, as also did Dr. Bond of West Side and Dr. McKenna of this city, that Mr. Williams was right in pronouncing it a serious case of pneumonia. At times the patient apparently revived a little strength, yet he realized his end was near, and on Thursday afternoon he breathed his last.

Dr. G. M. Barber came to Manning at the time the town was first being started and in company with James Turner engaged in the drug business, also following his chosen profession. Later on he purchased his partner's interest and has since conducted the business himself. When the business houses of Manning were laid in ashes, he was among the first to erect a substantial brick building in which his drug stock still remains.

Mr. Barber was a man temperate in habit, reserved in speech, quiet and unassuming in his manner. Commanding in figure, a high ideal of justice, truthful and honest to the core, mingled with his occasional wit were traits which could not fail to make him popular with the masses, and though dead and gone his memory will not soon be forgotten. If into the black midnight of their sorrow, human sympathy can find an entrance in this hour, the good wife and loving boys who are left to mourn the loss of a husband and father, may know that Manning's great heart of human kindness is full of pity for them, and can only leave it to the coming days to heal their sorrow.

Arrangements for the funeral had not been made up to the time of going to press, so we will speak of that and give a sketch of the doctor's life, next week.