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"thConckessI house of representatives {'nSTsso'' 
 
 HENRY T. HELGESEN 
 
 ( Late a Representative from North Dakota ) 
 
 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 
 
 DELIVERED IN THE 
 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
 
 OF THE UNITED STATES 
 
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 SIXTY-FIFTH CONGRESS 
 
 Proceedings in the House 
 March 10, 1918 
 
 Proceedings in the Senate 
 April 11, 1917 
 
 PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF 
 THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING 
 
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 WASHINGTON 
 
 1919 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 Page- 
 
 Proceedings in the House -J 
 
 Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Coiidcn, D. D 5,8 
 
 Memorial addresses by — 
 
 Mr. George M. Young, of North Dakota 11 
 
 Mr. John M. Baer, of North Dakota 15 
 
 Mr. Gilbert Haugen, of Iowa 20 
 
 Mr. Charles O. Lobeck, of Nebraska 22 
 
 Mr. Charles H. Dillon, of South Dakota 25 
 
 Mr. Ernest Lundeen, of Minnesota 28 
 
 Mr. Patrick D. Norton, of North Dakota 33 
 
 Proceedings in the Senate 41 
 
 [3] 
 

HON. HENRY T_ HELGESEN 
 
DEATH OF HON. HENRY T. HELGESEN 
 
 Proceedings in the House of Representatives 
 
 Wednesday, April 11, 1917. 
 The House met at 12 o'clock noon. 
 
 The Chaphiin, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the 
 following j)rayer: 
 
 We come to Thee, God our Father, witli glad and 
 thankful hearts that we are involved in a plan which can 
 not fail of its ultimate purpose because of Thine infinite 
 wisdom, power, and goodness. Yet history, observation, 
 and experience teach emphatically that we may retard 
 its progress as individuals, as a Nation, a race, by oppos- 
 ing the will of its Projector. Teach us, God our Father, 
 how to work together with Thee for the end which all 
 true men long for, hope for, pray for, that Thy will may 
 be done in us. 
 
 We have been touched by the going of a Member of this 
 House, which leaves a void in our hearts. Comfort his 
 colleagues, friends, and family by the blessed promises 
 of the immortality of the soul, and help us to look for- 
 ward with faith and confidence to the fulfilling of Thy 
 plans in the larger life beyond the grave. And all praise 
 be Thine through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Mr. Norton. Mr. Speaker, it becomes my sad duty to 
 announce the death of the Hon. Henry T. Helgesen, a Rep- 
 resentative from the State of North Dakota, who died in 
 the city of Washington on yesterday afternoon. Mr. Hel- 
 gesen's career was a most distinguished and honorable 
 
 [5] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen 
 
 one. For the last six years he was one of the most liighly 
 respected Members of this body, and for more than 30 
 years he has been a leader in the civic and political activi- 
 ties of North Dakota. 
 
 I shall ask, Mr. Speaker, at some future time that a day 
 be set apart when Members of this House may be afforded 
 an opportunity to pay suitable tribute to his worth and 
 character. At this time I send to the Clerk's desk a reso- 
 lution, for which I ask present consideration. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the 
 resolution. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows: 
 
 House resolution 4G 
 
 Resolved, That the House has lieard with profound sorrow of 
 the death of the Hon. Henry T. Helgesen, a Representative from 
 the State of North Dakota. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of 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 talie such steps as may be necessary for carrying 
 out the provisions of these resolutions, and that the necessary ex- 
 penses 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 question was taken, and the resolution was unani- 
 mously agreed to. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. The Chair, by unanimous 
 consent, announces the appointment of the following 
 committee. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows: 
 
 Mr. Young of North Dakota, Mr. Norton of North Dakota, Mr. 
 Haugen of Iowa, Mr. Dillon of South Dakota, Mr. Johnson of South 
 Dakota, Mr. Gandy of South Dakota, Mr. Nicholls of South Carolina, 
 Mr. Clark of Florida, Mr. Kincheloe of Kentucky, and Mr. Booher 
 of Missouri. 
 
 , [6] 
 
PUOCEEDINGS IN THE Hoi'SE 
 
 Mr. Norton. Mr. Spoakor, I olTor the following reso- 
 lution. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the 
 resolution. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows : 
 
 Hesolved, That as a further mark of respect the House do now 
 adjourn. 
 
 The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 12 o'clock 
 and 24 minutes p. m.) the House, under its previous order, 
 adjourned to meet at 11 o'clock a. m. on Friday, April 13, 
 1917. 
 
 Friday. April 1.3. 1917. 
 
 A message from the Senate, by Mr. Waldorf, its enroll- 
 ing clerk, announced that the Senate had passed the 
 following resolutions: 
 
 Resolved, That the Senate has heard with deep sensibility the 
 announcement of the death of the Hon. Henry T. Helgesen, late 
 a Representative from the State of North Dakota. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of 10 Senators be appointed by the 
 Vice President, to join the committee appointed on the part of the 
 House of Representatives, to attend tlie funeral of the deceased. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these reso- 
 lutions to the House of Representatives. 
 
 Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the Senate do now 
 adjourn. 
 
 And that in compliance with the foregoing resolutions 
 the Vice President had appointed, under the second reso- 
 lution, as the committee on the part of the Senate, Mr. 
 Gronna, Mr. McCumbcr, Mr. Kenyon, Mr. La Follette, Mr. 
 Jones of New Mexico, Mr. Husting, Mr. Cummins, Mr. 
 Broussard, Mr. Smith of South Carolina, and Mr. Fernald. 
 
 Wednesday, March G, 1018. 
 Mr. Baer. Mr. Speaker, I desire to ask unanimous con- 
 sent that Sunday, March 24, 1918, be set aside for addresses 
 
 [7] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen 
 
 on the life, character, and public services of Henry T. 
 Helgesen, late Representative in Congress from the first 
 district of North Dakota. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. The gentleman from North 
 Dakota [Mr. Baer] asks unanimous consent that Sunday, 
 March 24, 1918, be set aside for eulogies upon the life, 
 character, and public services of the late Henry T. 
 Helgesen, a Representative from North Dakota. Is there 
 objection? 
 
 There was no objection. 
 
 Thursday, March 7, 1918. 
 
 Mr. Baer. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
 the memorial exercises for the late Representative 
 Helgesen, of North Dakota, be held on the 10th of March 
 next at 12 o'clock instead of on the 24th of March. 
 
 The Speaker. The gentleman from North Dakota asks 
 unanimous consent to change the date for the memorial 
 services for the late Representative Helgesen from the 
 24th to the 10th of March. Is there objection? 
 
 There was no objection. 
 
 Sunday, March 10, 1918. 
 
 The House met at 12 o'clock noon and was called to 
 ordcrby Mr. Norton as Speaker pro tempore. 
 
 The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered 
 the following prayer: 
 
 Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, so near and yet so 
 seemingly far; 
 
 Speak to him Thou, for he hears, and spirit with spirit can meet; 
 Closer is he than hreathing, and nearer than hands and feet. 
 
 In pursuance to a long-established custom of the Con- 
 gress of the United States, we assemble here to-day in 
 memory of a Member who served with fidelity, interest, 
 
 [8] 
 
Proceedings in the Hoi se 
 
 and ability his district, his State, and Nation for many 
 years on the floor of this House. His work done. Thou 
 hast called him to the larger life and to a larger service. 
 
 Death always comes with a shock. It is one of the pro- 
 found mysteries which our limited knowledge can not 
 solve. 
 
 The mind that thought, willed, and obeyed; the heart 
 that loved and poured its affections out to whom it was 
 sent; the eyes through which the soul looked; the hand 
 that clasped with warmth the friends and loved ones are 
 stilled; and we look with awe and reverence upon the 
 prostrate form. 
 
 The angel of faith comes to our relief. 
 
 Hope says, be still, sad heart, and cease repining, 
 For behind the clouds is the sun still shining. 
 
 So we trust and rest our grief in Thee, for love is im- 
 mortal, and, though long delayed, it shall at last be satis- 
 fied. This comforts us and all who mourn for the de- 
 parted; that we may look forward to a brighter day in a 
 brighter realm, where our loved ones shall dwell for- 
 ever in our presence; in the name of the Father and of 
 the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will read the spe- 
 cial order for to-day. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows : 
 
 On motion of Mr. Baer, by unanimous consent, 
 
 Ordered, That Sunday, March 10, 1918, be set apart for addresses 
 upon the life, character, and public services of Hon. Henry T. 
 Helgesen, late a Representative from the State of North Dakota. 
 
 Mr. Baer. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the following reso- 
 lutions be reported. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the 
 resolutions. 
 
 [9] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen 
 
 The Clerk read as follows : 
 
 House resolution 268 
 
 Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended, that 
 opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of Hon. 
 Henry T. Helgesen, late a Member of this House from the Stale 
 of North Daliota. 
 
 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 tlie conclusion of these exercises, 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 Speaker pro tempore. The question is on agreeing 
 to the resolutions. 
 The resolutions were unanimously agreed to. 
 
 rio] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 
 
 Address of Mr. Young, of North Dakota 
 
 Mr. Speaiver: Henry T. Helgesen, late a Member of 
 Congress from the first district of North Dakota, whose 
 memory we have met to honor to-day, was born near 
 Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa. After having been 
 educated in the public schools, nonnal institute, and busi- 
 ness college of Decorah, he entered the mercantile busi- 
 ness there. He moved to Milton, then in the Territory of 
 Dakota, in 1887. He at once became an active and per- 
 manent figure in the business and political life of the 
 Territory. He served two terms as commissioner of agi'i- 
 culture and labor, retiring from that office in 1892. 
 
 He was at all times a staunch friend of education. He 
 stood for higher standards for the public and high schools 
 as well as the institutions of higher learning. In this con- 
 nection he served as a member of the board of university 
 regents for 10 years. 
 
 A man of sterling honesty and integrity as well as a 
 close student of historj' and political economy, Mr. Hel- 
 gesen was an idealist in politics. In this respect he was 
 typical of the idealism characteristic of his race. He was 
 one of the first men in North Dakota to appreciate the 
 need for a reform in the political methods then in vogue. 
 He stood for clean primaries, clean conventions, and, 
 above all, for placing the reins of power in the hands of 
 
 [11] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative: Helgesen 
 
 the people. He fought for the restoration of genuine 
 representative government in North Dakota. To that end 
 he was active in the organization of the Scandinavian 
 League. That league was for a number of years a pow- 
 erful factor for clean politics. Later he became interested 
 in the movement known as Progressive Republicanism. 
 Living at a long distance from my home, I had not until 
 then become personally acquainted with him, though he 
 was a well-known figure in the State. From that time I 
 was intimately associated with him in political matters. 
 
 In 1908 we were the candidates of the Progressive fac- 
 tion for the two positions of Representative in Congress, 
 our State not having been divided into congressional dis- 
 tricts at that time. While we were both defeated, the 
 long and vigorous speaking campaign which we engaged 
 in was thought by many to have been in large part the 
 cause of the election of one-half of our ticket, it being 
 our habit to talk for the principles underlying our cause 
 rather than in aid of our candidacies. 
 
 Two years later, having received the highest vote among 
 those defeated at the former election, I was invited at two 
 different State meetings of Progressive Republicans to 
 become a candidate for Congress as a running mate for 
 Mr. Helgesen, the support of Progressive Republicans 
 being assured to both of us. Representative Gronna 
 having become a candidate for the Senate, there was a 
 vacancy in the House, and it was believed that one Pro- 
 gressive Republican could be elected. As our State had 
 not yet been divided into congressional districts, I would 
 have in a sense been a candidate against Mr. Helgesen, 
 as it was improbable that we could both be elected. 
 Mr. Hanna was serving his first term and, according to 
 custom, was thought to be sure of a second term. I re- 
 fused to be a candidate. This circumstance is mentioned 
 somewhat in detail as evidence of my great respect and 
 
 [12] 
 
Address of Mr. Youno, of North Dakota 
 
 love for our departed friend. I am proud to have thus 
 had the opportunity in a rather tangible way to show my 
 admiration and esteem of his many excellent qualities. 
 He was nominated and elected along with Mr. Hanna. 
 Within a few months the North Dakota Legislature di- 
 vided the State into congressional districts. So the way 
 was opened for me to come here, where I joined Mr. Hel- 
 GESEN in the Sixty-third Congress. 
 
 My service with him here will always be a pleasant 
 memory. We were closely associated. I am proud to 
 have had his confidence. I valued his advice, and he 
 seemed to regard mine as worth while. The day before he 
 went to the hospital, never to return, he called at my 
 office and we spent almost three hours discussing some 
 pending legislation. 
 
 I admired Mr. Helgesen because of his splendid cour- 
 age. Having reached a decision as to what would be the 
 right course, he would stand fast, stand firm, and stand 
 alone, if need be. It was this trait of character which 
 endeared him to the people of his State and commanded 
 the respect and love of his colleagues in the House. He 
 had the spirit of William Lloyd Garrison when he said: 
 
 I will not excuse, I will not equivocate, I will not retreat an 
 inch, I will be heard. 
 
 To be first in advocating a good and, perhaps, unpopu- 
 lar cause is to be lonely, but to be thus lonely is to be 
 noble. It was tliis nobility of soul which characterized 
 Henry T. Helgesen. 
 
 Underlying all his business dealings and public acts 
 was a sublime faith in the religion of Jesus Christ. Pro- 
 gressive and advanced in his thought in all other respects, 
 he was old-fashioned in his religious ideas. Perhaps 
 that accounts for his rugged honcstv. He lived his re- 
 
 CIS] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen 
 
 ligion. When the lime came he was ready to go, and, I 
 fancy, passed on in the spirit of one of the hymns he 
 loved : 
 
 love, that will not let me go, 
 
 I rest my weary soul on thee; 
 
 1 give thee back the life I owe, 
 That in thine ocean depths its flow 
 
 May richer, fuller be. 
 
 O light, that fol!owccl all my way, 
 
 I yield my flickering torch to thee; 
 My heart restores its borrowed ray 
 
 That in thy sunshine's blaze its day 
 May brighter, fairer be. 
 
 joy, that seekest me through pain, 
 I can not close my heart to thee; 
 
 1 trace the rainbow through the rain. 
 And feel the promise is not vain 
 
 That morn shall tearless be. 
 
 love, that lifted up thy head, 
 
 I dare not ask to fly from thee; 
 
 1 lay in dust life's glory dead, 
 
 And from the ground there blossoms red 
 Life that shall endless be. 
 
 tl4] 
 
Address of Mr. Baer, of North Dakota 
 
 Mr. Speaker: The United Slates is riglitly termed the 
 melting pot of the world. From every clime and nation 
 men and women seek onr broad land to find their right- 
 ful place "in the sun" and eventually to become a part 
 of our citizenry. Of all the peoples who thus come to 
 our shores none more fully embody the elements of good 
 citizensliip than do the Norwegians. Intelligent, thrifty, 
 and hard-working, they quickly and readily adapt them- 
 selves to the new land which they have sought from afar. 
 No " hyphenated Americans " they, but an integral part 
 of our body politic. That community or State may call 
 itself fortunate which numbers among its peaple a goodly 
 proportion of citizens of Norwegian birth or ancestry. 
 
 It was the good fortune of the late Congressman Henry 
 T. Helgesen to be the direct descendant of such stock. 
 It was also his good fortune to be born poor. I do not 
 mean in grinding, abject poverty, but in those circum- 
 stances and conditions that teach lessons of frugality and 
 inculcate habits of thrift and industrj'. 
 
 His birthplace was a farm in Decorah, Winneshiek 
 County, Iowa. He received his education in the public 
 schools and normal and business colleges of that town. 
 There he spent his youth and early manhood. After 
 leaving school Mr. Helgesen engaged in mercantile pur- 
 suits and quickly became one of the prominent young 
 business men of Decorah. Great was the regret of his 
 fellow townspeople when, in 1881, the pioneer spirit of 
 his ancestors stirring within him, Mr. Helgesen, with his 
 young wife and babies, removed to the then Territory 
 of Dakota. He was one of the first settlers in Milton, of 
 which town he remained a citizen until his death. 
 
 [15] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen 
 
 It was not my privilege to enjoy the personal acquaint- 
 ance of Mr. Helgesen, but, as his successor in represent- 
 ing the first district of North Dakota in Congress, I have 
 learned much of his nobility of character and the high 
 esteem in which he was held by the people of his adopted 
 State. A letter written to him a short time before his 
 death by a North Dakota man well expressed this esteem. 
 The writer opened his letter with these words: "Dear 
 and beloved by all your constituents Mr. Helgesen." 
 
 The words " a prophet is not without honor save in 
 his own country " could never be truthfully spoken of 
 Mr. Helgesen, for in his home town of Milton the love 
 and respect manifested bj^ the people who knew him 
 best — his friends and neighbors — is deeplj' touching. He 
 was their Congressman, but he was more — he was their 
 trusted friend and neighbor. He was " Henry " to them, 
 and tears still dim the eyes of many as they recount the 
 kind words and deeds of him whom they loved. His life 
 was one of service in the best sense of the word. 
 
 You who knew Congressman Helgesen well know that 
 his splendid physique, vigorous strength, and command- 
 ing personality were the outward indication of a keen 
 intellect, an analytical mind, and invincible courage. 
 The most kind-hearted of men, he could be combative 
 and aggressive for what he believed to be right. He was 
 essentially a man of the people and a friend of the poor. 
 He loved liberty, hated oppression, and detested hy- 
 pocrisy. His friendship was true. It could be depended 
 upon. He never betraj'ed a trust. He was honest in 
 thought, in word, and in deed. 
 
 Mr. Helgesen's public and political career commenced 
 long before his election to Congress. When tlie Territoi-y 
 of Dakota was divided he was the first commissioner of 
 agriculture and labor in the new State of North Dakota, 
 
 [16] 
 
Address of Mr. Baer, of North Dakota 
 
 and held that oflice for two terms. For 10 years he was 
 a member of the board of regents of the University of 
 North Dakota. He placed a high value on education and 
 took a great interest in the welfare of young people. 
 When he became an employer of men it was his delight 
 to engage a struggling young man anxious for an educa- 
 tion and by every means in his power help such an one 
 to attain the goal of his ambition. Many a prosperous 
 young man in Iowa and North Dakota owes his start in 
 life to the helping hand extended by Congressman Helge- 
 SEN. So unostentatiously were his kindly deeds per- 
 formed, however, that but few other than the recipients 
 had knowledge of them. 
 
 In private and in public life Mr. Helgesen was hearty 
 and sincere. He was outspoken with the candor of truth. 
 His home in Washington was headquarters for any of 
 his constituents who visited the Capital City, and warm- 
 hearted hospitality was always extended to the folks 
 from "back home." In his office or at his home his 
 friends were always welcome, but he had no time nor 
 inclination for intercourse with those who had proven 
 themselves insincere. He was a leader in the fight for 
 cleaner politics in North Dakota, and never in the many 
 vicissitudes of commercial, private, or political life was 
 his good name tarnished or his honor stained. His rule 
 of conduct was the golden rule, and his slogan was "A 
 square deal for all." 
 
 A plain, practical man, Mr. Helgesen yet possessed a 
 strain of sentiment of which only his close friends were 
 aware. A beautiful picture, a toucliing poem, and fine 
 music were deeply appreciated by him. Among his per- 
 sonal papers were always to be found clippings of short 
 poems and bits of literature which had appealed to him 
 and were treasured for their charm of pathos or senti- 
 ment. 
 
 [17] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen 
 
 His personal tastes were intellectual. He was a man of 
 wide and varied study and numbered among his friends 
 writers and scientists of world renown. His scientific 
 work and research in geography and current historj^ were 
 extensive, and his contributions to the literature of 
 geographical exploration have attracted the attention and 
 won the highest commendation and indorsement of men 
 of learning and science. 
 
 Four times in succession was Mr. Helgesen elected to 
 represent the people of North Dakota in Congress, once 
 as Congressman at Large and tlii-ee times as Representa- 
 tive from the first district. During his term of service he 
 was an honored and useful Member of this House, and 
 his active work on the Agricultural Committee will long 
 be remembered by his constituents and colleagues alike. 
 Blessed with a keen mind and sound common sense, he 
 fought gallantly for any measure which seemed to him 
 to be for the best advantage of his constituents and the 
 people of the Nation at large. 
 
 Having spent his boyhood days on a farm, and repre- 
 senting a constituency largely composed of farmers, Mr. 
 Helgesen was ever alert to the agricultural interests of 
 the country. His speech in the House in 1911 on reci- 
 procity with Canada is still quoted as embodying the 
 soundest arguments advanced on that question from the 
 farmer's point of view. He was an ardent advocate of 
 woman suflfragc and was ever ready to speak a good 
 word for that worthy cause. 
 
 In regard to our foreign policies, Congressman Hel- 
 gesen felt deeply, thought clearly, and acted with the 
 co.urage of liis convictions. Always independent of 
 slavish precedents, he did not hesitate to cast his vote 
 with a hopeless minority when he felt that minority to be 
 i-ight. As an opponent he was a fair and generous fighter. 
 He always fought in the open. He never stabbed an 
 
 [18] 
 
Address of Mr. Baer, oe North Dakota 
 
 antagonist in the back or shot I'roni ambush. He never 
 faltered in a fight, even tliough he foresaw the loss of the 
 battle. To him — 
 
 It was not tlie loss of tlie battle that counts, 
 But how did you fight, and why? 
 
 Mr. Helgesen was a loving husband and a kind an<l 
 affectionate father. He left to his children the priceless 
 legacy of unsullied honor and an untarnished name; 
 and when he was overtaken in the strength and prime of 
 manhood by that silent adversary to whom sooner or 
 later we must all surrender his last thoughts and words 
 were for the welfare and happiness of his loved ones. 
 In the opening days of the Sixty-fifth Congress his earthly 
 remains were carried to his boyhood home for their long 
 rest, and from far and near men and women came to do 
 him honor and to mourn his loss. Eulogies were deliv- 
 ered at his funeral by men of learning and eloquence, but 
 of them all none could surpass the tribute paid by the 
 plain words of hundreds of his fellow citizens that 
 " Henry Helgesen was one of the straightest, squarest 
 men the State had ever known." 
 
 He was a friend of trutli, of soul sincere, 
 
 In action faithful and in honor clear; 
 
 Who broke no promises, served no private ends. 
 
 Sought no title, and forsook no friends. 
 
 [19] 
 
Address of Mr. Haugen, of Iowa 
 
 Mr. Speaker: It was my pleasure to know Mr. Helgesen 
 intimately during liis stay here in Washington, to serve 
 with him on committees where our duties brought us in 
 frequent and friendly contact. I observed closely his 
 faithful and eflficient work here in the House, especially 
 on the Committee on Agriculture. Of Mr. Helgesen it 
 can truthfully be said that he was a noble example of 
 manhod, kindly and lovingly disposed, greatly admired, 
 commanding the respect and admiration of all who knew 
 him. He was not only a man of high type of character, 
 sterling qualities, and talent, but he was sociable, courte- 
 ous, obliging, and loyal to his friends and his country. 
 He was endowed with lofty ideals, and always pursued 
 his duty with fidelity, industry, and rectitude of purpose. 
 His guiding star was honesty and sincerity, always shun- 
 ning deceit and cunning practice. Though modest and 
 unassuming, Mr. Helgpsen was a man of action, a man 
 of firm determination to do justice and right to all. To 
 the bottom of his heart he deplored deceit and oppres- 
 sion. He was a forcible, logical, and convincing speaker, 
 a man of integrity, sound judgment, possessed of a broad 
 mind and firm convictions. As a result he honorably 
 and gloriously succeeded in fulfilling the duties incum- 
 bent upon him. Knowing Mr. Helgesen, it was impossi- 
 ble not to become attached to him and to be inspired with 
 the fullest confidence and respect for his grand character. 
 
 Mr. Helgesen was born in my district, in Winneshiek 
 County. On the hill overlooking the beautiful city of 
 Decorah and the splendid surrounding scenery rest his 
 remains. In that vicinity he spent his boyhood days, at 
 school and on the farm, up to the time he moved, then a 
 young man, to the State of North Dakota, where he soon 
 
 [20] 
 
Address or Mr. Haugen, of Iowa 
 
 bocaine one of its I'oreniost citizens, taking an aclivi- part 
 in politics, farming, and business. From boyhood his life 
 was pure and stainless. He rose from the humble walks 
 of life to the high position which he held in this House. 
 His record, both private and public, is an open book with- 
 out a stain of immorality, deception, fraud, or corrup- 
 tion. I am sure that I voice the sentiment of every Mem- 
 ber of this House, his constituents, and all who knew him 
 when I say that in Mr. Helgesen we had a splendid type 
 of manhood, founded upon integrity and virtue; that his 
 loyalty to principles, his devotion to truth, his industry, 
 his conscientious and efficient work merited the esteem, 
 confidence, and respect in which he was held by his large 
 circle of devoted friends and admirers acquired during 
 his career here. 
 
 In his Christian home he was a devoted and kind lius- 
 band, an affectionate father, a friendly and obliging 
 neighbor. His death caused deep bereavement, sincere 
 and profound regret to all. He died in the full maturity 
 of his mental vigor, at a time when his life, character, 
 example, mature judgment, and wisdom was of the great- 
 est value to his country. 
 
 [21] 
 
Address of Mr. LonECK, of Nebraska 
 
 Mr. Speaker: I came here to-day more to listen than 
 to speak; for I wished to hear the storj' of the earlier days 
 of our heloved colleague, his helpfulness to mankind, and 
 the tributes of affection to the niemoiy of our departed 
 friend. 
 
 One of the first men that I met in Congress and became 
 acquainted with was Congressman Helgesen. Immedi- 
 ately there arose between us that friendship and love 
 that man should have for man and that will never be 
 forgotten. There was something about liim that appealed 
 to me as a man of great thought and business ability and 
 as one who inspired confidence in everyone that he met. 
 Possibly one of the reasons for my getting acquainted 
 with him closely was that I knew of the nationality from 
 which his people came. I have known the Scandinavian 
 people from my boyhood days, and no better people ever 
 came to the West for the purpose of developing that great 
 countrj'. As early as the forties, in the last century, the 
 Norwegians came to Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and later 
 to Minnesota, and then farther west, and no people have 
 done more to develop that part of our glorious heritage 
 than the Scandinavians. 
 
 Thej' came with empty hands. Most of them were poor, 
 but they had a faith in themselves and in God. They 
 turned the virgin soil to the sun ; they plowed, sowed, and 
 reaped; they l)uilt homes, humble in the beginning, but 
 which became in later years the very best in our country. 
 They did their part in building towns and cities. They 
 went into the lumber camps of the North and felled the 
 forests, and did as much as any other people to develop 
 
 :[22] 
 
Address of Mh. Lobeck, of Nfbhaska 
 
 tliat portion of our hind. Tlioy entered into business life, 
 into every line of activity that the American people en- 
 gage in, and they have been successful. I believe that one 
 of the reasons why the Scandinavian people of this coun- 
 tn- have become true Americans is that they brought 
 the Bible and the hymn book with them. They feared 
 God and no one else. They commenced their services 
 praising the Almighty God, the Father of us all, and lis- 
 tened to the teachings of the Master in humble homes; 
 but as soon as possible they erected churches for divine 
 worship. And they not only erected churches but schools 
 and colleges, that their children might attend and learn 
 the ways of true Americanism and have that advantage 
 which would make them equally successful with otlicr 
 peoples in the world. 
 
 From that kind of stock Congressman Helgesen came. 
 I listened to the remarks of my colleagues here as to his 
 early days on the farm, then as a young merchant, and 
 then as a pioneer in North Dakota. . I have seen and 
 know of that same experience in the lives of many of 
 them, and I do not wonder that when Congi-essman Helge- 
 sen became a Member of this House that he knew the 
 needs of the people of the West, that he knew the needs 
 of the people of this country, and that he at once became 
 an active and useful Member of this House. It is to be 
 regretted that he should have had to pass away in the 
 prime of his manhood and usefulness. 
 
 The Scandinavians of this country have been a loyal 
 people. Mr. Helgesen could not have been otherwise, 
 because in the community where he was raised there 
 were no more patriotic people than the people of De- 
 corah, Iowa. When tlie call came in his boyhood days 
 from President Lincoln that this Nation must be pre- 
 served no class of people responded more freely than his 
 people. 
 
 [23] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen 
 
 It is told of a neighbor of his that he had six boys that 
 went into the service for the preservation of this Union 
 who had the longest record of service of any family in 
 18G1-1865. When the youngest boy, whom I have known 
 well in later years, came and asked his mother — he was 
 only 16 — " Can I enlist?" she said, "Five of my boys are 
 gone; you should stay at home." But the sturdy old father 
 rose up in his chair and said, "Any boy that I have got, 
 large enough to carry a gun for our flag and my adopted 
 country, shall have full freedom to go." Those six boys 
 gave 24 years of service in the preservation of our Union. 
 
 Henry T. Helgesen was but a little boy at that time, but 
 the spirit of the neigliborhood at that time must have 
 created in him a patriotic spirit of devotion to our flag 
 and devotion to everything that the Stai's and Stripes 
 stand for that could never be forgotten, and therefore I 
 do not wonder that as a boy, as a youth, as a young man, 
 and as he grew older in years he wanted to do the best 
 for lus countrj', his neighbors, and be helpful to mankind. 
 
 It is that class of men in this country, that class of citi- 
 zens, that help make this countrj' the best Nation and 
 the best people on earth. We can ill afford to lose men 
 like Henry T. Helgesen. It will take strong men to fill 
 his place. But we can look back with pleasure upon our 
 association with him, those of us who served with him, 
 and we can tell to those who come after us and to our 
 neighbors that there was no more faithful man to his 
 people, to his countiy, and to our flag than Henry T. Hel- 
 gesen, of North Dakota. 
 
 [24] 
 
Address of Mr. Dii.lox, of South Dakota 
 
 Mr. Speaker : Henry T. Helgesen, pioneer, farmer, mer- 
 chant, public servant, has broken the congressional circle 
 and passed over to the valley of the great beyond. We 
 pause a moment to render a slight tribute to the memory 
 of a personal friend. 
 
 Mr. Helgesen was born near the city of Decorah, Iowa, 
 educated in the high schools, a graduate of the little 
 college that honors that city. He soon left for the North- 
 west, the Territory of Dakota, now North Dakota, where 
 he founded his home as a pioneer. When the State 
 entered the Union in 1889 he was elected to the office 
 of commissioner of labor and agriculture; he was re- 
 elected to the same position, in which he gave distinct 
 honor and service to his State. 
 
 He was elected to the Sixtj^-second, the Sixty-tliird, the 
 Sixty-fourth, and the Sixty-fifth Congresses, but before 
 the session of the Sixty-fifth Congress convened he was 
 confined to his bed in a hospital in the city of Washington. 
 But his interest in the legislation then pending before 
 Congress was intense. His mind dwelt constantly on the 
 great problems that were then pending. 
 
 Soon after I came to the Sixty-third Congress I had 
 the pleasure of forming an intimate acquaintance with 
 Mr. Helgesen. There was probably not a Member in 
 all that bodj' that I became so closely associated with in 
 counsel and in the discussion of matters that were then 
 pending in Congress. I found him strong in con^^ction, 
 sincere in purpose, loyal to his ideals; an unceasing 
 worker, untiring in his efforts to please the people who 
 sent him here. 
 
 [25] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen 
 
 He was known as a Progressive. When that great 
 movement struck the Northwest he was a leader of those 
 who sought to bring back the legislative department of 
 the Government to the constitutional rights of the people. 
 He was one who believed that the legislative department 
 of the Government should be brought close to the people, 
 and when he found his party in the wrong he refused to 
 follow them in the wrong. "When he found them in the 
 right he gladly followed them and gave his counsel and 
 advice. 
 
 It was that sterling character of intense loyalty and 
 honest}' that formed his opinions on every public ques- 
 tion. The loyalty of service was high in his character. 
 "We often read of the physician who visits in the hos- 
 pital the sick with a contagious disease and refuses to 
 leave the bedside, notwithstanding the contagious disease, 
 the one thought being of public service. We read of the 
 engineer who remains upon his engine, moving swiftly 
 along the great railroad, with impending danger, and 
 refuses to leave his engine, knowing that those under his 
 charge rely upon him; when he could jump to a place 
 of safety, he prefers to go down in death into the coming 
 wreck; like the pilot upon the vessel, refusing to leave 
 his place of trusteeship until every passenger has reached 
 a place of safety. 
 
 It was such a purpose that was ever uppermost in the 
 mind of Henry T. Helgesen and led him in his public 
 service in this House. 
 
 I was one of the number who journeyed on the funeral 
 train to that beautiful little city of Decorah, in the district 
 now represented by the gentleman from Iowa [Mr. 
 Haugen], and when our train reached there the whole 
 city was in mourning. The little children filled the streets. 
 From every part of the county came old friends to honor 
 and revere his memory. I could see many of them weep- 
 
 [26] 
 
Address of Mr. Dillon, of South Dakota 
 
 ing as the funeral ijrocession went ui) the street ol' that 
 little city. It was a testimonial that long will live in my 
 memory. They laid him to rest in the little cemetery 
 that overlooks the city, amid a wilderness of roses. 
 
 Let us, like him, seek the love of little children, the 
 good will of men and women, that our lives may be an 
 inspiration and our memorv a benediction. 
 
 [27] 
 
Address of Mr. Lundeen, of Minnesota 
 
 Mr. Speaker : In the prime of life lie left us. Yesterday 
 he stood among us full of vigor and inspiring in his very 
 presence. To-night he sleeps beneath the stars. 
 
 And perhaps it is best thus in the midst of the battle of 
 life, while strongly defending those principles he held 
 nearest his heart, to go down to death and be no more. 
 
 He leaves a vacant chair, and aching hearts will always 
 recall him as he was. I can see him now striding down 
 the Halls of Congress, tall, strong, and powerful. His 
 quick glance and rapid words arrested and held attention. 
 He was a leader among men, and none knew him but 
 respected the Congressman from the first district of the 
 great State of North Dakota. 
 
 My acquaintance v.ith Congressman Henry T. Helgesen 
 was brief, but will be long remembered. As a citizen of 
 Minnesota, I knew him well by reputation. He was be- 
 loved by his people, and his popularity was not confined 
 to the boundaries of the district which he represented in 
 Congress. Throughout the State of North Dakota and 
 the entire Nortliwcst he was known as a man of honor 
 and integrity — a man of tremendous faith in the average 
 man. 
 
 Mr. Helgesen was a Progressive Republican, but he was 
 never at any time a blind follower of any man or of any 
 party. He served in this House under a Republican 
 administi'ation and under a Democratic administration. 
 Four times elected to Congress by the Republican Party, 
 he was sometimes criticized by members of that party 
 for occasionally voting in favor of Democratic measures. 
 A stanch believer in Republican principles, he was suffi- 
 ciently broad-minded to be untrammeled by party ties, 
 
Address of Mr. Lundeen, of Minnesota 
 
 and his vote was cast for what he behoved to be the best 
 interests of the country. 
 
 Those who knew Mr. Helgesen know that he was a man 
 of strong convictions. In his political life he was not 
 given to snap judgments. He weighed each question as 
 it arose carefully and judicially. His decision made, he 
 was firm and unswerving in its advocacy. No criticism 
 or ridicule, no hectic clamor or political opposition, could 
 move him from his place. 
 
 In those stirring days of the Sixty-fourth Congress, when 
 the prospect of impending war was discussed on every 
 hand. Congressman Helgesen was firm in his contention 
 for a continued and impartial neutrality on the part of 
 the United States. Those of you who have served here 
 for many years know that it is no easy matter for a 
 man in Congress to be one of the small minority opposed 
 to measures which have the overwhelming support of the 
 reigning administration. Yet Mr. Helgesen did not hesi- 
 tate to place himself in such minority. At a time when 
 we were drifting nearer and nearer war Mr. Helgesen 
 introduced in this House a resolution demanding a refer- 
 endum of the people of the United States on the question 
 whether or not war should be declared. This I'csolu- 
 tion — tlie last one ever introduced by Mr. Helgesen — was 
 read into the Congressional Record by him, and in its 
 support he said: 
 
 Mr. Cliairman, believing that tlie people of this Nation have the 
 right to be consulted and to determine for themselves whether or 
 not they want to become a party to the wholesale slaughter now 
 going on in Europe and olYer their sons as a sacrifice to the 
 modern barbarous and inhuman engines of destruction used by 
 both sides in that conflict, I am introducing the following reso- 
 lution. 
 
 If the element which insists that war is the only way by which 
 we can honorably settle our differences with the belligerents in 
 Europe finally succeeds in involving us in that terrible conflict, no 
 
 [29] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen 
 
 father, no mother, and no American boy who will be sacrificed in 
 Ihe trenches in Europe will ever be able to truthfully say that I 
 have not done my utmost to save them from such a fate, or that I 
 have not tried to give the people of the Nation an opportunity to 
 determine for themselves whether or not they believe that war is 
 the only honorable means by which we can deal with the situation 
 now confronting us. 
 
 Those remarks were typical of the man. The life, lib- 
 erty, and happiness of the people of the United States was 
 first in his thoughts. His big heart beat warmly for his 
 fellow men. He was no pacifist by nature, as none know 
 better than his colleagues who served with him in this 
 House. Believing, as President Wilson said in his address 
 to the Congress on February 26, 1917, that " the American 
 people do not want an armed force put into action," Mr. 
 Helgesen exerted all of his influence to preserve an im- 
 partial and absolute neutrality. 
 
 The last speech made on the floor of the House by Mr. 
 Helge-sen was a speech against the arming of American 
 merchant ships, and when the vote was taken a little later 
 on the question of armed neutrality — which was consid- 
 ered a practical declaration of war — Mr. Helgesen made 
 one of a little group of It men who, fearlessly, in the face 
 of overwhelming opposition and at the risk of permanently 
 antagonizing the administration, voted against that meas- 
 ure. And from everj' part of his district, his State, and 
 the United States a flood of letters and telegrams poured 
 into his office, expressing the heartfelt thanks and appre- 
 ciation of American citizens from every walk of life for 
 his courage and fearlessness in making a detennined 
 effort to save this country from the horrors of war. 
 
 Congressman Helgesen never forgot that he was a 
 servant of the people, holding office by their will. His 
 pride in the people who thus honored him was great, and 
 his earnest desire to serve his constituents, regardless of 
 politics, was well known. In that desire lay much of his 
 
 [30] 
 
Address of Mr. Lundeen, of Minnesota 
 
 political strength. No complaint was too small lor him 
 to investigate, no appeal so humble as to be neglected. 
 The welfare and wishes of his constituents were the guid- 
 ing light of his official action, and that light was never 
 dimmed by any willful act of his. 
 
 Always interested in the welfare of the rising genera- 
 tion, Mr. Helgesen was a strong advocate of vocational 
 education, the principles of which he put into practical 
 operation in the education of his own family. 
 
 Mr. Helgesen was deeply interested in geographical 
 and historical research, and his work along those lines 
 will be long remembered. It was due to his efforts that 
 the official United States maps of the Arctic regions were 
 corrected to conform to the latest and most authentic re- 
 ports, and his writings on Arctic exploration won for him 
 an international reputation. Some of the results of his 
 investigations were incorporated in a speech delivered 
 by him on the floor of the House on January 13, 1916. 
 In referring to this speech the noted historian and geogra- 
 pher, Edwin Swift Batch, of Philadelphia, wrote to Mr. 
 Helgesen : 
 
 It is as fine a piece of historical geography as was ever penned, 
 and it will live in geographical annals. 
 
 Dr. Herman Schoenfeld, Ph. D., LL. D., professor at 
 Georgetown University, also wrote Mr. Helgesen in re- 
 gard to the same speech : 
 
 You have rendered the greatest possible service to the sacred 
 cause of truth and science, and your name will therefore be en- 
 graved with golden letters in the records of truth in polar dis- 
 covery. 
 
 Dr. Chase Salmon Osborn, LL. D., author, explorer, and 
 ex-governor of Michigan, considered by many as the most 
 widely traveled man of this generation, wrote on March 
 20, 1916: 
 
 You have conferred a favor upon the people of the entire Nation. 
 As one of them, permit me to thanlj you. 
 
 [31] 
 
Memorial Addresses : Representative Helgesen 
 
 Middleton Smith, explorer, author, and member of the 
 Point Barrow International Polar Expedition, summed 
 up his opinion in these words: 
 
 As a historical document your speech will live forever and a 
 day. 
 
 The greatest living American authority on Arctic ex- 
 ploration. Maj. Gen. A. W. Greelj-, leader of the Lady 
 Franklin Bay Arctic Expedition, commended Mr. Helge- 
 sen's work in geographical research in a letter written 
 under date of March ;'i, 1917, from which I quote: 
 
 Your investigation displays a legal mind of keen perception, and 
 your unselfish labor must have been great. * * * I feel that you 
 have thus rendered a service both to the truth of history and to 
 the cause of science. 
 
 In the death of Congressman Helgesen his family lost 
 a kind and loving husband and father, his State a con- 
 scientious and able Representative, and the Nation an 
 upright and fearless statesman. 
 
 He grew in power and independence and his district 
 grew with him. The old first will continue for many a 
 decade to send strong and independent men to Congress. 
 Had he lived through the Sixty-fifth Congress he would 
 have continued to hold a leading place in the councils 
 of the Nation. Fearless, powerful, untiring, he is badly 
 missed to-day. 
 
 Mr. Speaker, death is the great tragedy of life, but, sir, 
 the life of Congressman Helgesen reminds us of the 
 service we can render and the influence we may leave be- 
 hind us. 
 
 The end of the road is a door to God. 
 
 Mr. Young of North Dakota took the chair. 
 
 132] 
 
Address of Mr. Norton, of North Dakota 
 Mr. Speaker: 
 
 The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, 
 All that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave. 
 Await alike the inevitable hour. 
 The paths of glory lead but to the grave. 
 
 I come here to-daj^ to pay my tribute of love to the 
 memoiy of him who was my colleague and my friend. 
 With those who knew and loved him for his gentle and 
 sterling character I come to breathe for a moment the 
 sweet fragrance of flowers his life left behind and to lay 
 upon the sacred altar of his fame my words of admira- 
 tion and esteem. 
 
 I can not hope to be able to pay just tribute in words to 
 the memory of North Dakota's brilliant and much-beloved 
 citizen whose untimely death we so much lament. The 
 magnificent accomplishments of his life, his rise from 
 humble surroundings to the position of a recognized 
 leader in tlie greatest legislative body in the world, are 
 the highest tributes and the most enduring monuments 
 to his memory. 
 
 Mr. Helgesen was of Norwegian descent. He came of 
 that hardy pioneer stock which in the middle of the last 
 century crossed the seas in quest of new homes and set- 
 tled on the untamed but fertile farming lands of the North- 
 west and which has done so much in the last 50 years to 
 make that section of the country the richest and most 
 productive part of the Nation. He was ])orn, reared, and 
 educated in Winneshiek County, one of the loveliest por- 
 tions of Iowa, and spent the days of his mature manhood 
 in upbuilding the great Commonwealth of North Dakota. 
 
 110039°— 19 3 [33] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen 
 
 By his career he added new honor to the race from which 
 he sprang, to the State where he was born, and the State 
 he represented here so well and so honorably. 
 
 It was my good fortune to have been closely acquainted 
 with Mr. Helgesen for a period of nearly 20 years. The 
 opportunity came to me to know him as he actually was. 
 It was given me to realize the real man and to appreciate 
 the worth and beauty of his character and life. His was 
 a rare spirit, such as is given to few on this earth, to 
 illumine the pathway as he went by the depth of his logic, 
 by the soundness of his wisdom, by the breadth of his 
 experience, and the strength and courage of his heroic 
 nature. The pomp, the power, and the pride of official 
 position never changed his simple faith. No man can 
 go far astray whose love of family and kindred and 
 friends was so great and such a guiding clement in his 
 daily personal and public life as it was with my lamented 
 colleague. 
 
 For 30 years he was closely identified with the progress 
 and development of North Dakota. Coming to Dakota 
 Territory from Iowa when he was 30 years of age, he soon 
 made the influence of his learning, experience, and sturdy 
 character felt in the rapidly growing then agricultural 
 frontier of the West. Two years later, when North 
 Dakota was admitted to statehood in 1889, he was hon- 
 ored by being elected the State's first commissioner of 
 agriculture and labor and was reelected to succeed him- 
 self, serving in this position for four years. Later he 
 served as a member of the board of trustees of the State 
 University for three terms. His sound advice and counsel 
 did much to lay a broad and firm foundation for the 
 magnificent development and success which that institu- 
 tion has had during the past two decades. 
 
 Mr. Helgesen possessed in a very large measure the 
 strong and sterling characteristics of the Norwegian race 
 
 [34] 
 
Addkkss of Mr. Norton, ok Nohtu Dakota 
 
 from which he was descended. His appearance and man- 
 ner were kind and pleasing. They were that of a leader 
 of men. They commanded the respect and confidence of 
 all his friends and acquaintances. He was a man at once 
 a lover of fairness and of freedom. He was among the 
 early leaders of the progressive spirit in the Republican 
 Party in North Dakota. From the railroad and reac- 
 tionary interests which for many years held sway in the 
 State he met bitter opposition. With the spirit of deter- 
 mination and persistence of the Vikings of old he fought 
 his way to the top and overcame all opposition. He lived 
 to see the principles of State government for which he 
 contended succeed. He lived to see the ideas and ideals 
 of truly representative government, which he advocated 
 in the State for many years when his followers were few, 
 become overwhelmingly popular. 
 
 Always liberal and open-minded, he refused to sur- 
 render his principles or compromise his convictions. It 
 was his sturdy character in public life that won and 
 held the confidence of the public. 
 
 During the six years he served in the House of Repre- 
 sentatives he won the highest respect and the fullest 
 confidence of all his associates. Mr. Helgesen was a 
 forceful speaker and at all times a thorough, careful, and 
 discriminating student of national affairs. He was one 
 of the best and most widely informed men on the very 
 important Committee on Agriculture, and Members of 
 the House always depended upon him for wise guidance 
 on all questions of legislation affecting the agricultural 
 interests of the country. Had not his career been cut 
 short by the grim reaper. Death, his industry, his intelli- 
 gence, and his broad experience would have won for 
 him a permanent place among the strongest and most 
 influential leaders in Congress. 
 
 He came from the masses of the people, from whence 
 has ever come the truly great. He was always loyal and 
 
 [35] 
 
Memorial Addresses : Representati\'e Helgesen 
 
 true to the masses. He learned from the teaching of his 
 pioneer parents and from the hard battles of life which 
 he fought the full meaning of the immortal plowman's 
 words : 
 
 The honest man, tho e'er so poor, 
 
 Is king of men for a' that. 
 
 He learned in life's battle that as loyal, as noble, and as 
 great a heart can beat within the homespun shirt of the 
 toiler in mine or field or factory as pulsates beneath the 
 royal purple of any prince; and that is why men who 
 knew him will ever love his memory and mourn the death 
 of this light-haired, blue-eyed, golden-hearted knight of 
 the people who lived and died without fear and without 
 reproach. 
 
 Mr. Helgesen was in very poor health many months 
 before his death. It had been most difficult for him to 
 remain at his work. The legislative problems which the 
 great war brought upon the country added to his labors, 
 but he was not one to shirk responsibilities. He was a 
 close student of war problems since the beginning of the 
 European war and had the interest of this Nation and its 
 people at all times close to his heart. He felt it his duty 
 to remain at his post, at whatever personal sacrifice it 
 might cost him, to give counsel to his people and to his 
 Government in days when the civilization of centuries 
 seemed threatened with destruction. Faithful to his ideal, 
 my colleague yielded up his noble and useful life. It is 
 to be greatly regretted that he should have been taken 
 away at the time his country was about to place all the 
 power and resources of its free people on the side of the 
 contest for world-wide democracy and freedom and for 
 the everlasting obliteration from the civilized world of 
 monarchy, militarism, and serfdom. His ripe experience 
 and his ricli counsel would have been of inestimable value 
 
 [36] 
 
Address of Mr. Norton, of North Dakota 
 
 to this Congress, but he is gone. Why he was taken from 
 us at such a time we know not. 
 
 God moves in a mysterious way 
 
 His wonders to perform; 
 He plants his footstep in the sea 
 
 And rides upon the storm. 
 
 Still, he did not die in vain. 
 
 Mr. Speaker, the lives of each one of us are guideposts 
 to others along the pathways of life. Mr. Helgesen's 
 whole life exemplified what may be accomplished by un- 
 swerving honesty and a heroic determination to make a 
 success of whatever we undertake. The most inspiring 
 examples which have descended to us from the pages of 
 history, sacred as well as profane, are those of the early 
 Christian martyrs and the more modern political and reli- 
 gious reformers who have surrendered their lives upon 
 the altar of sacrifice, the quiet but determined heroes who 
 have suffered martyrdom for principles and convictions 
 they held dear, who have died uncomplainingly at their 
 posts of duty, as my colleague did. I saw and spoke to 
 him shortly before he was taken away. While he seemed 
 to realize that death was near, his mind was busy with 
 thoughts of State, and his inquiries of me were about the 
 work of the Congress, the progress of the world war, and 
 the thoughts, feelings, and welfare of the people of our 
 own Nation. His departing recalls to me the beautiful 
 lines whicli have been written on " Death and Duty: " 
 
 Dead at his post of duty! 
 Wliat finer eulogj'? All the boast 
 Of pomp and glory seems but idle breath, 
 Beside the calm quiet of death. 
 Where death and duty meet 
 Is found solution most complete 
 Of all life's problems! It's enough — 
 
 Dead and at his post! 
 
 [37] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Heloesen 
 
 But such men as he arc not dead; they live in the hearts 
 of their countrymen. The verdict of history will be that 
 he was notable in those characters which go to make ui> 
 the best and strongest characters the world has known. 
 
 He was devoted to his country, faithful to his trust, sin- 
 cere in all his relations with his fellow men, and suddenly 
 taken from us in the jirime of his faculties and the pleni- 
 tude of his usefulness. Death has bereft us of his pres- 
 ence. Death can not bereave his family, his friends, or 
 his country of the high service he rendered nor of the 
 tender memories his manly personality inspired. 
 
 While North Dakota's soil would have been proud to 
 have guarded his mortal remains, it was fitting that, 
 after life's duties nobly done, he should have been taken 
 home to the green hillsides of beautiful Winneshiek 
 County, Iowa, where he first saw the light of day. We 
 laid him to rest near the home of his boyhood, where he 
 first met, loved, and won the good wife with whom God 
 so blessed his life and of whom he was so justly proud. 
 He sleeps where hardy Norsemen and their descendants 
 have made with their toil and their intelligence a para- 
 dise out of once wild prairie lands. He sleeps near the 
 shadows of famed Luther College, an institution of learn- 
 ing which I know he admired greatly. He sleeps the last 
 long sleep, as he wished to sleep it, on a wonderfully beau- 
 tiful hillside overlooking the quiet but charming little 
 city of Decorah, where it can be truly said health, happi- 
 ness, and contentment cheer all who labor there. 
 
 With hearts full of sorrow we can truly say of him the 
 best that can be said of any man — the world is better be- 
 cause he lived in it. 
 
 Mr. Norton resumed the chair. 
 
 Mr. Young of North Dakota. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- 
 mous consent that all Members shall have five days within 
 
 [38] 
 
Proceedings in the House 
 
 wliich to extend their remarks upon the life, cliaraeter, 
 and public services of the late Henry T. Helegsen. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. The gentleman from North 
 Dakota [Mr. Young] asks unanimous consent tliat all 
 Members have five days in which to extend their remarks 
 upon the life, character, and public services of the late 
 Henry T. Helgesen. Is there objection? [After a pause.] 
 The Chair hears none. 
 
 Under the special order for tlie day the House now 
 stands adjourned until 12 o'clock noon to-morrow. 
 
 Accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 10 minutes p. m.) the 
 House adjourned until to-morrow, Monday, March 11, 
 1918, at 12 o'clock noon. 
 
 [39] 
 
Proceedings in the Senate 
 
 Wednesday, April 11, 1917. 
 
 A message from the House of Representatives, by E. T. 
 Taylor, jr., one of its clerks, communicated to the Senate 
 the intelligence of the death of Hon. Henry T. Helgesen, 
 late a Representative from the State of North Dakota, 
 and transmitted resolutions of the House thereon. 
 
 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 Holsk of Representatives of the United States, 
 
 April 11. 1917. 
 
 Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of 
 the death of the Hon. Henry T. Helgesen, a Representative from 
 the State of North Dakota. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of Members of tlie House, with sucli 
 Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend 
 the funeral. 
 
 Resolved, That tlie Sergeant at Arms of the House be autliorized 
 and directed to false sucli steps as may be necessary for carrying 
 out the provisions of tliese resolutions, and that the necessary ex- 
 penses in connection therewith be paid out of the contingent fund 
 of the House. 
 
 Resolved, That tlie Clerk communicate these resolutions to the 
 Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. 
 
 Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House do now 
 adjourn. 
 
 Mr. McCuMBER. Mr. President, I otfer the following res- 
 olutions and ask that they be read. 
 
 [41] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Hei.(;esen 
 
 The resolutions were read, considered by unanimous 
 consent, and unanimously agreed to, as follows: 
 
 Resolved, That the Senate lias lieard with deep sensibility the 
 announcement of the death of the Hon. Henry T. Helgksek, late 
 a Representative from tlie State of North Dakota. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of 11 Senators be appointed by the 
 Vice President, 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 reso- 
 lutions to the House of Representatives. 
 
 The Vice President appointed, under the second reso- 
 lution, as the committee on the part of the Senate: Mr. 
 Gronna. Mr. McCumber, Mr. Kenyon, Mr. La Follette, 
 Mr. Jones of New Mexico, Mr. Husting, Mr. Cummins, Mr. 
 Broussard, Mr. Smith of South Carolina, and Mr. Fernald. 
 
 Mr. McCumber. Mr. President, as a further mark of re- 
 spect to the deceased Representative I move that the 
 Senate adjourn. 
 
 The motion was unanimously agreed to and (at 6 o'clock 
 and 20 minutes p. ni.) the Senate adjourned until to-mor- 
 row, Thursday, April 12, 1017, al 12 o'clock meridian. 
 
 message from the house 
 
 Tuesday, March 12. 1918. 
 A message from the House of Representatives, by G. F. 
 Turner, one of its clerks, transmitted to the Senate resolu- 
 tions on the life and public services of Hon. Henry T. 
 Helgesen, late a Representative from the State of North 
 Dakota. 
 
 [42] 
 
LBJa'21 
 
i