2118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE. J.ANU_ARY 21,
PRIVATE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS. 6965. By .Ur. NEWTON of Minnesota: Petition of Mr. Arthur Under clause 1 of Rule XXII, private bills and resolutions Schaub and other residents of Minnesota, petitioning the Con were introdaced and severally referred as follows: gress to support and urge early adoption of joint resolution to By Mr~ COLE of Ohio: A bill (H. R. 13951) granting a pen aid the starving people of the German and Austrian Republics· sion to Charles 0. Rider; to the Committee on Invalid Pensions. to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. ' By Mr. DUNBAR: A bill (H. R. 13952) granting a pension 6966. By Mr. SMITH of Michigan: Petition of Mr. G. L. to Henry T. Sprinkle; to the Committee on .Invalid Pensions. Granger and 15 other residents of Grand Ledge Mich. protest By Mr. LAUSON of Minnesota: A bill (H. R. 13953) author ing against discriminatory tax on small a~s ami'.nunition izing, for the relief of the distress of the Chippewa Indians of and firearms; to the Committee on Ways and l\fe~ns. ' Minnesota, the withdrawal of moneys from the tribal funds of 6967. ~Y l\.Ir. SNYDER : Petition of Joseph Dormayer and said Indians; to the Committee on Indian Afl'alrs. other residents of Frankfort, N. Y., favoring the enactment of By Mr. MOORE of Illinois: A bill (H. R. 13954) granting Honse .Joint Resolution 412, for the relief of the distress and a pension to John l\I. Barrkk; to the Committee on Invalid famine ~nditions in Germany and Austria ; to the Committee Pensions. on Foreign Affairs. By Mr. SWING: A bill (H. R. 13955) for the relief of Claude 6968. ~! Mr. WYANT: Petition of Margaret Coulter and 42 Chandler ; to the Commitee on Claims. others, ~1~1zens of Pennsylvania, opposing the tax on small arms, Also, a bill ( H. R. 13956) for the relief of Henry J. Corcoran ; ammurution, and firearms; to the Committee on Ways and to the Committee on Military Affairs. Means. By Mr. WHITE of Maine: A bill (H. R. 13957) granting a 696~. Also, petition of members of the Derry (Pa.) Gun Club, pension to John J. Mahoney; to the Commitee on Pensions. opposmg t?e tax on small arms, ammunition, and fire.arms; to By Mr. WOODRUFF: A bill (H. R. 13958) granting a pen the Committee· on Ways and Means. sion to William F. Graham; to the Committee on Invalid Pen 6970. Also, petition of 21 citizens of Pennsylvania, opposing sions. the tax on small arms and ammunition ; to the Committee on Ways and Means. 6971. ~so, petition of 42 citizens of Pennsylvania, favoring PETITIONS, ETC. the abohtion of tax on small arms, ammunition, and firearms; Under clause 1 of Rule XXII, petitions and papers were laid to the Committee on Ways and Means. on the Clerk's desk and referred as follows : 69!2. Also, petition of 43 citizens of Pennsylvania, urging the 6951. By Mr. BARBOUR: Petition of residents of Valley abolishment of the tax on small arms, ammunition and fire- Home, Calif., urging support of joint resolution providing for arms; to the Committee on Ways and Means. ' the extension of aid to the people of the German and Austrian 6973. Also, petition of 59 citizens of Pennsylvania favoring Republics; to the Committee on Foreign Afl'airs. immediate aid being extended to the people of the Au~trian and 6952. By Mr. COLE of Ohio:. Petition of citizens of Findlay, German Republics ; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Ohio, asking that the section in the internal revenue law refer 6974. Also, petition of 62 citizens of Pennsylvania urging ring to ammunition and firearms be repealed; to the Committee Congress to extend immediate aid to the people of the' German on Ways and Means. and Austrian Republics; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 6953. By Mr. CRA.MTO:N"~ Petition of Alfred Bach and other citizens of Sebewaing, Mich., urging passage of the resolution to extend aid to the veople of the German and Austrian Repub lics; to the Committee on Foreign. Affairs. SENATE. 6954. Also, petition of Charles G. Cookingham and other SUNDAY, January ~1, 19~3. rural carriers at Caro, Mich., urging passage of the Ketcham bill providing for higher equipment allowance for carriers, etc. ; The Senate met at 11 o'clock a. m. to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. The Chaplain, Rev. J. J. Muir, D. D., offered the following G955. Also, petition of Herbert W. McKay and other rural prayer: carriers at Croswell, 1\Iich., urging passage of the Ketcham Our Father and our God, the number of our days is witn bill, H. R. 13297; to the Committee on the Pos_t Office and Thee. Thou dost determine the bounds of our habitation. Help Post Roads. us, we beseech Thee, to understand that while life is so uncer 6956. Also, petition of Otto Rathje and other residents of tain and there come ac~g hearts bowed with grief, we ask Pigeon, Mich., urging passage of the resolution to extend aid Thee to enable us to realize for ourselves that Thou art the to the people of the German and Austrian Republics · to the refuge and the strength of every troubled life. And as we en· Committee on Foreign Affairs. ' gage in the services this morning we pray that such lessons may 6957. Also, petition of F. A. Roese and other residents of be presented and such inspiration had that we may understand Mount Clemens, Mich., urging the adoption of the resolution better the dignity, the opportunity, and the high incentive to introduced to give aid to the people of the German and Aus live nobly and to serve our generation by Thy will. trian Republics; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. We thank 'l'hee for him whose life is to be remembered this 6958. AIBo, petition of S. S. Wood and other residents of morning, and in whose varied condition and experiences were Silverwood, Mich., urging the abolishment of the discriminatory recognized dependence upon Thy grace. And, 0, grant unto the tax on small arms, ammunition, and firearms; to the Com widow and to others connected with his life the sweetest min mittee on Ways and Means. istries oi Thy richest consolation, so that it may be understood 6959. By Mr. KAHN: Resolution of the California Academy that the Maker of us all is her husband and that He is also th8 of Sciences, urging favorable action on the New-Anthony pub father of the fatherless. Be with us when we cry out " for tbQ lic shooting !,>Tound game refuge bill; to the Committee on Agri touch of a vanish'd hand, and the sound of a voice that is still," culture. and in the loneliness of the passing days be the companion, the 6960. By Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania: Resolution of Cham consolation, the abiding strength of each life. b.er of CoD?Jllerce of Pittsburgh, Pa., urging increased appropria And may this chamber be filled with men devoted to the ~on for rivers and harbors; to the Committee on Appropria highest interests of the country and to the glory of Thy great tions. ~ma : 6961. Also, petition or citizens of McKeesport, Pa., praying Hear us, help us, so when the shadows quicken and become for passage of resolution providing relief for people of Ger thicker to us we may have a vision of the life beyond, and that many and Austria; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. absence from the body may be unto each of us presence with ~62. Also, petition of citizens of Pittsburgh, Pa., praying for the Lord. We ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and rehef of Near East peoples; to the Committee on Foreign Lord. Amen. Affairs. N AMINO A PRESIDING OFFICER. 6963. By Mr. KISSEL: Petition of New York State Federa The Secretary, George A. Sanderson, read the following tion of Women's Olubs, Plattsburg, N. Y., urging Congress to communication: the further support of the national defense act by making ap UNITEID STATES SENATJI, propriations as recommended by the President, the Secr·etary PRES1DllNT PRO TEMPORll, Wa.skin.gton, D. 0., JanuO!rJI 21, 1923. of War, and the General of the Armies; to the Committee on To the Senate : Military Affairs. Being temporarily absent t'rom the Senate, I appoint Hon. WILLI.AH 6964. By Mr. MAcGREGOR: Petition of 29 citizens of New J. HA..1uus, a Senator from the State of Georgia, to perform the duties ot' the Chair to-day, Sunday, January 21, 1923, on the occasion ot York, favoring a joint resolution purporting to extend immedi memor.ial services for Hon. THOMAS E. WATSON, late a Senator from ate aid to the people of the German and Austrian Republics· the State of Georgia, to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. ' ALBll!RT B. CUMJIUNS, Prerident Pro .Tetnpore~ /1 1 1923. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE. 2119
Mr. HARRIS thereupon took the Chair ,as Presiding Officer neglect his committee wol'k, which is more important in fram tor the day. . ing legislation than speeches on the floor of the Senate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the reading He was on the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads, was of the Journal of the proceedings of the legislative clay of prompt in his attendance at an meetings, and rendered most Tuesday, January 16, will be dispensed with and the Jour useful service. I had urged that be be placed on this Commit nal will be approved. tee because he had been, while a Member of the House, author of the first appropriation bill for rural free delivery service :MEMORIAL ADDRESSES ON THE LA.TE SENA.TOR THOMAS E. WATSON. which now daily serves millions of people. He was placed on The PRESIDING OFFICER. (Mr. HARRIB). The Chair the Immigration Committee at his request, as he was interested asks the Secretary to read the resolutions which he submits in keeping our country from being overrun with foreigners for the consideration of the Senate. who did not understand our Government. I served with him The .Assistant Secretary, Heney M. Bose, read the resolu- on this Committee and personally know of his splendid work. tions ( S. Res. 415) as follows : He was also on the Committee on Civil Service and Com Resolved, Tba.t the Senate bas heard wi"'th profound sorrow of tlie dea!h mittee on Claims, and the other members of these committees of Hon. THOMAS E. WATSON, lat'e a Senator from the State oi Georgia. Res-olved, That as a mark of respect tD the memory of ~he dece.ased have told me of his useful work on them. As a member of the the business of the Senate be now suspended to e~a~le his assoClates Committee on Claims he handled and secured passage through to pay tribute to bis high character and distillgnished public the Senate several Georgia claims, besides many deserving ones se]l!;~~ed That the Secretary communicate these resolutioILS to from other sections of the country. I remember the great in the House' of Representatives and transmit a copy thereof to the terest he took in the claim of a poor widow from another state family of the dereas.ed. who had no influence. Mr. GEORGE took the chair as Presiding Officer. Senator WATSON had more friends in Georgia who would at all times follow him than any public man within my time. Mr. HARRIS. Mr. President, during my first two y-ea.rs' With this following he ma.de and unmade Governors, Senators, service in the Senate my late colleague Senator WATSON Congressmen, and public officials, and his following was larger wrote me a number of times, usually about veterans who had in his last days. He was always fighting for the masses of the requested him to help them with their claims, but it bad people and opposing special interests. That he should have, never been my privilege to be introduced to him until he after serving two years with me, wished me to remain in the came to Washington to serve with me in the Senate. .After Senate and help him is something I shall cherish always. his .arrival, and the day before be was to take the oath of ms life was a busy one. He was a leader in all things- office, I telephoned him that I would like to call o!l him politics, law, and as a banker, farmer, and author of history. and then offered my services if I could be of any asSJStance He was in many ways the most remarkable man of my time la to him. He said he was ill from the railroad journey and our State. asked if I would come to his hotel to see him, as he was So far as the outside world was concerned much friction en anxious to discuss seYeral matters with me. When I caUed tered into his career, but he was greatly blessed in the serene he was resting in bed and he impressed me as being far and peaceful atmosphere created in his home by his admirable, from strong and well The next day he came to the Senate gentle, and, in many ways, most unusual wife. Several years just before noon and sent for me. I introduced him to the ago a crushing sorrow came to them in the loss of their only Vice President and the Senators and, as· is customary, I walked children, a son and daughter. with him to the Vice President's desk when he took the oath The one man Senator W.ATSON loved and trusted above all of office. From that time until his death matters of interest others was that gallant soldier and splendid citizen, 1\Iaj. to our State our personal matters, brought us together almost Charles El. McGregor, who knew him better than any of bis e\ery day a~d we became good friends. In my dealings with friends, and at my request he prepared an article about Senator him he was most considerate at an times. It so happened WATSON'S life. that the Senators he liked best had been my warm friends Major McGregor wrote the following: since I had been a Member. While we differed on some ques THOMAS liJ. WATSON was born in Columbia County (now McDuffie), tions, we were always together on matters of interest to the near the present town of Thomson. Ga., on September 5, 1856. His people of our State and country. He was always on the side grandparents came with a colony of Quakers from North Carolina. in 1750 who purchased and settled a large tract of land between the of the common people. SavannUh ancl Ogeechee Rivers, including the lands in and about the Senator W ATSON's hard work in the Senate s·hortened his old town -0f Wrightsboro. His immediate family were slave owners life.. Time and again I noticed th.at he appeared worn and until the close of the Civil War, which destroyed that specie of prop tired, and I would urge him to go out in the sunshine and air erty. Liquidation of security debts swept away their lands. He at tended the common schools at Thomson, Ga., and in 1872 entered and take more exercise. I told him that the climate here was Mercer University. During the vacation of 1873 he applied to Prof. treacherous and different from our Georgia climate, and that B. M. Zettler, County School Commissioner, and obtained a license to be could not stand the work as I had on account of the differ teach school He then made a contract with the school trustees of ..Big Warllior Militia District" in Bibb County, Ga., to teach for three ence in our ages. Many times he promised to take my advice months at S50 per month and board. At the close of the sophomore and not work so hard, but the next day he would be here term, June, 1874, he had to leave the university and seek work. His fighting the people's battles. The last time I saw him, the day family was living at Augusta, Ga., at this time to which city he went hoping to get employment, but tailed. He sold for $6.50 some books before I went to Europe with the Congressional delegation to which his tatber bad given him, and started out to make his own attend the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which has for its pur way in life. The Baptists were holding an association in an ad pose the settlement of all differences between governments by join~ eounty to which he went, hoping that among so many good Christians he might find employment as a teacher for a country com arbitration so as to prevent war, I told him that as he had not mon sch.o.oL Undaunted by failure he went into Screven County, Ga., been well I would not go away, but be insisted that I go. He and succeeded in making up a small school at "Little Horse Creek said he felt very much better, and promised me that he would Church." Here he taught school for two years. The revenue barely paid his living expenses but the people, who were very poor, were ex rest and not overwork. Just as I was sailing for home I read ceedingly kind to him, liked him, and he loved them. From this as of his death, which was a great shock to me. sociation grew strong .attachments to the common people which were One thing that made Senator W A.TSON my friend was neYer never broken but grew stronger and stronger as THOMAS E. WATSON advanced in pruitical life. It was here in the humble homes of these mentioned by either of us. During the last administration common people that he read law and history, preparing himself for Senator WATSON was indicted by the grand jury of the Federal the great con1licts of lUe. It was here where be daily saw the ha.rd Court because of some ·articles in his paper sent through the shil}s of the average farmer in Georgia. It was here he saw the patient .An him courage with which they labor~ to re~. their children aright and to mails. effort was made to have taken out of Georgia overcome disadvantages of their condition. Eating at their tables, to be tried. Members of Congress from Georgia informed me of sitting at their firesides, sleeping in their beds, he gained a knowledge this and asked if I would not join with them and try to prevent of the working farmers that no books could give. They gave him a home they gave him work when he could find none in a city. Later on, it. While I did not know Senator W ATWN and had never had when' he was manfully struggling to gain prestige as a lawyer, they any communication with him I promptly told the Congressmen O'ave him verdicts. Still later on when he sought political honors, that I would gladly cooperate with them and do my utmost they gave him their plaudits and their ballots. In return he gave them to prevent Senator W ATSON's being taken out O'f the State for SO _years of unstinted advocacy and finally his life. He was admitted to the bar in the City of Augusta, Ga., 1n 1875. trial as I considered it an injustice to Senator W ATBON and a He then returned to bis own home in Thomson, Ga., in November, 1876. refle~tion on the people of my State to say that any citizen His family was then living at their own liome 3 miles from Thomson, Ga., from which be daily walked to bis office In the courthouse. His could not get a fair trial within her borders. We prevented practice gradually grew from $.212 gross to $12.000. In the latter this from being done, and he was grateful to aJl who assisted pa.rt of his experience as a lawyer he wa.s enabled to command large 1n this matter. fees. By judicious investments in lands he gradually accumulatetl a Senator A.TsoN took pa.rt in all the debates of the Senate ' w larfne r~gedh;s;:!:ried Miss Georgia Durham, daughter o! Dr. George ' hi.s knowledge of history and government made him ready at W. Durham,. the leading physician of McDuffie County, Ga. To this e.ll times. He attended all the Democratic Party caucuses and union were born three children, all of whom died before 1920. The cooperated with the Democrats on party measures. He did not one 1'reat solace in his darkest hours of political defeat was this \ I I',
' 2120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SEN ATE. JANUARY 21 ' devoted wife and mother· the brightest rays of light which illuminated experience I was requested to put the decision into execut ion. I ma \le his path to duty was the loving smiles of his sweetheart, "Miss arrangements in Augusta for its publication, named it the "Jeffer Georgia." sonian," and in 10 days from its inception had it traveling through In 1882 he was elected to the Georgia Legislature and served one the mails in October, 1906. By December of the same year its circu te1·m, declining reelection. In 1888 he was elector at large for the lation permeated nearly e•ei·y State in the Union, and the monthly State of Georgia on the Democratic ticket and s~umped the State for Jeffersonian Magazine was launched in AtlantaJ.. Ga., and the weekly tariff reform and Cleveland. The success so gratified the farmers that Jeffersonian was transferred from Augusta, va., to Atlanta, Ga ., they elected him to Congress-every county in the district giving him and was fully equipped with modern machinery, from which both a majority, except the home county of his opponent•. In 1891 the publications were issued, and Mr. WATSON'S various literary publica F a 1·mers Alliance adopted a resolution demanding allegiance of those tions were printed. Congressmen they had elected to the principles they espoused when During the years 1907 and 1908 he was engaged in writing the seeking their support, regardless of caucus dlctat~s of either of the "Life and Times of Andrew Jackson," a monograph on "Waterloo," old political parties. In as much as he had championed the princip_Jes a book of " Prose Poems," a volume of " Sketches from Roman His of the farmers alliance in every county of the district, and pledged h1m tory," and a handbook of "Politics and Economics" and tbe "Life self to their advocacy, if eleeted to CongressJ he felt honor bound to and Speeches of 'l'HOMAS E. WATSON." Regarding the Roman Hierarchy adhere- to those principles, and therefo~e remsed to b~d himself to as the greatest menace to America, be devoted much time to its any caucus action inimical to his constituents. Ills position was de exposure. His thorough study of the history of the Roman Catholic nounced by all machine Democrats, and a bitter, determined warfare Church made him an authority on the subject, and his scathing ar was launched against him in every county in Georgia, and a campaign raignments of the abuses practiced by the priesthood, and condoned fund was contributed from other States to aid in his defeat. by the hierarchy, aroused the sentiment of the Catholic laity to the It was in this campaign of 1892 that I became closely associated extent of boycotting his Je-ffersonian and having them excluded from with him. He purchased a newspaper in Atlanta, Ga. We named it the mails. He was indicted and prosecuted in the United States the "People's Party Paper," which, through its columns, he kept in District Court for sending obscene literature through the mails. He touch with the public. . defended himself in one of the most sensational trials ever witnes eu, The result of the 1896 Bryan campaign scattered and disbanded the and was acquitted. People's Party movement, and the paper went down with the par~. My In his "Life and Times of Thomas Jefferson," written in 1908, he. association with him in the le~slature of 188? revealed tportPd the eight-hour law. He led the debate on the Pos tmaster General Burleson demanded that the Watson publications auto~matic couplrng bill, requiring all railroads to equip their freight be suppressed and that the editor himself be silenced because he op cars with such appliances within five years. He introduced and had posed conscription. Mr. WATso~ accepted the verdict; he retired t<> passed in the House the first resolution which was ever passed in this private life without any attempt to embarrass the administration iu country providing for the delivery of mails to the country people out· any way whatsoever. Ile advised his followers to bow their beads side the limits of cities, towns, and villages. to the verdict ')t constituted authority, and to obey every valid law. T his resolution carrying an appropriation for experimental free Following the signing of the armistice, l\Ir. WATSON purchased the delivery is the foundation for the present system, the greatest educa Columbia Sentinel, and made it the successor of his suppressed tional agency ever established by Congre1:>s. Fortunately, Postmaster "Jeffs." General Wannamaker agreed with Mr. WATSON'S idea, and immediately Ile conducted a brilliant campaign against the League of Nations, put the system into operation. So popular it has grown that both the and convinced a majority of Georgians that this Nation should not surrender the old policies for a new dream. Democratic and Republican parties take pride in claiming the credit. In 1920 the administration followers in Georgia named Attorney At that time a barroom was kept open day and night in the Capitol General Palmer as their choice for the Presidency. Mr. WA.TSON building. Naturally much drunkenness was in evidence on the floor believed that a presidential preference primary should be conducted of Congnss. He had been largely instrumental in driving the bar in Ge.orgia in order to arrive at the people's choice in this matter. rooms out of Georgia, and tackled the one in the basement of the In the meantime Senator Hoke Smith announced his candidacy to Nation's Capitol in his campaign book, which was issued that year. succeed President Woodrow Wilson. With Attorney General Palmer He wa·s attacked in debate for making public exposure of the conditions representing the administration and the League of Nations, and Sena· existing. WA'.rSON repeated them on the floor of the. House ~ . A violent tor Smith representing himself, Mr. WATSON'S name was entered with· upronr ensued. An attempt was made to expel or censure liim, but the out his .knowledge. effort was abandoned. Public sentiment, however, had been aroused, Subsequently the people petitioned Mr. WATSON to enter the race for and subsequently forced the closing of the barroom. the Senate to succeed Senator Smith, who was a candidate for re In 1896 the Populist Party numbered two million voters and had election after having been defeated in the presidential primary. · Gov. one thousand two hundred newspa pers. Tbe Democratic Party was in Hugh M. Dorsey also announced as a .candidate. Mr. WATSON con a bad way. They bit upon the scheme of capturing the Populist voters sented to the announcement of his candidacy for the Senate, and was by adopting their platform and nominating Bryan as a pledged repre elected by a large majority. sentative of Populist principles. The Populi t National Convention refused to endorse Bryan until they nominated WATSON for Vice Prei:ddent. T elegrams assuring Mr. WATSON that leading Democrats l\lr. HARRIS resumed the chair. would aecept the compromise ticket of Bryan and WATSON poured uito Thomson. Believing that a combination of the refol·m parties would be accomplished and the reforms he bad advocated would be l\Ir. TRA1t.fl\1ELL. l\fr. President, we have assembled to-day made possible, he agreed to accept the nomination. Unfortunately, for the purpose of paying honor and loving tribute to a great Bryan and his friends failed to keep their promise and the Republicans won out. and illustrious Georgian, a great American, who, just as the With his political party put out of business by the fusion with autumn leaves were falling in the year but recently recorded Bryanites, he turned to literature and wrote "The Story of France," in the history of time, ended a long and useful earthly career. tho " Life of Napoleon," and "The Life and Times of J etrerson," wherein he advocated the same eternal principles of human liberty It had not been my privilege to have a personal acquaintance and justice and good government that he bad preached from Georgia with Senator WATSON until he became a member of the Senate. to Nebraska from New York to Texas. During these years he de But even in my youth I delighted in reading Watson's l\Iaga livered a lecture on the South in many cities, while it furnished a good revenue. He was so engaged when the Peoples' Party National zine and in reading his weekly paper, because from those pub Con vention, without his knowledge or effort, called upon him to again lications I gained knowledge, I gained inspiration, ancl was rai e the standard for them to rally around and to lead them again encouraged in my ambition for g~ater things in life. After I to battle for the rights of the common man. He accepted the nomination through a sense of duty, and developed immense crowds had reached manhood and entered upon a public career I con throughout the North and Northwest, advocated the same eternal tinued to read his erutorials because I found them brilliant, principles of human liberty and justice and good government. fascinating, and, as I believed, expressive of the sincere senti In March, 1905, at the request of one W. D. Mann, a capitalist ments of an earnest and honorable American. in New York, who proposed to finance the enterprise, he consented to publish a magazine to bear his name and be edited by him. Failing ·when the news was heralded throughout the country that to pay his salary he withdrew from the arrangement, and the magazine the distinguished and lamented Senator from Georgia had suspended owing him several thousand dollars. It was while he was engaged ~ New York working on this magazine that he was stricken passed away many were the eyes that were filled with tears with ptomaine poison, from the etrect of which he never fully recovered. of grief and 'the hearts that were saddened, not only in Geor Upon his convalescence he decided to enter again the newspaper field. gia but in Florida and throughout many other States of the Calling me to a conference with himself and his wife " Miss Georgia " he -Reldom made ventures without consulting her-it was decided to Union. Thousands upon thousands of our citizens admired and establish one at the earliest date. Having had years of newspaper believed in this great American and brilliant statesman because ,· ! 1923. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE. 2121
of his honesty of purpose, because of his ability, his integrity, gone by been his political friends, and, while it may be said and his unfaltering devotion to the interests of the American that previously he had such an extensive following that he made people. and unmade governors and Members of the Congress of the A voice we loved is silent, a warm heart beats no more, a United States, I say to you, Mr. President, coming from an brilliant mind sleeps beneath the sod of the Southland. A adjoining State, that Senator WATSON, by his splendid ser\ice merciful and loving God had sustained him through the morn in the United States Senate, his devotion to his country, and ing and noontide of life and he was well within the shadows his devotion to his State was enlarging that circle of friends; of evening when the summons came. and the influence which he already enjoyed, in my opinion, His was a long, useful, and brilliant career-a life of service had he survived, would have been greatly augmented and and achievements that will reflect as a benediction for good increased. into the years and the ages to come. No truer words have ever I am glad to join with other Senators in paying honor to him been uttered than those of the poet that- and expressing this brief tribute to his memory. As I have We live in deeds not years; in thoughts, not breaths; observed his career for many years rather closely, I sincerely In feelings, not m1 figures on the dial. feel that not only Georgia but the entire Nation has sustained Senator WATSON had made his impress on his own native a great loss in the death of the late lamented distingui8hed State and throughout the Nation. I have often thought and felt junior Senator from that State. that he was by some misjudged; in fact, I have found that to be Mr. President, Senator WATSON was blessed in havil)g a h·ue, more or less, in my State, and I have when an opportunity n<>ble and devoted life companion who assisted him, who gave afforded itself endeavored to correct that misapprehension. him comfort and inspiration in his struggles, who stood by Because of his courageous and persistent efforts in behalf of him in sunshine and shadow, who with a loving devotion was those policies and purposes in which he believed he was some by his side giving him courage and cheer, whether in the times called "fighting ToM WATSON," and many people, per bitter conflict of the political arena or whether enjoying the haps, who did not know him personally, who did not enjoy sweet and ennobling influence of the family fireside. As is an lntimate acquaintance with him, felt that he was probably true of all men that are so fortunate, Senator WATSON was a man of more or less disagreeable disposition in personal con indeed blessed in having this devoted companion to assist him tact with his fellow man ; but after I knew him in the Senate, I in his many achievements and to counsel with him in the found in him one of the most congenial, most courteous, and many conflicts with which he was engaged throughout his most noble-hearted men with whom I had ever come in contact. long and at times quite stormy career. :My heart of sympathy He was as gentle, as kind, and as considerate in his disposition goes out to his most estimable widow a'.nd other members of as a sweet-spirited and kind-hearted woman. It seems that his family. As much as a friend can mingle his sorrow and be had a burning passion to try to assist those who needed help; grief with the sorrow and sadness of those near and dear to and I may remark here sometimes it seems as we pass on down the departed one, I grieve with his loved ones. To his loving through the years we meet all too few of those who find pleasure and devoted wife and other members of his family I would in giving aid to those who need assistance; but this virtue was offer a word of hope, in the tl10ught that some day, beyond very characteristic in the life of the honored and distinguished the grave, in the land of the blessed, you will see him, you will gentleman to whom we pay tribute to-day. meet him again- I was traveling from Washington to Florida by automobile Where the faded flowers shall freshen on the day Senator W ATSON's death was announced I was in Freshen never more to fade ; Georgia on tbe day his remains were placed at rest in the bosom Where the shady sky shall brighten Brighten neyer more to sh~de ; of the soil of his native State. As I journeyed through that Where the sun blaze never scorches, State and saw the evidences o.f appreciation and esteem in Where the starbeams cease to chill, which he was held by Georgians quite generally, I was im' Where no tempest stills the echoes Of the wood or wave or hill; pressed with the thought that surely he had not lived in vain. Where the morn shall wake in gladness A man who had won for himself a place in the hearts of his And the noon the joy prolong ; fellow citizens as had the late Senator WATSON certainly had Where the .daylight dies in fragrance left behind him a far greater heritage than an the wealth of 'Mid the burst of holy song. the world could purchase. I did not previously know so very As I have said, Mr. President, Senator WATSON impres ed much of his private life, of his many acts of kindness and himself upon his State and upon the American people because charity, but within that day and a half of travel through he was a man of conviction, a man of intelligence, a man of Georgia not less than a half dozen people spoke to me about courage, but standing out preeminent as a beacon in his life was his generosity in administering to the poor, how he found pe his love of humanity and his deep and sincere concern for the culiar pleasure in assisting young men who desired to obtain great masses. Love of humanity is one of the most beautiful an education, having aided many of them ·at that trying attributes known to the human heart. Sometimes it seems as period in their lives when they were endeavoring to equip them though the old world were cold ; ·that there were more chill selves for tbe responsibilities of the years to come. than warmth in it. When the clouds gather and we journey in Senator WATSON was a man whose heart beat in sympathy an atmosphere of chill, then we sigh and long for the warmth for humanity. He was a man who wished faithfully to serve of a big-hearted, noble soul wbo loves humanity, as did our la his country and his people. He was frank ; he was honorable in mented friend and associate, the late junior Senator from Geor all of his associations with the Members of the Senate as well gia. In Leigh Hunt's poem we find beautifully portrayed that as throughout his entire career before reaching a position in this love for his fellow men which was so characteristic of the
battles ; the ranks are hostile that were once his friends, and on the because I am seeking to pronounce an encomium upon a late final field where he has staked -and lost in dauntless sincerity bis colleague. patriot sympathies, and his brave beliefs, night falls in failure and Talking about the principles of liberty, he said: darken in defeat. Wise men had conceived them; bold men has proclaimed them ; brave • • * • • • • men had fought for them ; martyrs had died for them. But the patient publicist, struggling in darkness and defeat, bas wrought llke the tapestry weavers that work across the sea-worked That is eloquence, Mr. President. on the wrong side, maybe, but worked for the right side aye. Parties Failure came upon these principles time and again. No reform ever that scorned him once are absorbing now his creeds; platforms that sprang full armed and irresistible from the head of any political Jove. mocked him are marking his principles in planks that plead; and the people persuaded so often to defeat him and deny are awaking at • • • • • • • last to see that his warning was wisdom and that his signal was the Tllere is, and must be, the time of patient planning, of pain~ul cul safety of the State. (Sam Jones and TOM WATSON, by John Temple ture. and of gradual growth before the harvest field yellows with the Graves in the Atlanta Georgian.) ripPned results. These eloquent words were written by John Temple Graves That is just a chance paragraph in "The Story of France." before ToM W ATSON's vindication and victory had come at the A delightful little book that came from the pen of this pro hands of the people of Georgia by his election to the United lific author and statesman is his "Life of Jefferson." Just let States Senate. me catch a paragraph there, where, speaking of Jefferson, he Nearly half the time the flag yonder ls at half-mast. One says: week ago the House held memorial services for two of its dis His was the tranquil eminence of the soldier who bad fought a tinguished Members whose lives had gone out, spent in the good fight, and whose name was honored throughout the world. Lib erty, Progress, and Philanthropy were words which could not be ut Nation's service. Next Sunday the Senate will pay tribute to tered anywhere. without reminding men of Jeft'erson. He had dQne for three of its Members, and to-day we meet to lay a flower on humanity, for country, for universal improveme.nt some work which the grave of this eloquent son of Georgia. These events should was supremely good-work which envy could not deny nor time deface. remind us all of the uncertainties of life and the importance Then another paragraph appealed particularly to me. Speak of right living. Dangers threaten the Republic; the character ing of the death of Jefferson, he wrote : of our citizenship is our shield and buckler, a character founded His end came on very gently. The last sickness was not painful ; on industry to produce, a thrift to save, an optimism to cheer, th<> approach to the valley was gradual and easy. He looked upon patriotism to exalt, honesty to live by, and firm faith to die by. deatll as release from infirmity, escape from weariness and care. Tbe final sleep passed over him like a benediction. It was noon, July 4, Let us so live that when our summons comes tr join 1826. and his thoughts had been upon the day. He bad wished to live The innumerable caravan which moves to see it; bad asked during the night of the third it it were yet the To that mysterious realm where each shall take Fourtll. His chamber in the silent halls of death, .And so, with his latest thought on the birthday of the Republic, the Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night, gi·eat, warm heart g1·ew cold, and the tired bands found rest. Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave I hold here another one of Senator W ATSON's books, most of Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 'vhich I have read, "The Life and Speeches of THOM.AS E. About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams. WATSON." I think this man at his best was a great orator, _not only a contributor to permanent literature, but he had Mr. DIAL. Mr. President, the late Senator WATSON of Georgia graces of speech quite unusual. I will read a paragraph from and I were born in adjoining States. When I was a young man a speech delivered in his young manhood, at the time when be I first heard of the Senator and had the pleasure of meeting him was a member of the legislature of his State, just a paragraph in 1893 while he was in Congress. He having been born in the from his address at the memorial of Alexander H. Stephens. country, and being a country lawyer, the same profession to I think it is great literature. He said in part of Alexander H. which I belonged, I was naturally interested in his caree1·. Stephens: The times that he has passed through have been changing and In Southern history there has been no completer character than bis. somewhat turbulent, and he was a noted exponent of these Do we look for truth and honor? No falsehoo·d ever soiled the purity changing conditions and opinions or our people. In fact, he was of thoi::e proud lips, and through the vices of life he had walked with a leader iii many respects. While small in stature and some robes that gathered no stain. Do we look for heroism? It is brave to combat the prejudices of our own people. He had done so. It what frail, his mind was exceedingly strong, he was bright and is brave to side with the weak, the oppressed, the friendless. He bad active. I might say he was a fighter from the beginning for done so. • • • the right as he saw it. Tbe great Commander had sounded the recall, and this veteran was on bis return, with the laurel upon his brow, the olive leaf tu I did not agree with many of his political views, yet it always his hand, victory upon bis head, and peace in his heart. He had gone afforded me pleasure to say that he was conscientious in what out into the grain fields of life. He had reaped in the freshness of morning, in the heat of midday, and amid the slanting rays of the he advocated. He had a strong, a deep, and a sincere interest afternoon ; but as evening came on, the old man's hand had grown in his fellow man. Truly, be was extremely human. His feeble and tired, and he was coming home, his arm full of golden affections were strong and his dislikes were not dissimilar. He sheaves. The Master, coming, found him ready, his house in order. Never was the t>ilver cord more gently loosed. Never was the golden worshipped his friends. In private conversation he was as bowl more softly broken. deferential as a lady. We had many friends in common. He fell on sleep like a child weary and worn. Great Nature, the He was a champion of the rights of the masses. His friends common mother, holds him tenderly to her bosom. When he shall awaken, it is inspiring to believe that he shall greet the morning in a in my State were numbered by the thousands. He was a great land where there is no night, where the skies are undimmed by a power in his State, and his influence was felt for a third of a cloud, where the feet bleed upon no pathway of stones, and the head century in making and unmaking political fortunes. There wears no crown of thorns. were times, perhaps, when he could not have been elected to That, Mr. President, I think is a part of the abiding liter office himself, but his influence was exceedingly potent in mak ature of eloquence in this country. I read now a brief state ing his friends successful. He was a balance of power in ment by a great author of the South, John Temple Graves, con Georgia for many years and at last the people of that State cerning this man : honored him with the cherished dream· of his life-a seat in The publicist remains, leader of lost causes, focal of fraction, and the United States Senate. center of economic storms. He bas fought his brave battle, with unbroken courage and with unfailing eloquence, to their armed armis His accomplishment as c. writer and historian has been dwelt tice or to the predestined end. He has rebuked temptation, refused upon by othe1·s and it is not necessary for me to speak of his every compromise of principle, turned his back upon the glittering great ability in those lines. His newspaper was one of the· promises of office which were set for his return to the rank of the dominant faction, and with a consistency pledged in sacrifice and livest that has been published in the South for many years, maintained in heroic isolation he bas kept the faith of his advocacies and had an extremely wide circulation, especially among the and followed his conviction~ to successive stakes of martyrdom. rural population, and was looked upon by many people as next Through loneliness, misunderstanding, and misrepresentation. TOM WATSON has not faltered in fidelity to the cause and the people adopted to their Gospel. I will say that it is exceedingly remarkable as his own 12 years ago. and exceptional that a man raised in this country should have And he bas rarely won. Never but once in his battle-scarred career written such complete histories of France and of Napoleon bas victory perched upon his banners, or the flags of his faith over a triumphant field. His eloquence has been praised, bis logic has been volumes that have been considered among the best in the world. lauded, his consistency bas been conceded, and his splendid courage Some of his other works .are also among the foremost of our has wrung tribute from his sternest foes. But by the world's stand time. I will mention also that after be came to the Senate it ards, which are selfish and material, be must be measured as a defeated _ man-a baffied warrior-who has nearly always failed. was- truly inspiring so sit in the cloakrnom and hear him go into details about historical events of all ages. He was one ~ * * * • * * The defeated publicist, sitting for ten years desolate by his hearth of the best posted of living men on these subjects. stone, working out in solitude and patient honesty the strong con It was not my good fortune to know him intimately in his victions of his faith, goes forth with high courage and heroic zeal to home life, but after he came to Washington it was a pleasure fight. Great odds are piled against him. Slander stabs his name; scornful ridicule assails ; money mocks bis eloquence ; friends to know Mrs. Watson, a truly lovable, yet retiring and modest fall away; comrades tu1·n traitors in a night; bitterness blurs his lady of the " old school " of the South. She is a distinctive
It 2124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE. JANUARY 21, representative in the mind of what we call true southern of redemption we must daily practice justice, mercy, wisdom, womanhood. Her patience and untiring efforts to aid her hus and truth with those with whom we come in contact. band in acquiring his ambition was indeed inspiring. The hard blows we get in the daily give-and-take of life make When the members of this Congress left Washington for us not only better able to go about our duties with a sterner their homes last September, none of us realized that before the purpose and determination, but at the same time we are en fast-traveling trains could bear us to our destinations one of abled to feel the keen edge of another's woes when the tide of the members of this body, Hon. THOMAS El. WATSON, of Georgia, life is running strong against his fortunes. would be called- away. Let justice, mercy, wisdom, and truth be our daily guides; Death is full of awe and most harrowing under all ch-cum justice to our fellow man in every relation of life, well estab stances. When we stand by the side of some loved one and lished; mercy to cover the frailties and weaknesses of those who watch the cold hand of eternity stealthily reach out and take fall by the wayside ; wisdom to guide us always on the great one away we are appalled and often heartbroken, but far greater highways of life, and truth as the beacon light directing us is the shock when the summons comes suddenly and without along our course. May these virtues ever be with us. warning. This was the case with Senator WATSON. His col Lastly, lli. President, as the snows of winter shall disappear leagues in this Chamber had known for some time that he was and be succeeded by the brightness of springtime, with all its not a well man, but none expected his death so soon. gladdening verdure:, may the sorrows, the vexations, and the I was a member of the party appointed by the President of troubles of mortal life be followed by a beautiful and glorious this body to attend the funeral services of Senator WATSON at immortality, the hope of. the Christian world. his home in Georgia. I can truthfully say that during my entire lifetime I have scarcely ever seen so large an assemblage of Mr. CAMERON. Mr. President, we are hei:e to pay our last citizens, men and women alike, as was present in the little official respects to the deeds, work; life, and memory of the town of Thomson when Senator W ATSON's remains were laid to late junior Senator from Georgia, Hon. THOMAS E. WATSON, rest in his beloved Georgia soil. The outpouring was large and my warm personal friend. the grief and distress shown sincere. Citizens of all kinds ha«i It was some thirty years ago, amid the hustle of the West, come fr.om far and near to look for the last time upon the human that I first became acquainted with Senator WATSON througlf form of their departed friend. During that day ar gentleman: the newspapers. Later I came to know him by ca8uQ.l - told me Senator W ATBON had helped him on numerous occasions quaintance. We entered the Senate nt the same time, our -in fact had almost forced help upon him-and his only objec offices were next door, and from that day on we became personal tion was that the Senator would not allow him to reciprocate. friends and neighbors. This illustrates the unselfishness of our departed friend and Through this span of years I followed his career with inter colleague. est; his fighting qualities; his independence; his steady de The simple funeral ceremonies conducted at the grave of votion to the principles he advocated. He was a man of action, our departed colleague were strictly in keeping with his life a whirlwind in execution; often referred to as " that stormy without show or pretense. As he had lived, so he died. petrel " from Georgia. Senator WATSON was hoping to go home until within a few We of this side of the chamber often disagreed with him hours of his death. Almost the last words he spoke were to on partisan measures, but we all admired his courage, his ask if the plans had been made, and. when told tbat they had fighting ability, his fairness in debate, his unassuming way in been, he turned over and went to sleep. Thus be went home. presenting his views of all subjects at issue. Defeat never Verily, we are traveling on the wings of time. Indeed, it lessened his energy and determination to carry through ; on is at a speed that none of us may count, and to-day, as we the contrary, he would marshal his forces and attack from a gather here to pay our humble tribute to the memory of our different position. deceased colleague, we mnst be reminded that all must soon be Possibly in American political life there is no one who bad yesterdays. as many defeats as he. For more than thirty years this great So live that when our summons come to join self-made. Georgian held the balance of political power in that The innumerable caravan which moves State in the hollow of his hand. Not always could be succeed To that mysterious realm where each shall take in elections-himself, but his endorsement or disapproval of this Ills chamber 1n th& silent halls of death, Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night, or that aspirant for political. o:ffiee spelled success or failure. Scourged to his dungeon, hut, sustained and soothed He did not use this great power for selfish purposes,. but through By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave it held those in public trust to a strict accounting to the public, Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About hlm., and lies down to pleasant. clxeams. the common man, whose cause he at all times championed. Much personal abuse and vllification, wholly undeser\ed, After days of weary illness our late colleague layi down to was heaped upon his long and useful life. He was well aware dream. He heard the great clear call : of this and felt it keenly, yet he never swayed from his course. Sunset and evenini star, Complete personal and political independence was the shining And one clear call for me, And may there be no moaning of the bar, element of his life, and this consistent independence made his When I put out to sea. enemies admire him and his friends and followers all the more z,ealous to follow his leadership. Party lines meant Out on the great uncharted sea he went. But above the hand nothing to him when contrary to promises and pledges to his of the invisible mariner was guiding him home to his haven friends and followers. He cared not for the party whip or of rest. pressure of ruthless propaganda. And so we remember the words of that beautiful song- His great public service is a matter of record. To his State .As a mother stills her child and to the country he has contributed no small part in many Thou canst hush the oceans wild. pieces of progressive legislation. To literature, especially As we pass through life we are reminded more and more each history, he gave volumes which rank with the highest; to tbe day that we should be patient with the faults of others, tolerant home he gave the genuine devotion so characteristic of the of the opinions of others, and charitable to the weaknesses of good old Southern stock. our fellow men. In the death of Senator THOMAS E. w ATSON this Chamber Again the poet speaks most eloquently when he says: lost a most valuable Member; the country a great publie Teach me to feel another's woe, servant; his State one of the greatest of its favorite sons. No To hide the fault I see, one can properly eulogize this great leader whose life was The mercy I to others sho.w so different, whose death brings to a close a stormy, dramatic, That mercy show to me. and useful career of a great American. I believe the three great cardinal principles of life to be faith, hope, and charity; faith in the divinity of Christ, hope Mr. HEFLL.'i. Mr. President, the Senator fror.:i Ohio [Mr. of a glorious immortality, and charity for all mankind. WILLIS] ha.s i·eminded us that Death is no respecter of persons. Senator WATSON'S record has been made as ours must soon That is literally true. He visits the humble- i ..l the cabins of be. Swiftly speeding as ebbs out life's little day, let us turn ta the poor and the proud and haughty in the palaces of the rich. our colleagues, our friends, our loved ones, yea, tbe friendless, The high and the low, the rich and the poor., he visits them an. and with a heart mellow with human kindness, be prepared ta He touches his dreamless slumber to their eyelids and they fall write the great record of life as we nnd they must do in the. asleep. fullness of time. The lithe figure that we saw moving in this Chrunber and It has been said tlult adversities and sorrow make us bet the clarion voice that we heard ringing silvery in this Hall just ter men, and I believ~ this is true. As we. look' upon the. seat a little whtle ago are gone. The brave and brilliant Senator of ow· late colleague, now yacated by him, we must fnll:v real from Georgia has answered his last roll call, made his last. speech, ' ize that if we are to carry out to the fullest the Creator's plan voted here his last time, and upon his activities as a devoted,
! 1923. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE. 2125 gifted, and learned la wrunker the curtain has gone down for The first thing he clid as a young lawyer ''hen he commenced ever. to earn money for himself was to buy for his father ~u.d mother I realize that nothing we may say can affect him now. No the old home and the old plantation that they had lost during ·tribute of speech, no prean of praise can break that deep repose the panic of 1873. He was hard pressed to make the pay. that curtains 'round his pulseless heart. But we owe it to his men.ts, but he made them. Thus we see ToM WATSON in the memory, to the things that he accomplished, to the good that he morning of his young manhood giving the first fruits of his has done, and to the living who loved him, to say something labor to his dear old father and mother. The love that he dis about the things that occupied his mind and warmed his heart played on that occasion and the beautiful and tender solicitude while living. shown for his poor parents then stamped him as a man of Born just four years prior to the war between the States, he noble heart and as a man of heroic mold. The experiences was only nine years old when the starry cross of the Confed that came to him personally on the plains of poT"erty and the eracy went down. His father, a brave Confederate soldier, lessons that he learned in the school of hardships acquainted twice wounded at the battle front in the thick of the fight, came him as nothing else could with the hard problems of the coun home to find the old order gone, his slaves freed, and the devas try's struggling poor. They left an impress upon his brilliant tated South in the throes of grave :financial and economic dis mind and upon his big, generous, and sympathetic heart that tress. remained with him through life. Senator WATSON'S father and thousands of other slaYehold His deep desire to e.o something to bless and benefit the poor ers and landowners in the South found themselves confronted and needy, to better the condition of the toiling masses, im with the ghastly problems of poverty where they had not long pelled him to write and speak through the years of his busy before reveled in the plenitude of prosperity. It was in that and eventful life for justice and fair play for them. new, unpromising, and hard order of things that Senator In season and out he demanded for them a fair chance in WATSON as a boy of 10 found himself environed as he struggled the struggle for existence. Years ago, on one occasion when for an education. he was sick, he gave a clear insight to the longings of his He was just 17 rears old when the "made-to-order panic" of great heart when he wrote these lines: 1873 came to rob and curse our people. ToM WATSON, a brave I long to do something worthy of what is best in my nature. I and brilliant boy in his teens, felt keenly the evil effects of the long to fight a good fight for justice, for better laws, for beneficent institutions, for conditions that are more equitable, for a fairer di's 1873 conspiracy of certain conscienceless :financiers to contract tribution of the bounties and blessings of nature and human industc·y. the currency and produce a panic. Noble prayer beautifully expressed. Long after he had overcome the difficulties that had thus been Again, he said : thrown in his way as a boy, and at a time when he wore the Public life allured me. To be a tribune of the people, leading them laurel wreaths of triumph, one day in writing about the diffi upward and onward cheered by their applause, made happv by the culties that confronted him and the hardships that he had en blessings of those whom my life work elevated and benefited, seemed dured in his youth time, he said: "At last came the panic of to me the noblest task I could undertake. 1873, and when the smoke cleared from that financial Waterloo His heart was full of human love and human sympathy. He my father was one of those who was stretched upon the field." wanted to labor in the field where he could serve the most l\1r. President, the situation was not at all promising for people and do the most good. young WATSON. Is it any wonder, then, that the distinguished . He was wonderfully well equipped for public service. This journalist, Walter Wellman, years later, in the Review of Re great student was familiar with the story of every important views should ay, "Who can withhold admiration from a man political problem of the past. He was intimately acquainted who has fought his way through all kinds of ob tacles to with the history of every Government on the globe. Time and sucee s-who has run the race heavily handicapped from the again he called to the attention of his countrymen the causes first, and won?" that brought ·political oppression and the loss of humnn Senator WATSON won financial comfort, business success, liberty to other nations, as he urged his own counh·y to profit fame as a lawyer, writer, orator, and statesman. by their example. To the day of his death he stood witll He had been, indeed, a poor country boy battling amidst em flaming sword on the dividing line 'twixt church and State, barrassing difficulties and privations in his efforts to make ·a preaching the gospel of single allegiance to the Sta.rs and living and get an education, but the interesting and thrilling Stripes, and holding aloft the banner of whole-hearted Ameri thing in it all is he triumphed. He who had worn the humble canism. garments of poverty and he who had walked the flinty paths of He was a great admirer of Thomas Jefferson and a stron~ human hardship as a boy fought on and on until success smiled belieYer in his doctrine, and no man with whom I have ever upon his efforts and be stood resplendent in the glow of his served in Congress could quote more freely, more accurately, own proud achievements. and more appropriately from his writings than could this While yet in his teens he taught school out in the country for brilliant and distinguished son of Georgia. about two years and made barely money enough to pay his board. He was himself a fascinating writer-a master of beautiful In one of his books he tells us that it was during that time, and trenchant English. His Life of Jefferson and his Life of when he lived in their homes, ate their food, slept in their beds, Jackson and his story of the Old South in a book called and learned of their hard lot, that he became deeply interested "Bethany" are all wonderfully interesting. He probably in the problems of the poor and resolved to do something to achieved a larger measure of fame as an author in his Life of improve their condition. From that time on till death called Napoleon and his History of the French People than in anything him home he never lost an opportunity to champion· the cause else that he has written. A few years ago Congressman John L. of the common man and to demand for the struggling poor a Burnett, of Alabama, was on an immigrant commission touring fai.r chance in the race of life. the Old World, and he spent some time in Paris. He went into Be taught school in the daytime and studied law at night, the Public Library there and uske conditions by giving intelligent direction 1o the demoC"rafic impulses 'Of e. nation. As long as Napoleon wa-s content to represent the 1asptra and the :peroraUon of his acceptance speech was magnificent. iions iwhlch the French Revolution had awakened he was irresistible. It was eloquent and beautiful. I will read it to you: 'But when he again united the church with the State his strength ln Rome, the preservation of the fire was given a sacred character J began to wane. a temple -was built ·for the service, and those who were set apart to After serving one term in Congress, some 30 years ago, he feed the flame were consecrated as to a reli~ous duty. Pure ryou.ng women were chosen as guanhan angels of the sacl'ed :fire retired .for a time from active particU>ation in politics and and if one of these vestal virgins lost ..her own purity or let the light devoted his splendid talents to tne :pleasing task-for pleasing in the temple go out, the -penalty was death. ;tt was to him-of writing books. What a -fund of -valuable in Within the temple, night and day, -winter and summer year in and year out, the vestal virgin watched her sacred flame. Roman eagles .formation he possessed. What a treasure house of Watsonian might be fiyin#; to the nttermost ends of the earth ; Roman legions literary gems E1parkled in hls brilliant mind. I will use his might be ca.mprng on the distarrt Rhine or chasing Picts and Scots to own language to express the exquisite pleasure .that came to the Grampian Hills or forming lines of "battle upon the 'Euphrat-es but in the temple at .Rome would be found the eternal fire, with the 'him as ·he sat in his library at Hickory Hill in Georgia writing vestals feeding it night and day. books that brought him fame as an author. Be expressed ·u the 'light went out in -the house of any Roman-rich or poor, genuine joy at being once more alone ·with 'his books, and then country or town-.he was not -left in darkness. Straightway he betook himsel! to the te~le .and lit his torch at the fire which ·the vestals 'he said there came a ·feeling -of rapture to him as " the long had kept alive. shining lines of thought swept before his mental vision ·and as .And all over the broad dominions of Rome there was never a fear he felt the thrill and ecstasy born of ·creative composition." of universal darkness, for they knew that 1f one vestal fell away from duty .another would take her place, and 1:hat vestals might come Be tells us that there in his library he called around him " the and ·vestals,go but the light would .shlne forever. serene companionship of great authors, breathed the atmosphere Oh, my countrymen, each of us ls a temple ; within each qf us was of the past, entered into the lives, the nopes, the struggles,· the lit the sacred fire ; within each of us are the better angels of ouT sufferiilgs of the sublime reformer.s to whose courage and sacri nature, whose eternal vigilance is need t.o keep 'the tell'.lple pmer and the light trimmed and 1.bul'.llin.g. As it .ls with the individual, 'fice we owe ·a:u 'that makes the world ·tolerable, all that ·gtves so it is with the Nation. The grandeur of the Republic must always 11s liberty of J)erson, of conscience, of speech." rest upon the nobility of the citizen. Does the sacred :fir-e burn low within .me? Then woe 'Uilto me, !or He was at home amidst the literary masters or 'the past and I Jiave .lessened the Nation's splendor. Has the light gone -0ut <>f your delighted to r-evel 1n the 'lore of ages lang gone. 'But, Mr. life? Then .woe .unto you, for the Nation has lost a part of its glot:y. Bresident, neither his attainments as a scholar nor his fame To every man and woman who has listened to this address, to every .man -and woman who shall .hereafter ..read it l appeal. es an author ever prevented 'him from using his rpen and lift Consecrate the temple ; keep pure and perpetuai the vestal service • ing his voice in behalf of the platn people that ·he lo.ved so well for it is moral death to the individual to neglect the fire; it ls moral Let me read to you briefly from his story on "Corn-PJanting death to the Nation to lose the light. . Time in Georgia." !His description of the scene presented is That peroration breathes a lofty and wholesome sentiment. natural and beautiful, and his appeal for the ·farmer and his He was a wonderfully well-1nfo:rmed man. Ile had been a family is tender and pathetic-- great student and he was a great scholar. He seemed to re. Down the furrow and ·up the furrow down to the woods and up to member everything that .he had ever read. As was said of the fence--there they go, the sturd_y pio.wman and his much-enduring but indispen able mule. the able and brilliant Senator l\lorgan, ·of .Alabama, "his mind On moves the plowman, steady as a clock, "silent rand reflectiv-e. was wax to receive and marhle to retain." . ,. . .• . . . - He had 'his faults. Who has not? He made mistakes. ~he mocking bird circles and swoops from tree to tree, and in his Who makes no mistakes seldom .makes a}l~thing. While I had matchless bursts of varied song no c:a'dence is wanting, no melody missed. disagreed with some of the positions that he had taken during . . . ·• . . . his political career, I always admired his frankness, his cour 'On ·such a day, such a cloudl-ess, -ratliant, fiower•sweetened day, the age, and his wonderfully brilliant .intellect, and his abiding horseman slackens the rein as he rides through lanes and quiet fields.; friendship for the masses always appealed greatly to me. J and he dares to dream that the child.r.en of God once loved each other. On such a day one may 'dream that the time might come when they had read a .great many things .that he had written, and although :would do so again. I lived in a State adjoining his I had never seen him until Rein in and •stop, here on this high hill ! ·Look north, look east he came here ·as a Senator from the great State of Geor0 'ia. ~here the l3Un Tises, look south, look west where the sun sets-on all sides the steady mule, the steady plowman, and the children dropping I came to the Senate just three months before he did, ha-ving -corn. been elected to fill .out the unexpired term of Senator John H. Close the eye a moment and look at the picture fancy paints. Every Bankhead. I was Jn the midst of the most difficult and s tu .field in Georgia is there, evel"Y .field in .the South is there. And .in each pendous fight in -which I ever engaged as a national legislator. the figures are the same--the steady mule and the steatly man, and the JJattel'ing feet of the children dropping col'Il. I was convinced .that the deflation policy inaugurated ,by In these furrows lies ,the food of the ~epublic; .on these .fields depend Republican leaders in 1920 and carried out under the direction life and health and happiness. of Governor Harding, head of the Federal Reserve Board her.e Halt those cblldren and see how the ·cheek of the world -would blanche at the thought of famine ! in Washington, was the result of a conspiracy in which cer -Paralyze that ·plowman-and see how national bankruptcy would tain Wall Street bond shaJJks, financiers, .and speculators were :shatter every city in the Union. criminal 1m.rticipants, and J had resolved to acquaint Congress • • • • • • • with the _facts of deflation as .I .found them and to expose and Great is the might of this Republic! Great in its schools, churches, courts, legislatures; great 1n its towns ·and cities; great in its com condemn ·those whom I believed to be guilty of reprehensible merce, great in Its manufactures, great in its ·colossal wealth. conduct. But sweep from under it all these worn and wasted fields, strike I was in the first -stages 'Of the long and strenuous fight into idleness or death the plowman, his wife and his child, and what becomes of the gorgeous structure whose foundation is his field? when ·Senator •WATSON ·ai:rived 1:n the Senate. From the be. ginning he was heartily •With me on the stand that I had ...... ~ And bard, indeed, would be the heart that, ·knowing what these peo taken, and during the first two or three days of his servica 'Ple do and bear ·and suffer, Jet would not fashion this prayer to th.e here be came over to my desk, shook my hand, .and said with favored of ·the Republic : • 0 rulers, lawmakers, soldiers, judges, HEFLIN, ·bankers, merchantsJ editors, lawyers, doctors, preachers bondholders, deep earnestness, "Senator you are right in this be ·not so unmindfui ot the toll and misery of-those who teed1 you ! " matter, ana I want 1:0 commend you :for the fight you are making." He lived close to the heart of nature. The little things, the ·" I am going 'to help 1you 1as soon as I feel a little better." In main things, that .make up .the life of the average or normal a few days I was again discussing the matter, and he arose and man and woman -appealed powerfully to him. No one could interrupted me with a very helpful suggestion. .And from 1then describe the most attractive things in nature more vividly or more beautifully than he. Let me read to you his little prose on, until Congress adjourned on September 22, 1922, he made poem tribute to the " Rain Drop " : -valuable contributions to the cause. Among other things, I was charging the Federal Reserve The raindrop slips from the cloud above, sinks into the soll where the seed lies buried and says to it " I am the resurrection and the Board with having permitted the Reserve Bank of New York J.lfe" ; trickles onward through ficld and forest, seeking the brook, to appropriate $25,000,000 to build a bank palace ill that city, lllld with the brook journeys onward, loitering in the eddy, leaping in several million dollars of which should have gone to the Gov the cascade, and ~arhlg onward until it reaches the great blue sea, ernment in the form of a franchise tax, and it would have from which it is lifted by the white hand of the mists back to its home in the clouds, to stru:t once more from the skies with it.s message to ·gone into the Federal Treasmy as a franchise tax if the Federal ' every seed of grass and grain and flower, " I .am the resurrection and Reserve Board had ·not permitted it to be turned ·over for ihe the life." questionable purposes ·to which it was shamefully applied. No one ·but a per.son with the beautiful vision of 11 -poet and I had been calling attention to the necessity of 'Protecting the the rare genius of a literary master could be the author of that Government against such extravagance and graft in the lfuture 111>lendid 'literary gem. · and to the advisability of amending the law so as to limit the Mr. ..President, .neaTly 20 years ago .he was nominated for amount of money that could be appropriated in the 'future for :President .of ihe United States by the National People's Party tlle construction of Federal reserve bank 1bui1dings. ·He had 1923. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE. 2127. as. isted in passing tile amendment which did that. He arose Thousands and tens of thousands .of people in Georgia and and said: adjoining States read .his _paper, and thousands and tens of Mr. President, the country will be astounded at the profligate waste th'lusands became his devoted admirers and faithful followers. of public money in these banks. My colleague [Mr. HARRIS] intro They called him the sage of McDuffie and the tribune of duce Ing to have ToM WATSON pointed out to them. You could hear carriers, who are daily serving the 29,774,516 citizens of the them say, so the guides tell us, " He is the author of the greatest United States, are living monm;nents to his foresight and in history of Napoleon and the French people ever written; we terest in the people in the rural sections of the country, and as want to see him." All eyes were upon him, and when be came a result of the success of the rural system in America thou back to bis seat the Democrats gathered around him and shook sands of Canadian families are to-day enjoying the ble sings of his band and congra tulated him. His face was wreathed with bis efforts in this respect. · smiles. He was happy. After having served in 1882-83 as a member of the Georgia Through· privations and poverty; through difficulties and dis House of Representatives, having been elected to that po ition appointments; through the stress and storm of fierce political as a Democrat, WATSON gained national fame by being elected battles be had come triumphant. His dream bad come true. to the National House of Representatives in 1891-1893 as a His greatest ambition had been gratified. He immediately Populist. took up the duties of his office, and from the beginning handled While serving in the House be attracted nation-wide atten them as one long accustomed to service in the Senate. tion by his attacks upon the procedure of Congre s and the As Napoleon said, " One ages rapidly on the battle field" It personal habits of many Members. These attacks were re was plain to us all that the long and strenuous battles that sponsible for his defeat for reelection in 1892. Senator WATSON had fought had drawn heavily upon his phys Perhaps his outstanding effort as an author was his history ical vitality. He was not in good health when he came here. of France, which was adopted by the public-school systems of But that did not keep him away from his post of duty. He was France as a textbook. It has been said that this book was the here day after day except when he was t oo feeble to come. best story of France that has ever been written. Senator 'VAT l\fr. President, he took a special interest in me and the work soN dearly loved France, her history, and her traditions, al that I was doing here. He was my devoted friend, and I had though he bad never set foot upon her soil. learned to appreciate the noble qualities of his great mind During the period of bis serious writing Senator WATSON was and heart, and bad come to be very fond of him. I miss him industriously and everlastingly :fighting for the common people and I mourn with those who loved him. and their rights under this Government. He established a He was here, although very feeble, on the last day of the magazine, Watson's Jeffersonian, which upon its first issue be session, when Congress adjourned September 22,_ 1922, and came the most widely circulated political magazine published four days from that time he told the nurse who attended him in in the South and one of the most widely circulated in the and "was not afraid to die." The death angel came for him country. His principal claim through the columns of this that night, and he went away to the spirit world. magazine was that the Democratic Party, as such, was not I want to read to you a beautiful prayer and a beautiful functioning in accordance with the principles laid down by sentiment written y him at the beginning of the new year, Thomas .Jefferson. His attacks in this way advanced him to 1922: a leading position in Georgia and southern politics among the Deal gently with us in the new year, Father Time- Give us strength to bear the cross, for we know that we must bear it ; so-called "common ,people," whose friend be ever was. Give us courage for the battle, for we know that we must fight it; It is known that he never felt the call to serve them in any Give us patience to endure, !or we know that we shall need it; capacity but that be responded quickly and cheerfully, and Give us faith in the ri~ht which no defeat can disturb and no discour agement undermme; threw himself in front and in the midst of every battle. He Give us the love o! truth which no temptation can seduce and no was a violent and pugnacious fighter-never known to give up- menace can intimidate: always ready to go to the firing line where he commanded and Give us the fortitude which through the cloud and the gloom and the sorrow of apparent railure,1 can see the distant pinnacles upon directed. which the everlasting sunlight rests; By his mental ability and capacity to recei"rn and administer Give us the pride which suffers no contamination, no compromise ot political and economic punishment in his continuous fight for self-respect, no willful desertion of honest conviction; Give us the purpose thnt never turns and the hope that never dies. human rights he attracted a personal and political following And, Father Time, should the new year into which you are taking us which later on rewarded the virtue of his position and activities have upon its calendar that day in which the few that love us by sending him to the Senate of the United States against the shall be bowed down in sackcloth and ashes, let that day, like all other days, find us on duty, faithful to the end. combined efforts of both the Democratic and Republican organiz:.:i. Mr. President, he remained on duty and died at his post tions of Georgia. At the time of bis death he commanded the when his labors of the session bad ended. largest personal following in his native State of any politician In company with other Senators I journeyed with his re in that State since the War. mains to his last resting place. In every town in Georgia As a serious writer of history Senator WATSON will live for through which we passed the people thronged about the station ages after the vast majority of his contemporaries will have to get a glimpse of the funeral train, and when we arrived in been forgotten. the little city of Thomson, where be bad lived so long and His disbelief in the methods of newspapers of Ws time caused where the people loved him so well, from 15,000 to 20,000 people him to establish papers or magazines of his own, and be had no were there. Everywhere there were banners and badges of difficul~y through these media in getting his ideas and views mourning. before the minds of a multitude of interested and principally Those people bad come from all over Georgia ; come to pay to sympathetic readers. the memory of their dead chief the tribute of their love. I As author, scholar, historian, lawyer, citizen, and statesman never saw at the grave of any public man more genuine sorrow, THOMAS E. WATSON bas left the indelible imprint of his life more heartfelt grief than I saw among the people of the State upon a nation that will gradually learn to love and appreciate of Georgia at the grave of Senator WATSON. Peace to his Ws worth. · ashes. God bless and comfort his loved ones. Mr. CARAWAY. Mr. President, I was absent from the city . Mr. LADD. l\Ir. President, THOMAS E. WATSON did not have and did not learn until late yestt- .~a y afternoon that to-day bad to be elected to office to prove his greatness. In many respects been set aside to pay tribute to the memory of the departed be bas stood head and shoulders above bis fellows as author, Senator from Georgia, THOMAS E. WATSON. I shall therefore writer, historian, and statesman for over a quarter of a make no comment upon the activities that marked his tern.. century. His sympathy for suffering humanity, plus his natural pestuous career, but confine myself solely to describing the Sen wisdom and large fund of acquired knowledge--the sequence of ator as be was known to me. bis untiring energy and industry--explain the secrets of his I now stand at the desk which bas been assigned to me in success. this body. The one nearest to me on my left ls the one that The Story of France, The Life and Times of Thomas .Jefferson, was assigned to tl.J.e Senator whose memory we honor to-day. The Life of Napoleon, The Study and Story of the Old South, I had, therefore, an opportunity to observe him closely and to The Life and Times·of Andrew Jackson, are treasure chests into know him well. I shall attempt, in the few minutes that I shall which thousands of readers have dug in the days and years gone consume, to leave a picture of him as it is painted in my by, and they have always come up with bands full of sparkling memory. gems of thought. In my memory appears a man of medium height; of classic A man of strong convictions, possessing a copious vocabulary, features, with a noble brow; a shock of hair nearly gray; a be never lacked for the proper word, as orator or writer, to figure so frail that it seemed impossible that he could last out convey his meaning or depict his feelings. He has probably the day ; a skin as pallid as if death had already stilled the done more than any other man in bis day and generation in the pulsing heart ; an eye, however, always bright, sometimes beam way of educating the masses. ing with pleasure, and often flashing with righteous anger in ' One of his outstanding achievements in behalf of the farmers spired by the positions of those whom he thought were advocat~ ( of the Nation was in securing the first appropriation in ing the wrong; a mouth as tender as a child's or as firm as a Congresil for free delivery of rural mail. The 44,405 rural mail Cresar's. . J 1923. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE. 2129 Senator WATSON was, in appearance, a remarkable man. No silence every critic and make all pause and meditate if it one could have met him and forgotten him. It is doubtful if were not he who carried the true light. he ever had to recall his name to anyone who had ever met him, Nothing is gained by fulsome flattery of one whose career however slight the acquaintance might have been. ·There is as well known as is that of Senator WATSON. Nothing was something about him, that indescribable something we call we can say here will influence what his friends think of him personality, that made all turn to him. and I fear there is nothing we can say here that will soft~ They might have differed with him and did, doubtless, in the ~ancor of his enemies. There is nothing we can say, Mr. many views he advocated. They might not always have agreed President, I am sure, that will help to fix the status of with the motives they thought inspired him, but no one could WATSON in the history that shall be written of him in the have come in personal contact with THOMAS E. WATSON and years that are to come. Therefore, all that we do is merely in bis heart of hearts questioned either the sincerity of WAT- to record our own appreciation of his character. That is the soN or the kindly disposition of his nature. • only object I have, to say here these few things that give He .has been referred to he1·e to-day as "Fighting To.M me that definite and certain and sure impression I have of the WATSON ," and yet I doubt seriously if any man ever sat in great Senator who sat at my left. this Chamber who loved peace more, who loved gentleness more, With some of bis views I did not agree. I thought he was whose heart was more filled with love of humanity and of mistaken. I never thought, however, that he was not honest I kindness, than was that of the distinguished Senator whose never doubted any statement he made where question of fact memory we attempt to honor with these few bri~f tributes to arose. I never suspected any motive that actuated him. I do day. not now believe and I do not believe anyone knowing him as I It is too near to hls going away, however, to form any accu knew him, seeing him as I saw him, believed that any motive rate opinion of what will be the estimate of that generation that was selfish or mean or little actuated him. He was subject that comes after us, of those who will be so far removed from to that infirmity from which all great men have suffered. He the scene of conflict, that with dispassionate judgment they had strong likes and dislikes. He passionately loved his friends may appraise the activities which so engrossed his time. and I think without disparagement I may say that he equally I remember reading of the political activities of Senator passionately fought those with whom he had a confiict. W .HSON when qulte a small boy. I remember when those He was strong is his love and strong in his hate, strong in who did not know him ridiculed him, and those who did not his prejudices and strong in his powers of analysis. As con understand him condemned him. Yet, even now, while the flicting as that statement may be, until one may be able to echoes of his voice in this Chamber a.re hardly stilled, so re reconcile it he may never appreciate the composite character cent has been his going, all just men and women say that, of THOMAS E. W.ATSON. He was not just one man. He had looking back through the years, they can mark the sturdy, con many phases. He loved social intercourse. He loved to sit sistent course that THOMAS El WATSON traveled. What is more, down with his friends in private conversation. He loved the the things for which "he was most condemned, the things for little things that make up life. He loved the little things that which he was most ridiculed, the things for which he was most made up the lives of children and the people of restricted hated are the things we now accept. and narrow experiences. Fate had been unkind to him. The There was the Ocala platform, written in the State of my children that God bad given him and in whom all his ambitions distinguished friend, the Senator from Florida. As I now and his hopes centered God had taken away. He and Mrs. recall, there were 12 demands in the Ocala platform. Those Watson and the little grandchildren were all the family circle demands were looked upon either as the visionary dream of left; all who stood within the sacred scope of family love. All some irresponsible dreamer or else as the effort of some un the rest of his great heart went out to the people. Irrespective patriotic man to tear down the fabric of this Republic. Yet of color, of race, of creed, of position, or lack of it, he em there is not one of those demands that has not been written braced all the world in bis sympathies, in his hopes, in his into th~ laws of this J.and, either in its exact language o.r some dreams, in his aspirations for a future that should be better modified form, and many of them are now regarded as con than anything the world had known. servative, we have progressed so far beyond them. Now, Mr. President, I felt a real loss when death claimed the I recount that only for the purpose of showing that after distinguished Senator from Georgia. I felt a personal loss. I awhile, when we may be able to detach ourselves from the feel it now. I came to know him only recently. I had not gotten conflicts which raged about him, we may discover that through through with getting acquainted with him when death came. all the years his was the one mind that held always the true Every day some new phase of his many-sided nature was re vision, his the one heart that always beat in unison with the vealed, some new depth of learning that I had not dreamed he. great fundamental principles upon which our Government has possessed; some new side of his always unfolding love for hu been founded. manity was made manifest. I doubt that anyone who lived · I wish all could have known him. To know him was a reve knew all his many sides, the many phases of this remarkable. lation to me. I had thought of him as a turbulent man, as a man. I believe that I shall never know anothet_ with the man who engaged in conflict for conflict's sake, as a man who versatility that he possessed. As the writer of history, as the reveled in strife and whose heart was embittered with hatred. teller of stories, as the singer of songs, the propagandist, the Yet, looking back over the months he and I sat here side by proposer of legislation, the expounder of theories of government, side in the Senate, I recall never to have heard him utter an he was equally at home in all these fields of human endeavor. unkind word of anyone who lived; I never heard e.n unchaste He was as happy, however, to sit down with the little boys who expression fall from his lips. He was as sweet, gentle, and were pages here on the floor of the Senate and discuss with courteous as human nature can be, always considerate of those them the little matter that appealed to them as was he to with whom he dealt, always willing, wherever expediency alone engage in discussion with the learned and the great. He trav was to be consulted, to yield to those who pressed their views eled through all the phases of life, and he loved them all. upon him; but always, whenever principle was at stake, will And let us hope now that all that perplexed him, all that ing to take up the fight with the strongest. troubled him, all the heart hunger, all the hopes unrealized, all Looking back over his career, it seems no one can justly the dreams unfulfilled, a.re no longer mysteries to him, and point to a time when \V ATSON ever struck the weak or shunned that with death came life and with the grave came realizations. conflict with the strong. He was willing always to concede I hope so; I pray so ; I believe so. Friend, companion, teacher, to Qthers the right of their convictions; always tolerant of philosopher, scholar, statesman for a little while, to thee I gently op!nions in c~nflict with his own. ~lways deferring, as I say "Good night.~· said, to his friends whenever a question of expediency alone was at stake, but I do not believe even his most carping Mr. BROOKHART. Mr. President, it was not my privilege critics, his bitterest enemies, could point to a single occasion to have a personal acquaintance with Senator THOMAS E. WAT when WATSON surrendered principle in order to advance his soN, of Georgia, but his personality and his career were of such own interest. If be bad sought only his own advancement a nature that they made an impression upon the entire country. as some at times thought, there was not an office within th~ I therefore knew him well even before I lived to serve in his gift of the people of the State in whkh he was born that he State in the Army during the· late war. There, close to his could not have had. There was none in Georgia who would neighborhood, I realized. much more keenly the force and the not have been glad to call him friend if .he had been willing power of that personality. to sacrifice his principles merely to have friends. There was I also at one time lived for five years in Bloomfield, Iowa, none, however radically he may have dift:ered with him who in the home town of Gen. James B. Weaver. GeneTal Wearnr had not rather have had him on his side than hav~ him was the close political associate of THo:YAS E. '' ATso~ in the against him, and therefore the h11owledge that he did fight, great Populist mo>ement, and was it carnlidate for tlle Presi always fought, but always fought for principle, I think should deney when that mo\ement was a ~ its height. In that way I 2130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE. JANUARY 21, learned much of the purposes, platforms, and objects of that that, but _he · was ahead of the Congress, and so I was, for I came 1n two years before Congress did, and I was in Congress and bad it great movement. passed for the first time in 1892, and bad the honor of voting for it, I will have to admit with the Senator from Ohio [Mr. Wn.r..1s] and 21 years afterwards it became part of the Constitution. There that in those days I was a scoffer against those prophets of the you see that 30 years before Congress passed it he had it in his platform, and 21 years after Congress passed it it became a part progress of our country. As I look back over it now I see things of the Constitution, and it was 31 years before it became a part of with a different view. The platform mentioned by the Senator the Constitution that General Weaver advocated it In bis plattorm. from Arkansas [Mr. CARAWAY] has been fulfilled in every detail I have been more fortunate than was General Weaver. He was the pioneer and did this work long before the rest of us saw the need for and even more. I believe in all 17 major propositions advocated it. But it fell to my lot as Secretary of State, 23 years after I began by the Populists of the United States, advocated by Senator the fight for it-21 years after that it passed Congress, and it fell to WATSON have now gone either into our statutes or into the Con my lot as Secretary of State to affix. my signature to the last docu ment necessary to make it a part of the Constitution of the United stitution of the United States. Had I known I was to be called States. upon to speak I should have had them all ready to review. I He favored the 8-hour labor law, and I note here that this is now ask the privilege of inserting them later in my remarks. the law relating to Government employees, and it is also the law in most of'. the States. See what a wide range it bas covered. See bow I can at this time mention part of them. In addition to rural be was seeking for the things that helped every class of the community. free delivery, the Australian ballot was a result of that agita They were fundamental things. If anybody tells you that the public tion. The interstate commerce act grew out of the Populist is not interested in labor laws unless they belong to the class that we call wage earners, do not let them deceive you. Society is interested movement. Om· whole primary-election system, which, in my in every part of this work. Your wage earner is a second group. He judgment, is doing more to make this a government of the ls next to the farmer. You have to rely upon the intelligence as well people, by the· people, and for the people than any other de as upon the patriotism of all these parts of society, and man is driven from his work to his bed and from bis bed back to his work again, and velopment, is like~ise due to the Populist movement. so he bas no leisure time for the proper attention of bis duties to bis Then I can remember further back when we talked of the family or the proper attention to bis civic duties; and you must not power of Congress to levy an income tax. The proposal was blame labor for not doin.g _its d~ty as you see it if you do not do your duty to the laborer by g1vrng him a chance to measure bim elf by giv considered as radical, and WATSON and Weaver and others of ing him these responsibilities, both his family responsibility and the the old pioneer leaders were derided for the radical views responsibility of citizenship. which they expressed ; and yet that bas gone into the Constitu General Weaver 35 years ago was also advocating the establishment of sanitary conditions in the indusb·ial establishments, and note what tion of the United- States. I remember when the election of progress we have made in these conditions. United States Senators by direct vote of the people was ad- Thirty-five years ago he was opposing the employment of children . vocated by them, and that view met with derision and rebuke in industries. Nineteen States now forbid it, and Congress bas recently created a Child's Welfare Bureau. He was the pioneer in eYery fun on the part of the wise statesmen of the gene1·ation; but now damental work. For if you do not take care of the child, how can you that is likewise a part of the Constitution of our country. I expect to avoid the suffering that follows the child when It is grown? can remember when they also advocated prohibition and were If you allow greed and avarice to dwarf the minds and bodies of the children, bow can you ever avoid the evils that follow, and not to described as belonging to the class of long-baiTed men and those peopls only but to that society of which tbe.v are a part? short-haired women, and yet to-day prohibition is a part of the Thirty-five years ago General Weaver was demanding a Department basic law of our land. I also remember the scornful words of .Agriculture and 11. Bureau of Lab-Or Statistics. I suppose when be demanded a Department of Agriculture he thoug ht be was going as far which were uttered against them when they spoke in favor of as he dared. But the insight that led him to believe that there ought woman suffrage; but that, too, has become a part of our Con to be a Department of Agriculture also led him to believe that there stitution. ought to be a Department of Labor. Is it not astonishing that he should make the demand for a Department of Agriculture at that time? In conclusion. Mr. President, let me say that to me nothing We had a War Department, Navy Department, and Post Office Depart has occurred in American history more fittting than that the ment, and a Department of State to deal with forei,e:n relations. But successor to this old Populist leader, THOMAS E. \VATSON, think of it. It was after this platform of General Weaver's, 35 years ago, that we got the Agricultural Department to look after the inter should have been the first woman Senator in the Senate of the ests of the largest crowd In this country, the farmers. He labored for United States. · it long before we had a Labor Department. If you look back to the Pursuant to the permission given to in ert in the RECORD a platform of 1900, the second on which I ran, you will find that 15 years ago we were insisting upon the Department of Lab-Or, and recently review of the measures pioneered and advocated by THOM.AS E. we have secured that Department of Labor, and I bad the honor ot WAT oN, I here insert extracts from a speech by the Hon. serving in the Cabinet with the first Secretary of Labor-Secretary William Jennings Bryan, made at Bloomfield, Iowa, August 15, Wilson-and a splendid Secretary he is. But here is General Weaver 35 years ago asking for a Department of .Agriculture and a Department 1915, upon the occasion of the dedication of the former home of of Labor, and then later a Department of Interstate Commerce. . Gen. James B. Weaver as a civic center. While this eulogy is Then, too, .he said that the volume of money should be controlled by in memory of General Weaver, Senator WATSON had a leading the Government and not by the banking interests. in My friends, be was the pioneer of the money question as well. He part the same movement. Mr. Bryan spoke as follows: believed in the quantitative theory of money, and yet we bad men as late First, there was the graduated income tax. Now, I advocated the as 19 years ago who did not understand the meaning of quantitative. income tnx about 25 years ago, but this was 35 years ago, so that We had men who talk~d about it as if it was difficult to understand, he was 10 years in advance of me in the advocation of the income but it is the easiest question to understand that the peoplP have ever t11x.. I did not advocate the graduated income tax. I commenced to considered. There were more people making speeches in 1896 than in advocate just the flat rate. I had been working along that line and I any other campaign. They were men who bad taken hold of the found there was resistance enough to the flat rate 25 years ago. In fundamental principles. fact, I have been called down more for advocating the income tax than Now, I have never regarded myself as being precocious when a boy, any one thing. In fact, when I look back at the measly 2 per cent nor that I was smarter than any other boy of my age, but, really, can tax that was cu~sed so much and now see a graduated income tax you remember the time in your early life when you didn't have enough such as General Weaver began advocating 35 years ago, I am ashamed sense to know that when one end of the teeter went up the other went of the moderation that characterized me in my policy itself. down? And I uspd to tell them t hat anyone could undPrstand the ques He advocate!} the establishment of the postal-savings bank 35 years tion-could be able to comprehend the quantitative theory before they ago. That is a good deal further back than most of us began to advocate reached the age of full development, and that just as soon as we got it, and yet I see that the postal-savings bank is now in operation, and far enough along in our mental awakening to know that when one it is likely to grow in size and in the number of its departments rather end of the teeter or seesaw went up that the other end went down, than to decrease. then we could grasp the fundamental principle of the money question, There was also the initiative and referendum. Well, I was sur which is as dollars l'ise :property falls. Anything which will make dol prised this morning when they _told me that that was in his platform lars increase in purchasrng power will make the prices fall. for they 35 years ago. I did not commence advocating the initiative and are a different system of the same principles. There be was 35 years referendum until 19 years ago, the first platform in which it ap ago asking that the Government and not private corporations should peared, as far as I know. At least, it was the first Democratic control the volume of money, and be made his fight for Government con platform. There, may have been a Populist platform which con trol, and we now have in the recent currency. law triumph of the sov tained it, but it was the first Democratic platform that con ereign right of the Government to issue paper money, a thing which tained it, the platform of 1896. It was adopted before I was nomi I did not expect to see in my time. I am very hopeful-and a man nated in Chicago. I was chairman of the committee which wrote should have to be hopeful to be through what I have and still be the platform of the convention, and the Republican paper said the cheerful. But I was not sanguine enough to believe that we would next morning that when Bryan wrote the platform of the initiative see what we have seen-a successful solution of the Government's and referendum the delegates looked at each other and one member right to issue money. And that reminds me of the man who wa · hurt - said to the other, "What is that?" and the Republicans said that and went to a doctor for a prescription. The doctor gave him some that was a new kind of Democratic drink, and the Republican paper kind of ointment and gave him directions as to bow to apply 1t and stated that immediately upon receiving that information it went told him after a certain time be should come back and report. 'fbe through unanimously. I do not say this to criticize the paper, but day came when the patient i·eturned, as directed. The doctor said, a great many of the Republican papers were ignorant enough to think "Well, bo-w is it?" The patient said, "I can not say; I can not that anything new was a Democratic drink. I was prejudiced enough say. I am sometimes better, and, doctor, it may get well, but I am to think that anything the Democratic convention indorsed could not afraid it won't be in my time." And here we have realized in our day be anything but a drink. what some people laughed at. and three decades ago General Weaver Now, the paper that wrote that, and a few in my State, about advocated what bas now come true. five or six years ago bad in the platform in the State the recom We bad people 19 years ago who said that, it did not matter mendation that they indorse the initiative and referendum, and the whether we bad mnch or llttle money, so it was good. It is mighty next legislature which passed the various bills passed one generally uncertain and unsatisfying to have some one describe in my pre ence in favor of it; but here is General Weaver advocating the initiative a certain kind of food that is better than another ldnd and when I and referendum 35 years sgo. ask for it to be told that there is none. He was there at that time The election of the United States Senators by a direct vote ot: insisting that there should be more money. the people. I commenced 25 years ago advocating the theory. He There was then a circulation of , 21 per capita where there is commenced 35 years ago. It was in my platform when I was 30 now a per capita of $35 in circulation, or an increase of over 50 years old, and be bad introduced a bill in Congress eight years before per cent, and if we had not had the increase in the last 19 years above ,\ 1923. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE. 2131 what it was then-and they said then that it was enough-if there I sometimes think, Mr. President, that here, as we exert our bad not been an increase it would not have been possible for the prosperity to have come which we have enjoyed in the last few !ears. selves day by day in what we believe to be for the general wel He advocated in those days the expansion of the powers o gov fare of the Nation, receiving a compensation that some people ernment. You know that government is of two kinds, coercive and may think too great, but which under the necessities and cir cooper a tive. An anarchist says that when everybody is perfect we won't need any government, as everyone. will be a law unto himself. cumstances of the day is meager-incurring enemies in debate, He is deceived by looking at the coercive part of the government creating critics throughout the country, meeting unjustifiable alone. It is true that as people grow better there_ will be less need attacks from political enemies-public service is not worth the of laws. Laws are not made for the masses .but for a ~mall part of the people. There is one thing your theoretical anarchISt ?verlooks, while, and despite the friends we make our humble efforts are and that is that the coercive part of the government will neces little appreciated. But, Mr. President, as I journeyed to Geor sarily decrease in fears as the people improve in !Dorais, and the gia with the funeral party that attended the obsequies of our cooperative part o the government is bound to mcrease as the spirit of pride increases, for people will find it wise as well as best departed friend and colleague my feelings underwent a change. to do together that which they did formerly do at a greater cost I shall never forget the sight that I beheld at Augusta and the and greater inconvenience alone. All of the great departments of our little way stations as the train moved on to the little village in Government are illustrations. The Government itself is an illus tration of the value of cooperation. Everything we undertake is an which this mighty gladiator had won his spurs, carved his evider.oce of it. It is a test of a man's -sanity that he can work to future course, and made his name a household word n_ot only in gPther with other people, and here back 35 years .ago General Georgia but throughout our country. There, in the thriving and Weaver saw that with the growth, intelligence, morality, and ad vanced civilization there would be necessity for an expansion of historic city of Augusta, were assembled thousands, surging governmental powe1·. Since that time we have seen it in the Pos.t forward to catch a glimpse of the casket that held the remains Office Department, which has ~ended until it now takes tl?-e mail of their former idol, and along the route to Thomson at every around to the houses in the city and the country, and I thmk the time will come when we will use the same mail for accumulating little station were old men and young, wives and maidens, votes, and we may see it used for the purpose of gat~ering votes of standing in subdued silence to pay their last respect to their those who are away from their homes. One of the thmgs they have fallen leader. as an object is the bringing of the Gover nment nearer the people. l\fake the Government an instrument for the accomplishment of the And in the little town of Thomson, where stands the court peoples' will and the peoples' good. A question be was a pioneer in. house that had first echoed with his fiery eloquence, within the Now those are some of the things he advocated 35 years ago, and bar of which his young and unknown personality first threw then as be went along he kept advocating other things as he. came in view of them. Among the things that he advocated in that time were itself upon his countrymen, a personality through whose per woman suffrage and the submission to a vote of the people the ques suasive qualities in after years was to conquer opposition, steal tions of the manufacture and sale of liquor. You will finrt he had away hearts, and dethrone judgment. confidence in the pe<>ple ; that he trusted them ; that he was willing to let them decide the questions affecting them, and, my friends, that I saw gathered around that little courthouse and in the is the test of democracy. streets and along the roads and around the station men and women of Georgia who had come from the hills and the moun Mr. HARRISON. Mr. President, there are some whose tains and the valleys, from the workshops and the counting nerves fail and whose courage falters in the face of impending places, hundreds of miles away, sleeping in their automobiles danger. Upon the high seas the-mighty ship may toss and roll the night before within the yard of his old borne, hallowed by ns tbe gathering storm flashes its lightning bolts across the bis footpriIJ,ts, to pay their last tribute to the memory of him heavens, ending forth its thundering roar far and near and whom they had followed through the vicissitudes of an eventful lashing deck and mast and spar with spray from its mad and political career, and whose devotion was so marked as to angry billows to the consternation of those aboard. amount almost to idolatry. Never in the history of the little Ppon the field of battle amid the dashing steel of mighty village was such a concourse gathered; never in the life of those legions the rumblings of belching cannon, the shouts of advanc people had anything happened that so touched and moved their ing host , and groans of dyin~ thousands, one of faint heart hearts. I saw at the grave the stoic faces of old men wrinkle and of little courage succumbs to intrepidation. and tremble unde'r the impulse of their love for their hero. I In the forum, on the hustings, in the court room, and at the saw his former friends walk along the road immediately pre publici .t's desk, with the sharp currents of controversy, the ceding the funeral procession silently bearing their weight of exchange of opposing views, this departed colleague to whom grief; and when I beheld these sights I thought that service to-day we pay tribute never lost bis courage or surrendered a here after all is worth the while, and that our people, even conviction. Whether receiving the wild acclaim of his followers though sometimes we forbear, do appreciate it. or the scornful look and cynical anathemas of bis political ene mies, he continued unmoved, persistent to the last, to wield the Mr. GEORGE. Mr. President, of THOMAS E. WATSON as power of his masterful pen or the persuasive qualities of his Senator I shall not speak. Others have noted his services in eloquent tongue. this chamber. I prefer rather to acquaint you with his life, Until Senator WATSON became a Member of this body I , too, which is a part of the history of my State. had formed an unfavorable opinion of the man. He and I had About 1750 a Quaker colony from North Carolina came into c.liffered on so many public questions, and I had read such ac east Georgia, and among those colonists were the ancestors of c..:onnts of his stormy career that I was somewhat prejudiced THOMAS E . W A.TSON on both sides of the house--the Watsons against him ; but, sirs, it was not long after he took his seat in and the Maddoxes. this Chamber until, under the spell of his charming personality, Of his family, although the name of Horton is used, l'.lr. bis uniform courtesy, and his gracious manner, I grew to like Watson in his book, "Bethany," a story of the Old South, him as a man and ere long to count him as a friend. writes: Few men in all the history of this country ever encountered We Hortons were a family of middle-class farmers. We bad never sharper contests and sailed upon stormier political waters than been anything else. We never expected to be anything else. Our did Senator THOMAS E. WATSON. Endowed with an intellect condition was good enough for us. We had plenty of land. We had always had it. From the time that the original Horton came flown that was al.most superhuman, with a brilliance that scintillated, into east Georgia, along with a Quaker colony, from North Carolina, and a store of information that was always ready, it seemed which took possession of a tract of forty thousand acres, we bad that he felt at all times the mastery of his position and wel occupied the comfortable position of local landowner. comed controversy. Any position that he took upon any meas That, l\lr. President, was the condition of his family before ure was naturally a strong position. Strong characters can the War between the States. After the lurid flame of war not act otherwise. He won and held throughout his eventful had swept his State, and particularly that portion of his State career devoted followers and loyal friends. He naturally made in which he resided, he found his condition quite different. and maintained bitter enemies. He was born September 5, 1856, on the old plantation home Others have spoken of the power of his eloquence, the in stead in Columbia, now McDuffie County, Ga.; son of John S. fi uence of his individuality, the qualities of his heart and mind, and Ann Eliza (Maddox) Watson. He received a common the influence of his writings, his devotion to home and fireside, school education. In 1872 he entered Mercer University, but his loyalty to friends, and I shall not detain the Senate by a was compelled to leave at the end of his second year, his means further reference to those qualities that have been so eloquently being exhausted. With a pittance of $6.50, received from the alluded to to-day by others. I would say, though, l\fr. Presi s·ale of some old but highly prized books give11: him by his dent, that Georgia, great in her wonderful resources, rich in father, he started out to make his way in life. In 1874 he went the character of her people, as she has always been-a State to Screven County, Ga., where he taught school for two years. which has given to the Nation many distinguished sons and It was during those two years, 1875 and 1876, that he read daughters; statesmen, warriors, and orators, whose names are law at night, and he is authority for the statement, as noted emblazoned in the history of the country-she has in THOMAS by the Senator from Alabama [Mr. HEF'LIN], that the i·eading E. WATSON contributed to the Nation a man who will occupy a was done by the light of the pine-knot. high place among the historians and literary geniuses of his In NoYember, 1876, be began the practice of his profession at tim~. Thomson, Ga. ; and until his untimely end on September 26, . LXIV--135 2132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE. JANUARY 21, 192'2, he maintained his law office at that place, though he had He loved the common man. He was his champion, his tire retired from active practice many years before. His fees for less thinker, worker, and dreamer. His passion was always for the first year, as also noted by the Senator from Alabama, were the weak, and he often thought himself persecuted for those he $212 gross; the second year $474. It was during the second loved. His tireless working and dreaming for the common man year of his professional life that he contracted to buy one of is that which entitles Mr. WATSON to the almost unparalleled the farms formerly owned by his father, and upon this farm he love and devotion of the common men of Georgia who loved him established his father, mother, and brothers and sisters. His through the years until his death. Whatever may have been practice gradually grew, until at the time of his retirement from Mr. WATSON'S faults of passion, whatever may have been his active practice, though a country lawyer, he himself was errors of judgment, it can not be questioned that he dreamed authority for the statement that his annual income amounted for his people, for his State, and for his Nation the most beauti to more than $12,000. ful dreams that ever inspired a poet. He believed that here in In 1878 he married Miss Georgia Durham, daughter of Dr. his own land and under: his own flag should yet take form and George W. Durham, of Thomson, Ga., and this gentle woman substance all of those beautiful dreams that have inspired, in survives him, though the children born of the union have all every age, the true and genuine lovers of men. passed away. Mr. WATSON'S references to this gentle woman, The common man, in turn, believed in Mr. WATSON; be her perfe-ct self-sacrifice, her patient, loyal, inspiring love, lieved that he was incorruptible, unselfish, and unafraid. breathe the spirit of a better world. Strong men wept when the news came of his death. Mr. WATSON servoo one term of two years in the lower house His mind was rich in historical events. He was one of the of the Georgia Legjslature, declining reelection in 1884. readiest public men in his State. He was great as an orator, In 1888 he was elector for the State at large on the Demo as a historian, and as a leader. When once he had taken his cratic ticket, and stumped the State for Cleveland and tariff position, he maintained it to the end. He never surrendered. reform. In 1889 he was elected as a member of the Fifty He respected those who differed from him. He had slight second Congress, on the Farmers' Alliance platform. This respect for those who always pretended to believe with him. organization at Indianapolis, in 1891, called upon every Con About him the fiercest passions of love and hate played for gressman who had been elected on its platform to abide by a full third of a centm·y. He was essentially, in his public its principles, regardless of caucus dictates. l\Ir. WATSON career, the man of storm, yet, in his calmer moments, the heeded the call. His campaign for reelection was the most man of humility. Some years ago he wrote: heated ever known in Georgia, and only men who were at " When I come to face my Father, I want to be able to say to Him: that time citizens of Georgia can imagine the bitterness of it. "Father, take pity on me; it was You who made me just what I Words will not conv y an idea of the bitterness with which was. With all my raging passions and disfiguring impPrfectlons, You sent me into the wicked world, where there was so much that I could he was attacked or the devotion with which he was defended, not understand. I know that I've sinned, deeply and repeatedly.' but not only in his congressional district but throughout Georgia. oh, my Father! I did try to please You. Often guilty of wrongaoing, On the face of the returns he was defeated. The election was I strove ever to get right, and stay right. I've done the very best I could to be a just man, a high·m.inded man, a pure man, a contested by Mr. WATSON. but his contest was unavailing. good man." In 1893 Mr. WATSON campaigned the State, .and _on one oc casion during this campaign was a guest in my father's home, After many crushing defeats, many heartaches and bitter when I saw him for the first time. He wafl then the storm disappointments-disappointments and defeats that would center of politics in Georgia. Living practically across the have discouraged lesser men-Mr. WATSON came to the Senate State from me, I saw him but seldom during the interYening in March, 1921. years, once in the role of counsel for the defense in a celebrated Throughout his public life he labored unceasingly for the murder trial; and the brilliancy of his intellect and the bold principles he loved. To borrow the figure of another, like the ness of his attack are yet impressed upon my mind. patient weavers across the sea he worked, perhaps, on the At that time, and at the time of his retirement, Georgia had wrong side sometimes, but he worked ever for the right side no advocate the equal of Mr. WATSON. He was especially as he saw it. _ · strong on the cross-examination of witnesses, but his peculiar His own words, recited b_y the Senator from Ohio, spoken strength lay in the magnificent manner in which he marshaled before the Legislature of his State forty years ago in tribute to his facts for presentation to the court and jury. the life, character, and public service of Alexander H. Stephens, On the stump few men in or out of Georgia thirty years ago his boyhood friend, his hero ever, may be fittingly spoken here: He fell asleep like a child, weary and worn. Great Nature, the com could measure swords with Mr. WATSON in political debate. mon mother, holds him tenderly to her bosom. When he shall awaken, During his term in Congress Mr. WATSON voted for the eight it is inspiring to believe that he shall greet the morning in a land hour law, Jed the debate for the bill which required railways to where there is nQ night, where the skies a.re undimmed by a cloud, where the feet bleed upon no pathway of stones, and the head wears equip their cars with automatic couplers, and introduced the no crown of thorns. first resolution ever passed by Congress providing for the free Mr. President, I ask for the adoption of the resolutions sub delivery of mail outside of towns, villages, and cities. mitted by my colleague [Mr. HARRIS]. In 1896 the St. Louis Populist convention endorsed William J". The resolutions were unanimously agreed to. , Bryan, the Democratic nominee, for President, and nominated Mr. GEORGE. Mr. President, as a further mark of respect to a:'HoMAs E. WATSON for Vice President. In 1900 he was nomi nated for President by the People's Party, ·and made an active the memory of the deceased, I move that the Senate, under the campaign. order entered yesterday, take a recess until 12 o'clock meridian The formatlvei period of his life was spent in poverty. Writ to-morrow. ing of Alexander H. Stepllens, the Vice President of the Con The motion was agreed to; and (at 1 o'clock and 43 minutes federacy, he said: p. m.) the Senate took a recess until Monday, January 22, 1923, ' Later in his life Mr. Stephens would say to me--to warn me, I at 12 o'clock meridian. thought-that in the earlier stages of llis career be had allowed his temper too much play. But, by way o! excuse, he said that he was a poor boy, with no influential friends, and that many a time he thought his opponents " looked down on him " because o.f his poverty, and that they were trying unfairly to "run over him." Those who have HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. started from the bottom, as "Little Alec" did, will know what that feeling is, and will look upon his errors of tongue and temper with SUNDAY, January ~1, 1923. infinite compassion. The House met at 12 o'clock noon, and was called to order Here we have, no doubt, a key to Mr. WATSON himself. by Mr. GABRETT of Tennessee as Speaker pro tempore. Senator WATSON possessed the imagination, the genius, and Rev. Page Milburn, of Washington, D. C., offered the follow the soul of a poet, as has been noted. He was a great publicist and author, editing many newspapers and magazines, always ing prayer: consecmted to the service of the common man. He nevertheless Almighty God, in whom we live, and move, and have our gave to the world many notable books. ..A,mong these were" The being; we worship Thee; we laud and magnify Thy name. Story of France," "Life and Tim·es of Andrew Jackson," "Life Oh, that all men would turn their hearts toward Thee, and own of Thomas Jefferson," "Life of Napoleon," "Bethany, a Study Thy lordship over them. and Story of the Old South," "Handbook of Politics and Eco We have all sinned and come short of Thy glory. For Thy nomics," and other historical and controversial books. Son's sake pardon our many offenses, and give us Thy peace. It will always remain a remarkable fact that an unknown We thank Thee for the magnanimous spirit which impels backwoods Georgia lawyer, who himself never visited France, compatriots to justly weigh one another's virtues and tireless who himself had no access to intimate sources of French his service. May this occasion incite Try servants to nobler living tory, should liave written a book which not only in America but and generous emotions. May this Nation ever delight in deeds in France itself is recognized as one of the most accurate his of virtue as well as ever take pride in its great wealth and tories of that country. eminent accomplishments. 1923. OONGRESSION AL RECORD-HOUSE. 2133 Now unto Him that is able to keep us from falling, and He was a regent of the Smithsonian Institution for many present us faultless before the presence of His glory with ex years and a distinguished member of the National Monetary ceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and Commission. During his long term of service be was a member majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. of several important committees, and while active and attentive in performance of bis duties wherever placed, he became more The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection the reading deeply interested in the Naval Affairs Committee than any of the Journal of yesterday will be postponed until to-morrow. other. For several years prior and during the World War he There was no objection. was chairman of this powerful committee and studied the THE LATE REPRESENTATIVE PADGETT. intricate problems connected therewith so intently that be The SPEAKER pro tempore. The clerk will report the special became the recognized authority on naval affairs, and his wise order for to-day. counsel and advice no doubt had much to do with the success The clerk read as follows: ful operation of the Navy during the war, and kept it free from scandals and grafts that some people claim were prevalent On motion of Mr. TURNER, by unanimous consent- 01·dered, That Sunday, January 21, 1923, at 12 o'clock noon, be set in other departments of our Government. He probably had a apart for addresses on the life, character, and public services of Hon. better knowledge of naval affairs than any other man who ever LEMUEL P. PADGETT, late a Representative from the State of Ten served in Congress, and watched with pride its growth as it nessee. became one of the greatest navies in the world. Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following resolution. In 1880 Mr. PADGETT was united in marriage to Miss Ida B. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Tennessee Latta, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sims Latta, of Columbia, and offers a resolution which the clerk will report. for 42 years of their ideal married life he was a devoted hus The Clerk rP.:i.d as follows: band and loving companion. He was almost a lifelong member House Resolution 486. of the .Presbyterian church, and his life embraced everything Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended that that stood for good and was a definition of a Christian gentle opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of Hon. LEMUEL man. He was a kindly, genial friend to all; he was of modest PHILLIPS PADGh:TT, late a Member of this House from the State of Tennessee. demeanor, gentle in his manner, considerate of the feelings Resolvecl, That as a particular mark of re~ect to the memory of of others and unselfish in every phase of life ; his affable dis the deeeased and in recognition of his distinguished public career, the position, his honorable life and integrity of mind radiated and House, at the conclusion of these exercises, shall stand adjourned. Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the permeated those around him. Senate. Mr. Speaker, I have not words to adequately express the ap RPBolved, That the Clerk senu a copy of these resolutions to the preciation and high value of the service Mr. PADGETT rendered family of the deceased. t~ his friends and people not only in the larger affairs of life The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the adoption but those of minute value-he was ever ready and willing to of the resolution. listen and consider the wishes of the urchin as well as those The resolution was agreed to. of intelligence and celebrity. His services were marked by fidelity to duty which was the outstanding quality in his Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, our departed friend once said public work. Knowing Mr. PADGETT as I did I can thoroughly in paying tribute to an honored Member of this House: appreciate the devotion to him on the part of his constituents; As the cycle of the years turn, one by one we drop out, one by one he was truly their Representative and their interests to him we lay down our labor 11nd cease our toil. were paramount. He was then doubtless thinking of the time when his turn In bis successful walk in life he did not covet fame and would come to lay aside all earthly cares ; when he would set notoriety and when they came his way as the result of hard sail for that mysterious realm from whence no traveler returns. work and constant attention to his duties in office he was found Mr. PADGETT wus my immediate predecessor, and I felt to be the same undaunted man of sterling qualities. His career greatly honored when the people he represented so. long and in Congress won for him much admiration and devoticn from faithfully selected me to fill out his unexpired term. While his colleagues and the mention of his nam~ seems to echo love it is a pleasure for me to take up the work where he laid it and esteem for him. uown. and to speak words of praise for his noble and exalted To his family be was ever held on the pedestal of love as the life, yet it brings sadness when I realize that he has gone faithful loving husband, kind, gentle, patient, and loyal father forever. I kn2w him well for more than 20 years ; I knew him and while they bemoan his loss it is a sweet consolation to them as a private citizen. I knew him as an official, I measured to know that his life in the family circle and before the world lances with him on the battle field of politics, and under all was one beyond reproach and his memory to them will ever be circumstances I knew him as a true, polite, high-class gentleman. a guiding star. Had he lived until November 28, 1922, he would have been In concli1sion rpay I add-while we have been happy to know 67 years of age; was born in Maury County, Columbia, Tenn., and associate with him in this life may we hope to associate in 1855; died at his home in Washington, D. C., August 2, with him again when we reach the other shore-- 1922. His remains were com·eyed to his old home at Columbia For Christ is born of Mary, and laid to rest in Rose Hill Cemetery among relatives and And gathered all above, friends who bad gone before. He was the son of John B. and While mortals sleep, the angels keep Rel>ecca Phillips Padgett, long prominent in the history of bis Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together native county. Proclaim the holy birth I Mr. PADGETT was thoroughly educate life. The people of his State should feel proud of the record Then it was that our friend showed a feeling that was he has left behind, for no man who ever served here left a deep, 8Jld the only feeling that ever seemed to threaten to better record. The acid test came during the great World ·war. ov~rthrow his perfect co-ntrol and poise on this floor. Another That was the period that tried men'& souls, tried their pa striking characteristic of Mr. PADGETT was that in spite of triotism, tried their endurance. Mr. PADGETT had patriotism, his practical view of things, in spite of the intense practical he had devotion, he had endurance. He was always ready efforts that he put forth, first as a lawyer, where he was very to meet the issue, whatever it turned out to be. He stood like successful and honored in his horn~, and afterwards as a legis n rock, side by side with the great Commander in Chief of the lator, and as one responsible more than anyone else, I think. Army and the Navy, whose responsibility then was to fight the in the last 10 or 15 years for the development of the United great war in which America was engaged. States Navy-I say, in Bpite of the practical grind in the per There never was a question about what lli. PADGETT would formance of these tasks and the engaging in that line of do to meet the needs of the Navy during that trying period. I thought that would have a tendency to drive out all emotional was happy always to follow him in wbat he recommended we ism anfl all spiritual contemplation, yet, in spite of those should do, for we men who voted to declare war stood shoulder things, those w.ho enjoyed the close, intimate friendship of Mr. to shoulder without respect to party, firm in our determination PADGETT discovered that there was no man in this House whose to leave no stone unturned and no facility nnsupplled in order spiritual life, reflections, and mediations, were richer than that the Commander in Chief of the military and naval forces his. And I think this was largely responsible for the happi of the country might be properly equipped to do the thing ness that all of us realize that he enjoyed. To some he bad which our votes had imposed upon him to do. I was p11oud no sense of humor, but to me there were times when he had to see the position that Mr. PADGET-T took always in this great a very choice sense of humor. The sum of it is that when confilct. He led the forces that shaped the policy that bullded you look back and contemplate and try to estimate his charac the Navy in the greatest war that was ever fought since the ter, judging by the external things, you come to this one conclu dawn of civilization. And what a privilege that was, to be the sion, that here was a strong, courageous character, sure in his leadei· at such a time, in such a e-0untry, and for such a cause. faith, unfaltering in his devotion, not alone to the big duties He carried his honors and his responsibilities with a modesty that come along the pathway of honor, but the simple, everyday that was sublime. No man was ever more modest or more duties imposed upon him by the relations of life. He was a sincere or more certain of what he was about to do. He never strong, a big, a good, honest man, an honor to his State, an assumed a superiority, he assumed no dictatorial attitude, but honor to this House, and an honor and a er.edit to his great be was strong in the faith that what he did was right, honest, country that he so admirably served. with an integority that knows no turning, with an Americanism that never failed. 1\fr. OLIVER Mr. Speaker, the busiest and most joyful days Ile came into life and performed his part to the great delight of my service here have been spent in companionship with of those -who knew him, and to the great benefit of those who LEMUEL PHILLIP PADGETT, our lamented friend, in honor o.f ·' may read the record for their future guidance. He was as whose memory we are assembled to-day. In committee room, unselfish as any man I ever knew. He knew his facts in on the 1loor of the House, in frequent travels dnring times of eYerything be undertook. He was able to present a case con peace and war, inspecting naval stations and naval activities 'Vincingly, clearly, and logically. He had a temperament that here and abroad, I learned through an intimate personal asso fitted him peculiarly for the burdensome task that he had to ciation to appreciate his many virtues and his genuine worth. perform during a burdensome period. And what a great good As a lawyer and .as a legislator he had exceptional ability, fortune it w.as that during such a period the Nation had such and coupled with great ability was a golden heart, a generous a man! mind, -a knightly soul, wli1ch readHy won the friendship, the We come not to momn but to praise. I think that the work trust, and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. he did while in life will live in the hearts of his countrymen His scrupnlous correctness in habits, his devotion to family, for all time to come, and those who read the 1·ecor.d of his ac his fidelity to friends, his loyalty to convictions, earned for him complishmenb and achievements will be glad to emulate the an unquestioned reputation as an upright, industrious, con task that he performed. He left a lesson for young America scientious, high-minded public servant. which means patriotic fervor and devotion to the country, un He richly merits the beautiful tributes paid him to-day by his selfishness in action, and readiness to do at a period when friends and colleagues, and in the short time remaining there action becomes the duty of .every man. are just two phases of his life that 1 wish to lay special It is a wonderful thing to be a patriot ln the proper sense. emphasis on: First, as a legislator in his relation to the Navy; I wonder if I might take the liberty to tell you what I think and second, his beautiful conception of life. patriotism is in the sense that I understood Mr. PADGETT to be a For more than 15 years he was a member of the Na-val Affairs patriot. Patriotism, according to my viewpoint, as I read him, Committee, and for eight years of that time occupied the im menns love of country, loyalty to its life and will, love tender portant position of chairman of that committee; and I think and strong, tender as the affection of a son for a mother, strong it is well within the facts to say that he wrote or materially as the pillars of death, shrinking from no sacrifice, and seeking aided in writing more original, permanent legislation, and re no reward except the country's honor. Patriotism is the vital drafted more old legislation in a helpful way for the Navy spark, as I understood l\Ir. PADGETT to .read it, of the Nation's than any other man, living or dead. He was chairman of the bonor, the strong shield of the Nation's safety, the living committee, as the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. MADDEN] has fount of the Nation's prosperity. We will not bid him good-by; said, during the Wor1d War and for several years prior thereto. be will be with us; we honored him in life, and we honor his He w1·ote the 1916 building program, which had it been com memory now that he has passed away. pleted-and it was nearing completion-would hB.Ye given to us the greatest Navy of all time. He saw the Navy grow from a Mr. WINGO. Mr. Speaker, the State of Tennessee is notable personnel of 50,000 to more than 400,000 during the World War, for the contributions that it has made to the life of the Nation and drafted the legislation which enabled the Navy to success by furnishing strong, capable, courageous leaders. In that e-0n fully meet the exigencies of that great struggle. T-0 have been tribution none stands out, I think, with greater courage and chairman of this committee during such a crucial period in with greater credit to himself and his State and Nation than volved immense responsibility, yet he met every demand with does l\1r. PADGETT. The most striking characteristics of our signal ability. friend were the remarkable poise that he always maintained, No one ever manifested keener pride in the Navy nor knew his ability at all times to not permit upon the part of others better its inspiring history and traditions. He never missed either the prejudices or the passions of the hour, or even lack an opportunity to speak in praise of its officers and enlisted of information on the question that was very dear to his heart, personnel, and often on the floor of the House, when some one the United States Navy, to obscure in his mind the things that without accurate knowledge drifted into careless speech which were to be done in the way of legislation. It was interesting was even susceptible of a construction reflecting on the Navy, be to one who studied the different methods of different leaders on was ever ready and prompt to correct such erroneous impres this floor to study the method of Mr. PADGETT when he was re sions and to pay what those who heard him quickly recogruzed sponsible for legislation. I think the only thing that possibly was a true and just tribute to the Navy and its personnel. ever aroused anything like a lack of poise, a resentment, and He had a thorough and accurate knowledge of all laws re caused him to speak with any extraordinary degree of warmth lating to the Navy, and naval officers frequently expressed was when, someone, either through ignorance or through the wonder at the extent, fullness, and accuracy of his knowled ge. prejudices that may have been aroused by something unfortu He knew its ships, its personnel legislation, .and the history nate, spoke slightingly of the personnel of the United States of sueh legislation in its minutest details. Often when the Navy. House seemed confused or in doubt as to matters .pertaining ' ·2136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE. · JANUARY 21, to naval legislation, a few words from him, spoken without lowered, aspirations that could not be corrupted, and the devo a moment's reflection, readily cleared away all doubts and tion of his great intellect to forces which make for happiness, uncertainties. Truly can it be said that when LEMUEL PHILLIPS yea for the glory of the soul p ADGh"TT fell asleep the country lost a friend of rich knowledge Truly can it be said of 1#.m that- and of inspiring leadership in all matters relating to the Navy, He transmuted knowledge into wisdom, strength 1nto efficiency, power om· Nation's first and best defense. into service-- This morning a letter was handed me from a dlstingUished And that henceforth he wlll be naval officer, one loved in and out of the service, and it gives Forever an influence, me pleasure to ask permission to read it on this occasion A memory, a goal, a high example, A thought of honor in some noble heart, and insert it in the RECORD as a part of my remarks. I know Part of hls country's treasure and renown the warm esteem in which this officer was held by our lamented Ort giving courage to souls that toil. friend, and if he could but bear the reading of the letter this morning he would be deeply touched by this sincere yet 1\Ir. STEPHENS. l\!r. Speaker, I have not anything prepared, simple tribute from the men of the Navy, so well expressed by !Jut I want to add a few words to those that have been said Admiral Washington-the present head of the important Bureau in praise of the character and life of our fliend, Mr. PADGETT. of Navigation. Mr. Speaker, I now ask permission to read the I served on the Committee on Naval Affairs with him for the letter as a part of my remarks. past three years. l\Iy firt observation upon being inducted The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection it is so into the service of the Committee on Naval Affairs, was the ordered. great ability of Mr. PADGETT on all questions pertaining to the Mr. OLIVER. The letter is as follows: Navy. He knew every little detail. I noticed that he knew MY DEAR Mn. OLIVER: I have been informed that to-morrow there almost the name of every officer, whether he was great or small, wlll be held at the Capitol a memorial service in honor of the late Hon. all the legislative busines that had been done in the last LEMUEL P. PADGETT, of Tennessee. Mr. PADGETT'S long career in the Congress brought him in close and fiftee;n or twenty years, so I say that my senice with him on intimate touch with the Navy and its officers and men. We found him the Committee on Naval Affairs has been one of great satisfac always a loyal friend and supporter, a wise mentor and guide, and, tion. My knowledge of him as a man, my association with him above all, a true state!':man devoted to his country's intere ts. We, in the Bureau of Navigation, who have to do with the personnel taught me to love him as one of our great American characters. of the Navy, alway felt free to go to Mr. PADGETT with our problems His life was simple yet useful and loving in every particular. ancl difficulties. His thorough grasp of all the details of naval orga?i· But I perhaps noted more that part of his life which pertained zation and administration, the great esteem and confidence be m spired in bis colleagues in the Congress.r and his complete knowledge of to his domestic affairs. I knew of his lovely disposition and legislative procedure and practice renaered bis advice . and counsel or of his lovely nature. I knew the affection in which he was very great value and has materially contributed to the successful ad· held by the members of his family. I knew of all the considera ministration of the Navy during the pa,st 20 years. I would be very grateful if you would convey to Mr. PADGETT'S asso tion that he gave not only to his family but to the members ciate.· and friends in the Congress bow deeply and sincerely all the of the Naval Affairs Committee. If there is anything that I officer and men of the United States Navy mourn our great mutual can say to add to the many beautiful words that have been loss. Our consolation ls that the force of his admirable character and attainments will provide us all with a source of inspiration and ~poken I would be glad to add them, but as a friend, a colleague, guidance for many years to come. I desire to ue recorded here as saying he was one of our Sincerely yours, greatest American citizens and has given to our country the THOMAS WASHINGTON. great ability that be had acquired. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, let me say there was something else in Mr. P ADGETT's life far greater than his distinguished Mr. BYRNS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, my affection and re service as a Member of this body, far greater than his success spect for the person and character of our deceased friend an<.l in dealing with the economic and political problems of life, and colleague, Hon. LEMUEL P. PADGETT, will not permit me to indtJge it constituted the real source of his success and power. No in mere words of praise. He was my friend and comrade for one ever had a more beautiful and perfect conception of life, many years. I knew and loved him for his charming person nor a deeper and more abiding Christian faith in the life ality, his high character, and his eminent abilities. hereafter than he had. My fr1end from Pennsylrnnia [Mr. I first knew him as one of the leading members of the bar in DARROW] read a few moments ago an excerpt from an im the prosperous and beautiful little city of Columbia, Tenn., promptu address which Mr. PADGETT delivered last yeat· at the where he was born and where he lived throughout his life. He funeral of his warm personal friend, Mr. Browning, of New was elected a member of the State senate and served during Jersey. I was present on that occasion, and recall another the term of 1899. I was a member of the lower house of that part of that remarkable address. With wonderful tenderness legislature and am familiar with his record as State senator. yet intense feeling, he spoke these comforting words to the He immediately took rank as one of the ablest and leading men loved ones of his departed friend. I give his exact words: of that body. His service was so faithful and satisfactory and Living is fu11 of opportunity and life open.s a great vista of oppor his integrity of purpose and devotion to duty so well known tunities and gr~at visions of what may be the grandeur and the glory of living, boundless opportunities, and limitless tii:ne. and limitless that in 1900 he was nominated and elected to Congress over a . space for development and f_or growth and for association. ~et '!fth number of able candidates. He took his seat in this body all of our years here there 1s to us a sense of a lack of sahsfaction. Tbt> very incompleteness of our purposes, the very lack of opportunity March 4, 1901, and served continuously from that time until his to fully mature and develop our plans, carries with it the lack of sat death on August 2, 1922. isfaction. And upon an occasion like this we ask om·sehes where is He was made a member of the important Committee on Naval the remedy, and will there be a full satisfaction? It is to the loved ones it ts to the bereaved ones, upon an occasion like this tbat we can Affairs and, with his characteristic thoroughness, soon came to say, 'as we believe, we shall be satisfied when we awake in His like:iess. be a recognized authority in Congress on naval matters. 1\Iy friends, I do not wish to speak of the darkness, but of the hght; It is no exaggeration to say that there was no man in either not of the night, but of the day·; not of the sunset, but of the sunrise. We see before us these flowers. Beautiful they are, and fragrant; but branch of Congress who had such an intimate and complete they soOJl will wilt and wither, and their fragrance will be lost in the knowledge of our Navy. He became Chairman of the Commit air. We want something at this time more lasting and more substantial tee when the Democrats came in control of the House in 1911, nnd the thought comes to us of the occasion when in other days in the early morning of the first day of the week the women went to the open and served as such throughout the eight years of Democratic grave looking for a loved one, and the angel said to them : " He is control He was earnestly opposed to war for offensive pur not here. He is risen "-risen 11ot into the beauty of these flowers, for poses, but he was thoroughly imbued with the importance and they soon wilt and fade; not into the beauty of the golden-tinted sunset of the west, for the shadow of night will blot it out; but risen necessity of an adequate Navy for defense, and it was under in the life, into the fullness and sweetne s of that· llfe where oppor llis wise guidance that legislation was enacted which resulted tunity for greater and better things will be as immeasurable and as in making our Navy the second largest and most powerful in illimitable as the universe of God, and whose duration wlll be com the world, the wisdom of which was apparent to every one mensurate with the eternity of God. Oh my friends, the comfort is on an occasion like this. the life- when our country was drawn into the greatest conflict of all the fullness, the sweetness, the beauty of the life of which the grave the ages. The presence to-day of so many distinguished ad ls only the portal, or the open door of the transition. mirals and high officials of the Navy, who sit in the gallery, is How appropriately can these same words, so recently spoken a magnificent tribute and testimonial of their very great respect at the grave of a friend by him whose memory we honor to-day, and regard for Mr. PADGETT as a man and a legislator, and of be now spoken to his own loved ones. They truly portray, yea the splendid services which he rendered to his country. forever picture tl!e innermost thoughts, the spirit, the soul of While he specialized on naval matters, his public service was our friend who fell asleep on the 2d day of August, 1922, only by no means confined to that one line of endeavor. He was an to a wake in another and better home " not made with hands, important factor and counselor in the shaping of much impor eternal in the heavens." tant legislation while his party was in control, and an influen I,et us ever remember that a mind and heart, spiritually con tial force throughout his legislative career. He never neglected trolled and directed, guided his conduct always, thus insuring the smaller and more unimportant duties of a Congressman. ideals that could not be depraved, hopes that could not be He was energetic and faithful, anxious always- to serve to the , 1:923, OONGRESSIONAL RECO;RD-· HOU&E. 'fullest extent revery man and women 1n 'liiB district wifuout 1re- 1.lres ~eporte-d by the eommittee were· put through the House in gard to their station in life. No man ever TeJJL'eSented a 'greaier oecard time. or 'lllore intelligent constituency, and 'they showed-:their--appreci- 'UnCler 1his ll.ea'°dership the committee disregardea pa-rtisanshtl> ution of'his fidelity and ability ·by keeping him in Congr-ess until and ·made prompt response to -every appeal '.from ·the adminis his death. i-:ration 'for legislation ·necessary to the -winning of the war. His home ll'fe was ideal. 1\Iore than 40 years ago 'he mar: ·"men i:be fortunes of politics elegated 'Mr. PADGETT to the posi· 0 ried a charming youno- lady of his ·native city, who, survives ·tion of Tanking niinority ·member, hls interest in the Navy did him Their devotion to each other was tender and beautiful. not abate. He·a:ppliefi himself who1e-heartedly to the new nav:rl tfle ioved her and their children with all ·the devotion ?f whlch ' •prob1ems-th~ problems of rrecons!I"nctien. His enti:re serytces his (J'reat heart was capable. He was a devoted, tender, and ©n the ·comnnttee were ·characterizeil by Industry, good Judg affe;tionate husband arnl a gentle and loving father. Indeed, .ment, ana a high degree of P.atriotism. . It is only fair to -say Nr. Speaker, he -was a "kindly, Christian gentleman. He prac- that no Mem~er of Congress in e. -score of !ears rendered mo;e , 1 ticed what he preached. Of him tt could be said in truth: valuable servic~ ·to tJ:le country in connection wi~ naYa~ leg1s· His 'llfe was gentle· lill'd fbe ·elements lation than did Mr. PADGETT. No man staod higher 'ln i he so mixed in him that Nature might stand up esteem and con:fidenee of his colleagues, both on the committee And ·say to all the world, ".This was a man I " and in the House. During his last illness it was ~Y privilege to ~sit hlm ·often ' "i\fr. PADGETT-was a ma:n ~o"f the hig'hest eharacter, -a gent1eman at his home in this city. When Jie was first stricken and for 'in every sense of "the word, a scholar of great learning, and weeks thereafter no one suspected that be would not recover. • a patriot-who 1luved lli:s country and its institutions. ~ worthy :As the disease progressed, he ·asked ·me ·one day to bring .pen I ·son of a great State which 'has contributed more than her share nnd paper and write a codicil to ~is la-~ · ~ .and :testame~t, 'to the 1.ist of gyeat 2\merieans, he made himself a place in the disposing of property he had acqmrea smce his original wf!l 1 highest councils of the Natton. -was made. And then, -with his usual thoughtfulness and as if 'Those of us -who were -privi1.eged to know Mr. P A DGETT "int l •to dispel any fear that might be f-elt by his family and friends, 1mate1y were impre~ed Wifh the quiet aignity of his ·hearing, he gently said, "I do not 'mean b·Y thts ·to indic~te th.at 'I 'feel With 'his uniform courtesy, with his absolute candor and fair that I run going to di"e, for none of us know, but I believe that i .mess, w1th 1his loyalty to Jb.ts ·friends, with his supreme love ot everyone should put his house in order and be -reacly ~o an8!'er · country, with the religion which he da'ily practiced. He'Walked the last call ·whenever it comes." .And as I sat oy his bedside uprightly before God and man. In his passing the ·State of penning the provisions of the eodicil which he c~.lmly and Tennessee has lost one of 'her foremost sons and the Nation an clearly rumounced, I felt that he realized 'that his earthly ab1e and distinguished legislator. career was soon to come •to an end; but the.re was '!lo murmur, 1 I join ·witn you, 'Mr. Speaker anu gentlemen of the Rouse, in •no complaint on his part. There was no sign of either regret -paying tribute 'to 'his memory. or fear. ·He was -ready-; his house was in order. !And as I 1 11\"fay the ·monument-which marks bis 'last resting place be of spotless bade him good-by and left his sick -chamber with tears in my . :marble, for it can not be purer or whiter tlmn his life. - eyes I too realiz-ed Bomehow that 1le was soon to "be ,-called 1to ·bis heavenly home. ..Mr. ,FIELDS. Mr. .SpeaK.er, .I ha:ve not :been .:accustomed 'to I ·went to my home in Tennessee and ·tn a 'few -short weeKs speaking u:n o.ccasions of 1this character, bnt 'by -:reason ·of my ·the news came·that the gentle -spirit of LE:M.UEL P. PADGETT'had •peculiar admiration foT 11EM:uEL IP. PADnmT, late a Member o! taken its •:flight. He died ·peacefully, ·for throughout his life 'he this body, I would ..'.feel emi.ss in the discharge of my duty nad followed the injunction to-- ·should :I -fail to join iliis •colleagues who assemble to-day 'to pay So live that when thy summons comes to ·join honor to his rmemory. The innumerable caravan which mov~ ilt was m·y pleasux.e ::.to :form .an ·intimate acquaintance with To that mysterious realm where each shall take Mr. PADGETT soon after I became a .Member of the Bouse. Ou:r -His chamber in the silent halls of death, !l'hou go not, like the quarry slave -at night, ac-gua.intance :soon developed into a strong personal :friendsllip, Scourged tu his dungeon, but, -sustained and soothed which continued to ,grow during om· f!ervice together of moTe By an unfaltering trust, approach thy .grave .than 11 years, and by reason of ·the close personal relation Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch ship I About him, and lies down to JJleasant dreams. between us watched ill.is legislati..ve .career closely and with much inter.est. .His .remains were carrieo l>ack to Tennessee and the home he A.s chain:nan of the ·Committee on .Naval Affairs 'While .his loved .so well A. great concourse of 1riends and constituents -pa.r.ty was in control of the organization of the House Jle-praved from .all over his district .assembled to ao him honor and pay a himself to be the muster of every subject relating to ·the last tribute of affection to .his memory. All that was morta1 Naval Establishment, and, 1n my opinion, ·showed :a .· stronger of him was 1aid away by tender and loving hands, under the combination of know.ledge of his subjects and .tact in handling .flowers in beautiful Rose Hill Cemetery in Columbia, and beside them through legislative procedure than any o.the1· individual the .remains of a Jately deceased and belovea son, there to rest .that I have known during my -ser'°-ce. He was always fully until resurrection morn, when he will be called to joint thuse informed on his subjeat, ;from ·the broadest questions of gov~ who have been faithful, honest, and trne in this life. We will em.mental ;policy to the most delicate and minute details. His .see..him again, l\Ir. Speaker, for we are taught to believe and to .kind yet firm and straightforward manner in dealing with his know that there is a hereafter where friends who have been true fellow Members while in charge of-bills from his committee won .and upright w.hile on ear.th will meet, never to pa.rt again. So for hlm both their admiration and their confidence. So strongly .we say to this splendid American, loyal citizen, faithful friend, was .he intrenched in the admiration and the •confidence of his devoted husband, affectionate father, and knightly, Christian fellow Members that he .seldom, if ever, failed to carry to .final gentleman, " Hail and farewell until we meet again." · enactment bills sponsored by him on the floor of the House. His lon.g, uninterrupted service ju the House attests the fact .Mr. McARTHUR. .Mr. .Speaker, a good man, who for .a score that .he was also intrenched in the admiration and confidence of years rendered distinguished services to our country in these .of the people of the district cfrom which he .came. Halls, has paid the debt of nature .and .gone to his .final account. ·His ,personal manner was charming, alwayt; pleasant, il.lways we, hls colleagues, .have assemb1ed here to-day to pay tribute kindly disposed, never .given to excesses in habit or in ;speech. to his memory and I count it a privilege to add my word of Never did I during my entire association with him hear him praise. Shortly after I came to Washington as a Member of utter a word that would be improper to utter in the presence the Sixty-fourth Congress it was my good fortune to make the of ladies. .Both his .manner and his speech w.e:re an inspira acquaintance of ·LE:M.UEL ·p . .PADGETT, who was then chairman tion to those who came in contact with h im. In his passing of the Committee on Naval A.ff.airs. .At tne opening of the ,the conn~y lost a noble citizen, the ..House an honored and Sixty-fifth Congr.ess l became a member..Qf that committee ,and useful Member. Let it be said and truly said that the -race served upon it ·with Mr. _pADGE'CT until .his death in .August, has profited by his existence and the Honse and the counti.·y 1922. During this ;Period the United .E.tates entered the World have profited by his valuable s.ervice here. He is gone, but his War and our committee was called upon to consider and· .repoi't record of achievement will ·Uve on through ~the years ·so long as legislation of the greatest importance not only to this country the histoi:y of the .American Congress lasts. but to our allies an.d to the cause of liberty and humanity. Mr. P.ADGETT was at all times egual to the great trust and the .Mr. TAYLOR of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed "\Vith tremendous responsibilities which were in his keeping. His the most profolllld feeling of sadness that I contribute a .few knowledge of naval legislation and the problems which.aro e be remarks on this somber and .melancholy occasion ·whereon we cause of our participation in the war was profound; his .grasp have met to memoralize the life, character, and pub1ic·service uf of the numerous details was amazing. He recognized the need our late, lnmeuted colleague. H on. LEMUEL PHILLIP.s P-ADGETT, ·of action rather than words, and many of the great war meas- who, after a career abounding in achievement, has passed to I 2138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE. ,J ..i.NU ARY 21, that great beyond "from whose bourne no traveler ever re the great unknown than to realize that he has contributed ome turns." I first met our departed colleague in 1914, during the thing to the happiness and welfare of mankind? State campaign of that year, and while he was conspicuous Mr. Speaker and gentlemen, LEMUEL PHILLIPS PADGETT has throughout that memorable campaign, which was one of the gone ! His work here is finished. His enfranchised spirit has bitterest and most acrimonious in the history of the politics departed hence to join in sweet and perfect harmony and of the Volunteer State, he always maintained that generous co~radeship that innumerable host of immortals who wrought and cordial composm·e so characteristic of himself. And while faithful and well here, and who are enjoying their just deserts the political atmosphere about him was charged with the most on the other shore. intense venom and hate, and while all sorts of maledictions and Peace to his ashes I honor to his name ! and immortality to .animadversions were being hurled here and there, it was a his memory! ·notable fact that LE"hIUEL P. PADGETT never permitted abuse, billingsgate, or recrimination to profane his lips. Mr. BLAND of Vil'ginia. Mr. Speaker, we have met to-day to Mr. Speaker, I learned to respect our departed colleague pay a tribute to the memory of one whom all of us loved and hon then and my associations with him here during the Sixty ored. When we heard that our colleague L. P. P ADG.l!..'TT, of Ten- , fifth and Sixty-sixth Congresses simply served to increase and nessee, had crossed the river, we grieved that he had gone, but solidify my respect and admiration for his manly qualities. we gloried that he had left a record of service which was both In the death of Ll!;MUEL P. PADGETT the House of Representa an example and an inspiration. It has been said, tives, bis constituency, the State of Tennessee, and the Nation Man is of soul and body, formed for deeds at large have sustained a distinct and irreparable loss. During Of high resolve. his career here he displayed an industry, an activity, and a This was true of our lamented colleague, and well was his relish and capacity for work seldom exercised in legislative work done. Others will speak in detail of his service he1·e. service, and as a result thereof his name will be forever asso Brie.fly I will speak of him as I knew him. cla ted with some of the most wholesome and constructive legis Among the most cherished recollections of my service here lation that has been enacted during this generation. Few men will be the acquaintance early formed with this valiant son of had a larger and more exhaustive fund of legislative knowledge, Tennessee. Soon after I came here I met him. Though lle was or were more exact, accurate, and thorough in dealing with a legislator of long experience, high in the counsels of the party, legislative problems than he. burdened with the responsibilities of most important work at He was recognized by his colleagues and by the whole coun a crucial period in our Nation's life, yet he found time to wel try as an authority on questions affecting the financial con come a raw recruit, to offer to him words of encouragement, anu dition of the Nation, and he was particularly learned and to help him in his work. Mr. PADGETT inspired confidence. He skilJed in naval affairs, occupying for many years a con had the confidence of his colleagues to a degree which I have spicuous place on the great Naval Affairs Committee of the seldom seen given to others. House. He was a practical mari, and in his work as a legis Members on both sides of tile aisle knew that stateruenw lator and statesman he never allowed the mists and fogs of made by him as facts needed no verification, that he spoke theory and speculation to hamper or obfuscate his practical only what he knew, and that always he spoke the truth with vision. He could always assign a reason for "the faith that out equivocation of any kind. When Mr. PADGETT svoke as of was within him," taking the position that a proposition that his knowledge no one doubted. So it was that hi· influence couh.1 not be demonstrated by facts and figures and by the grew daily, and reached not only his colleagues here but all ordinary laws and processes of logic was unworthy of con branches of official life. This- was manifested in markeLl siderntion. Likewise, he had no patience with sham nor degree in one of the last fights of his legislative life, when hyp.ocrisy. He never engaged in demagoguery himself, and I he successfully resisted a reduction in the l\avy personnel, personally know that the practice thereof by others was ex and carried with him many who had no opportunity to study ceedingly. loatllsome to him. exhaustively the subject, but '"ho expressed themselves a~ Ile was strong in debate but his strength in this respect did satisfied to follow where the distinguished son of Tennessee not consist in the employment of metaphor or glittering generali might lead. Freely he was consulted by Members of all partie~. ties, but rather in the use of logic and cold fact. He was indis frankly he counseled, and wisely he led. pen ~ab le in committee work because he was indefatigable in He was a man wholly free from the ostentatious. There research and investigation-things that are irksome and oner was nothing affected about him. He was patient at all times, ous to the average member, but nevertheless a work that is and one of the kindliest, tenderest, and most generous of men. absolutely necessary to a " safe and sane" consideration of Never obtruding himself, yet he was ever prompt to take up legislation. By some this work is considered drudgery, and if the cudgels when duty demanded. While I served with him drudgery means hard work it is drudgery, and therefore the he never consumed unnecessarily the time of the House. When man who has the will and the patience to do it is entitled to be he spoke, it was proper and meet for him to speak. Then he called a patriot. presented his facts in masterly array, and disarmed his an In its final analysis, LEMUEL P. PADGETT was a simple, un tagonist b$7 his superior knowledge of the subject on which lie sophisticated, practical man. Simple in his tastes, unpretentious spoke. in his dress and manner, and practical in his activities, official There was none of hero worship nor of cant in his make-up, and otherwise. T<> his everlasting credit be it said that he He knew men as they were. He overlooked. their weaknesses was patriotic to a preeminent degr.ee. That old familiar slogan, and he readily cultivated their virtues. " l\fy country, may she ever be right, but right or wrong my 1\fr. PADGETT'S candor, his experience, his fidelity, and, above country," perfectly typified the spirit of our deceased colle~gue. all, his truth, were predominant characteristics. Lord Bacon Loyal to his country and to his friends, he was a genuine said: American citizen of the old school. But no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage l\ieasured by any criterion, LEMUEL P. PADGETT was dis ground of truth. tinguished. He had a quiet, unassuming dignity that frowned It was upon this vantage ground our colleague stood. There not upon comradeship nor cordiality. He was able, yet toler he lived, fought his battles, and won his victories. Possible ant; zealous but just-honorable to a fault-" and the elements partisan advantage could never tempt him. And so be won the of greatness o mixed in him that nature might stand up and esteem of those to whom he was politically opposed and of those say to all the world-this was a man." with whom he was affiliated. :Mr. Speaker, knowing our beloved colleague as I did, when Confidence and esteem merged into love. His people love Mr. PADGETT was a patriot. He was ready at all times to give PADGETT,~ a Member of this House, a Democrat, was my friencl, the best that was in him to his country's preservation and pros and that I had unbounded love and respect for him as a man, perity. He prated not in loud and lengthy phrase, but in the as a partisan, as a legislator, as a patriot, and as a loyal simple language of love and in unfaltering service he showed supporter of the United States Government, its flag, and its his loyalty and his zeal. No more devoted patriot has ever sat traditions. His influence and example was for right, which in these halls. must result in lasting benefit and perpetuation of country, its Wise coun elor and devoted public servant, farewell. For people, and our institutions. thee life's labors have ended, and thou hast reaped the reward He did his duty in every position in which he was placed. of the faithful and the just. Thou hast left us an example. Let us this day remember we m·ust live so that the world will Thy life will ever serve as an inspiration. be better for our having contributed something to help mankind, Beloved friend, farewell. and when we are gone our friends can truthfully say- Farewell! A word that must be, and hath been-, A good man has passed to his reward. A sound which makes us linger, yet-farewell. I sincerely feel that I can truthfully say that when LEMUEL Mr. WASON. Mr. Speaker, it was my privilege to have made P. PADGETT died a good man passed to his reward. the acquaintance of LEMUEL P. PADGETT, a Representative in He never forgot to observe in his daily life the teachings Congress from Tennessee, who at that time was chairman of described in the following lines: the Committee on Naval Affairs of this House, when I first We live in deeds not years, not breaths; In feelings, not m1 figures on the dial. entered upon my service here ; he and I were domiciled at the We should count time by heart throbs. He most lives same hotel that session. Thus I early was fortunate in making Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best. his acquaintance. That acquaintance began in December, 1915, and continued until the day of his death, and as each day passed JI.fr. O'CONNOR. l\!r. Speaker, we haYe assembled here to my admiration and my affection for him increased. My speech day not so much to mourn as to express our reflections upon a would be complete with one sentence, after sitting here and high, knightly life, nobly spent. And we do so in order that listening to the absolute candid and truthful tributes to Mr. those reflections may reach not only those .who knew LEMUEL PADGETT, of his work and his fidelity to his country and his P. PADGETT, but the people who, from one end of the land to people, and saying they are true, is saying more than any the other, will read the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD and be inspired words that I could utter. But I can not refrain, however, from by our expressions to emulate the great American who knew no relating that I early detected in him the characteristics that greatness but his country's good. No nobler soul ever dwelled we enjoy and respect in man-honesty of purpose, generous in upon this earth than the dead statesman. No choicer spirit his treatment of his fellow man, candid in his conclusions, com ever graced a land than the dead jurist- prehensive in his research upon matters that he entered upon. Let all the ends thou aimest at be thy country's, A he served his district in Tennessee and in this House and Th:r God·s, and truth's ; Be noble; and the nobleness that lies the entire country, his record of service speaks volumes more In other men sleeping, but never dead, eloquent than lips or tongue of man could attempt to describe Will l'ise in majesty to meet thine own- them. His guiding mind and judgment while he was chairman were as a cloud by day and a pillar by night to the one in of the Naval Affairs Committee, if studied, would show con whose memory we are to-day holding these exercises. They clusively his ability to detect the needs of his country, the were his song early and late, by day and by. night. He loved detnils of any weakness, if such existed in the Navy. It would his country, and did not deem it necessary to give a reason why. also show that wherever a weakness was discovered by him It was his own-that was sufficient. The moral grandeur of that was detrimental to his country's defense, even in time of his gi;eat nature sanctified his patriotism, and to his luminous, peace, he well knew what was necessary to be done to con-ect large, and comprehending eye the ideals, aspirations, hopes, the infirmity and place the Navy in readiness for an emergency, and purposes of his land were not only just, but holy, as they if an emergency came. were from his viewpoint preliminary to the ends the Creator So, when called upon in 1917 to act as a Member of this has in mind, and to which LEMUEL PADGETT reverently and House, his previous study and experience had fitted him for solemnly looked, as the millenium, when the lion and the lamb those important dutles so that he could discharge those duties shall lie down, and there shall be peace on earth to men of with the ease of a student who has mastered his subject and is ready for examination by his professor. He had mastered good will. tllt' details, as has been said, of the needs of the Navy as a Mr. Speaker, I knew l\fr. PADGETT for three years. During part of our national defense. He knew all about them in one of those years I knew him almost intimately; for during almost every detail, and his colleagues soon realized that when that time I spent many days in conversation with him in refer he stood on the floor of this House and made a statement ence to affairs that came before the Committee on Naval Affairs. relative thereto, lt was just in accordance with the facts, and It was during those days that I learned the full value of a his advice, as stated by my distinguished colleague, Mr. MAD magnificent inscription that is engraved on a slab in a ceme DEN. was followed with honesty and candor by many of the tery in the city of New Orleans, and is now written on the Members of the House ; indeed by most of the membership hearts of men and women of that famous old town. They are of the House, because we all had faith in him and respected his in memoriam of one who played out a great part in the section judgment; we all recognized his honesty of purpose, and were of the country from which I come. The lines ar.) stately, willing to follow where he led. reverent, patriotic, eloquent, and inspiring. They. are a worthy So his work in this department of the Government and in tribute to our departed friend. I can not quote them literally, his service to his country and in other departments as a but substantially they are: Member of this House and a citizen of this country finally A man tried in many high offices; came to an end ; but, my colleagues, the achievements of his And critical enterprises; life. his accomplishm~nts in this House, and .his work as a noble And found faithful in all; citir.en from the State of Tennessee, and his influence upon His life was one long sacrifice of interest to conscience and thoFe of us who re~ain will stay with us as long as we remain, unswerving duty of devotion to country; and when we pass it will pass on down through the ages and · His greatness stands confessed to-day in a people's tears; be influential and helpful to posterity. In his nature and Resolute, moderate, clear of envy, yet not wanting in that treatment of others he was kind and gentle, yet firm. He finer ambition which makes men great and pure; was as considerate as the Good Book teaches us all to be. In his honor-impregnable ; His daily life was an example of Christian fortitude, of up In his simplicity-sublime; rig-htness, of candor, of fervency, and of love of his fellow man. No country e'er had a truer son-no cause a nobler champion ; Somebody has said that he was a partisan. He was, and so No people a bolder defender-no principle a purer advocate, are all of us. Possibly I differed with him politically, but the than the dead statesman who sleeps his last sleep in the soil very fact that he was a partisan and that I on general princi of his well-beloved Commonwealth of Tennessee; ple differed from him politically soon led me to honor him for His fame, consigned to the keeping of that time which, his partisanship, and the fact that he was a partisan led me happily, is not so much the tomb of virtue as its shrine; to admire and respect him in the highest degree. Shall, in the years to come, fire modest worth to noble ends. As a new Member here, no . Member of the House, not even In honor, now the great statesman rests ; my own colleague from my own State, whom I had known from A bereaved people mourn him; boyhood, treated me m·ore kindly and with more considerate A proud Commonwealth and a noble Nation claim him; courte y than did our distinguished friend from Tennessee who And history shall cherish him ; occupied a seat in this House until recently; and it will be a Among those choicer spirits, who, holding their conscience source of comfort to me as the years roll by that LEMUEL P. unmixed with blame ; 2140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE. JANUARY 21, Have bee~ in all conjunctures, true to themselves, their are always a-ppropriate to such occasions as thi.s. Wonderfully people. and their- God. philosophical, they inspire one to dream and to think not only LEMW"""EL P. PADGETT expressed all that is great and good and of the manly pa.Tt we should play upon this earth, which LEMUEL splendid and noble in the life of America. He did noble things, PADGETT played out in the grand drama of life, but they inspire not dreamed them all day long, and so contributed by his prea ns to look beyond and to contemplate our journey into that new ence in this body to its upbuilding and by his ability, an Amer land of adventure, into that higher sphere of action bravely, as ican on the floor of this Congress, to the greatness and glory the gallant souls of America would have us to go. I am going and grandeur of this country. to try to recite those lines and with that recitation close this Years ago, down on the floor of the Louisiana Legislature of feeble tribute to the memory of one of America's greatest, most which I had the good fortune to be a member, I heard a dis chivalrous, and most gallant souls. That vision of death would tinguished Louisianian, one wh-0 wrote "The Unwritten Law," have immortalized William Cullen Bryant and added to the which excited th~ comment of lawyers from ocean to ocean, a literature ot the English-speaking people if he had never writ man who had played out a great and gallant and splendid pa.Tt ten anything else, though his other poems place his name high in the affairs of Louisiana during its trying days-and those ln the niches of Ame1ica : days were many-declare facetiously and somewhat bantering To him who tn the love of Nature bolds ly, and yet half seriously, that speeches usually won the ap Communion with her visible forms, she speaks plause of legislators but never their votes, and that a man .A various language j for his gayer hotll"s She has a voice of g1adness, and a smile who was convinced against his will was of the same- opinion And eloquence ot beauty, and she glides still. That, in a large measure, is true, however cynical its ut Into his darker musings, with a mild terance may be regarded. I have heard splendid addresses de And heallng sympathy, that steals away Their sharpness ere he is awn:re. When thoughts livered on the floor of this House. I have heard some great Of the last bitter hour eome like a blight speeches· made almost extemporaneously, clear-cut, logical, and Over thy spirlt, and sad images powerful ; for the reason that the speakers were the possessors Of the stern agony and shroud, and pall, .And breathless darkness, and the narrow house, of the peculiar knowledge that enabled them to present the facts Make thee to shudder, and grow sick at heart; succinctly and dearly ; but those speeches were not moving for Go forth, under the open sky, and list they were lacking in the fire, that afflatus, that blazing fervor To Nature's teachings, while from all around Earth and her waters, and the depths of air- that characterized two memorable addresses delivered on the Comes a still voice-Yet a few days, and thee, floor of this House by LEMUEL P. PADGETT in behalf of the Navy The ill-beholding sun, shall see no more that he loved so well. In all his course ; nor yet in the cold ground, Where thy pale form was laid, with many tears, n That never-to-be-forgotten occasion was last year, when the Nor in the embrace ol ocean, shall exist t1 , amendment was before tbe House increasing the number of Thy image. Earth, that nourished thee1 shall claim the naval personnel aboye that which had been fixed by the Thy growth, to be resolved to earth a~arn, 1 Mr. And, lost ea-ch human trace, surrendering up. committee. PADGETT rose to Olympian heights and de Thine individual being, shalt thou go JT \-. livered what, in my judgment, was one of the finest addresses To mix forever with the elements, that I ever listened to; not fine, probably, in high-sounding To be a brother to the insensible rock And to the sluggish clod. which the rude swain ,; pla.titudin.ous sentences, not remarkable as abounding in poly Turns with his share and trends upon. The oak • syllabic words, but great for the reason that it possessed the Shall send his roots abroad, and pierce thy mould. fl.re and the fervor~ which fanned the dormant l-0ve of Navy Yet not to thine eternal resting place Into a white heat, and· ma.de us willing to shout out: Long live Shalt thou retire alone, nor could thou wish the Navy! The faith that was in him he was able to commu Couch more magnificent. Thou shalt lie d.own nicate to the House, and he swept the majority of the Members Wlth patriarchs of the infant world-with kings, The powerful o.t the earth-the wise, the good, before that eloquence just as a prairle gives way before a fire Fair forms, and hoary seers ot ages past, that sweeps over it. It was a thrilling address, and for the All in one mighty sepulcher. The hills, first time in my life I realized the full significance and mean Rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun-the vales, Stretching in pensive quietness be.tween ; ing of the words- The venerable woods-rivers that move Il you would have me weep, begin the strain, In majesty, and the complaining lJrooks That I may feel your s.orrow, feel your pa.i.R. That make the meadows green ; and, poured round all. Old ocean's gray and, melanch-0ly waste- And then came a slight reaction, after a whHe, for after a Are but the solemn decorations all it Of the great tomb of man. The golden sun, raging and furious parliamentary struggle looked to some The planets, all the infinite host of heaven, of the most anxious of us as if some of the forces that were Are shining on the sad abode~ at death militantly for the amendment were beginning to yield to what Through the still lap e ot_ ages. .All that tread The globe are but a hand!ul to the tribes was either good argument or to the powerful and sentiment 1 That slumber in lts bosom. Take the wings appeals that were made to set a good example to the world by Of morning, pierce the Barcan wilderness, a dangerous spirit of self-abnegation on our part It was at Or lose thyself in the continuous woods Where rolls the Oregon and hears no sound what we thought was a critical moment that we .felt it neces Sa-ve his own dashings-yet th-e dead a-re there; sary t-0 urge Mr~ P AOOE.TT to take the floor again. Very -re And mlllions in those solitudes, since first luctantly he consented, becanse he was an extremely modest The filght of years began, have laid th.em down him In their last sleep-the dead reign there alone. man. He yielded only after we made it clear to (we who So shalt thou rest, and what if thou withdraw favored the amendment) that he was the only man who pos In silence from the living, and no friend sessed at that moment the driving f<>rce, which infiuences Take note of thy departure? .All that breathe I be Wlil share thy destiny. The gay will laugh men, and as sald before seldom does 1nfiuence them here When thou art gone, the solemn brood ot care cause convictions are almost arrived at long before too vote is Plod on, and each one as before will chase· taken on any proposition. It was theny in the second address, His favorite phantom; yet all these shall leave Their mirth and their employments, and shall come that he brought home 1n his own way, but in superforensic And make their bed with thee. Aisrthe long train appeal, the appalling danger that would confront this country or ages glide away, the sons of men. on some tremendous day if we had to meet a superior force The youth in. ille's fre h spring, n.nd · he who ~oes In the full strength of years, matron, and maid, upon the sea; and his graphic, picturesque, wonderful way of The speechless babe, and the gray-beaded man communicating the despair that would seize upon our hearts Shall one by one be gathered to thy ide, if we ever learned that our tleet had gone the bottom of By those, who in their turn shall follow them. to j' the ocean as a result of our unwillingness to meet the great So live that when thy summons comes to join t and growing need for its proper maintenance thrilled us, set The innumerable caravan which moves our hearts ablaze, and at once made clear and certain to a To that mysterious realm where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death, majority that the amendment would carry. Yes, it was a Thou go not, like the quarry slave o.t night, great speech, and I run glad I had the privilege of listen Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave ing to it. Like one who wraps the drapery of his eouch l\1r. Speaker, I never could commit to memory words that I my About him, and li~ down to pleasant dreams. self might put upon paper for such occasions. I have always felt that I ought to depend upon the inspiration of the moment and l\Ir. SWING. Mr. Speaker, of most men, the high.est com the sentiments that would be born within me as the result of pliment we can speak is to say that we greatly admire and the addresses by my colleagues, my own reminiscences and respect them. It is given to but few men to arouse in other recollections of the departed, for a suitable expression of that men sentiments of real endearment. And yet what has been which was throbbing in my heart, which I can not all express said here this aftern-0on proves that LEMUEL PHILLIPS PADGETT yet can not all conceaL But there a.re some lines written: by was such a man. I knew him well and I am proud to say that others which we sometimes are able to sing probably as well as I loved him. I met him first under the sunny skies of Callfornia those who wrote the original song. There are some lines that early in 1917. .A.t that time his mind was weighted down with ·' 1923. OONGRESSION AL RECORD-HOUSE. 2141 the grave responsibility of planning adequate defense for this tho World War, when the importance of that committee rose country in the face of a fast approaching crisis. The ac to its climax and when its activity was so great and incessant, quaintance then begun ripened into closer friendship in the and he early convinced the House that he was a master of his succeeding years. I have seen him under many varied circum subject. He could explnin and clarify the most abstruse naval stances and conditions. I worked with him in committee and problems. He must have worked indefatigably to achieve such on the floor of this House. I have spent time with him in familiarity with his very comprehensive sphere of dut:r an ments. They dwelt upon a somewhat different ·phase than matter of universal regret to nis colleagues, "R personal regret that which has been discussed to-day. They spoke of him as 1to me, and a distinct loss to his country. the lawyer, as the neighbor, as the citizen, and I never heard Thrown in ·that way with 1'fr. P XDGETT "I early came to ad more beautiful, more tender tributes paid to any man than mire him, IDld as ·my revered 1 colleague from Louisiana, the lato were paid to him on -that occasion by different members of his General Estapinal, with ·whom I was on the closest terms o-.! tmr. ·fi'iendship, was on the Naval .Affairs Oommittee with l\Ir. PAD I had many intimate personal talks with Mr. PADGETT, in GETT and regarded him highly and agreed with him in the which we discussed personal matters, as well as official matters, actions of that committee, I came to know him more intim:ttely. and each of those interviews served to enhance the exalted The "closer one was brought to nim and the better one knew him, opinion, the very great admiration, and 1the profound respect the more one came to esteem and -respect him, and so when, in which I had for this great man. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, my enforced absence from Washington I read in my home papers I wish to state that LEMUEL P. PADGETT lived 1a life of great of his death I 'felt a sense of real sorrow which I will bear with usefulness, and left a rich heritage to his family, to his district, me always, and which I poorly, but sincerely, record to-day. to his State, and to his country. The ·first time .J eve1· heard Mr. P ADOETT speak was on the oc casion of services like -these held on the floor of this House in lllr. DUPRE. lllr. Speaker, .Alfred Tennyson, coming to the memory of that 1beloved Louisianian, the late Senator Sam·uel Laureateship on the death of William Wordsworth, boasted, Douglas l\.ICEnery. His address on that occasion impressE"d me in a memorable line, tba t he wore ihe laurel " greener from the 1deeply. I have often thought of what he said that morning. I brow of him who uttered nothing base," and so he, who now recently found same in the CoNCIBESSION AL RECORD of February represents the Seventh District of Tennessee in this Ohamber 26, 1911, and I can not better close this tribute to LEMUEL PHIL (and those who come nfter him) .may likewise boast that he LIPS PrA.DGETr 'than by quoting n brief passage from his remarks occupies a seat richer and more honored for that it was once ·on that day, which seems so applicable•to him: filled by the man -whom we praise and mourn to-day. He was a -man elf bTOatl sympathies. .He had humanitarian views. His sympathies were ns broad, .as tender, and as generous as his con LEMUEL PHILLIPS PADGETT was for 22 consecutive years a ·mem ceptions of his duty to humanity. He was .a man of broad intellectual ber of this 'House. His service, always-characterized by conspicu ltion, truly. If you mean the shedding of the habiliments of .fie h ous n.biU:ty, indefatigable industry, and the strictest fidelity to tion. He has ascended a conslaerable height on the mountain side of duty, covered a wide ·range of uctivity, including membership on 'knowledge nnd of information and of learning; and from his view point he was·enabled to look out far and wide and hnve a l:l.rge vision the National :Monetary Commission and Regency of the Smith ot the activities of men, the energies ot life, .and the sympathies of the sonian Institution-large honors both. -Buthis greatest work was brotherhood -of man ; and to these he measured up nobly and grandly. done in behalf of theAn:rericanNavy, with whose development and :But1 'Mr. ·Speaker, ·he is gone--they say "tleaa." It you mean de- 1struction, no. If you mean annihilation~ nay. If you mean -transi achievement his name will be forever indissolubly linked. His tion, truly. If yon _mean the shedcli.Ilg of the habiliments of flesh, was the task, ·a:s Ohairman of the 'House Committee on Naval 1that hamper and Circumscribe and limit the possibilities, the hopes, the Affairs during -the World War :and in ·the years immediately aspirations of -the human soul and the human Ufe, yes, indeed. Into .a 1.a.rger, .better, more .glorious lite, where the responsibility shall be preceding it, to see to it that the Navy was ready to doJts part rg:reater, where the opportunity shall be larger, where our capacity shall when called upon. 1How well ·he ·performed tha:t ·task is shown be commensurate -with . those opportunities, he is gone. As we stand by the wonderful record which our -Navy ,earned during the at the grave we say, "We can follow no 'farther," und yet out of our great struggle. Nor did that interest lapse with the end of 1souls comes •the thought- ! know not where His islands lift the war, or when he 1 became the ·ranking minority member ·of Their fronded palms in air ; the committee. One of the last great offices that he irendered I only know I can not drift was when he fought the attempt made less than a year ago by Beyond His love and cal'e. well-meaning, thoUgh misguided, "Illen, who sought t.o reduce the Navy and .its personnel to a point that was _perilous to national Mr. FISHER. Mr. Speaker, there are many present here to safety and defense. day who knew Mr. PADGETT-Tor ;a longer time than 1 had, but lt is a singular tribute to the broad .and _patriotic outlook of during the five years when we ·ware associated together here, I this brave and conscientious man, and to ·the intelligence of his .knew him well. I saw him and talked with him almost daily constituency and its just confidence in .him .as its representa during the sessions of Congress. tive, that such .ardent belief in and support of the Navy came .I learned to Jove him. He was kind, gentle, and thoughtful from a man who was born in the interior, lived constantly in in his ipersonal contact with his -fr1ends. He was helpful to a the town of his birth, and represented a district far .from .the .new l\1ember, and those who .profited by llis kinfily ·advice will coast line, whose people might well have been excused had they always be "deeply grateful. I have known no one here who had failed to grasp the necessity for and the im'portance of a strong, a sounder judgment .on public questions. well-balanced Navy, not only in time of war but in time of It wn.s a great privilege to have •been irere .during the war peace. There is but .little credit doo us who live on and near at the time he was chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs the sea for our support of such a Navy. In the nature of 1and hear him present the war~time needs of our Navy. He things, its necessity appeals to us, and we have, in our legisla kn~w better than any other Member ·Df Congress nbout our tive e:tl'orts in behalf of a defensive but fighting :fleet, the Navy. Fortunate was our c-ountry ·that tt had a servant so warmest support of those who put ns in office, but here was well equipped for so great a service and at so critical a time. a man who was born and lived all his life in Oolumbia, Tenn., The .huge bills he presented to the House were fully, clearlY', far from the possible arena of .naval contest, who represented .and carefully explained. There were few whu differed after a people whose immediate and actual security was not de 'he finished his speeches. pendent in any local sense on the Navy, yet who saw with clear There have been few chairmen of .great committees rwho have vision how impol'tant an adjunct to .national life the Navy had the same confidence of the whole membership of the House was to the whole country. He discarded all possibility of dam as did Mr. PADGETT. Tennessee -was proud of his record. It aging results to his own political fortunes; he never wavered, was a beautiful sight to see the great crowds of neighbors, and, with the earnestness of his convictions, the completeness friends, and home folks pay tribute to this great man when his of hi~ knowledge of the subject, and the respect which bis high body was taken to his home city, there to rest in its final personal character inspired, -remainecl to the end, with the resting place. approval of his people, a fearless advocate of a strong .American There comes a feeling of greut grief when friends and col Navy. Those who have seen l\Ir. PAD<(ETT in charge of the great leagues of this noble man gather to pay tribute to his memory. Navy supply bills can never forget the patience, the thorough Wf! grieve because a beloved colleague bas been taken from us, ness, the tact, yet the frankness and openness, with which he never to return; because the Nation has lost a faithful servant; handled these great measures, and, true to his nature, be dis because the State of Tennessee has lost one of its IDost dis played these same qualities when he was in the po1itlcal tinguished citizens-we grieve with the son and daughter who mlnority. are left without a father; we shed tears of grief for the lonely, Mr. PADGETT was one of the first -men whom I met when I .loving wife who was left behind. came to Washington more than twelve years ago. 'My mother But there is a satisfaction to his friends and loved ones, and sister and I went to live at the old Dewey Hotel, where because we know he was taken only after a long life of service, many Oongressmen then .resided, and where Mr. P ADGETI' and ·and that his soul is at peace, and his body rests in the soil he his dear wife, to whom our sympathies fiow out so largely on loved ·and near the people who loved him. this occasion, made their home. I have very delightful recol lections of those two or three years at that hostelry, where, .Mr. HUMPHREYS of ·u1ssissippi. "l\Ir Speaker, I have come for instance, I came to know and love George Legar~. of Soutn here to-day to say a few -words of tribute to the memory of my Carolina, who, after an heroic struggle, succumbed to disease. deceased .friend and ·whe1·e I first made the acquaintance and afterwards the When I first came to Congress, Mr. PADGETT and I boarded at the same place, and from that circumstance I came to know enduring friendship of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. I Fo&DNE!'], whose voluntary retirement from this body is a him well early in my service. During the long years whic~ I 1923. OONGRESSION AL R;ECORD...... _HOUSE. 2143 I followed, this early acquaintance ripened into a genuine friend bilities, he was ready for the high responsibility and met it ship, which grew stronger with the years. well- In 1898 the country was thrilled by the performances of our And so be won his sp-a:rs, and his !air !ame So hedged about, so butttessed and steel ribbed Navy in the Spanish War, and the national heroes who came With truth, withstood the shafts of weaker fiber out of that war were sailors. Every boy knew the names of And will endure. the ships of Dewey's fleet and his famous command to Captain Gridley became the cori'ect formula with which to start ail the Mr. HICKS. Mr. Speaker, our Heavenly Father, in His in games on the college green. finite wisdom, on the 2d day of August, 1922, removed from the Just before I came to Congre s, under the compulsion of ranks of earthly endeavor Hon. LEMUEL PHILLIPS PADGETT, late this all-pervading sentiment, in common with well nigh every a Representative in Congress from tbe State of Tennessee. body el e, I read Captain Mahan's book on the " Influence of By his death his- native State lost a loyal and gifted son, the Sea Power in History." Thi hardened my enthusiasm into a Federa~ Government a conscientious and patriotic legislator, bis fixed conviction, and I became an advocate of what we then family a loving and devoted husband and father, his associates called a big Navy. a steadfast and sympathetic friend. To perpetuate his cherished In the Fifty-ninth Congress Mr. PADGETT was assigned to the memory and testify to his lofty ideals and the veneration in Committee on Naval Aaffirs and became at once a deep student which he was held by his colleagues in Congress it is my privi of all the details of that service, and I became his pupil. It lege-sad, indeed, wlien I contemplate the loss I have witnessed tbe uneven struggle which one afflicted as and his fellow associates. His country owes him much for that he was always makes with the enemy of life, yet his going faithful service rendered by its intelligent and industrious away forever shocked me as it did few others, because of the servant. close official relationship which we had, covering a period of nearly two decades. Death not only stings the living, but Mr. RIORDAN. Mr. Speaker, it hs with sadness that I rlse leaves a lonesome feeling, which anyone who knew LEMUEL P. to pay my tribute to my friend Hon. LEMUEL P. PADGETT. I PADGETT well is bound to have. Not merely a loss of ordinary have known him since my service in this House began. For 10 association, but the breaking of a tie made while serving in a years I have served with him on the Naval Affairs Committee common cause with similar views and purposes, bent upon of the House and there learned to love and respect him in a reaching the same objective. . high degree. We worked together side by side for 16 long years, differing He was a man of kindly, gentle disposition; be was a sincere at times, but only upon the road which we should take to reach and faithful friend ; he was a master of legislation ; he was a a given point. Well, did he know his les on? Never in that tireless, indefatigable worker; he was a most capable and whole period did he fail once, because his ideals were high efficient chairman of the Naval Affairs Committee during the and always within his reach. He was the best-informed man most critical times in the history of the Navy and of the Na upon any subject he discussed I have ever seen. All of us who tion; and he never lost an opportunity to render to the Navy stop to recall our experience with him will agree that he never intelligent service and his every assistance. assumed a leadership unless the subject involved was one Mr. Speaker, words can not express the value of the service with which he had had much to do. It was then that his re- that Mr. PADGETT renderM to his district, hi.s State, the Navy, markable memory aided him in his clear and logical reasoning, and to his country during his service here. He was the most which brought convlction to his listeners, because all men who kindly hearted man I ever knew ; always genial, courteous, knew him had confidence in the accuracy of his speech, as modest, and of even temper, and, by his complete knowledg·e of well as in its sincerity. naval problems, was always listened to, and his opinions always During his long service here he either wrote or assisted carried attention and respect. others in writing every law affecting the Navy, both persons As I stood at his open grave at Rose Hill Cemetery, in the and things. Many of these laws which he constructed prac- beautiful little city of Columbia, Tenn., where his mortal re tically alone will be known by his name, as they hould be, and mains were laid away by loving .bands in presence of a vast will stand unrepealed and not materially amended for all time concourse of his neighbors, friends, and constituents, I hoped to come. The most noticeable service of this distinguished man that his memory would long last in his district and his people was rendered between 1915 and 1919. He was i .