E 664 .P3 U5 Copy 2 2d Session | HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 'Document ' No. 804 George Robert Patterson (Late a Representative from Pennsylvania) MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Fifty-ninth Congress First Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 22, 1906 Compiled under the direction of the Joint Commit tee on Printing WASHINGTON : : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE \ t , <: \<.l w \i JUN 1 1907 D. OF D. /iSEiKSS iSuiPia'u'irsKaaKi TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. Proceedings in the House 5 Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 5. 7. 8 Memorial addresses by — Mr. Samuel, of Pennsylvania u Mr. Kline, of Pennsylvania i8 Mr. Hogg, of Colorado 23 Mr. Dale, of Pennsylvania 25 Mr. Lafean, of Pennsylvania 27 Mr. Schneebeli, of Pennsylvania 30 Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina 3' Mr. Goulden, of New York 34 Proceedings in the Senate 37 3 DEATH OF REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE R. PATTERSON PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE Wednesday, March 21, igo6. The House met at 12 o'clock noon. The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., ofiered the following prayer: Oh, Thou great Spirit, who hast been the inspiration of men to high and noble achievement, help us to realize that it is not what we get out of the world but what we put into the world that counts for righteousness. Inspire us, therefore, with high conceptions of right and duty, and help us to noble endeavors that we may leave the world a little better than we found it. Profoundly impressed by the sudden and unexpected death of one of the Members of this House, we are warned that we must work while it is yet day, for the night cometh when no, man can work. God be with the bereaved family; give them that hope and confidence in Thee which will inspire them with lofty thoughts and bring them closer to Thee, and finally to that happy reunion beyond this land, where no death enters. Hear us in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen. Mr. Samuel. Mr. Speaker, it is my sad duty to announce the death of my late colleague, Hon. GEORGE R. Patterson, a 5 6 Mcviorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson Representative from the Twelfth district, who died very sud- denly and unexpectedly this morning. I offer the following resolutious. The Speaker. The Clerk will report the resolutions. The Clerk read as follows: Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. GeorgU R. Patterson, a Repre.sentative from the State of Pennsylvania. Resolved, That a committee of thirteen Members of the House, with such members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the funeral. Resolved, That the Sergeaut-at-Arms of the House be authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying out the pro- visions of these resolutions; and that the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of the contingent fund of the House. Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. The Speaker. The question is on agreeing to the resolutions. The question was taken; and the resolutions were unani- mously agreed to. The Speaker. The Chair appoints the following committee. The Clerk read as follows: Mr. Samuel, of Penn.sylvania; Mr. Barchfeld, of Pennsylvania; Mr. Lilley, of Pennsylvania; Mr. Schneebeli, of Pennsylvania; Mr. Butler, of Pennsylvania; Mr. Kline, of Pennsylvania; Mr. Loudenslager, of New- Jersey; Mr. Prince, of Illinois; Mr. Andrews, of New Mexico; Mr. Broussard, of Louisiana; Mr. Goulden, of New York; Mr. Patterson, of North Carolina; Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina. The Speaker. The gentleman from Pennsylvania al.so offers the following resolution. The Clerk read as follows: Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, this House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; and accordingly (at 12 o'clock and 8 minutes p. m. ) the House adjourned to meet to-morrow, at 12 o'clock noon. Proceedings in the House 7 Tuesday, March 27, igo6. The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Coudeu, D. D., offered the following prayer: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who madest us to think, to will, to act, to do things, help us to think right, to choose right, to do right, that we may thus adjust ourselves to the eternal laws which environ us, and as individuals and as a nation move on to larger achievements. Be graciously near to the Member whose companion has been taken by the Angel of Death to a larger life. Let Thine ever- lasting arms be about him to comfort and .sustain, and help us all to realize that death is not an extinction of being, but an epoch, an event, in the grand eternal march of existence, and Thine be the praise through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Mr. Samuel. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following order and ask unanimous consent for its present consideration. The Clerk read as follows: Ordered, That Sunday, the 15th day of April, 1906, be set apart for addresses on the life, character, and public services of Hon. George R. Patterson, late a Representative from the State of Pennsylvania, said services to be held immediately following the services to be held in honor of the memory of Hon. Benjamin F. Marsh, Hon. John M. Pinckney, and Hon. George A. Castor. The Speaker- Is there objection? [After a pause.] The Chair hears none. The order was agreed to. Thursday, April 3, igo6. Mr. Adams, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the present consideration of the following order, which I send to the Clerk's desk. The Clerk read as follows: Ordered, That the order made in the House March 7, 1906, be amended so as to read; That a session of the House be held on Sunday, April 22, 8 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson 1906, and that the day be set apart for addresses on the life, character, and public services of Hon. GEORGe; R. PATTERSON, late Representative from the State of Pennsylvania. The Speaker- Is there objection? There was no objection. The order was agreed to. Sunday, April 22, igo6. The House met at 12 o'clock m., and was called to order by Hon. Alexander McDowell, Clerk of the House, who directed the reading of the following letter: .Speaker's Room, House of Represent.atives, ]i'ashi)i!^/0H, D. C, April 22^ igo6. I hereby designate Hon. John Dalzeli,, of Pennsylvania, to act as vSpeaker pro tempore this day. J. G. Cannon, Sfit-aker. Mr. Dalzell accordingly resumed the chair as Speaker pro tempore. The following prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D.: InBnite source of life and light and love, we thank Thee for that deep and abiding faith which holds us clo.se to Thee through all the vicissitudes of life, for the star of hope which illtimines otir path when sorrows and disappointments gather thick and fast abotit us, for the ties of affection which bind us together into families and friendships which time nor space can .sever; and as we gather here to-day in memory of those who made for themselves a place in our hearts we thank Thee that their characters, their works, their influence remain an inspiration to those who knew and loved them. Let the everla.sting arms be about the dear ones who mourn their absence, and comfort them with the blessed hope of a reunion in a world where .sorrows never come. Hear us, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. Proceedings in the House 9 Mr. Samuel. Mr. vSpeaker, I offer the following resolutions. The Clerk read as follows: Resolved, That the busiiie.ss of the House be now .suspended that oppor- tunity may be given for tributes to the memory of Hon. Georgk R. Patterson, late a Member of this House from the State of Pennsylvania. Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory of the deceased and in recognition of his distinguished public career the House, at the conclusion of these exercises, shall stand adjourned. Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate. Resolved, That the Clerk send a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased . The question was taken; and the resolutions were unani- mously agreed to. MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Address of Mr. Samuel, of Pennsylvania Mr. Speaker: It was my sad duty on the 21st day of March, 1906, to announce to the House the sudden and unexpected death of the late George R. Patterson, a distinguished Rep- resentative from the Twelfth Congressional district of Pennsyl- vania for a luunber of years, and to state that at another time I would ask that another day be set apart for the purpose of a proper consideration of his life, character, and valuable public services. On March 27, by special order, the 15th day of April was set apart for these memorial services. On the 5th day of April, on motion of Mr. Adams, of Pennsylvania, this day was selected, and we are assembled this afternoon to pay our last tribute of respect to one who was one of the most popular and energetic Members of this House, who served his constituency with signal fidelity and loyalt}-, and who was greatly loved and respected at his home, which was shown by the great concourse of people and friends who assembled from near and from far to pay their last respects to all that was mortal of their true friend and fellow-citizen. I shall not undertake to give an extended review of his career at this time, but will print the same in the Record, as part of my remarks. George Robert Patterson, Republican, of Ashland, was born in Lewistown, MifBin County, Pa., November 9, 1863; attended the public schools and the academy at that place; had been engaged in mercantile pursuits .since leaving school, in 1 880, most of the time as a traveling salesman, first in the hardware 12 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson business and for the last twelve j-ears in flour and feed; at death was agent for a Minneapolis mill, covering territory in central Pennsylvania; lived at Ashland since March, iS86; was always a Republican, and took an active part in the politics of the district for a number of years, having fre- quently been a delegate to local and State conventions, and delegate to the national Republican convention at Chicago, June, 1904; was elected to the Fifty-seventh and Fifty-eighth Congresses, and reelected to the Fifty-ninth Congress, receiving 17,419 votes, to 12,005 for H. O. Haag, Democrat, 239 for W. H. Zweizig, Prohibitionist, and 679 for M. E. Doyle, Soci- alist, a plurality of 5,414, the largest ever given to an}' candi- date for any office on any ticket in this district. Mr. Patterson's mother has been a resident of Washington for several years. His father, who was a Presbyterian minister of honorable Revolutionary ancestry, has been dead for some years. He had no brothers nor sisters. His immediate family consists of his widow, who was Mary, daughter of James R. Cleaver, of Ashland, one of the pioneer coal operators of this region, and one son and one daughter, Granville and Esther, who are about 1 2 and 7 years of age, respectively. Mr. Patterson was a charter member of A.shlaud Lodge, No. 384, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and was also a member of Sheridan Council, No. 1 128, Royal Arcanum; of Washington Camp, No. 84, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and of Shenandoah Aerie, No. 129, Fraternal Order of Eagles. On Tuesday, March 20, 1906, Mr. Patterson reached Wash- ington shortly after 9 o'clock, from his home at Ashland, Pa., and went direct to his mother's home at No. 1745 Q street NW. , where he met his private secretary, Burd W. Payne. They .spent a couple of hours going over the mail and talking on busi- ness matters, after which Mr. Payne went home and Mr. Pat- Address of Mr. Samuel^ of Pennsylvania 13 TERSON retired about midnight. He had not complained of feeling unwell beyond being tired after his long ride from Ash- land. About 5 o'clock in the morning his mother heard him moving around, and, going to his room, she found him taking a do.se of medicine, he saying that he was not feeling very well. She lingered with him for a few moments and then returned to her room again. About half an hour later she heard him moan- ing, and she again hurried to his room and found him still in bed and bleeding profusely from the nose. Recognizing that he was seriously ill, she summoned help and a physician was called, but his .services were of no avail, as Mr. Patterson expired in a few moments. The funeral of the late George R. Patterson, Member of Congress from the Twelfth District of Peiuisylvania, was marked by a great outpouring of people, not only from his home town, but all parts of the county and many sections of the State and nation, and was a fitting tribute to the respect and esteem in which the decea.sed was held. People from every walk of life turned out to pay their last sad tribute of respect to the dead, and long before the hour for the services began to gather at the family home. The remains, which had been prepared for interment at Washington, D. C, where he died, reclined in a handsome broadcloth-covered casket with silver-barred handles, which was covered with a wealth of beautiful flowers, and on which was a heavy plate which bore the simple inscription: George Robert Patterson. November 9, 1863. March 21. 1906. The services, which were conducted at the house No. 1 1 9 Center street, began at 1.30 o'clock and were very brief and simple in their character. Rev. Francis S. Hort, the pastor of the Presbyterian Church at South Bethlehem, Pa., and formerly of Ashland, was the officiating minister, and the services con- 14 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson sisted of prayer, an appropriate scriptural reading, and a short discourse. The only music was a simple hymn, entitled " Some Sweet Day " by Towne, which was sung very beautifully and ■sympathetically by Mrs. Robert D. Heaton and Miss Ida Price, of the Presbyterian Church choir. In his discourse Reverend Hort drew a strong moral lesson from the mysteries of death and found much consoling thought for the sorrowing family. He also paid tribute to the memory of the deceased, and throughout the discourse was full of rich, soulful thought and taught the lesson of preparation for the life to come. Many wept silently during the sad .service. The floral decorations were most beautiful and profuse, and included offerings from Shenandoah Aerie, No. 103, Fraternal Order of Eagles; Ashland Lodge, No. 384, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks; Lewistown Lodge, No. 663, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Graham, Mahanoy City; Paul W. Houck, Shenandoah; J. B. Howell, Girardville; Mrs. Harry Freeman Clark, Mrs. Emma C. Clark, Harry Ellis, William Pedlow, Crawford Bennie, Captain and Mrs. Foote, Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Tyson, Washington, D. C; James A. McCarthy, Locust Gap; Hon. Wayne Parker, New Jersey; Miss Mary C. Weir, Wilkes-Barre; William Renii. Wil- liam Egbert, Lewistown, Pa. ; Burd Linder, Orwigsburg; S. Burd Edwards, Pottsville; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hunter, Mr. and Mrs. William S. Leib, William Berrang, Ashland, and many others. The floral offerings from the family and from the pallbearers were also profuse and beautiful. Other floral tributes that came later were from "His Tama- qua Friends;" Miss Annie Eckert, Lewistown, and O. Blanch- ard, Washington, D. C. The Congressional party also brought with them several beau- tiful floral tributes, the whole constituting the most elaborate floral display ever seen in Ashland. Address of Mr. Samuel, of Pennsylvania 15 t The committee appointed by Congress to attend the obse- quies embraced some of the most prominent men in pubHc hfe, inchiding Senators Philander C. Knox, of Pittsburg, Pa.; Boies Penrose, Philadelphia, Pa.; J. Frank Allee, Dover, Del.; Nathan B. Scott, Wheeling, W. Va.; Augustus O. Bacon, Macon, Ga.; Fred T. Dubois, Blackfoot, Idaho; and the following Members of the House of Representatives, colleagues of Mr. P.A.TTERSON: Dr. Edmund \V. Samuel, Mount Carmel, Pa.; Andrew J. Barchfeld, Pittsburg, Pa.; Mial E. Lilley, Towanda, Pa.; Gustav A. Schneebeh, Nazareth, Pa.; ThomasS. Butler, West Chester, Pa. ; Marcus C. L. Kline, Allentown, Pa. ; Henry C. Lotidenslager, Paulsboro, N. J.; David J. Foster, Burhngton, Vt.; Robert F. Broussard, New Iberia, La.; George W. Prince, Galesburg, 111.; Joseph A. Goulden, Ford- ham, N. Y.; Wyatt Aiken, Abbeville, S. C; and Gilbert B. Patterson, Maxton, X. C. The party came from Washington on a special train over the Pennsylvania Railroad to Pottsville, where they were trans- ferred to the Reading, reaching Ashland at 12.06 o'clock. They took dinner on the train, and afterwards proceeded to the house, but did not go to the cemetery, which is a rule on such occasions, so that their stay in Ashland was a brief one. The only Senator to arrive was Senator Boies Penrose. Of the Congressional party, Sylvester C. Smith, of Bakers- field, Cal., was substituted for Butler, of West Chester; W. H. Andrews, of Albuquerque, N. Mex.; J. C. Needham, of Mo- desto, Cal., substituted for Aiken, of South Carolina. Ex-Congressman C. H. Dickerman, of Milton, and Dr. H. R. Burton, of Lewes, Del., were with the party, as were also J. B. Roberts, of Sioux Falls, S. Dak., clerk for the Senate Commit- tee on Pensions; Ralph Paxton, of Medicine Lodge, Kans., clerk for the Senate Committee on the Census; Frank H. Barto, clerk for the House Committee on Pensions, of which Mr. Patterson 1 6 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson was a member: J. S. Rogers, of Philadelphia, clerk in the file department; and Frank Samuel, of Mount Carmel, private sec- retary to his father. Congressman E. W. Samuel. The partj^ was in charge of Sergeant-at-Arms of the House, Henry Casson, of Wisconsin, and his assistants, J. F. English, of California, and C. E. Morley, of Wisconsin. The Twelfth Congressional district of Pennsylvania had no more popular and respected citizen than George R. Patterson. His long residence there had made him known to all the peo- ple. He was the kind of a man whom people liked. His good nature was spontaneous and always put those about him in good humor. He was ever bright and cheerful, and gloom never had a part in his composition. He always had a good .story and he knew how to tell it. And he was always a gentleman, ever courteous and agreeable. Kindness was one of his most marked traits. It was never too much trouble for him to do a favor for a friend, and no one will ever know of his innumerable acts of kindness, both in his political and private life. Wherever he was he was the life of the party. His goodness of heart and mind fully covered any fault, if there was any fault in him. George R. Patter.son was a clean man. There was no blot or stain on his character, private or public. And now he is dead, cut down in the heydey of his u.sefulness. Clo.se the book; the story of a life is ended. It is only to remember. The body of George Robert Patterson now lies peace- fully at rest beneath the sod of a sun-kis.sed slope, clothed, as it is to-day, in a mantle of ghstening white laid by nature, and which reflects the purity of that beautiful city whose gates of pearl have opened wide to bid him welcome home, and where St. Paul tells us — It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Address of Mr. Samuel., of Pennsylvania 17 George Robert Patterson has solved the mystery of the future. We must wait to know what that means through our own experience. But such is the destiny of our departed friend, and it is ground for rejoicing amid our sorrow to-day. That he made errors is possible, for who indeed is exempt from that frailty? But if he did, he was like all the rest of his fellowmen. He had, however, strong \'irtues of head and heart. Strong convictions of principle and duty were conspic- uous in his life. He never claimed perfection, but time, in sculpturing his character, produced one which merits a high meed of praise. It is onlj' after men pass to "that bourne from whence no traveler returns" that a dispassionate, broad view is taken of their life and career. It is a great pleasure to-day to hear the candid and sincere praise bestowed upon our departed friend, even by those who sometimes differed with his judgment and convictions. He always fought a fair fight in the battle of life. It is not a difficult task to speak of him on this occasion, but he deserves a better eulogium than the writer is able to pronounce. We can comfort ourselves, how- ever, with the fact that his life and character speak forcefully and eloquently for him. Death has made more vivid that which we felt was strong and symmetrical in him. It throws sunlight in among the shadows, .so that we now appreciate him the more thoroughly. His death falls with the heaviest severity upon his widow and two children. To them can only come now the memorj- of his devotion, his affection, his duty as a husband and a father, which must ever live as a sweet and never-dying fra- grance. May this memory mitigate their grief and bring com- fort to their hearts, now borne down by a great weight of sorrow. H. Doc. 804, 59-2 2 1 8 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson Address of Mr. Kune, of Pennsylvanu Mr. Speaker; I had not designed to take any part in these proceedings, but upon reflection I have thought that by reason of the contiguity of the respective districts represented by the deceased and myself it was due to the memorj' of the gentleman who has so recently and unexpectedly died that I should make a few observations. I had no acquaintance with George R. Patterson, who formerly repre.sented the Twelfth Congressional district of Penns3ivania, known as the "Schuylkill district," until a con- siderable period after my election to the Fifty-eighth Congress. The intercourse I had with him from and after my first intro- duction in Congress and outside of these walls was of a most agreeable and delightful character. In coming to and return- ing from Washington I frequently met him on the train, and found him to be a frank, hospitable, happy, and opeu-hearted gentleman. I found him to be a good companion, genial, and of high and fascinating social qualities. His sudden and unexpected demise was a surprise and shock to every Member of this House, and the great esteem in which he was held was evidenced by an adjournment immediately after the reading of the Journal and announcement of his death. To know him was to love him. Chosen to fill the honorable public position as a Representa- tive in Congress for three consecutive terms, which he held at the time of his decease, he continued to discharge the obliga- tions impo.sed with firmness and fidelity to the last, ever enjoy- ing the confidence, esteem, and affection of his coustituencv. Address of Mr. Klhie^ of Penttsylrania 19 He represented a district in the heart of the anthracite coal region. His constituency represented numerous uationahties, engaged in numerous and diversified kinds of trade, occupation, and business, and by reason thereof the political sentiment of his people had been for many years of a fluctuating character. Whilst a large majority of the county officers in his district, including the judges of the .several courts, are now and have been filled by men of Democratic faith, the popularity and esteem of the deceased was so great and manifest that he was for three consecutive terms elected over his Democratic com- petitors by increa.sing majorities. His death was mourned by a large circle of friends, as was- evidenced by the large number in attendance at his funeral,, coming from all stations in life and from all parts of his dis- trict, in friendship's tribute to the memory of their deceased friend, neighbor, and Representative. Had you been in attend- ance at his funeral, in his home town of Ashland, in a mining locality, and witnessed the throng of thou.sands of his friends, neighbors, and those bound by fraternal union, who came from far and near to pay the last mark of respect to their deceased Representative; had you observed the profound impression which the recollection of his life and many good traits and virtues left upon an entire community, you would have con- cluded that there was something to live for beyond the attain- ment of political position. You would have realized that it is not all of life to live, nor all of death to die. The deceased was engaged in busine.ss before his entrance in public life and election to Congress. He did not make any pretense of oratory, leadership, or statesmanship. He was faithful and diligent in committee work, conscientious and active in the performance of the work assigned to him. He 20 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson was always ready to help a friend or colleague if it was right and consistent and the request was just and reasonable. He would never consent to become compromised or commit an act of which he couldn't approve at the time or ratify in the future. Neither the railings of a partisan press nor the taunts of political opponents could swer\'e or deter him from the per- formance of such official duty as conscience told him he ought to do, nor could .such influences compel him to the performance of what con.science taught him ought not to be done. He was a man of most kind and generous impulses, firmly and warmly attached to his family, friends, and acquaintances; he was not vindictive, and these qualities combined to render him a most faithful Representative. It is true, as was said by a gentleman on the floor of this House a few days ago, that "experience teaches us that the most effective work is done, not upon the floor of the House by the perpetual talkers, but by the quiet, active, and earnest Members who attend strictly to their committee work and give their thought and time to such legislation as properly comes before the committees to which they are assigned." Such a member was the deceased. He was not a perpetual talker in the House, but did his mo.st eflfective work in the committee room and in attending faithfully and promptly to the demands and requests of his con.stituents. In this manner he gained his popularity among the membership of the House. Now, Mr. Speaker, it has frequently, through the later series of years, occurred to my mind that the man who is acknowl- edged by the community in which he lives to be an upright, conscientious, liberal, and honest man, enjoys the best reputa- tion that a man can have. A man who has qualifications and ability may connect himself with public life; he may come into Address of Mr. Kline, of Pemisylvania 2i your le.ijislative halls and establish a reputation as an orator of a statesman: he may pursue some literary calling; he may win a reputation that is coextensive with the world; but after all, when you come to form your estimate of the man, you must rely upon the character that he has established about his own thresh- old, at his own hearth, in his own family, and among his own neighbors. There is the standard by which we must measure a man after all is said and done. That is the corner stone of his building; that is the groundwork of his fame, let it be what it may, and no fame is worth having that is not based upon a reputation for social and moral virtues in the community where it is the man's destiny to live and perhaps his destiny to die. In his home, in his own community, among his neighbors and friends, George R. Patterson acquired and enjoyed his first fame and great popularity. There the foundations were laid for his entrance into public life, where he equally acquired and enjoved the confidence and good will of all who knew him. He was strong and robust, active, busy, and energetic in life, but, like all who have preceded him, he, too, was mortal. We who survive the deceased and who for a brief hour con- tinue to strut upon this our public stage find it hard to stop and think, to realize that we, too, are mortal, and that our heart.s — Like muffled drums, are beating Funeral marches to the grave. It is but a bubble we are blowing. No matter how largely we swell in our conceit, how magnificent we expand our pro- portions, the bubble will finally bur.st for us, as it has done in the ca.se of our illustrious predecessors, and we shall return to the obscurity from which we came, unhonored and unsung. And even if we succeed in securing public attention for more than one or two or three or more terms of our Congressional •22 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson life, by a most persistent effort or efforts in blowing our bubble, others will soon crowd us off the sceue of action and strut their brief hour of fancied greatness and renown. This is the state of man : to-day he puts forth The tender leaves of hope ; to-morrow blossoms. And bears his blushing honors thick upon him ; The third day comes a frost, a killing frost. And when he thinks, good easy man, full surely His greatness is a-ripening, nips his root. My object has been accomplished if I have succeeded in ar- resting the attention of my fellow- Members by this brief con- templation of the life and death of our late friend and colleague. Let us emulate his good qualities and realize that it is not all of life to reach public station, nor all of duty to distinguish oneself in the fitful notoriety of the passing hour. Address of Mr. Hogg., of Colorado 23 Address of Mr. Hogg, of Colorado Mr. Speaker; Our friend and colleague, George Patter- son, has passed out of the shadows. Suddenly' he stepped aside, and we know him no more fore\'er. Had our will been done he would have eased his burden down with feeble, trembling hands, and his last steps would have been taken falteringlj-. We would have given him the serenity and peace of old age at the end. It is so we judge of things. He came from the field at noontime, and did not return to his task. The plow was left in the furrow when the darkness came. I have seen the aged die, and it seemed well, for they were tired and worn; their day had been long and wearisome; they had wrought much and well, and the night and rest became the benediction of an infinite goodness. With our friend it was otherwise, and he left his work unfinished, as we would measure it. I had not known him long, but I knew him well, all that was worth knowing — the soul of him — and admired him much. Our view of him was not obscured, for it was a pleasing landscape, with the sunshine resting on it. His nature was so open, generous, and manly that we instinctively gave him our tribute of sincerest friendship. We shall strike no balance of his life, for friendship strikes no balances and carries no account against the dead. Honest, just, and generous, with a great heart overflowing with warm human sympathy, George Patterson left the onlv fortune worth while, the memory of his kindliness. And 24 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson so "it is well with the lad." It is not for us to speculate about that unknown country to which he has journeyed, for no word has ever come to the anxious, eager ears of hope and love. If it is well that there be a far country, it i.s— if not, it is still well. Resting in the security of infinite wisdom, we shall be content. Our friend has gone his way alone, as we must all go, and there was no fear. To him we might have said with Aurelius: "Thou hast embarked, thou hast finished thy voyage, thou art come to shore. Get out." Rest to his generous, lovable, manly soul. "The eternal years of God are his." Mr. Speaker, he was my friend; I loved him; I would that he might come back from the land of silence. Address of Mr. Dak, of Pennsylvania 25, Address of Mr. Dale, of Pennsylvania Mr. Speaker: The l)irtliplace of George Robert Patter- son was Lewistown, Mifflin County, Pa. Born and reared amid the rugged and beautiful hills of Pennsylvania, the love for these hills was dominant and controlling throughout his life. I am inclined to believe that no person thus born and reared can ever forget the.se hills. No matter where he roams, no matter where necessity or duty places him, the call to the hills will ever and always follow him. The love for his native hills seems to enter into the very web and woof of his being. It is resistless; it is compelling; he can tiot get away from it; he can not dismiss it. Sometimes I think Samuel Francis Smith must have known and loved the wooded hills of Pennsylvania when he penned the words: I love thy rocks and rills. Thy woods and templed hills. I know how intensely George R- Patterson longed for these hills; and so it is eminently fitting and altogether proper that all that is earthly of our honored friend should find its final resting place in the beautiful cemetery at Ashland, under the shadow of the mighty hills he so much loved. Mr. Speaker, I understand that to other speakers has been assigned the privilege of reviewing in detail the life and work of George R. Patterson, but I can not let this occasion pass without noting one of his marked characteristics. I refer to his kindly spirit and gentle courtesy to the new Member. I remember when I came here he was one of the first to greet me and to offer his .services to aid and help me. Over and over again his time, his wise counsel, and the benefit of his large 26 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson experience have been freely and cheerfully given to myself and to other new Members. For his friends, no task was too heavy for him to attempt, no work too onerous for him to perform, no favor too great for his generous heart to grant. Surely his unselfish devotion to others, his ready willingness to sacrifice his own time and his own pleasure in the interest of others, entitled him to wear the princely motto, " Ich dien " — "I sen,'e." Mr. Speaker, directly in front of my place in this House there is a vacant seat. GEORGE R. Patterson has departed; his labors have ceased; his work has ended. The body may lie in moldering chancel or in crumbling vault, but the rumor of a noble life, the record of valor and truth, can never die, but lives on in the soul of the people. An English author recently wrote these words: The years pass, the old wheel turns, and ever the thread runs out. The wise and the good, the noble and the brave, they come from the darkness and into the darkness they go, whence, whither, and why who can say? It appears to me the sentiment thus expressed is altogether too pessimistic. I boldly as.sert in our day and time it is more and more true that ever through the darkness breaks a ray of light, bringing hope and confidence that in the end "there shall be no more darkness." That hope-giving light streams through the riven door of the new-made sepulcher of Jo.seph of Arimathea and rests upon the head of Him whose resurrection brought cheer and hope and life to hopeless humanity- "Though he were dead, yet shall he live." Address of Mr. Lafean., of Pennsylvania 27 Address of Mr. Lafean, of Pennsylvania Mr. Speaker; The decease of George R. Patterson has occasioned a loss keenly felt by his constituents and by his colleagues on both sides of the House. That he was popular and belo\-ed by the former is evident from the loyal support which he received at their hands. He was elected three times as a Member of Congress from the Twelfth Pennsyl- vania district, each succeeding time receiving a larger majority. This increased popularity can be easily understood when we take into consideration the character of our deceased colleague. He carried sunshine with him wherever he went and always had a good word for everybody. His genial disposition made him popular at home and in Washington, particularly among the Members of the House. At the time of his death he was one of the dominant forces of the Pennsylvania delegation. To know him intimately as I knew him was a privilege which I shall always treasure. I had the pleasure of personal acquaintance with Mr. PATTERSON, and only those who had this privilege could know the strength and depth of his character. Association with him was a pleasure, not only because of the brilliancy of his wit and statesman.ship, but for the mellowing and gladdening influence of his kindly geniality. One of the first to greet me and make me feel at home when I became a member of this body was Mr. Patterson. From our first meeting until our last, which was but a few hours before his sad death, I came in close and frequent contact with him. I found him always ready to kindly direct a new Member and 28 Mctnorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson render old ones support. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He would even sacrifice his own time or deprive himself of pleasure in order that he might ser\-e another Member of the Hou.se. During the latter part of last fall I invited Mr. P.vtterson to meet me at Getty.sbtirg for the purpose of going over several tracts of land owned by the Gettysburg Springs and Hotel Com- pany, which the Gettysburg Battlefield Commission was desirous of purchasing. Notwithstanding the fact that he was exceed- ingly busy .shaping up his private business affairs in order that he might assume the more active of his Congressional duties, and that his time was more than occupied in his endeavor to retain a friend in office whose removal was urged by others, he kindly came and spent two days in going over that famous field, in order that he might assist in bringing the matter of the purchase of this property intelligently before the House Committee on Military Affairs, of which he was a member. Self-.sacrifice such as this is what has endeared Mr. Patter- son not only to his constituents, but to his many friends and colleagues. At 5 o'clock of the evening preceding the morning of his death I met Mr. Patterson in Broad street station, Philadel- phia. At the time he informed me that he had just returned from his home and was on his way to Washington in response to a call from the Speaker (whip) to be present at the next day's session. He seemed to be in the best of spirits and health — joking as we walked down the platform together, he to take the train to Washington and I the train for my home. As we parted he said, ' ' Will see you in the morning. ' ' When I reached Washington the following morning I was shocked when iniormed of his sad death. Address of Mr. Lafean, of Pennsylvania 29 While a Republican, and a stanch one, Mr. PATTERSON was by no means a bitter partisan. His first thought was for his constituency and the welfare of the country. On all public questions he took lofty grounds and was liberal in his views. I could go on extolling his good qualities, but in my opinion they can be summed up in a few words : He was a man and a friend. 30 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson Address of Mr. Schneebeli, of Pennsylvania Mr. Speaker; I want to say a few words of tribute to our departed friend. M}- acquaintance with him was necessarily short, as I am a new Member, but when I learned to know him better I learned to love him. He was one of nature's noble- men — true and loyal to his friends, generous to his political foes — others he had none. We mourn in silent sorrow when we consider that he was taken from us in the prime of life and useful manhood. We shall miss his genial presence, his kindly greeting, his friendly advice; ever ready to lend a helping hand connected with mature judgment. In this greatest of political bodies of this country, of which he was an honored member, the individual learns to realize the true worth of his associate and colleague and to appreciate his help accordingly. His dear family has reason to be proud of his achievements in Congress, and his name will be handed down to his posterity enshrined in honor. Yet, aside from all the glamour of tempo- rary greatness, we revere the memory- of George Patterson as a man whom we admired, respected, and loved. I am glad to have known him, and thankful that I was per- mitted to pay him the last tribute of respect in conveying his remains to their final resting place. May he rest in peace. Address of Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina 31 Address of Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina Mr. Speaker: I desire to add a word to the splendid trib- utes that have been paid to the memory of the late Hon. George Robert Patterson, whose death brought sorrow to his colleagues here and to the thousands who mourn his loss at home. The spirit prompting me is not that of one who, in recount- ing the deeds of great men, is flattered by the reflected halo of their recital. I am no Boswell nor was the deceased a Johnson. My humble tribute is a simple response to that geniality and sincerity of heart, so marked in the decea.sed, which, unham- pered b}' formalism, went direct to the hearts of his associates. It is of this one phase of his character that I desire to speak. There are triumphs of eloquence and triumphs of organiza- tion, but that which elected our friend a Member of this body was the triumph of a warm and genial heart, coupled with that strong common sense and insight into human nature which traveling salesmen possess perhaps more than all other men. These, too, were the qualities which made him one of the most watchful and u.seful Members of the House. However much .some may discount membership in this bodj-, it is a distinction, and may I add, without egotism, that its attainment is strong presumptive evidence of ability, possibly latent, but no less certain. It is a distinction that many of the ablest lawyers throughout this laud have thought it not improper to strive for. Disguise it as some may, the confidence of a majority of your home people in electing you to a position of such responsibility could find lack of appreciation only in an ungrateful heart. 32 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson The deceased came not from the ranks of the professional class, so overwhelmingly represented in Congress, but he came from the people, elevated from amongst them, with the glow of popular demands fresh upon his mind and with a sympathy of interest that the formalism of professional life would almost make impossible. In this day of action rather than words, even in the American Congress, his usefulness may not be discounted by the most profound constitutional lawyer of this body. Legislation is as much the result of the hand touch of the committee as the hair splitting of the forum. We recognize the general proposition that education gives its posses.sor an advantage over illiteracy, and profes.sional education tends to emphasize that advantage. But he who, with a simple English education, in a body largely dominated by professional men, can set at naught legal quibblings and fully maintain the rights of his constituents must possess those qualities of mind less lustrous, but no less valuable in the attainment of results, than polished oratory. Such were the qualities of mind and heart with which our friend was endowed. Genial always, he was aggressive, yet unobtrusive; quiet, yet ever alert and untiring in the discharge of his duty to his constituents; a strict party man in so far as that obliga- tion bound in reason, yet tolerant and reasonable in his deal- ings with the oppo.sition. Hailing from widely divergent sections of the United States, representing interests that have little similarity, with an acquaintance of only a few years, there was no tie, save such as the Creator had implanted in that generous heart, to bring me within the number of those who sorrow for his ' ' taking away." "In the world's broad field of battle," these influ- ences linked to him, here and there, the fellowship and sym- pathy of his associates, and though in "crossing the bar" Address of Mr. Aikcu, of SoiitJi Caro/iim t,^ into the sreat unknown ocean his temporal hfe fades from our view, we follow him with those feelings which can not die. The brevity and uncertainty of life is strikingly illustrated in the passing away of this young man who seemed to be in the springtime of his career. Little more than two \'ears ago he was one of the party which bore the remains of the late Hon. George W. Croft to his native State (South Carolina), to place them amongst those who .sleep. While the memory of this event is as of yesterday, the summons comes again; pass- ing over those who have long heard the breakers on a not distant shore, it knocked at the heart of our young friend, and it was still. Perhaps it is best that we do not know" when we stand near the shadow. In the vigor of young manhood, unbroken by the weight of years, he laid down life in its flower. If the contention of the psycliologi.st is true, that thought is not even suspended in passing from this to the higher life, may we not hope that beyond the dividing line this life, pruned of earthly hindrances and tran.splanted in a more congenial soil, ma}- go on in the enlarged exercise of those virtues that characterized it here? H. Doc. S04, 59-2 3 34 Memorial Addresses : George Robert Patterson Address of Mr. Goulden, of New York Mr. vSpeaker: 111 the fourth vohune of liis War and Peace Tolstoy Hkeiis Hfe to an immense living globe, the surface of which is covered with drops closely crowded together, con- stantly pushing and pressing against each other, some expand- ing, others fusing or coalescing. In the center of the globe is God, and ever and anon, as some of these drops are crushed out of existence, their substance sinks back into the depths, while others expand to enormous size before being undermined or annihilated. Altliough not calculated to create any fal.se impressions or charm us h\ the ideality of its conception, yet it is a very striking picture of mankind. Its truth is brought very forcibly to mind when we consider the life and .services of Mr. George Robert Patterson, who has represented his district in three successive Congresses. A Pennsylvanian by birth, he was thoroughly American in educa- tion and training, a product of that school sy.stem which is so distinctive a mark of our civilization. If in these davs it be a reproach to be rich, then he was free from taint, for the woridh' goods he possessed were obtained by hard work, b\- a strict attention to duty, and by honesty and fair dealing. He was a typical American business man, and was a valiant soldier in the ranks of that army which has won such creditable victories for American prosperitv. That he was respected b\- bis friends and neighbors is at- tested by their selection of him to represent them in party coun- cils and the nation's legislative halls; and as it is safe to say that the most relialile testimony to any man's worth is that of the people who live clo.sest to him. then he needs no greater Address of Mr. Gotilden, of iVeiv York 35 eulogy than the record of his three successive elections to Congress, the last by the greatest majority ever gi\-en to a candidate for any office in the district. As he was onl}- 43 at his death, he had reached but the prime of life. He had arrived at the stage when his knowledge and experience would have been of the greatest good to his constitu- ents and fellow-citizens. He had been long enough in Con- gress to have thoroughly mastered its traditions, its intricate machinery, and its possibilities, and was therefore in a fair way to become one of its leaders and a credit to his State and the nation. He was constantl\- growing in power and influence, hut he did not exercise it in the Machiavellian fashion, which is char- acteristic of much of our party politics, but used it in the simple, old-fashioned, American way which endeared so many of our elder .statesmen to the hearts of their followers. He was indeed like a drop on Tolsto\-'s globe, expanding into noble propor- tions, becoming a beautiful sight to all beholders. But death came to tmdermine him, and in a twinkling he was crushed out to sink back into the bosom of his Maker. It is always unwi.se to push an analogy too far, and we can not therefore pursue the fatalism of the great Rtissian to its bitter end: although it would be wrong to clo.se our eyes to the fact that in the reality of lite there are no gaps, and our places are .soon filled. Perhaps this is the .sternest le.sson which the philosophy of history has to teach us. But, in reviewing the career of our late colleague, we find that his passing does leave an aching void; at one stroke a .son, a husband, and a father has been cut down, and a stanch friend and ally has been- taken from his coworkers and constituents; but as he will be enshrined in the hearts and memory of all who knew him, he will thus, in all truth, continue to fill his own place. 2,6 Menioria! Addresses : George Robert Patterson And to the iiieniliersof liis bereaved family, consolation should be contained in those words of Landor, " He whom (iod sniiteth hath God with him." It was my privilege to join with his late associates in attend- ing his funeral at his home in Ashland, Pa. The a])propriate .services, .simple but impressive in character, were typical of the life of the late George Robert Patterson. The immen.se throng of .sad faces that had gathered, with the closed places of business, all bore testimony to the esteem and regard in which he was held. The SrE.\KEK pro tempore. Pursuant to the resolution al- ready adopted, the House stands adjourned until to-morrow at 12 o'clock. Arcordingly (at i o'clock, and 35 minutes p. m. j the House adiourned. PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE Wednesday, Marcli 21 , j^o6. DEATH OF REPKESEXTATIVE GEORGE K. PATTERSOX. A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. W. J. Browning, its Chief Clerk, communicated to the Senate the in- telligence of the death of Hon. Geok(;e R. Patt]!:r,sox, late a Representati^"e from the State of Pennsylvania, and transmitted resolutions of the House thereon. The message also announced that the Speaker of the Hou.se had appointed Mr. Samuel, Mr. Barchfeld, Mr. Lilley, Mr. Schneebeli, Mr. Butler, and Mr. Kline, of Pennsylvania; Mr. Loudenslager, of New Jersey ; Mr. Prince, of Illinois; Mr. Foster, of \*ermont ; Mr. Andrews, of New Mexico ; Mr. Brous- •sard, of Louisiana; Mr. Goulden, of New York; Mr. Patter- son, of North Carolina, and Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina, mem- bers of the committee on the part of the Hou.se to attend the funeral. The Vice-Presidext. The Chair lays before the Senate resolutions from the House of Representatives, which will be read. The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows : Ix THE House of Represent.\tives, I\ larch 21 , jgo(>. Resolved, That the House ha.s heard with profomitl sorrow of the deatli of Hon. George R. P.\tterson, a Representative from the Slate of Pennsylvania. 37 38 Memorial Addresses: George Robert Patterson Rcsohcd, Tliat a comuiittee of thirteen Members of tlie House, with such Meuibers of the Senate as may be joineii, be appointed to attend the funeral. Resolved, That the Sargeant-at-Arnis of the House be authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying out the pro- visions of these resoUitions, and tliat the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of the contingent fund of the House. Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions ti> the Senate, and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. Mr. Penrose. Mr. President, I present the resolutions which I send to the desk, and I ask nnaninious consent for their im- mediate consideration. The Vice-President. The resoUitions submitted by the Senator from Pennsylvania will be read. The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows : Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the an- nouncement of Uie death of Hon. Gkorc.E R. P.\TTERS0X, late a Repre- sentative from the State of Pennsylvania. Resolved, That a committee of six Senators be appointed by the \ice- President to join a committee appointed on the part of the House of Rep- resentatives to take order for superintending the funeral of .the deceased. Resolved, That the Senate communicate these resolutions to the House of Representatives. The resolutions were considered by unanimous consent, and unanimously agreed to. The Vice-President appointed, under the second re.solu- tion. as the committee on the part of the Senate to act in con- junction \\\\\\ the committee on the part of the House of Rep- resentatives, Mr. Penrose, Mr. Knox, :Mr. Allee, Mr. Scott, :Mr. Bacon, and Mr. Dubois. Mr. Penrose. Mr. President, I .submit a further resolution, which I send to the desk. The Vice-President. The resolution will be read. The Secretary read the resolution, as follows: Resolved, That as an additional mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, the Senate do now adjourn. Proceedings in Iht 39 The res- 1906. at 12 o'f ; MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE. \', '-r ^- -r-»-" i- -..'4. . ..; . - - - : - : the Hcmst :ve of the life a:. ices of Hon. Geokge R. Pattersox, late a Repre State