Mr. SPEAKER: It is an unpleasant duty to have to
speak of the death of anyone, and I regard that duty calls upon
me
at this time for a few remarks. I feel as though I ought
not to remain silent upon this mournful occasion. I appreciate
that I can not add to what has already been said, but as duty
calls upon us now it gives me pleasure to testify to the many
excellent qualities of our late colleague, Hon. H. C. ADAMS.
It was not my good fortune to know him long and intimately as
others have, as I only had a speaking acquaintance with him until
he was elected a Member of this House. I had seen him but few
times prior to his membership, but I knew enough of him to appreciate
his worth and sincerely regret his death.
As an active worker in many industrial ways I had heard of
him long before I had the pleasure of meeting him. He was
truly an excellent representative of a strong people - a
man of excellent judgment. He was honest, intellectual, and capable;
in many ways very progressive, a leader among strong men. He
had long been an energetic, active friend of the people, fearless
in the discharge of every public duty.
Understanding the need of the farmer, he devoted much time
to the agricultural interests of the country, with great
benefit to the people. He was admired and respected by all
that knew him. During my acquaintance with him he appeared to
be a sufferer from some disease that seriously impaired his health
and retarded the progress he otherwise would have made. But during
that time I never heard him utter one word of complaint, and
his cheerfulness under the circumstances always made him a pleasant
companion.
Having been a tireless student, he was well read, a splendid
conversationalist, ready debater, and well equipped for
public service. As a colleague he was very much respected
for his readiness to help his State and his delegation. He never
uttered one disrespectful word, always endeavoring to harmonize
difficulties and promote good feeling. He came from a splendid
family. I knew his father well, for I had the honor of serving
in the legislature of our State with him.
Mr. ADAMS was popular among those who knew him, and his circle
of acquaintance was large, his friends many. The
testimonials at his death evidenced his high standing, and
that his home people realized his death was a great loss to them,
as well as a loss to our State. His early death was the direct
result of his untiring efforts to serve the people as a Member
of this House. He never favored himself at the expense of the
people, and his desire was always to do his duty regardless of
the effect upon himself. We all know how rapidly he grew in influence
and power. At the time Mr. ADAMS left Washington to return to
his home for a much-needed rest he had as bright and as honorable
a future as any Member of this House. The news of his sickness
and death was a shock to his many friends.
It is a duty we owe to the name and memory of a good man
to place on record our opinions of him. His life was a
shining example of what industry and honesty can accomplish,
and it was a painful matter that, after having served his people
and country so well, he could not be permitted to return to his
family and home he loved before having to depart this life.
Mr. ADAMS more than filled the measure of life and reached
an honorable and distinguished manhood. A happy home
was robbed of a loved husband and father. One of the important
Congressional districts in the State has lost a distinguished
Representative, the people an able and trustworthy friend. I
know I do not make it too strong when I say his early and untimely
death was not only a great loss, but that it was sincerely mourned
by the entire membership of the Fifty-ninth Congress.