Class JL 6 &4=__ Book , I] a, §3JLs jrfS°j^ ESS } HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / Document No. 1857 ' 1% JAMES H. DAVIDSON (Late a Representative from Wisconsin) MEMORIAL ADDRESSES r .LIVERED IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES !%{><> SIXTY-FIFTH CONGRESS THIRD SESSION Proceedings in the House February 16, 1919 Proceedings in the Senate March 2, 1919 PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING XM ^ WASHINGTON 1919 B7 •* B« iuL r 1929 .rt TABLE OF CONTENTS Page. Proceedings in the House 5 Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 5,8 Memorial addresses by — Mr. John J. Esch, of Wisconsin 11 Mr. William H. Stafford, of Wisconsin 15 Mr. James A. Frear, of Wisconsin 18 Mr. Edward Voigt, of Wisconsin 20 Mr. David G. Classon, of Wisconsin 23 Mr. Florian Lampert, of Wisconsin 25 Mr. William J. Cary, of Wisconsin 29 Mr. Adolphus P. Nelson, of Wisconsin 31 Proceedings in the Senate 33 Memorial addresses by — Mr. Robert M. La Follette, of Wisconsin 37 Mr. Joseph E. Ransdell, of Louisiana 40 Mr. Wesley L. Jones, of Washington 44 Mr. Joseph T. Robinson, of Arkansas 46 Mr. John W. Weeks, of Massachusetts 49 Mr. Charles E. Townsend, of Michigan 52 Mr. Irvine L. Lenroot, of Wisconsin 56 [3] J^ 4% HON. JAMES H.DAVJDSON DEATH OF HON. JAMES H. DAVIDSON Proceedings in the House of Representatives Thursday, August 8, 1918. The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the following prayer : Infinite Spirit, our Heavenly Father, in the onward sweep of time conditions are continually changing in the affairs of men, sometimes to their good, sometimes to their hurt; but Thou art ever the same, ministering con- tinually to their needs, pouring out Thy love in behalf of Thy children. Rut man is selfish, egotistical, grasping, self-seeking, and strangely perverse; illustrated by the terrible war through which we are passing. Thus man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn. Teach us the simple life, humility, kindness, generosity, and nobility of soul, that the world may be a little better that we have lived and wrought. In the dispensation of Thy Providence a strong, pure, noble, wise, and faithful man has been removed by death from this legislative body. We mourn his going, but re- joice in the fact that we have known him and felt the strength of his great soul. Comfort us, his colleagues, friends, and those to whom he was nearest and dearest with the blessed hope that sometime, somewhere, we shall again be blessed by his presence and guided on our way by his life and character; after the similitude of the world's great Redeemer. Amen. [5] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson Mr. Mondell. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound regret that I announce the death of Hon. James H. Davidson, a Repre- sentative in Congress from the sixth district of the State of Wisconsin, who died in this city yesterday. At a later time the House will be asked to lay aside its other busi- ness for the purpose of holding a memorial service in honor of the life, character, and distinguished public services of Mr. Davidson. I offer the following resolution. The Speaker pro tempore. The gentleman from Wyo- ming offers a resolution, which the Clerk will report. The Clerk read as follows : Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. James H. Davidson, a Representative from the State of Wisconsin. Resolved, That a committee of 16 Members of the House, with such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the funeral. Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions 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 resolution was agreed to; and the Speaker pro tem- pore appointed as the committee on the part of the House Mr. Cooper of Wisconsin, Mr. Esch, Mr. Stafford, Mr. Nel- son, Mr. Cary, Mr. Frear, Mr. Browne, Mr. Classon, Mr. Voigt, Mr. Hamilton of Michigan, Mr. Humphreys, Mr. Wilson of Illinois, Mr. McLaughlin of Michigan, Mr. Ken- nedy of Iowa, Mr. Gallagher, and Mr. McKenzie. Mr. Mondell. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following further resolution. [6] Proceedings in the House The Clerk read as follows : Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the deceased the House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to. The Speaker pro tempore. The adjournment will be until Monday next. Accordingly (at 12 o'clock and 7 minutes p. m.) the House adjourned until Monday, August 12, 1918, at 12 o'clock noon. Thursday, August 15, 1918. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Waldorf, one of its clerks, announced that the Senate had passed the follow- ing resolution: Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announcement of the death of Hon. James H. Davidson, late a Representative from the State of Wisconsin. Resolved, That a committee of nine Senators be appointed by the Presiding Officer to join the committee appointed on the part of the House of Representatives to attend the funeral of the deceased. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these resolutions to the House of Representatives and to the family of the deceased. Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the deceased the Senate do now adjourn. Friday, December 27, 1918. Mr. Cooper of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Sunday, February 16, 1919, be set aside for addresses on the life, character, and public services of the Hon. James H. Davidson, late a Member of Congress from the State of Wisconsin. The Speaker. The gentleman from Wisconsin asks unanimous consent that Sunday, February 16, 1919, be set [7] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson aside for memorial services on the life, character, and public services of the late Representative James H. David- son. Is there objection? There was no objection. Sunday, February 16, 1919. The House met at 12 o'clock noon and was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore [Mr. Butler]. The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the following prayer: Eternal God, our Heavenly Father! That God, which ever lives and loves, One God, one law, one element, And one far-off divine event, To which the whole creation moves. We thank Thee that the door of the holy of holies is ever open to Thy children, where they can commune with Thee, find inspiration to guide them in the duties of life, consolation for their sorrows, solace for the loss of loved ones, and everlasting hope. We meet here to-day in memory of four great men, who wrought on the floor of this House for their con- stituents, their respective States, and the Nation they loved. May those who knew them best speak from their hearts, that their records may be left in the archives of the Nation they loved; that others may read and be inspired with patriotism and devotion. Comfort those who knew and loved them with the eternal hope that sometime, somewhere, they shall meet them in a land where partings shall be no more and love shall find its own; and everlasting praise be Thine, through Him who demonstrated that life is stronger than death. Amen. [8] Proceedings in the House The Clerk read as follows: On motion of Mr. Cooper of Wisconsin, by unanimous consent, Ordered, That Sunday, February 16, 1919, be set apart for addresses upon the life, character, and public services of Hon. James H. Davidson, late a Representative from the State of Wis- consin. Mr. Cooper of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I move the adop- tion of the resolutions which I send to the Clerk's desk. The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the resolutions. The Clerk read as follows : Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended, that opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of Hon. James H. Davidson, late a Member of this House from the State of Wisconsin. 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 the exercises of this day, 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. The Speaker pro tempore. The gentleman from Wiscon- sin [Mr. Cooper] will please take the chair. Mr. Cooper of Wisconsin took the chair. [9] MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Address of Mr. Esch, of Wisconsin Mr. Speaker: We are met to-day to pay our tribute of respect to a departed colleague. It is fitting on such an occasion to give expression to our feelings as to the life, character, and public services of one of our number whose life work has ended, but whose influence and good example are destined to abide with us. While no longer present in the body, his genial character and friendly ministrations have left a lasting impression upon our memories. Our colleague, the Hon. James H. Davidson, was a native of New York, and received his education in that State, graduating from the Albany Law School in 1884. Since 1887 he was a resident of Wisconsin, and prior to enter- ing the House had served as district attorney of Green Lake County and as city attorney of his home city, Osh- kosh. His public duties were performed in such an effi- cient and conscientious manner as to win the respect and confidence of the people and resulted in his election to the Fifty-fifth Congress and each succeeding Congress, includ- ing the Sixty-second. He was defeated for reelection to the Sixty-third Congress after having had the distinction, with one exception, of holding in our State the record of continuous service in the House for 16 years. Mr. David- son's retention in office was a fine illustration of the fact that Wisconsin was learning the lesson, long taught by Maine and many of the Southern States, that longevity in service is the surest way to secure prestige and influence in the councils of the Nation. While none of us can ad- [11] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson vocate this policy without being charged with being actu- ated by a selfish motive, the fact remains, and the rec- ords of this House abundantly prove, that the chairman- ships and the power and influence they assure and the places of leadership go to men of long and continuous service. Had Mr. Davidson been elected to the Sixty-third Con- gress he would have been the ranking Republican on the important Committee on Rivers and Harbors. His long membership on this committee made him an expert on water transportation matters, and no one doubted his qualifications for the chairmanship had his party re- mained in power. His work on this committee was char- acterized by conservatism and sound judgment, and the fact that his district bordered on Lake Michigan stimu- lated in him an ambition to master the navigation needs of the Great Lakes. His vision, however, was too broad to be limited to the horizon of his own district or State. By extensive travel and painstaking investigation he sought to understand and meet the problems of all parts of the United States. For many years, and while a member of the Committee on Rivers and Harbors, he was also chairman of the Com- mittee on Railways and Canals, and, while this is one of the minor committees of the House, it enabled him to study the intimate relationship between rail and water transportation, a subject now of supreme importance. After an absence of four years Mr. Davidson was elected to the present Congress and was honored by an appoint- ment upon the Committee on Military Affairs, one of the most important committees in this war Congress. Its labors began with the calling of the special session on April 2, 1917, and had continued almost without interrup- tion up to the time of his death, in August of last year. [12] Address of Mr. Esch, of Wisconsin Wisconsin during the 71 years of her statehood has sent 105 different Members to this House. Among these were men who attained national prominence. Doty, Wash- burn, Rusk, and La Follette became governors, while Durkee, Sawyer, Mitchel, La Follette, Stephenson, and Lenroot became United States Senators. Rusk was also appointed Secretary of Agriculture by President Harri- son. In this group of distinguished men we readily give to our deceased colleague an honorable place. While no leading act of legislation can be placed to his credit, he was ever mindful of the needs and best interests of his constituents. Representing a district largely devoted to dairying, he was influential in protecting this industry by aiding in the framing and enactment of the oleomargarine act. Having hundreds of Civil and Spanish War soldiers as constituents, he worked diligently in their behalf. No request made of him went unheeded; no letter remained unanswered. Mr. Davidson was an able and earnest speaker. On the all too rare occasions when he occupied the floor he com- manded the attention of the House by his mastery of facts and clearness of presentation. In public speaking he never stooped to demagogic appeal, but through fairness to those who opposed him sought to win his cause. While neither aggressive nor radical by disposition, he stood by his convictions. In all things he was patriotic and honest and his word was unquestioned. Whatever fate befell him he accepted it with the spirit of a true philosopher. His geniality, modesty, and fairness characterized him at all times and won for him the love, admiration, and re- spect of us all. Mr. Davidson loved his home. His domestic life was ideal. His wife, two sons, and a daughter were objects of his constant and tender solicitude. We who were with [13] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson him daily knew the pride he felt in having a son in the service. He died too soon to see the fruition of his hopes. To those he left behind there goes out from us a feeling of profound sympathy. He was in his best years, life had yet much of promise for him, and his taking off seems like sunset at noonday; and yet we must be reconciled, for was not his life in the hands of " Him who doeth all things well?" [14] Address of Mr. Stafford, of Wisconsin Mr. Speaker: In this Chamber a week ago there gath- ered the Members of both Houses of Congress, the only living ex-President, members of the Cabinet, members of the Supreme Court, and the representatives of the Diplo- matic Corps, to do honor to a great American, Theodore Roosevelt. We listened with rapt attention to the great eulogy delivered by the scholar of the Senate and one of the elder statesmen, the Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge. To-day we meet to pay the last tribute to the memory of our de- parted colleague, the Hon. James H. Davidson. In my 14 years of service only one other instance has happened, that when Hon. Henry C. Adams died, where the State has lost a Representative during his service in Congress. No Congress in its history has suffered so great a toll in the death of Members than this now nearing its close. The problems that have required solution, the tenseness of situations, the added burdens of legislation and office duties, directly traceable to the world war, sapped the vi- tality of all, undermined in some instances the strongest constitutions, and brought death to a large number. Many quaked under the stress and strain, and I fear my col- league Davidson was one of this number. In the maelstrom of congressional life it is not the rule, no matter how long you are associated, to learn much about the lives and careers of Members before their en- trance to Congress. My estimate of James H. Davidson is limited to my observation of his work since 1903, when I first became associated with him. He had preceded me three terms, and was then on the Committee on Rivers and Harbors. Here he served under the master mind and leader, Hon. Theodore E. Burton, chairman of the committee. Even at that early day, which position be- [15] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson came more pronounced as his services continued, David- son was regarded as an authority on river and harbor im- provements. According to the unwritten rule in Congress, he gave first consideration to his committee work. This engrossed the major portion of his legislative time; but he was alert to give close attention to the demands of his district. No Member could have achieved the distinction, which was his, to have served continuously for 16 years without hav- ing reflected truly the best expression of his district. He was modest and unassuming, and yet in debate he was a forcible speaker. When he spoke he commanded and held the attention of the House. In Congress bril- liancy counts less than good judgment and willingness to work. The esteem in which he was held by his colleagues was in one instance exemplified upon his reelection to Congress after an interregnum of four years. Though the membership of the House had changed in the interim, the record he had made of conscientious application to duty and of rare judgment brought him appointment to the only vacancy on the important Committee on Mili- tary Affairs. Many sought this position because of its great vantage in shaping the Government's military pol- icy during the world war, into which we were then just entering. Because he had voted his convictions on all questions relating to the war, and had voted against the declaration of war, no Member in the House questioned his appointment on this committee or ever doubted his loyalty to his Government after Congress declared war. Then came the heavy work in the Committee on Mili- tary Affairs, the making ready where our country was so ill prepared to bring success to our standard on the Euro- pean field of battle. For more than a year he toiled cease- lessly in committee to provide adequately the sinews of [16] Address of Mr. Stafford, of Wisconsin war that brought about ultimate victory. It was under this heavy strain that he quaked. He had extracted too much from nature's reservoir, and, as is so often the case, after long unrequited service, he found his health under- mined just as the Congress was about to take a much- needed rest to permit of the restoration of health to Mem- bers after the exacting service. But he had been too faith- ful a public servant; he had drained the cup of life in his country's cause, and death came suddenly to his exhausted body. I wonder whether his constituents knew and appre- ciated the sacrifice and work in his country's cause which brought his life to this untimely end. 115670°— 10 2 [17] Address of Mr. Frear, of Wisconsin Mr. Speaker: As has been just stated by my colleague, this great Hall was filled last week with a distinguished assemblage gathered to do homage to that great American, Theodore Roosevelt, a good man whose impress has been left upon the lives of those of his own day and generation and upon the history of our country. In this same historical Hall, which has been the scene of another statesman's labors for nearly a score of years, we again gather to do homage to that lovable man who in like manner was an honored public servant, cut down in his prime and during the period of his greatest usefulness. Our former colleague, James H. Davidson, would have wished for no higher eulogy than to be remembered as a friend of men. Of splendid attainments and of strong at- tractive personality, he was known throughout his own loved State of Wisconsin and in this great legislative body as an able, patriotic, conscientious Representative, who made the cause of his people and of his country his own. Men are useful to the world in which they move accord- ing to their opportunity to serve and their willingness to serve whole-heartedly and effectively. Measured by that simple standard, no man was more honest or faithful in his performance of public duties than our colleague, James H. Davidson, and few men will be more missed from his circle of immediate friends than our friend in whose memory we meet to speak to-day. Coming from the home district of distinguished public men of former years, including Senator Sawyer, Gen. Bragg, and " Gabe " Bouck, all notable men once familiar to these Halls, we who knew " Jim " Davidson recognized in him a faithful representative of a strong people and a worthy successor of those who had gone before. [18] Address of Mr. Frear, of Wisconsin Stricken down at a time when his services on the great Military Committee would have heen of great value to that committee and to his country, during the midst of war, and before our armies had been able to take active part in the great conflict, he actively joined in preparing us for the struggle and then dropped out from our circle before many of us realized his serious illness. His wife and loved ones, so suddenly bereft, lost a de- voted husband and an affectionate father, while we, his associates, lost an able colleague and friend, and his State, together with this great legislative body in which he so long and honorably served, lost a faithful and distin- guished public servant. Warm-hearted and gentle by nature, he was yet strong in his convictions. I well remember his firm stand on grave public matters wherein momentous questions were involved, and his associates will bear testimony that he ever performed his public duties with fearless, conscien- tious judgment, unaffected by personal considerations. No higher praise need be awarded any man. As we go along the pathway of life, passing so rapidly on the downward stretch of the last half that we find the mileposts confronting us with ever-increasing frequency, we learn that he who gives the best that is in him for the good of others, who dedicates himself to the service of those about him, finds in that same service a pleasure and a contentment that is the certain reward of giving. Such was the philosophy, under divine guidance, of our colleague, whose self-sacrifice and efforts to serve those about him made him so greatly esteemed by his fellows. He was high-minded and a strong man among men — a man whose place can not be filled, and a friend who will never be forgotten. [19] Address or Mr. Voigt, of Wisconsin Mr. Speaker: The first Member of this House who ex- tended to me the hand of welcome and fellowship was our deceased colleague, James H. Davidson. Shortly after my election in 1916 I received a letter from Mr. Davidson, whose district and mine were adjoining, in which he offered his assistance in acquainting me with the duties of my new office. Later on he invited me and another new Member-elect to visit him at his home city of Oshkosh. We gladly availed ourselves of his kindness and spent some enjoyable and profitable hours with him. I had made a mental memorandum of innumerable points on which I sought light. When I recall now all the questions with which I plied him I say he had a right to consider me green indeed. If he did, he did not show it, but answered all my questions with sympathetic courtesy and patience. From that day on Mr. Davudson and I became warm friends, and, like other men who have counseled and aided me when I stood in need, I shall always hold him in grateful remembrance. Our deceased friend was born at Downsville, N. Y., in 1858. Like many men who have attained prominence, he taught school and studied law. He graduated from the Albany Law School in 1884. Three years later, following the advice to " go West, young man," he moved to Prince- ton, Wis., and opened a law office. In 1888 he was elected district attorney of his county, and from that time until his death he was in the political arena. In 1892 he re- moved to Oshkosh, one of the largest cities of Wiscon- sin, where there was greater opportunity for the display of his powers. In 1896 he was elected a Member of the Fifty-fifth Congress, and was reelected for seven consecu- [20] Address of Mr. Voigt, of Wisconsin tive terms, serving his constituency from 1897 to 1913. He was defeated in his candidacy for the Sixty-third and Sixty-fourth Congresses, but was reelected to the Sixty- fifth. His long service as a Member of this House is almost a conclusive testimonial to his ability and integrity as a representative of the people and as a man. An election to this body is in itself evidence of character and ability, but an election for nine terms is an indorsement of public duty ably and conscientiously performed, to add to which would be mere surplusage. The people whom he repre- sented knew him best, and notwithstanding the onslaughts which political campaigns bring on they honored him time and again by commissioning him as their Representative here. After I came to Washington as a Member of the Sixty- fifth Congress I had the good fortune to associate with our deceased colleague almost daily. I frequently sought his advice in matters of routine and discussed with him some of the questions of the day. He was always cour- teous and willing to be of assistance in any way he could, and I considered it a privilege to feel that I might go to him at any time and get the benefit of his many years of experience. Mr. Davidson was a man who was modest and retiring in his disposition, but he possessed firm will power. He was no friend of bombast and sham. He had a strong sense of right and duty, and his sole aim was to let his every act be for the best interests of his constituents and his country. For some months before his death it was apparent to our delegation that our deceased friend was in failing health, although none of us realized that he would soon be with us no more. He bore his ailment with great forti- [21] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson tude, and rarely complained. During this time he fre- quently expressed to me solicitude for his family. He was intensely devoted to and proud of his wife and his two sons and daughter. To his bereaved family our sympathy goes out to-day. Our deceased colleague died here in Washington on August 6 last. It was my privilege to be in the con- gressional party that attended the last rites at his home. Here were assembled many of his friends, with whom we joined in paying a tribute of respect and affection. With simple and impressive ceremonies the mortal remains of James H. Davidson were laid away among murmuring trees and beneath a wealth of flowers, but his spirit will always be with us. [22] Address of Mr. Classon, of Wisconsin Mr. Speaker: Unfortunately, I did not know James H. Davidson very long. I say unfortunately because I knew him long enough and well enough to realize that it would have been rare good fortune to have known him longer and better. I first met him when he was a practicing lawyer and city attorney of Oshkosh, before his first election to Con- gress, which occurred in 1896, more than 22 years ago. From that time I never saw him until he had again been elected after being out of Congress for four years. I had just been elected and went to Oshkosh to see him and talk with him about some things which I wanted to learn about before coming to Washington. My reception and treatment by Mr. Davidson at that time made an impression upon me which led me to resolve that I would become better acquainted with him — which I did — and I may say that our relations were rather intimate during the months of the special session and those of the regular session before he became too ill to attend to his duties. Many men from his own and other States who were Members of the House during his first period of service, which covered 16 years, can and do testify to his faithful, painstaking, and able work here. I know that his district is one containing varied and im- portant industries and includes several of the principal cities of Wisconsin, and that in it are many men of ability and high standing, and the fact that such a constituency was content to be served for years by him demonstrates the satisfaction which he gave to his people as a national legislator and the confidence which they reposed in him; and the fact that he was returned after an interval of four years, during which period he was the nominee of his [23] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson party in two unsuccessful contests, shows that he was con- sidered a fit and popular standard bearer of his party. It is of the side of Mr. Davidson that I knew best that I wish to speak for a moment. He was a man of unfailing courtesy and kindness of heart, always considerate of others, absolutely conscientious, and with the highest moral courage; devoted to his duty and to his family and his friends; and I have never yet seen a man, woman, or child who knew Jim Davidson who was not his friend. Naturally, he had sharp political and other differences of opinion with many people, but such differences never caused anyone to lose his admiration for him as a clean and honorable opponent and a courteous, high-minded, lovable gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I can say only that which I know. I knew him and loved him, and those who knew him loved him and miss him. His life and death were a beautiful fulfillment of the ad- monition of the poet — So live, that, when thy summons comes to join The innumerable caravan, that moves To that mysterious realm where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death, Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night Scouraged to his dungeon; but sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams. [24] Address of Mb. Lampert, of Wisconsin Mr. Speaker : I wish to speak briefly of James H. David- son as a man. For 26 years I have known him well. It has been my good fortune to have been associated with him in many ways and to have known his reaction to many different circumstances. James H. Davidson loved people. His home life was beautiful. As husband and father he counseled and ad- vised. He felt and knew that each must live his own life and that there is, therefore, no place for a dictator where democracy is or is to be. He used to walk to and from his office along Algoma Street. There was always a cheery greeting for every- one — a wave of the hand, a smile, and a word. This did not come from habit, nor was it assumed. It was the genuine expression of his love for folks. Farmers used to go up to his office just to greet him, and go away again reassured that Jim Davidson was just as human as ever. And he loved his town and his State and his country and all mankind in the same sincere, human way. You could not shake his hand and look into his kindly eye without knowing that he had a philosophy of life that was genuinely human through and through. And therefore he had friends wherever he was known. The newsboy, the bootblack, the mill hand, the lumber- jack, the storekeeper, the farmer, the captain of industry, the minister, the statesman, all knew Jim Davidson and loved him. He had many opponents, but no enemies. This was not because he lacked clear judgment or because he lacked will power. On the contrary, his judgment was clear and farseeing; his mind, once made up, was constant and unswerving. He saw the big things in big ways, and he also saw in each person that he met the substantial [25] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson and fundamental elements that make human life a thing of priceless value. And so he went about his work in a kindly, sympathetic, farseeing way. He refused to be troubled because some things did not go just as he thought they ought to go, for he knew that his way was not the only way, his view was not the only view. This explains that almost unexampled consideration which he showed, and also that gentleman- liness which was so characteristic of him. He was schooled in the forms of politeness, but he was never for- mal. Politeness and gentlemanly conduct were as natural with him as was the beating of his heart. James H. Davidson was a man to whom *hose in trouble instinctively turned, and never in vain. It was not that people expected him to remove the cause of their trouble so much as it was that they knew he could help them to adjust themselves to a changed world in a reasonable way. His advice and counsel were sought on all sorts of troubles, for he knew how to find the brighter side. He knew and lived the philosophy which Longfellow ex- pressed in his poem, The Rainy Day; that philosophy which led Garfield to say to that great crowd in New York immediately after the assassination of Lincoln: "God reigns, and the Government at Washington still lives." It was this faith in the final outcome of things, this faith in the integrity of the human soul, that gave him his poise and his balance. He was serene and undisturbed by things which caused frenzy in some who had less interest in the outcome than had he. He never lost command of himself, and therefore he never lost the confidence and respect of those with whom he was associated. He did not have to retract and explain and start anew. Instead he kept steadily on, gaining every day in knowledge, in insight, in power, and in genuine worth. [26J Address of Mr. Lampert, of Wisconsin He was an incessant worker. He wanted to know all that was to be known about the subjects that came to his congressional committees. If a new woodworking ma- chine had been installed in one of the factories of his home town during his absence, he wanted to know all about it. And in all that touched his life, and especially in all of that for which as a public servant he had a responsibility, he sought information, knowledge, and un- derstanding. He never formed snap judgments, and he was not ashamed to say that he did not know. He was devoted to the underlying truth of things, to which even his partisanship never blinded him. And it was thus that he developed a judicial attitude of mind. He weighed the pros and cons of things, turned them over in his keen and fertile mind, and thus reached conclusions that were sound. He was never wrong on great, fundamental issues. And thus he was a self-made man — not simply in the sense that he sought and struggled and won, but in that deeper sense which means that through his efforts he be- came one of God's noblemen, " fed from within with all the strength he needs." Such a man is loyalty itself. He saw the faults of men, but he estimated men in terms of their virtues. He was a party man because he saw that only through parties can come that adjustment and readjustment of social rela- tionships winch spells progress; and therefore, while he was a party man, he regarded his party as a means to an end that was greater than the party. That end was to him the welfare of his country, of our democracy. And even beyond all this was an abiding faith in the brother- hood of man, in the fatherhood of God. Matrixed in this faith, he was always loyal to those things which square with it. [27] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson Kindly, sincere, clear-sighted, conscientious, consider- ate, gentlemanly, sound, loyal — such he was when the Angel of Death summoned him from our midst. And now he sleeps in the bosom of Mother Earth, beside the river he loved so well, missed and mourned by those whom he had loved and helped — sleeps until God shall call him home. At this point Mr. Butler resumed the chair. Mr. Esch. Mr. Speaker, in view of the fact that some Members are not present, I ask unanimous consent that an opportunity may be afforded to all Members to insert remarks in the Record on the life, character, and public services of the Hon. James H. Davidson. The Speaker pro tempore. Without objection, the re- quest will be granted. There was no objection. [28] Address of Mr. Cary, of Wisconsin Mr. Speaker: We are again gathered to pay our last tribute of respect to one who has gone from us to join the vast silent majority that have crossed the river of death. I wish to add my tribute to those of my colleagues who have so ably described the worth and manhood of James H. Davidson and to lay upon his grave the wreath of kindly memory that he so well deserved. It was my privi- lege to meet him in the Sixtieth Congress. I was a new Member and he an old one, and I shall long remember his cordial welcome to me and the helping hand he extended in advising and counseling his new confrere from the Badger State. James H. Davidson had the sturdy common sense and rugged sincerity that came to him as a priceless inherit- ance from his ancestors, and living as he did in the robust and liberty-breathing air of the great Northwest he par- took of all the characteristics that make the men of the forests of Wisconsin such splendid citizens of a splendid country. He was an ardent and consistent Republican, but free from all that was narrow in his partisanship; he placed a true and steadfast Americanism above all party creeds, and was never afraid to voice his convictions on all public questions as his own conscience dictated. He was de- feated a few years ago, and those of us who had remained were glad, indeed, when the news came that he had been returned, and we found our old friend and colleague the same genial, rugged, and sincere man who had left us for a season. But he did not remain with us long. He " came back " triumphantly, but it was but for a little space, and then, in the full vigor of his manhood, he was stricken and died practically in harness. [29] Memorial Addresses : Representative Davidson All that is left now of James Davidson is the memory of his manly character and the name he has left hehind him, but it is the priceless heritage of an unstained reputation that he has left and a name that will be remembered as long as honest worth, sincerity, and integrity are hall- marks of gentility in a Republic that does not depend on the quarterings of heraldry to make her noblemen and aristocracy. Robert Rurns has well said : A king can mak a belted knight, A marquis, duke, and a' that, But an honest man's abuin his might, Guid faith he mauna fa' that, For a' that and a' that, Their riband, star, and a' that, The rank is but the guinea's stamp, The mon's the gowd for a' that. So let us, as we stand beside the bier of one who has gone before, see in his life and death the lesson that in this country of ours a reputation based on honesty and sincerity is worth more than the ratings of a commercial agency or the accolade of a monarch; that the confidence of a constituency and the respect of a community is worth more than a patent of nobility; and that in this democ- racy of ours we shall still build monuments to those who hold fast, as James H. Davidson did, to the simple, sturdy virtues that have made our country the hope of the world, the despair of the tyrant, and the last abiding place of the spirit of freedom that shall never die while America holds her place among the nations of the earth. [30] Address of Mr. Nelson, of Wisconsin Mr. Speaker: As a citizen of Wisconsin, I have known for many years of the large and eminent services of our colleague, the late Hon. James H. Davidson, and wish to-day to bear testimony of his noble life and distin- guished career, always devoted to the best interests of his district, his State, and his country. Though stricken in the very prime of life, he had still wrought long enough and well enough to leave his mem- ory and services indelibly impressed upon his associates, his State, and his Nation. Such men never die. His kind, genial, and manly spirit teaches us to-day that " honest toil is holy service, faithful work is praise and fame." James H. Davidson was known as an able and conscien- tious legislator and a tireless worker, and brought to bear both in the committee room and upon the floor of the House rare judgment and efficient leadership. He stood ready always to do his best when duty called. He taught us to carry hopeful hearts and cheerful brows, and that we must mold the life of our Nation by the force of great moral ideals, and rule through the royalty of principle that can never be discrowned. His public life, as well as his private life, was marked by a purpose of real service and uplift in which sacrifice of self was never considered but freely spent for those he loved and served. The words of the great Christ find a rare application in the life of our lamented colleague when he said, " Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister, and whosever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." James H. Davidson was happiest when he could be of the greatest service to his fellow men and his country. He [31] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson always resolved to exert to his utmost his rare mental and physical powers to the end that there might be main- tained in this world a permanent Christian civilization and life. Our friend and colleague, always true in his fellowship, tender in his sympathy, and noble in his ideals, will continue to live and to bless the world. We bow at his grave to-day with profound sorrow and mingle our grief with the grief of his family and of those who knew and loved him best, and sincerely mourn the loss, in the very prime of life, of one of Wisconsin's noblest sons, of whom it may well be said : "We live in deeds, not years, in thoughts, not breaths; In feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should count time by heart throbs. He most lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best. Life is but a means unto an end; that end Beginning, mean and end to all things — God." Then, in accordance with the resolution previously adopted, the House (at 5 o'clock and 20 minutes p. m.) adjourned until Monday, February 17, 1919, at 11 o'clock a. m. [32] Proceedings in the Senate Monday, August 12, 1918. A message from the House of Representatives, by G. F. Turner, one of its clerks, communicated to the Senate the intelligence of the death of Hon. James H. Davidson, late a Representative from the State of Wisconsin, and trans- mitted resolutions of the House thereon. Mr. Curtis. I ask that the resolutions of the House of Representatives be laid before the Senate. The Presiding Officer. The Chair lays before the Sen- ate resolutions of the House of Representatives, which will be read. The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows : In the House of Representatives, August 8, 1918. Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. James H. Davidson, a Representative from the State of Wisconsin. Resolved, That a committee of 16 Members of the House, with such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the funeral. Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions 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. Mr. Curtis. Mr. President, I offer the following resolu- tions and ask for their adoption. The resolutions (S. Res. 290) were read, considered by unanimous consent, and unanimously agreed to, as fol- lows: Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announcement of the death of Hon. James H. Davidson, late a Representative from the State of Wisconsin. 115670°— 19 3 {33] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson Resolved, That a committee of nine Senators be appointed by the Presiding Officer to join the committee appointed on the part of the House of Representatives to attend the funeral of the deceased. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these resolutions to the House of Representatives and to the family of the deceased. Mr. Curtis. Mr. President, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Representative I move that the Senate adjourn. The motion was unanimously agreed to; and (at 2 o'clock p. m.) the Senate adjourned until Thursday, Au- gust 15, 1918, at 12 o'clock meridian. Friday, February 7, 1919. Mr. La Follette. Mr. President, I give notice that at the proper time I shall move for a session of the Senate on Sunday, the 23d of February, to be devoted to memorial exercises for the late Senator Husting and the late Repre- sentative Davidson, of Wisconsin. Saturday, February 22, 1919. Mr. La Follette. Mr. President, I understand that it is probable that there will be a very late session of the Sen- ate to-night, and at the request of a number of Senators who expected to take part in the memorial exercises which it had been planned to hold to-morrow in commem- oration of the life, character, and services of the late Sena- tor Husting and of the late Representative Davidson, both of Wisconsin, I want to ask unanimous consent that the Senate hold a session beginning at 1 o'clock on the 2d of March to be devoted to the exercises that were expected to have been held to-morrow. I do this, I repeat, at the re- quest of a number of Senators who had expected to take part in the exercises to-morrow. I have conferred with the [34] Proceedings in the Senate senior Senator from Virginia [Mr. Martin] respecting the matter and also with the junior Senator from Virginia [Mr. Swanson], who was present, and who rather ap- proved of that action. The Presiding Officer. The Senator from Wisconsin asks unanimous consent that the Senate convene on Sunday, March 2, for the purpose of holding memorial ceremonies in connection with the lives and services of the late Sena- tor Husting, of Wisconsin, and the late Representative Davidson, of that State, in lieu of the arrangement hereto- fore effective for to-morrow. Is there objection to the request? The Chair hears none, and it is so ordered. Sunday, March 2, 1919. Legislative day of Saturday, March 1, 1919. The Senate met at 1 o'clock p. m., on the expiration of the recess. Mr. La Follette. Mr. President, I present the resolutions which I send to the desk. The Vice President. The resolutions will be read. The resolutions (S. Res. 483) were read, considered by unanimous consent, and unanimously agreed to, as fol- lows: Resolved, That the Senate assembles as a mark of respect to the memory of Hon. James H. Davidson, late a Representative from the State of Wisconsin, in pursuance of an order heretofore made, in order that fitting tribute may be paid to his high char- acter and distinguished public services. Resolved, That the Senate again expresses its profound sorrow at the death of the late Representative from Wisconsin. Resolved, That the Secretary transmit a copy of these resolu- tions to the House of Representatives and to the family of the deceased. [35] MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Address of Mr. La Follette, of Wisconsin Mr. President: We are here to-day to express the es- teem and affection we felt for the Hon. James H. Davidson in his lifetime and to manifest the deep respect in which we hold his memory. Wisconsin may have had more brilliant Representatives in the House than our departed friend, but it had none more industrious and certainly none more unselfishly devoted to the public service. Mr. Davidson was born in Downsville, N. Y., June 18, 1858. His home was humble. He was always a hard worker, no less in youth than in manhood. He received his early education in the public schools of his native town and supplemented it by a course at the Walton Academy, New York. He taught school and later studied law, and graduated from the Albany Law School in 1884. Shortly afterwards he removed to Wisconsin and began the practice of law in Princeton, Green Lake County, in that State, in 1887. The citizens of that county soon recognized his ability and sterling character and in 1888 elected him to the office of district attorney. In 1892 he removed to Oshkosh, then the second city in size in the State, where he continued his successful practice of the law, but in a wider field than before. Four years after he removed to Oshkosh he wits elected to Congress and served through the Fifty-fifth, Fifty-sixth, Fifty-seventh, Fifty-eighth, Fifty-ninth, Sixtieth, Sixty- first, and Sixty-second Congresses. He was then defeated, but in 191G he was reelected again from his old district and served in this Congress until his labors were ended by his untimely death in August, 1918. [37] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson Part of his district bordered on Lake Michigan and he was naturally much interested in water transportation. Early in his first period of service in the Congress he was appointed on the Committee on Rivers and Harbors and continued as one of the most valuable members of that committee until his defeat for Congress in 1912. Had he been returned to the Congress at that time he would have been the ranking Republican member of that committee. Upon taking his place in the Sixty-fifth Congress he was assigned to the Committee on Military Affairs. He labored earnestly to keep our country out of war, but when we became involved in it no member of the committee worked more incessantly or intelligently for the success of our arms than did he. It is the opinion of many of the intimate friends of Mr. Davidson that it was his untiring labor upon this committee which resulted in breaking his health and hastening his untimely death. This brief mention of some of the leading political events of Mr. Davidson's life gives no adequate idea of his sterling qualities or substantial achievements in public service. Because of his modesty or indifference to per- sonal distinction his hardest work was done upon meas- ures connected more intimately with the names of other men. It was Mr. Davidson's untiring work in the committees that shaped and perfected much of the legislation origi- nating in the great committees of which he was a member. While Mr. Davidson knew the vicissitudes of political life, he met defeat with the same tranquillity with which he accepted victory. He never for a moment lost the con- fidence of his party either at home or in Washington, and was the nominee of his party under the Wisconsin pri- mary election law when he was defeated for election in 1912 and 1914 in that State, as well as when he was elected in 1916. [38] Address of Mr. La Follette, of Wisconsin His genial disposition and manly qualities won him friends in all parties and among all classes of people. His home was an ideal American home. And it was there he found his greatest satisfaction and happiness. A loving wife and daughter and two devoted and loving sons have been bereaved by the death of our friend, but he has left to them the memory of many happy -years of beautiful association with him and the example of a life dedicated to high ideals and rich with worthy achievements. [39] Address of Mr. Ransdell, of Louisiana Mr. President: I knew Congressman Davidson, of Wis- consin, intimately and regarded him as one of my best friends in congressional life. We served together on the Rivers and Harbors Committee of the House for 12 years and always worked together in harmony, our views coin- ciding on most questions. During this period the com- mittee made several trips to different parts of the country in order to inspect personally the projects presented for tbeir consideration. These trips were, as a rule, very pleasant and instructive in the highest degree, for they gave the members of the Rivers and Harbors Committee a chance to see the river or harbor or prospective canal on which it was proposed to expend, in many instances, large sums of money, to talk to the citizens of the locali- ties, to visit the cities and important towns, to get an idea of the adjacent country, and in a general way to inform themselves at first hand before reaching a decision. Members of the committee were thrown very closely together on these trips, some of which extended from one week to three weeks, and excellent opportunities were given for becoming thoroughly acquainted with each other. Mr. Davidson and I were placed in intimate con- tact on several of these tours. He was for some time vice president of the national rivers and harbors congress, of which I had the honor to be president, and took a very active part in its councils. He addressed in the most eloquent and persuasive man- ner more than one convention of the congress and was always one of its truest friends and advisers. Indeed, he was one of the principal organizers of this association, [40] Address of Mr. Ransdell, of Louisiana which had its rebirth at the city of Cincinnati in June, 1905, during a trip of the Rivers and Harbors Committee from Pittsburgh to Cairo, one of the most instructive and entertaining tours in which it was my privilege to participate. "Jim," as I called Mr. Davidson, was a true friend of the improvement and utilization of the Nation's water- ways as carriers of freight and regulators of transporta- tion charges. In the work of the Rivers and Harbors Committee he was always national in his viewpoint, never local or sectional. Though he watched like a hawk every interest of Wisconsin and never failed to champion it in the most loyal and effective way, he was a friend to every project of real merit that found place in river and harbor bills during his long service on the committee. I was especially grateful for his constructive assistance in my pet projects — the improvement of the Ouachita River, La. and Ark., by means of locks and dams and construction of levees on the Mississippi south of Cairo, in order to protect that splendid region from the devas- tating floods of the Father of Waters. It was a long, hard struggle to secure proper congressional aid for the levee system. The fight began a great while before I entered Congress, 20 years ago, and is still proceeding. During the past 20 years much progress has been made, and to no one outside of the valley is more credit due for friendly cooperation and assistance than to Congressman Davidson. If Jim disapproved of a measure pending before the Rivers and Harbors Committee he would fight it hard, but if defeated would never exhibit any soreness or com- plaining spirit, and thenceforth the project would receive his support. I think he had as little animosity in his makeup as anyone I have ever known. [41] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson It was a great pleasure for Mrs. Ransdell and myself to visit at his beautiful home in Oshkosh, where we were en- tertained in a most hospitable manner by him and his charming wife. This was my first visit to Wisconsin, and I enjoyed it thoroughly, thanks to the courtesy and atten- tion of Congressman Davidson. Another tie between Jim and myself was that he was an alumnus of the law school of Union University, at Albany, N. Y., having graduated, if I mistake not, in the class of 1884, while I am an alumnus of Union College, Schenec- tady, N. Y., in the class of 1882. Both of us were active members of the Union College Alumni Association of this city, and both very proud of our alma mater, old Union. The university has just cause to mourn his death as one of its most distinguished and able sons. Jim was a tall, handsome man of very pleasing per- sonality. His manners were sedate and quiet. Though possessed of great firmness and force of character, he was as modest and gentle as a woman, rarely raising his voice above an ordinary conversational tone. When aroused, however, he was very positive, and on any occasion de- manding it made himself effectively heard and felt. I never saw him really angry, and he seemed entirely de- void of resentment. Indeed, Jim was an unusually even- tempered, well-balanced man, remarkably free from the usual weaknesses of the flesh, and on the whole as attrac- tive as anyone I have ever known. He was very devoted to his family, an indulgent, loving husband and father, true to his friends, and possessing the faculty of binding them very closely to him. A genu- ine party man, he never wavered in support of the prin- ciples and policies of the Republican Party, in which he believed implicitly; and he was thoroughly loyal to his family, his friends, his party, and his country. [42] Address of Mr. Ransdell, of Louisiana Mr. President, there are many sad things in connection with official life in Washington, and nothing sadder than the loss of such true, tried friends as James H. Davidson had always been to me. I can say of him, as I could of very few men outside of my immediate family, that I really loved him and felt the greatest personal loss when apprised of his untimely death. [43] Address of Mr. Jones, of Washington Mr. President: This Nation is not a pure democracy; it is a representative democracy. The people themselves do not legislate; they act through others. The whole theory of this Government is that it is one of delegated power. Senators and Representatives in Congress hold in trust the right to legislate for the people. Through them the people discharge the functions of government of a free people devoted to the principles of self-government. They are the agents of the people in the great task of government. No greater trust can be reposed in mortal man than to permit him to control and direct the property, the liberty, the life, and very destinies of another and of a free people. No higher honor can be bestowed by one upon another than to allow the one to speak for the other in the affairs of government. Therefore the position of Senator and Representative in Congress is the greatest honor and highest responsibility that can be bestowed in this Re- public. Some men become puffed up by the importance and dignity of the position they hold when intrusted with power. They lose sight of those who honor and trust them and dwell in the heaven of their own importance. Such men are unworthy of the honor and trust they enjoy and are unfitted to represent a free people. James H. Davidson was not this kind of a man. He was true and faithful to the trust reposed in him. He never forgot the people who honored him. He always remem- bered that he was their agent, their Representative. Their wants and their needs had every attention by him, and the humblest citizen gained his consideration just as freely as the highest, and even more so. He knew the responsibilities and duty of his position. His highest aim [44] Address of Mr. Jones, of Washington was to discharge them fully and serve those who trusted him in the most faithful way, with the welfare of his country as his highest aim and purpose. He was not a hrilliant man, but he was an able, trustworthy, conscien- tious, courageous, industrious worker, with an abundance of good, common sense. After all, this is what makes a Representative the best and most effective Representative. This man, whom we honor in this memorial service, was modest, true, faithful, and capable, and most earnestly strived to promote the welfare of the people of his dis- trict and of the country. To have been counted as one of his friends is a precious thing to me. Our association is a priceless memory. In personal character and manly qualities he was a man among men. He was kind, considerate, and gentle to a wonderful degree; yea, one can well use the word "lov- able " in describing him and his intercourse with those about him. His personal attributes will live in the mem- ory of his friends and loved ones until they, too, pass to the great beyond, whose mysteries he has solved. He has gone beyond the veil, but his sweet memory lives with us to spur us on to higher and better things. To-day we shed a tear to his memory, pay a feeble tribute to his virtues, and gain new strength by his example of duty well done. [45] Address of Mr. Robinson, of Arkansas Mr. President: The framers of the Constitution believed that while Senators in a sense should represent their States, Members of the House should be directly respon- sible to their constituencies and familiar with local as well as general issues. A short term, and consequent frequent elections, were believed to be the most reliable means of providing a legislative body truly representative of popu- lar opinion. The Senate was designed to be a conservative factor in the legislative machinery. The short term prescribed for Members of the House requires them to obtain frequent indorsements from the electors of their districts, and at the same time it gives electors an effective means of checking up their Congressmen and of supplanting them when occasion justifies. Nowithstanding the theory of short terms for Members of .the House of Representatives, everyone of experience realizes the value to the public of long service in Congress, especially at this time when legislative subjects have mul- tiplied and increased in perplexity. The people have come to know that experience in legislation is just as val- uable as in any other sphere of activity. Former Representative Davidson experienced long serv- ice in the popular branch of Congress. This service was characterized by conscientious discharge of duty. It was also marked by exceptional ability displayed in the pro- ceedings of committees and in debates upon the floor of the House. Many public men catch and hold attention through the promulgation of new theories or the cham- pionship of queer policies. They become associated with reforms, real or fancied, and advance to prominence with the progress of the cause with which they are allied. Mr. [46] Address of Mr. Robinson, of Arkansas Davidson had no fads. He was a sound, well-balanced, prudent legislator, content to reflect in his votes the en- lightened will of his constituency. His speeches disclosed fluency and attachment to exalted ideals. As a speaker he was eloquent and forceful. For many years he served with distinction and useful- ness on the Committee on Rivers and Harbors. His labors in that connection were marked by diligence and thor- oughness. He made frequent investigations of many projects claiming recognition in the bills reported by his committee, and his judgment respecting them was sound and fair. He earned the confidence of his colleagues. They habitually consulted him and frequently abided his conclusions on topics with which he was familiar and con- cerning which conditions afforded them little opportunity for more direct information. In the political landslide of 1912 Mr. Davidson was de- feated and remained out of Congress for four years. Upon his return to the House in 1917 Mr. Davidson was assigned to membership on the Committee on Military Affairs. Everyone here knows that, on account of the large membership in the House, Members usually have service on only one and never on more than two impor- tant committees at the same time, while in this body every Senator serves upon several important committees. This is one of the greatest difficulties we encounter. Fre- quently a Senator is called on the same day to attend three or four committee meetings, and sometimes these meetings have under consideration matters of vital conse- quence. Hardly any one of us, under the rules and prac- tices which have prevailed for a number of years respect- ing committee service, is able with the utmost diligence to perform his committee duties with that deliberation which is essential to the determination of great issues. [47] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson Mr. Davidson did not vote for the resolution declaring a state of war with Germany. He justified his action on the theory that the United States might avoid the con- flict and thus escape the loss which everyone knew must result from participation in the war. After war had been declared, however, he never failed in any instance to support by word and vote the cause of the Government and the measures of the administration in preparing for and in maintaining the conflict. His name is not associated with any one great statute, but his painstaking and conscientious devotion to duty are reflected in the important general legislation enacted by Congress during the period of his service. He was a practical, capable, faithful officer, prompt and efficient always in the discharge of duty. [481 Address of Mr. Weeks, of Massachusetts Mr. President: I am glad to have an opportunity to bear a brief tribute to the memory of my old friend, James H. Davidson. He represented the sixth Wisconsin district in the House of Representatives for eight consecutive terms. After 16 years of service in Congress, due to the exigencies of unusual political conditions, he lost his seat and, after a brief interregnum, performed the rather unusual feat of coming back to the House. He would undoubtedly have held his seat in that body indefinitely but for his untimely death. We are familiar with the different types of Congress- men. Some men make brilliant speeches and base their reputations largely on that qualification. Others are espe- cially industrious in attending to the infinite details inci- dent to congressional life. The first qualification is desir- able, the second is necessary; but there is another feature of successful congressional service very much more im- portant from the public standpoint — the careful, prudent, industrious, and level-headed Member who regularly at- tends his committee meetings and brings to bear on the public questions there considered his best judgment and intelligence. Such men are real legislators. They are neither for or against measures until they have heard the evidence, and then carefully analyze the evidence sub- mitted to determine, without giving undue consideration to the requirements of their own constituents, what will be for the best interests of the most people. Those of us who have served a long time in Congress know how abso- lutely essential such men are in bringing about good legis- lative results. They are the wheel horses of Congress, and, while they seldom make speeches and even less often 115670°— 19 4 [49] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson appear in the headlines of the press, they are invaluable in connection with the work of Congress. When I came to Washington, at the beginning of the Fifty-ninth Congress, Mr. Davidson had already served four terms, so that he was a comparatively old and experi- enced Member. I soon learned that he was one of the type I have attempted inadequately to describe. While a fluent and ready speaker, he seldom addressed the House except on occasions when measures reported by his own committees were under consideration and only then when it was necessary to do so in order to promote the enact- ment of legislation he thought should pass. Indeed, Mr. Davidson's whole life was the typical career we expect of those who have undertaken a profession and reached a place of importance in practicing it. His train- ing in the public schools, his later education, his experi- ence as a school-teacher, and his use of the proceeds from this occupation to acquire a knowledge of law and provide him a living during the early days of the practice of his chosen profession are familiar in the case of a very large percentage of the men who have reached positions of im- portance in the political world. Mr. Davidson always had the courage of his convictions, and his honesty of purpose and integrity were never once questioned by his associates in the other House. He voted against the declaration of war — an unpopular vote and one contrary to my own convictions — and yet not one of his colleagues interposed an objection to his ap- pointment to the important Committee on Military Af- fairs, a committee which, very largely at least, was to conduct the preparations for the war's efficient prosecu- tion. Nor did anyone doubt his loyalty to his country. He never tired in his efforts to prepare the Nation to take its place on the battle front in France and to bring victory [50] Address of Mr. Weeks, of Massachusetts to our arms. Undoubtedly his close application to the work of the war Congress helped to undermine his already failing health. I can make these general observations concerning the life of Congressman Davidson without reservation. I shall always recall with great pleasure the personal in- terest and friendship which existed between us. He was a good Republican, a loyal friend, and a devoted son of his adopted State. It is not too much to say, in my judg- ment, that a Congress made up of James H. Davidsons in efficiency, disinterested public service, and beneficial re- sults to all our people would be head and shoulders above any Congress which has served the Republic. To every man there openeth A way, and ways, and a way, And the high soul climbs the high way And the low soul gropes the low; And in between, on the misty flats, The rest drift to and fro. But to every man there openeth A high way and a low, And every man decideth The way his soul shall go. As Mr. Davidson saw the light he selected the high way — a way he consistently followed on earth — and if high purpose, honesty, and steadfastness are rewarded his soul has gone the high way it so richly deserved. His taking was to me a keen personal loss and a much larger one to the State and district he represented so well. [51] Address of Mr. Townsend, of Michigan Mr. President: It is a faithful saying that we never value our friends and associates at their true worth until they die. We live, labor, or otherwise associate with them and unconsciously, maybe, feel their qualities of mind and heart, but seldom do we acknowledge their qualities as individual characteristics. We would probably know if we would stop long enough to analyze and understand that they exist. Sometimes some men and women have such pronounced special virtues that they arrest our attention and we give them credit while they yet live; but the ordinary man, whose apparent aim is to live a manly life and who succeeds in doing it, is by his acquaintances regarded simply as a part of the machine of the body politic, which if destroyed by mortality can be replaced by the mechanician of time and fortune and no disturb- ance is felt. When, however, death comes the friends and relatives pause for a brief time and review the life that has gone out. This constitutes the chief value of memo- rials. The occasion is always tinged with personal sad- ness, for however good and great and happy the life of the departed may have been, however kind and con- siderate we may have been to him while he was amongst us, yet memory becomes active and it is not long before we recall opportunities which have come to us to show our appreciation of our friend but which we neglected to improve. Then we understand his nature and how we failed to recognize it when an honest demonstration of real friendship would have made his life brighter and sweeter. The men who have been long in Congress have become used to crepe-covered desks and flags at half-mast. The [52] Address of Mr. Townsend, of Michigan mortality rate in Congress is greater than in war or in a pestilence-stricken city. When I review my experience of 15 years in Congress and call to memory the 2,000 dif- ferent Members I have known I am saddened by the long list of those who have been mustered out of active service and have passed into the great unknown from which somehow, someway, they came. I suppose that every man who comes to Congress believes that he made a mis- take in entering public life. If he is conscientious — and I believe that most Congressmen are — he will doubt at times that he has done as well for his constituents and country as some other man might have done and will wonder if it all is worth while, anyway. At such moments his greatest compensation is derived from the fact that he has come to know good men and that he has absorbed benefits from such knowledge which have made him a little bigger and perhaps a little broader and better. It is life's friendships that compensate for labor, sacrifice, and disappointments. If the offsets of neglected opportu- nities, of selfish disregard of others, is not too great, the balance of memory's pain and pleasure may not be writ- ten in red. Among the good men whom I first met in the Fifty- eighth Congress was James H. Davidson, from Oshkosh, Wis. He had been a Member of the National House of Representatives for six years when I entered. It has always seemed to me that the House membership of the Fifty-eighth Congress was the strongest that I have known. Certain it is that it contained many men of great and unusual ability. Congressman Davidson was not a brilliant orator or stongly inclined to publicity. He was modest almost to a fault, but he was recognized by his colleagues as an unusu- ally well-informed man, and his judgment was sought and [53] Memorial Addresses: Representative Davidson prized. On river and harbor legislation he was an author- ity. Representative Rurton, of Ohio, was chairman of the committee which had charge of such legislation, but Mr. Davidson was second in command only, and he was always equipped with full knowledge on the subject. He was a wise and conscientious statesman, though not a pro- fessional progressive. His desire was to serve his people, who seven times expressed their confidence in him by electing him to Congress. He knew they trusted him and he did not feel it was necessary to neglect his duties to be performed according to the dictates of his well-informed judgment in order that he might keep his ear close to the ground. He knew that sometimes creeping, crawling, buzzing insects infest the ground and their noises might well confuse the voice of the people. He trusted his con- stituents and they reciprocated the trust. It is easy to exaggerate the good qualities of a friend at his funeral. Ry his friends I will not be accused of that fault when I say that James H. Davidson had the respect, confidence, and frequently the great admiration of all who knew him. It is especially true that his congressional col- leagues regarded him highly and affectionately. He was as incapable of dishonor as he was of disloyalty or cow- ardice. He was my personal friend and I was his, and as one who deeply regrets his death I pay my sincere tribute to his memory. He was one of the best men in Congress. This may not be the proper occasion to speak in detail of his family and home relations, but his life story could not be faithfully told without reference to his family, which he loved devotedly, and which returned to him their great affections. He was preeminently a domestic man. He found his greatest happiness and satisfaction in his home, surrounded by his devoted wife, his affectionate [54] Address of Mr. Townsend, of Michigan daughter, and his two worthy sons. Whether in his northern Wisconsin cottage, in his beautiful home in Osh- kosh, or in his apartment here in Washington, he was most truly happy only when his loved ones were with him. As I have said, I knew Mr. Davidson intimately and well. I have worked with him in Congress. I have visited him at his home, which was always overflowing with true hos- pitality. I knew something of the motives which domi- nated his thought and action, and I fear it will be long before I look upon his like again. [55] Address of Mh. Lenroot, of Wisconsin Mr. President: James H. Davidson had a long and hon- orable career in the House of Representatives. His value as a legislator was best known by those who knew him best and served upon committees with him. He was not often heard in debate, but when he did speak Members listened, for they knew whenever he addressed the House they would receive accurate information acquired after painstaking investigation. Early in his service he was as- signed to membership upon the Committee on Rivers and Harbors, and he made a specialty of the subject of our waterways. Few men in America had a better knowl- edge of the subject than he. In this field he was a mine of information. The important facts about every important waterway were stored away in his mind, to be called out upon a moment's notice. His view of waterway improve- ments was a national view. He was opposed to waste of money upon waterways that could not be justified from a commercial standpoint, but he recognized the great benefit to the country, as a whole, in the improvement of waterways upon which commerce could be carried cheaper than by rail. In his death the country has lost an authority upon the subject. He was respected by all his colleagues and loved by those who knew him well. During the many years that I knew him I never heard him speak ill of a living soul. He never knowingly hurt the feelings of any man. He was not as aggressive in public matters as his ability war- ranted, and I believe this was due to the fact that one can not be aggressive in public life without often unintention- ally hurting the feelings of those who differ with him. This he recognized, and I believe often deterred him from aggressive action. He had a friendly hand and genial smile for everyone. He was the soul of honor and had a [56] Address of Mr. Lenroot, of Wisconsin keen sense of public duty. Every vote cast by Jim David- son, as bis friends affectionately called him, was a vote cast according to his conscience. He studied every question and sought only to find the right way. No one who may have differed with his conclusions ever questioned his motive. They knew he was doing what he thought was right. To new Members coming into the House he was espe- cially helpful. He sought them out, assisted them in every way possible, and out of his rich experience rendered them invaluable service. His domestic life was perfect. He was a devoted hus- band and father and his family worshiped him. His was an ideal American home. Mr. President, the true measure of a man is made by those who know him best, and, so measured, James Davidson was a true man. It is not what the world at large may say of us, but it is what those who know us best really think of us that counts. Those of us who served with him know in what esteem his colleagues held him. Those of us who attended his funeral know of the regard his neighbors and townspeople had for him. The entire city mourned. They realized even more deeply than we that a devoted husband and father, a kindly neighbor, a loved townsman, a friend of all mankind, had been taken to dwell in God's eternal city, there to wait a while for a reunion with his loved ones which should never end. Mr. Watson. Mr. President, in accordance with arrange- ments heretofore made, I now move that, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator and Representatives, the Senate take a recess until to- morrow morning at 10 o'clock. The motion was unanimously agreed to; and (at 3 o'clock and 40 minutes p. m., Sunday, March 2) the Senate took a recess until to-morrow, Monday, March 3, 1919, at 10 o'clock a. m. [57]