Mr. SPEAKER: I first became acquainted with Mr. ADAMS
at the beginning of the Fifty-eighth Congress. In the
short, very short, period within which I knew him I learned
his wondrous qualities of heart and mind and to appreciate Mr.
ADAMS, in a measure at least, as he deserved.
Mr. ADAMS was possessed of sterling qualities; was a coherent
and logical thinker, his mind invariably reaching right
and correct conclusions on all of the great social problems
of his time and with a courage unfaltering and steadfast that
led him to adhere to the right as he knew it. These characteristics
being dominant in this representative of the people whose memory
we commemorate to-day, it seems impossible that any words which
we can set in order here upon this Sabbath of sorrow would exaggerate
the public loss in the death of HENRY CULLEN ADAMS.
His work in the National House of Representatives was suddenly
interrupted by death almost as soon as it was begun,
but in the brief period while he was associated with us he
conquered to himself a place in our respect by his vigorous intellect.
His qualities of heart and soul won universal friendship and
affection.
It was my privilege to know him somewhat intimately, and
I know of nothing sadder than the regret of that great mind
and soul at its own limitations imposed by bodily weakness.
While seldom well, and never strong, Mr. ADAMS was always cheerful
and lovable. Those who knew him best had for him the warmest
affection and most profound respect. As a Representative both
his influence and his vote were used and administered as a sacred
and holy trust in the interests of those whom he represented,
and in bringing my humble tribute to his memory I wish to conclude
with the thought that whatever he did was well done, as if his
life had been molded and controlled by the sentiment of the poet
when he said: