Mr. SPEAKER: On this Sabbath, in the Hall in which
he so well distinguished himself, we come to lay our garlands
of
praise to the late HENRY CULLEN ADAMS in the memorial records
of Congress, and to pay tribute to his nobility of character,
his high ideals of public duty, his eminence as a legislator,
and his worth as a man.
To accord him a proper place in the legislative annals, attention
should be directed to his independence in political
action, to his devotion to principle, and to his adherence
to right doing in every endeavor.
He was too conscientious and too forceful a character to
surrender meekly to rule and numbers when he held fixed
convictions. This trait was exemplified in his position on
several measures in his last year's service in Congress that
brought him distinction and renown. Notably may be mentioned
his stand in opposition to joint statehood and to free trade
with the Philippines. His courageous and independent position
on these measures, though it lowered heavy and undeserved criticism
upon him, marks more than aught else his strong personality and
his courage to do right as he saw it.
Not only was his independence and his courage of action commanding,
but his judgment on large public questions was
respected for its conservatism and soundness. Again, he was
gifted with voice and phrase to claim distinction as an orator
and with poignancy of repartee to be classed as a strong debater.
The CONGRESSIONAL RECORD will bear lasting testimony to his keen
mentality and to his command of good English.
Born and raised on a farm, he had the advantage of the academic
training at the State University at Madison that
stamped him indelibly as a college-bred man. The various
positions of trust and responsibility that he filled before his
elevation to Congress as State legislator and in administrative
capacities equipped him for the role he was to play in the larger
and more responsible position of Representative.
It can be said without hyperbole of statement that few Representatives
in three years of service attained a more
commanding position and rose so rapidly to eminence as Mr.
ADAMS.
His greatest public service was as arbitrator of the differences
arising from the meat-inspection measure, where the
expert knowledge he had acquired years before as State dairy
and food commissioner placed him in the unique position of being
best qualified to speak as to the need of Government inspection
and as to the proper legislation to safeguard the interests of
the public. Though he triumphed in the settlement of a dispute
of great consequence to humanity's cause, his great effort in
achieving this result accelerated unquestionably within two weeks
of its accomplishment his untimely end.
With greatly impaired health, he gave close application to
every detail connected with legislative work, which was a
marvel to all who knew his sufferings. Many a time in the
last three months of his service good friends, seeing his failing
health, urged and cautioned him to rest, but, impelled with that
strange call of duty, he heeded not their admonitions to rest
for his own sake.
But though he suffered and labored under greatest difficulty,
no complaint and no wailings were ever uttered to his
intimates, for his temperament was roseate by nature, and
it shone more resplendent because of its development in the mask
of suffering.
It is inexpressibly sad to have a conscientious public servant
sacrifice his life on the public altar, and especially where
health is broken and where every effort seems to reduce the
vitality one jot more until the last drop is drained. Those of
robust and sturdy constitution fail to contemplate the indomitable
and overpowering will that impels these frail crafts with keen
mentalities to keep aloft in their aspirations and achievements.
Dead in his prime, Mr. ADAMS sacrificed his own life to the
welfare of the people's cause, and he died a martyr in the
highest calling of unselfish devotion to duty and of performance
well done. In his passing away, the Second district has lost
a capable Representative, the State a high-minded citizen, and
the people a faithful public servant.