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Siiry-Siith Congress, Third Session House Document No. 1028 
 
 FRED L. BLACKMON 
 
 (Late a Representative from Alabama) 
 
 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 
 
 DELIVERED IN THE 
 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE 
 
 OF THE UNITED STATES 
 
 SIXTY-SIXTH CONGRESS 
 THIRD SESSION 
 
 Proceedings in the House Proceedings in the Senate 
 
 February 20, 1921 March 2, 1921 
 
 PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION UF 
 THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING 
 
 Li-WrHf. 
 
 WASHINGTON 
 
 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
 
 1922 
 

 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 RECEIVED 
 
 JUL 151922 
 
 DOCUMENTS m,v,oION 
 

 TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 Page 
 
 Proceedings in the House 1,42 
 
 Prayer by Rev. James Shera Montgomery, D. D 2 
 
 Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 3 
 
 Memorial addresses by — 
 
 Mr. S. Hubert Dent, Jr., of Alabama 7 
 
 Mr. T. H. Caraway, of Arkansas 10 
 
 Mr. William A. Ashbrook, of Ohio 12 
 
 Mr. Henry Garland Dupre, of Louisiana 13 
 
 Mr. Hubert D. Stephens, of Mississippi 15 
 
 Mr. William W. Venable, of Mississippi 17 
 
 Mr. Henry B. Steagall, of Alabama 20 
 
 Mr. William B. Oliver, of Alabama 25 
 
 Mr. John McDuffie, of Alabama 27 
 
 Mr. George Huddleston, of Alabama 30 
 
 Mr. William B. Bowling, of Alabama 32 
 
 Mr. Edward B. Almon, of Alabama 34 
 
 Mr. C. William Ramseyer, of Iowa 36 
 
 Mr. Thomas M. Bell, of Georgia 38 
 
 Mr. Lilius B. Rainey, of Alabama 40 
 
 Proceedings in the Senate 45 
 
 Memorial addresses by — 
 
 Mr. Oscar W. Underwood, of Alabama 49 
 
 Mr. Joseph T. Robinson, of Arkansas 51 
 
 Mr. Kenneth McKellar, of Tennessee 52 
 
 Mr. William J. Harris, of Georgia 54 
 
 Mr. J. Thomas Heflin, of Alabama 58 
 
 [in] 
 
DEATH OF HON. FRED L. BLACKMON 
 
 PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE 
 
 Tuesday, February 8, 1921. 
 
 Mr. Ai.mon. Mr. Speaker, it becomes my painful duty 
 to announce the death of my colleague, Hon. Frld L. 
 Blackmon, of the fourth congressional district of Ala- 
 bama. At a future time I shall ask the House to set aside 
 a day for exercises in memory of the life and character 
 and public services of our late colleague. In the mean- 
 time I offer the following resolution. 
 
 The Speaker. The Clerk will report the resolution. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows: 
 
 House resolution 676 
 
 Resolved. That the House has heard with profound sorrow of 
 the death of Hon. Fred L. Blackmon, a Representative from the 
 State of Alabama. 
 
 Resolved. That a committee of 18 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. Ai.mon. I move the adoption of the resolution. 
 
 The resolution was agreed to; and the Speaker ap- 
 pointed as the committee on the part of the House Messrs. 
 Dent, Almon, Oliver, Steagall, Huddleston, Bankhead, 
 
 [1] 
 
• Memorial Addresses : Representative Blackmon 
 
 McDuftie, Rainey of Alabama, Bowling, Bell, Ramseyer, 
 House, Radcliffc, Sisson, Jones of Pennsylvania, Lee of 
 Georgia, Jacoway, and Venable. 
 
 Mr. Almon. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following further 
 resolution. 
 
 The Speaker. The gentleman from Alabama offers a 
 further resolution, which the Clerk will report. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows: 
 
 Resolved, Th;it as a further mark of respect this House do now 
 adjourn. 
 
 The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 4 o'clock 
 and 59 minutes p. m.) the House adjourned unlil Wednes- 
 day, February 9, 1921, at 11 o'clock a. m. 
 
 Wednesday, February 9, 1021. 
 
 The House met at 11 o'clock a. m. 
 
 Bev. James Shera Montgomery, D. D., pastor of Calvarv 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, Washington, D. C, offered 
 the following prayer: 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, Thy mercy is without measure, 
 and the gates of Thy love are wide open. Pity us if we 
 forget Thee. Write Thy law in all of our hearts, that it 
 may become a simple rule of conduct. 
 
 Comfort the bereaved ones who are to-day in the vale 
 of shadows of their sacred dead, and bear them through 
 the troubled waters of their grief until the mysteries of 
 the night are dissolved into the promises of the morning. 
 Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 The committee informally rose; and the Speaker hav- 
 ing resumed the chair, a message from the Senate, by Mr. 
 Crockett, one of its clerks, announced that the Senate had 
 passed the following resolution (S. Res. Ill) : 
 
 [2] 
 
Proceedings in the HorsE 
 
 Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the 
 announcement of the death of Hon. Fred L. Blackmon, late a 
 Representative from the State of Alabama. 
 
 Resolved. That a committee of six Senators be appointed by the 
 Vice President to join the committee appointed by the House of 
 Representatives to take order for the superintending of the 
 funeral of Mr. Blackmon at Anniston, Ala. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these resolutions to 
 Ihe House of Representatives. 
 
 Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of 
 the deceased the Senate do now adjourn. 
 
 Saturday, February 19, 1921. 
 
 Mr. Dent. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for 
 the present consideration of the following order. 
 
 The Speaker. The gentleman from Alabama asks 
 unanimous consent for the present consideration of an 
 order, which the Clerk will report. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows: 
 
 On motion of Mr. Dent, by unanimous consent, 
 
 Ordered, That Sunday, February 20, 1921, be set apart for 
 addresses on the life, character, and public service of Hon. Fred 
 L. Blackmon, late a Representative from the State of Alabama. 
 
 The Speaker. Without objection, the order will be 
 agreed to. 
 
 There was no objection. 
 
 Sunday, February 20, 1921. 
 
 The House met at 12 o'clock noon, and was called to 
 order by Mr. Rucker as Speaker pro tempore. 
 
 The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden. D. D., of Wash- 
 ington, D. C, offered the following prayer: 
 
 Our Father in heaven, before entering upon the sacred 
 duties of (he hour we humbly and reverently bow in Thy 
 
 [3] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 presence that we take increased devotion to the sacred 
 dead who died at their posts leaving behind them an 
 enviable record. Members of this legislative body dead 
 though they live in the memory of those who knew them. 
 Let Thy loving arms be about their friends, colleagues, 
 especially the members of their respective families, to 
 uphold and sustain them until the mists have rolled away, 
 for when the stars shall fade and crumble into impal- 
 pable dust we shall live and love in eternal glory, for it is 
 writ in letters of light "I am the resurrection and the life; 
 he that believetb in me shall never die," for Thine is 11k- 
 kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 
 
 Mr. Almon assumed (he chair as Speaker pro tempore. 
 The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the 
 special order of this hour. 
 The Clerk read as follows: 
 
 On motion of Mr. Dent, by unanimous consent. 
 
 Ordered, That Sunday, February 20. 1921, be set apart for 
 addresses on the life, character, and public service of Hon. Fred 
 L. Blackmon, late a Representative from the State of Alabama. 
 
 Mr. Dent. Mr. Speaker. I offer the following resolution 
 which I send to the Clerk's desk. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. The gentleman from Ala- 
 bama offers the following resolution, which the Clerk will 
 report. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows: 
 
 House resolution (591 
 
 Resolved, That t he business of the House be now suspended, 
 that opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of 
 Hon. Fnr.D L. Blackmon, late a Member of this House from the 
 State of Alabama. 
 
 Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory 
 of the deceased, and in recognition of his distinguished public 
 career, the House at the conclusion of these exercises shall stand 
 adjourned. 
 
 [4] 
 
Proceedings in the House 
 
 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. 
 
 Mr. Dent. Mr. Speaker, I move the adoption of the 
 resolution. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. Without objection, the reso- 
 lution will stand approved. 
 
 There was no objection. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. The Chair will first recog- 
 nize the gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Dent]. 
 
 [5] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 
 
 Address of Mr; Dent, of Alabama 
 
 Mr. Speaker; I hardly know whether I can trust myself 
 to speak on this occasion in memory of my departed 
 friend, Hon. Fred L. Blackmon. 
 
 Neither Damon and Pythias nor David and Jonathan 
 ever enjoyed a more intimate and unbroken friendship 
 than that which existed between him and myself. 
 
 For 10 years we were closely associated under every 
 conceivable circumstance that bring men together in the 
 relation of friendship, and never during that entire 
 period was there ever the slightest misunderstanding be- 
 tween us. It is, therefore, a very painful duty to speak in 
 honor of his memory. 
 
 Mr. Blackmon was born at Lime Branch, Polk County, 
 Ga., on the 15th day of September, 1873. At the age of 
 10 years his parents moved to Calhoun County, Ala., and 
 there he continued to reside until his untimely death. 
 After receiving an education in the common schools of 
 that county, he entered the University of Alabama, finally 
 being graduated from there in law. He immediately en- 
 tered perhaps the most prominent law firm in that sec- 
 tion of the State and continued his connection until he 
 entered Congress. From 1896 to 1900 he was city attor- 
 ney of Anniston, Ala. From 1900 to 1910 he was State 
 senator from Calhoun County. In 1910 he was elected to 
 Congress from the fourth Alabama district and was con- 
 tinuously reelected up to the time of his death, having 
 been recently elected to another term in the next 
 Congress. 
 
 [7] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 It will thus be seen that he had practically held public 
 office since his maturity, never having suffered a political 
 defeat. During his entire political career he never at any 
 time bowed to what was supposed to be popular clamor, 
 but always stood stead}' to his convictions regardless of 
 the popular tide. Such was his record for 10 years in the 
 State senate and such also was his record for 10 years in 
 the Halls of Congress. He was a working Member of Con- 
 gress and not an ostentatious one. He did things for his 
 constituents. Camp McClellan, near Anniston, Ala., is a 
 fitting testimonial to his usefulness as a Representative in 
 Congress. 
 
 He was genial, affable, and cordial in manner. He had 
 the faculty of making friends and holding them hard and 
 fast. This faculty took a wide range among all classes of 
 people. 1 doubt if any man ever possessed this faculty 
 to a greater degree than did Fred Black mon. His affec- 
 tion for his mother, though natural in a son, was mani- 
 fested to a marked degree. Indeed it was rare. He was 
 a fond and devoted husband and his love for his two 
 children, Fred L., jr.. and Sara, was one among the many 
 beautiful characteristics of his life. 
 
 A devoted husband, a tender and affectionate father, a 
 true and .loyal friend, a bold, courageous, and honest 
 statesman, a splendid citizen has gone from among us. 
 His death is mourned throughout the length and breadth 
 of the State of Alabama, where he had a wide acquaint- 
 ance, as well as among the many friends and associates 
 whom he knew in Congress. Personally, I mourn his loss 
 more deeply than I am able to express. If ever there was 
 a true, loyal, and honest soul, it was in the bosom of Fred 
 Blackmon. 
 
 I seek some consolation in this sad hour in the follow- 
 ing verses from the Psalm of Life: 
 
 [8] 
 
Address of Mr. Dent, of Alabama 
 
 Tell me not in mournful numbers 
 Life is but an empty dream, 
 
 For the soul is dead that slumbers, 
 And things are not what they seem. 
 
 Life is real, life is earnest, 
 And the grave is not its goal: 
 " Dust thou art, to dust returnest " 
 ' Was not spoken of the soul. 
 
 [9] 
 
Address of Mr. Caraway, of Arkansas 
 
 Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen : The one act more than any 
 other that prompts my desire to pay a brief tribute to our 
 departed colleague is that nearly eight years ago — eight 
 years the 7th day of next month — he and I stood here on 
 this floor and took the oath of office together; he for his 
 second and I for my first term in this House. After we 
 had done so he turned to me and introduced himself and 
 shook hands with me — the first man outside of my own 
 delegation that had done so in this body; and during all 
 the years of our service I never saw him that he did not 
 speak to me and shake hands with me — always with that 
 smile which bespoke his goodness of soul. He never for- 
 got my name, and I never forgot his. He made me feel as 
 if we were friends of long standing and not acquaintances 
 of but a few days. 
 
 I never saw him depressed and I never heard him utter 
 a single expression of despair. He thought well of his 
 fellow Members. He was passionately devoted to his 
 country. He cherished a divine hope of the future. No 
 utterance of his on this floor could he classed as dema- 
 gogic. He spoke his convictions, and he voted them. He 
 was no opportunist, no time server. He never cast a vote 
 in this House inspired by the hope that it would be help- 
 ful to him politically. He looked only to the one thing — 
 was it wise, was it patriotic? If he decided those things 
 in the affirmative, he thus voted, and then never apolo- 
 gized for the position he took. He was one of the few men 
 with whom I served in this body who had a clear convic- 
 tion on every question that was presented for his con- 
 sideration. I never saw him in doubt as to a course. 1 
 never heard him express any regret — I speak of it politi- 
 co] 
 
Address of Mh. Caraway, of Arkansas 
 
 cally — that he was compelled to choose sides in any con- 
 troversy that might be waged in this House. He was a 
 man of courage, of conviction, tender-hearted, and a true 
 friend. His services in this body 1 shall not now review, 
 nor shall I extol his virtues, both as citizen and legislator. 
 These I shall leave for those who knew him better. My 
 remarks, feeble and few, shall be confined to the person- 
 ality of the man whom all here knew and for which all 
 loved him. 
 
 Kind, considerate, cheerful, full of compassion for the 
 faults and foibles of his colleagues and all mankind 
 loving and loved, he lived and died. Somewhere his im- 
 mortal spirit lives and loves and waits for those whom he 
 here loved and who grieve because he is gone. 
 
 Peace be with those who remain; we know it abides 
 with him. 
 
 ill] 
 
Address of Mr. Ashurook, of Ohio 
 
 Mr. Speaker: Like a number of the other Members of 
 the Sixty-sixth Congress, I retire to private life in a few 
 days. One of the sweetest things I shall carry back home 
 with me is the memory of the acquaintances and friends 
 that I have made timing my 14 years of service here. 1 
 count myself fortunate, indeed, in having known Fred 
 Blackmon well. I considered him my friend — I know I 
 was his friend — and when Fred Blackmon was your 
 friend he was a friend indeed. My acquaintance with 
 him dated from the time he came to Congress and con- 
 tinued uninterruptedly most pleasant. I was with him 
 much during his service in this body. I enjoyed his ac- 
 quaintance and fellowship. I never heard him say an 
 unkind word of anyone. He was always a gentleman. I 
 never knew a man who had a sweeter, more gentle, and 
 lovable disposition than Fred Blackmon, and of all the 
 friends and acquaintances I have made in this House 
 none do I cherish higher than that of our friend in whose 
 memory these services are held to-day. His untimely 
 passing was a great shock to his large circle of friends. 
 Three weeks ago to-day, Mr. Speaker, he occupied the 
 chair which you now fill when like services were held for 
 the late Senator Bankhead. A few days later, when yet 
 scarce at the meridian of his usefulness, he was stricken 
 down, and the place that knew him once will know him 
 no more. But while we sincerely mourn his passing we 
 are cheered and comforted by the memory of this choice 
 spirit, and rejoice that it was our privilege to have known 
 Fred Blackmon. Not soon will we forget him. Let us 
 then seek to emulate his virtues, which so outshone his 
 foibles that our memory of him will ever be fragrant 
 with the (lowers of love and kind deeds. 
 
 112] 
 
Address of Mr. Dupre, of Louisiana 
 
 Mr. Speaker: Only a little more than an hour ago, in 
 reading the Record of yesterday* I discovered that an order 
 had been entered for memorial services to-day in behalf 
 of the late Representative Fred L. Black mon, of Alabama. 
 I came over to the Chamber to attend those exercises and 
 attest by my presence my sincere regret at his demise. 
 Since I have sat here an impulse has come to me and 
 grown that I should say something on this occasion. It is 
 true I speak without preparation, but preparation could 
 aid me naught in the matter of expressing my friendship 
 for Fred Blackmon or my sympathy at his loss, except 
 possibly to help me polish a phrase or two or to recall and 
 utter some half-remembered appropriate quotation. My 
 feeling of friendship for him was deep and my apprecia- 
 tion of his character is lasting and basic, and though in 
 this brief expression of sorrow I may not fittingly express 
 those thoughts, still they are at the bottom of the words 
 that well up from my heart to-day. 
 
 Ten years ago, when Fred Blackmon came here, I was 
 among the first to know him. I met him through my late 
 beloved colleague. Bob Wickliffe, of Louisiana, who lived 
 at the same hotel with him. I took a liking to him, and 
 that liking developed into friendship. I sought his com- 
 panionship, I was glad to lie with him. He was a man 
 whom I respected. He had bravery, he bad frankness, 
 he had gentleness, he had tolerance, " the milk of human 
 kindness." He bad all the elements that appeal to me in 
 a man, so when I think of him gone, when I remember the 
 wife and children whom he left behind to whom he was 
 
 76117—22 2 "13] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 so devotedly attached, I can not help saying, he " should 
 have died hereafter." 
 
 If I recall aright, Webster, speaking of Calhoun, said: 
 
 Nothing mean, low or groveling, ever came near his head or 
 heart. 
 
 In all truth, one might say that of Fred Blackmon. 
 
 [14] 
 
Address of Mr. Stephens, of Mississippi 
 
 Mr. Speaker: My relations with our departed friend, 
 Fred L. Blackmon,' were such that I would feel that I had 
 failed to perform a solemn duty were 1 not to add a re- 
 spectful tribute to the eulogies that have already been 
 offered on this occasion. 
 
 For 10 years, lacking a few days, we were colleagues in 
 this great legislative body. During that time our rela- 
 tions had been very intimate and exceedingly pleasant. 
 We spent many hours together. 1 learned to know him 
 and to appreciate him for the many qualities that were 
 characteristic of him. 
 
 He had a charming personality. He knew how to make 
 himself thoroughly agreeable in any company. 
 
 He was an entertaining conversationalist, could tell an 
 apt story, and never failed to enliven every occasion by 
 his humor whenever it was seemly to do so. 
 
 He was a friend to the weak and lowly. His ear was 
 ever open to their cry; his time was always theirs; always 
 courteous, considerate, and anxious to lend a helping 
 hand; he made friends readily, and having once made a 
 friend he held him by the strength of his character, the 
 charm of his personality, and his willingness to give much 
 more than he demanded of his friend. 
 
 His was a strong intellect and he was always anxious to 
 learn the reasons underlying and giving strength to any 
 proposition. He was unwilling to he a mere follower. 
 While willing to listen to suggestions from friends, he 
 was unwilling to lend his support to any measure unless, 
 in his judgment, it measured up to the standard of the 
 fundamental political principles of our Government. 
 When his judgment was convinced, he was as unyielding 
 
 [15] 
 
Memorial Addresses : Representative Blackmon 
 
 as any man I ever knew. He never left a position or 
 surrendered an opinion simply because it did not meet 
 with popular approval. However unpopular his position 
 might be on any subject, those who knew him never 
 doubted his honesty and they never censured him unduly. 
 
 Fred Blackmon was an able lawyer, an earnest and 
 faithful legislator, a lover of humanity, a devoted hus- 
 band and father, a generous friend, and a noble soul. 
 Representative government is safe so long as the people 
 choose such men for their servants. 
 
 I shall never forget him. When I shall think of him it 
 will always be as one whose impelling idea was — 
 
 Not only to keep down the base in man, 
 But teach high thought and amiable words 
 And courtesy and love of truth, 
 And all that makes a man. 
 
 [16] 
 
Address of Mr. Venable, of Mississippi 
 
 Mr. Speaker : I came into Congress five years ago, and 
 among the first acquaintances which I made was one with 
 Mr. Blackmon. It happened that we were stopping at the 
 same hotel, and we had offices close to one another in the 
 House Office Building. And so I came to know him quite 
 well and had an opportunity of forming some estimate of 
 his character. 
 
 I do not know that I can add anything to what has been 
 said. I can only emphasize what has been stated to have 
 been his predominant characteristics. I think that what 
 impressed me most about Mr. Blackmon was his funda- 
 mental sincerity, which is but another way of saying his 
 fundamental honesty. He was without pretense, without 
 concealment. His nature and his mind were so organized 
 that he could not be happy without being sincere, and that 
 characteristic was a predominant one, not only in his 
 daily life and conduct but also in his daily thinking. It 
 characterized his service as a Member of the House. It is 
 the explanation, I think, of the reason why in his service 
 here apparently the only consideration which entered his 
 mind and determined what position he would take was 
 the consideration of what he honestly believed to be cor- 
 rect according to principle. It also served. I think, as the 
 fundamental basis of bis political thinking. I noticed in 
 talking with him about the matters upon which we were 
 called upon to vote that he instinctively tested the ques- 
 tion by the criterion of some fundamental principle which 
 he believed in and the preservation of which he thought 
 would promote the good of the country. As I said, he 
 could not he happy and he insincere. Therefore his very 
 nature demanded that in his congressional service he 
 
 [17] 
 
Memorial Addresses : Representative Blackmon 
 
 should vote as he was led to believe to be for the best 
 interests of the country according to the fundamental 
 principles in which he believed. And his congressional 
 service in that respect had a peculiar and outstanding 
 consistency. 
 
 I do not know of a single vote that he cast since I have 
 been in the Congress with him that varied from the prin- 
 ciples in which he believed. His conception — and I think 
 it is the true one — was that a Representative in Congress 
 was not a mere delegate to voice a sentiment or an emo- 
 tion of current character uninfluenced by the conclusions 
 of his own intellect, but his conception of this Govern- 
 ment was that it was representative in character and that 
 representative government implied that the Representa- 
 tives should exercise judgment and not voice merely a 
 current sentiment and current thought of the time. 
 Therefore his positions, I think, were as little influenced 
 by what might be considered the current and ephemeral 
 thought of a moment as any man in the Congress, with the 
 result that the people of his district always received in 
 the decision of any public question the very best judgment 
 as to their welfare that Mr. Blackmon was capable of 
 forming. 
 
 This sincerity of character, in my judgment, is the ex- 
 planation of his remarkable political success. He im- 
 pressed the people with that quality, and while they 
 might from time to time differ with him upon a particular 
 position, yet, having confidence in the integrity of his 
 purposes, in the sincerity of his motives, occasional differ- 
 ences did not alienate their political friendship. 
 
 Another outstanding characteristic in Mr. Blackmon 
 was that he had. to a remarkable degree, that divine 
 capacity for love which always calls to similar qualities 
 in other people and is a creative force to inspire similar 
 
 [18] 
 
Address of Mr. Venable, of Mississippi 
 
 emotions in others with whom such a man comes in eon- 
 tact. I was impressed in attending his funeral and watch- 
 ing the large crowd thai had gathered to do him honor 
 to note that every class and kind of man was represented 
 in the gathering. 
 
 Men of the most diverse attainments, men from differ- 
 ing environments, men far apart in station, all came and 
 stood upon the common ground of a common affection 
 for Mr. Bi.ackmon. There could he no explanation for it 
 other than that the quality which he had and capacity 
 which he had, of love for his fellows, inspired a corre- 
 sponding love in them. 
 
 It is not surprising, then, that with this quality he was 
 found to be kindly in spirit, gentle in manner, a good 
 neighbor, a good citizen, a good husband, because to be 
 otherwise would have contradicted and run counter to a 
 predominant trait of his character. I can say, I think 
 with truth, that few men will be missed more than he. 
 Everyone who came in contact with him will feel a loss, 
 and surely a man can pay no higher tribute to him than 
 in saying that the predominant characteristic of Frkd 
 Blackmon was the capacity for love, which has been 
 given as the definition of Deity Himself. 
 
 [19] 
 
Address of Mr. Steagall, of Alabama 
 
 Mr. Speaker: There are no circumstances that can 
 reconcile us to the death of one we love. Always there 
 are reasons which to our minds are sufficient to make us 
 marvel. Most unfathomable of all is the Providence 
 which removes from us one just approaching the period 
 of his greatest power and usefulness. At such an hour 
 death claimed Fred L. Blackmon. The dread summons 
 came in his forty-seventh year. He was born in Polk 
 County, Ga., September 15, 1873. When he was a child 
 his parents moved to Calhoun County and settled on a 
 farm near Anniston, Ala. Here amid the humble scenes 
 and surroundings of a modest farm among the mountains 
 the son grew to manhood. He worked on a farm, at- 
 tended a little country school, and fished and hunted 
 along the streams and woods. The simple sports, the 
 healthful habits of a boyhood spent in close contact with 
 nature and her lessons were reflected in the development 
 of a mind and body of remarkable superiority. The as- 
 sociations of his boyhood gave him an understanding cf 
 men and a democratic simplicity and sympathy which 
 made it easy for him to win the friendship of bis fellows. 
 He attended the University of Alabama and studied law. 
 Almost upon reaching his majority he was admitted to 
 the bar and began at once to show qualities which marked 
 liim as one bound to succeed in his profession. Soon he 
 became a member of the firm of Knox, Acker & Black- 
 mon, of Anniston, which was generally regarded as the 
 leading firm of lawyers in Alabama. He grew steadily 
 as a lawyer, enjoying the unqualified confidence of his 
 associates and the public. His first political honor was 
 a nomination and election to a term of four years in the 
 
 [20] 
 
Address of Mk. Steagall, of Alabama 
 
 State senate. He served so ably and well that he was 
 elected again tor another term. Before the expiration of 
 his second term as State senator he was nominated as the 
 Democratic candidate for Representative in Congress 
 from the fourth congressional district and elected in No- 
 vember, 1910. He served continuously from then until 
 the time of his death. Last November he was reelected 
 to the Sixty-seven Hi Congress. 
 
 I have known Mr. Bi.ackmon for about 15 years, but my 
 lirst intimate acquaintance with him began when I en- 
 tered upon my duties as a Member of this House six years 
 ago. We were on the same floor, with only one door 
 between our offices, in the House Office Building, and our 
 association was very intimate. I learned early to appre- 
 ciate and admire deeply his many lovable traits. From 
 my personal association with him I gathered a knowledge 
 of his virtues which could not have been had from mere 
 observation of his official acts. Mr. Bi.ackmon was one 
 of the men with whom I have come in contact whose 
 utterances and votes in the House tallied absolutely with 
 the convictions and opinions which he expressed in the 
 cloak room and to close personal friends in private con- 
 versation. 
 
 He was an unostentatious man and so intensely honest 
 that he shrank from the suggestion of anything like mere 
 show. He had a devotion to his convictions that super- 
 ficial observation would not disclose. He was not noisy 
 on tlie floor of the House. He did not indulge so fre- 
 quently in debates as some Members, but there never was 
 a time when he hesitated to make known or record his 
 views when it became his duty to do so. This characteris- 
 tic was well and appropriately described a few moments 
 ago by the gentleman from Mississippi Mr. Venable]. 
 
 Mr. Bi.w kmon was an intense Democrat — a devout be- 
 liever in our representative system of government. He 
 
 [21] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 believed in the distribution and division of powers which 
 the fathers of the Republic attempted to establish for all 
 time. He believed unfalteringly in the doctrine of State 
 rights and unyielding opposition to the centralization of 
 power in the Federal Government. It may be truly said 
 that so well did he measure up to the bighest standards as 
 a Representative in Congress that bis vote, with not a 
 single exception during all his long service here, repre- 
 sented in his honest judgment bis duty to his constituents 
 and his country. If I were called upon to point out the 
 greatest fault of Congress it would be the frequency with 
 which Members of Congress — not from bad motives, I am 
 sure — listen to appeals which ought not to be heeded and 
 fail sometimes to let their votes express their own judg- 
 ment of what ought to be done by the representatives of 
 the people in this great body. I believe sincerely that if 
 the same courage and devotion to convictions which Fred 
 Blackmon possessed could be made the unvarying rule 
 with Members of both branches of Congress we should 
 witness at once the obliteration of every weakness that 
 tbreatens the perpetuity of the Republic. If only our 
 legislation could be made to express the independent 
 thought of the men who compose the membership of the 
 House and Senate, thoughtful men could face the future 
 unafraid. 
 
 A corresponding characteristic of his devotion to his 
 convictions was his loyalty to his friends. He had a 
 capacity for winning and holding the affections of men 
 that I have seldom seen equaled. It happened to be my 
 lot to convey to his friends here the shocking news of his 
 death. The announcement came first to our colleague, 
 Mr. Drane, from a friend in Florida, and the message was 
 banded me by Mr. Drane. I began immediately to com- 
 municate the sad news, first to members of the Alabama 
 delegation. In every instance, even among the humblest 
 
 emplovees about the House Office Building, all who beard 
 
 22" 
 
Address of Mr. Steagall, of Alabama 
 
 the message stopped l<> express their regrel and in many 
 instances to evidence their grief with tears. I was a 
 member of the congressional party that attended the 
 funeral. I do not think I ever observed more widespread 
 manifestation of sorrow among the people of an entire 
 community than was shown by the good people of Cal- 
 houn County and other sections of Alabama represented 
 at the funeral. 
 
 I stood by the new-made grave on the mountain side 
 and watched the vast throng gathered there. On one side 
 there was an assemblage of colored people. They stood 
 just beyond the grave from me, and I saw them as, with 
 tears rolling down their cheeks, they watched the casket 
 borne forward amid a profusion of flowers to its last rest- 
 ing place. I thought of the many friends assembled, the 
 respect paid by the Congress of the Nation, the grief shown 
 in high official circles, the eloquent address of the minister 
 still ringing in my ears. But as I looked into the sad- 
 dened faces of the Negroes in front of me I thought as 1 
 think now that, after all. there can be no higher eulogy of 
 any man than that the humblest who knew him should 
 pay him the tribute of tears. These simple, bumble 
 people knew the big heart forever hushed, and they knew 
 they would miss the generosity and kindliness so long 
 enjoyed. 
 
 I venture the statement that no Member of this House 
 has greater personal hold upon the people of his district 
 than had Mr. BLACKM0N. Mr. Speaker, we have had some 
 strenuous and hard-fought issues in the politics of Ala- 
 bama during the past 10 years. During a portion of this 
 time Mr. BLACKMON was an avowed adherent of policies 
 to which a majority of the people of his district were 
 ardently opposed. They knew that he would not change 
 his convictions to fit public opinion or follow the for- 
 tunes of politics. But. notwithstanding the issues thai 
 
 [23] 
 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 sometimes divided the electorate into hostile camps, he 
 Iiad always a personal following that made liim invincible 
 in his district. 
 
 Mr. Blackmon loved the people who had honored him. 
 He loved the scenes and associations of his native State 
 and was impatiently planning voluntarily to retire from 
 public life and take up again the practice of law among 
 his people at home. Above all, he desired to resume life 
 with his family, free from the interruptions and hin- 
 drances unavoidable on the part of Members of Congress. 
 His devotion to his family was a matter of common com- 
 ment among his friends, and he often expressed his solici- 
 tude for them and his desire to have larger part in the 
 education of his children. About a year and a half ago 
 he came into my office one day and finding me alone sat 
 down and handed me a paper which he said he wanted 
 me to read. It was a letter addressed to his son, filled 
 with advice, based upon life experience and wide knowl- 
 edge of men and affairs. He realized that his physical 
 powers were, not so strong as they had been. He even so 
 expressed himself to me. I read and reread the letter, 
 which breathed the tenderest affection and solicitude for 
 both his children and their mother. It was one of the 
 most beautiful letters I have ever read and would adorn 
 the library of any home. So it was at all times and every- 
 where. He loved those about him and thought always 
 of their welfare and happiness. He spent his life in un- 
 selfish service, but he drew about him thousands and 
 thousands who were happy to serve and honor him. Let 
 us trust that the same generosity and charity which he 
 practiced here may be shown him in his journey into 
 the great beyond. 
 
 Who seeks for heaven alone to save his soul 
 Will keep the path, but will not reach the goal; 
 While lie who walks in love may wander far. 
 But God will bring him where the blessed are. 
 
 [24] 
 
Address of Mr. Oliver, of Alabama 
 
 Mr. Speaker: The highest tribute that can he paid to 
 any man is that he was loved by his fellows. Certainly 
 no one enjoyed in a larger measure the love, the respect, 
 the confidence of all who knew him more than did Fred 
 Blackmon. 
 
 How eloquently and beautifully this was testified to by 
 that large gathering of friends, from far and near, from 
 all walks and callings in life, who stood recently by his 
 open grave, in his home city of Anniston, to lay him away 
 amid a wealth of flowers unsurpassed. The rich and the 
 poor, the high and the low, the white and the black were 
 there to blend their tears and share a common sorrow for 
 the friend who had gone. 
 
 The reason why he was great in death was because he 
 merited it in life; he did for others rather than for him- 
 self. He was generous, even to his own hurt; he was 
 charitable; true fraternity abounded in his heart and 
 made him ever willing to sacrifice his own comfort and 
 welfare if it promised a larger measure of happiness to 
 others. 
 
 He was honest with himself and with others, and always 
 adhered to the injunction — 
 
 To thine own self be true, 
 
 And it must follow as the night the daj 
 
 Thou can'st not then be false to any man. 
 
 He has left a life work so splendid, a record so enviable, 
 an influence so lasting that one is wont to ask. Why, then, 
 regret his early decease.' 
 
 True, his family and friends will miss him; they have 
 suffered an irreparable loss. His district is deprived of 
 an able Representative, and the loss to Stale and Nation 
 is great, but from the standpoint of the man there is 
 
 [25] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 nothing to regret in the fact that he was called in the very 
 prime of life, in the hour of vigor and strength. 
 
 He was a firm believer in the Christian religion, a 
 church member, with an abiding faith in the immortality 
 of the soul. He died before the first touch of age, before 
 the first disappointment that must inevitably come when 
 one realizes the failure of power; he went out at the 
 summit in harness amid the successes of an active life, 
 when all looking on feel the poignant loss. 
 
 So while we sympathize with those he left behind, we 
 need not mourn for the dead. He has gone beyond, we 
 believe, to a future of added usefulness, where the power 
 and strength he laid down here will be taken on under 
 better conditions and used in far greater fields of useful- 
 ness than is possible in this rapidly passing existence of 
 ours. 
 
 While we can not touch his hand, we yet can feel his 
 life; though his body rests in peace beneath the fading 
 flowers, he still lives within our hearts, and we are sure 
 that the good influence of his life will not pass away, 
 
 for — 
 
 There is no death! An angel form 
 Walks o'er the earth in silent tread, 
 
 And takes our best-loved things away, 
 And then we call them dead. 
 
 But ever near us, though unseen, 
 
 The dear immortal spirits tread, 
 For all the boundless universe 
 
 Is life. There are no dead. 
 
 [26] 
 
Address oi Mr. McDuffie, of Alabama 
 
 Mr. Speaker: Again and for the third time within two 
 years the House of Representatives is meeting to pay trib- 
 ute to the memory of a distinguished Alabaman. 
 
 We often wonder why the life of a strong and valuable 
 man should be cut down in the very prime of its useful- 
 ness; yet this question can not be answered by human 
 beings because to us it has not been given the power to 
 understand, and we are only reminded that " even in the 
 midst of life we are in death." 
 
 How difficult it is to realize that Fred L. Blackmon has 
 left the scenes of his earthly usefulness. But a few weeks 
 ago he was amongst us with all his splendid cordiality 
 and vigorous activity. To-day he sleeps beneath the sod 
 of his homeland on a beautiful hillside which overlooks 
 the city of Anniston, Ala., whose people he loved, honored, 
 and served so well. 
 
 The death of Mr. Blackmon was to me a personal loss, 
 and mere words are feeble and inadequate on this occa- 
 sion. While I had known him for many years, and knew 
 his reputation throughout Alabama as a man of superb in- 
 tellect and splendid integrity, and as a great leader in the 
 progress and development of our State, yet I was not 
 closely associated with him until I came to serve in this 
 House. Here our association became intimate. As a be- 
 ginner in tin- work of Congress I often called for his wise 
 counsel and sound judgment, and he always gave it cheer- 
 fully, patiently, and gladly. He seemed to tind a pleasure 
 in giving me the benefit of his advice and experience 
 whenever I consulted him. Like all others who knew him, 
 I learned to love him for his genuineness and sincerity; 
 I learned to admire him for his courage and loyalty to his 
 convictions. He had the brain power to grapple with and 
 
 [27] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 settle the most difficult problems in his public service, and 
 he had the courage to carry his ideas into effect. 
 
 Mr. Speaker, it is always easy for one in public life to 
 drift with the current, but it is only the strong man who 
 elects to stem the tide. The records of the Congress as 
 well as the records of the Legislature of Alabama disclose 
 the fact that Frederick L. Blackmon as State senator and 
 as Member of Congress did not seek the lines of least re- 
 sistance and drift with the current in order that he might 
 curry temporary, popular favor. With his keen and 
 powerful intellect he firmly visualized every proposition 
 with which he was confronted as a public servant, and 
 stood firmly and " foursquare," with a conviction that 
 was honest, a purpose that was pure, and a heart that was 
 big and generous. I never saw him lose his splendid 
 poise. He was as solid as the rock of Gibraltar. It is no 
 wonder, then, that even those who disagreed with him at 
 times politically admired his courage and appreciated his 
 sincerity. It is no wonder that he drew close to him and 
 held firmly the friendship of strong men. It is no wonder 
 that he had such a hold on the hearts of a grateful con- 
 stituency. Mr. Blackmon had real friends, and drew from 
 them a quality of friendship which meant devotion, and 
 even sacrifice, without the asking, if the necessity for 
 sacrifice arose. That was the kind of friendship he gave 
 and the same quality he received. 
 
 Being true and sincere himself, he expected the same in 
 others, and therefore he spurned that political activity 
 which was even akin to that of the demagogue. Being 
 well grounded in the fundamental principles of his party, 
 he served it unselfishly and faithfully. His every official 
 act was done, and his every vote was cast, during more 
 than 20 years of public service, with the highest sense of 
 duty to his people, his State, and his Nation, serving each 
 as only a patriot can serve. 
 
 [28] 
 
Address of Mr. McDiffie, of Alabama 
 
 Mr. Blackmon was a great student of human nature. 
 He seemed to understand men probably better than any- 
 one else I ever knew. He was slow to pass judgment on 
 his fellow man. Always giving the best tie had, it was 
 natural that he sought for the good rather than the evil 
 in others. He preferred to seal his lips rather than speak 
 of the faults and shortcomings of his fellow man. This 
 characteristic was so noticeable in him that I mentioned 
 it to him on one occasion, and how well do I remember his 
 reply, which was, "As my little son grows into manhood 
 and takes up his life's work, though I may be dead, I hope 
 when he comes in contact with those who have known me 
 they will associate with him only the good they may have 
 found in his father." His devotion to his family was 
 beautiful. 
 
 Fred Blackmon admired men for their real worth re- 
 gardless of their financial, social, or political position. At 
 his funeral I saw hundreds and hundreds of men from 
 field and factory, from shop and store, and from every 
 walk in life, both white and colored, with heavy hearts 
 and heads bowed down in grief. Every person, from the 
 old colored servant, who in tears sobbed that she had lost 
 the best friend she ever had, to strong men in high sta- 
 tions of life, seemed deeply and visibly affected by his 
 death. 
 
 We mourn his loss here. Official Washington will miss 
 his genial smile and hearty cordiality. The Alabama 
 delegation will miss him. The Congress will miss him, 
 and his deatli is a distinct loss to the people of his district, 
 the State of Alabama, and the whole Nation. His memory 
 will be cherished so long as we live. Truly it can be said 
 of him : 
 
 His life was gentle, and the elements 
 
 So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up 
 
 And say to all the world, "This was a man!" 
 
 76117—22 3 [29] 
 
 
Address of Mr. Huddleston, of Alabama 
 
 Mr. Speaker: When we analyze the character of our 
 departed friend [Mr. Blackmon] we come upon three 
 beautiful qualities which he possessed to an extraordinary 
 degree. They were his predominating characteristics. 
 They mark his life and measure as a man. 
 
 First I place among Mr. Blackmon's characteristics his 
 virtue of loyalty. Loyal men are born, they are not 
 made. The instincts of loyalty are natural, they are not 
 acquired. Loyalty is a sentiment of the heart, it is not an 
 attribute of the mind. He was a loyal man in the best 
 sense of that term. He was loyal to his home town and 
 home community, to his district, to his State, and to our 
 common country. He knew no divided nor qualified 
 allegiance to the objects which he loyally cherished. In 
 none of them could he find fault, and he would allow no 
 other man to find fault in them in his presence. He was 
 loyal to the institutions of the section in which he lived, 
 to the traditions of the South, to its best, its noblest, its 
 highest; to its dreams and to its ideals. He was loyal to 
 what we know and speak of as American institutions, the 
 old-fashioned things of our country, to its liberties, to its 
 aspirations, and to its memories and its hopes. 
 
 Next I place among Mr. Blackmon's qualities his capac- 
 ity for friendship. He loved his friends deeply. There 
 was a delicacy and self-sacrifice in his attachment to them 
 akin to that found in women. He loved his friends un- 
 selfishly always. He was willing to prefer them, their 
 wishes, their inclinations, and their interests above his 
 own. He who would have friends must show himself 
 friendly. No man who loves and cherishes his friends 
 
 [30] 
 
Address of Mr. Hdddleston, of Alabama 
 
 truly and with singleness of heart ever finds himself with- 
 out friends. Small wonder that a vast concourse of 
 friends gathered at Mr. Black mux's grave. 
 
 Mr. Blackmon's third great quality was generosity. He 
 cherished no ill will. He forgave all. He overlooked 
 the errors and shortcomings of all. He ever turned the 
 actions of others to the hest light. He interpreted the con- 
 duct of men in the light of his own sincerity of purpose. 
 No word of criticism of any fellow Memher of Congress 
 was ever heard from him. To him they were ever pa- 
 triotic and good men. Over their faults and mistakes he 
 drew the veil of charity. He was incapable of small, 
 mean thoughts or petty criticism. He wanted men to be 
 noble and true, and sought always to believe them to 
 be so. 
 
 We shall miss him. Alabama will miss him. The 
 House of Bepresentatives will miss him. The Nation will 
 miss him. His great district will send one of its splendid 
 citizens as his successor. That he may be comparable to 
 our departed friend in these great qualities that mean so 
 much to public virtue and to private worth is my deep 
 hope. No man can ask for more. 
 
 [31] 
 
Address of Mr. Bowling, of Alabama 
 
 Mr. Speaker : Our lamented friend, Congressman Black- 
 mon, and I were boys together down in the beautiful Choc- 
 colocco Valley in Calhoun County, Ala. We attended the 
 same church and went to the same school. Together we 
 entered into the sports and diversions of the time. To- 
 day, as I stand in this Hall and with his many other 
 friends do honor to his memory, many happy recollec- 
 tions of incidents in the days of our youth and young S 
 manhood come to my mind as memory brings the light of 
 other days around me. 
 
 He lived in a fine old southern mansion, the abode of 
 culture and the home of a generous hospitality. A grove 
 of great oaks about the home is known far and wide in 
 Calhoun County as the Blackmon Grove. In years gone 
 by it was a noted meeting place for political orators, and 
 many times there were staged fierce political discussions. 
 To all of these forensic contests Mr. Blackmon, as boy and 
 man, was an interested listener, and in his front yard, as 
 it were, he learned his first lessons in political battle, the 
 influence of which served to shape his life and fix his 
 destiny. 
 
 After a while our lines diverged and for a number of 
 years I saw him but little. I knew, of course, that he was 
 an honored Member of Congress, playing well his part and 
 reflecting credit upon the State of his adoption. 
 
 It has been a personal satisfaction for me to hear his 
 fellow Members to-day pay tribute to the sterling qualities 
 of his manhood and his great worth as a legislator. That 
 he was a friend faithful and true all who knew him will 
 attest; that he served the Nation well in a great crisis is a 
 part of the written record of our country, passed on for 
 the benefit and the admiration of those who shall succeed 
 
 us here. 
 
 [32] 
 
Address of Mr. Bowling, of Alabama 
 
 The last public appearance of Mr. Blackmon in the Hall 
 of Congress was three weeks ago, when he presided as 
 Speaker pro tempore at the memorial session in honor of 
 the late Senator Bankhead. He was a stricken man then, 
 but no one dreamed that the end was so near. That night 
 he left this city to visit his home in search of health. In 
 a few days, hoping that the balmy air of Florida would 
 benefit him, he went to that State, but death was fast upon 
 his footsteps, and the end came within a few hours after 
 reaching the home of a kinsman in the land of flowers. 
 
 Of the events of his last hours no extended account has 
 come to us; but we do know that with characteristic forti- 
 tude and tender remembrance of those he loved he gave 
 his directions touching matters close to his home and his 
 heart. Of his immediate family none were present except 
 his little son, Fred, jr., to whom he spoke his final word of 
 cheer and love. 
 
 I doubt not that in those last hours, when the world was 
 receding, when the light of this world faded from his 
 dying eyes, he caught the gleam of the light that streams 
 from the eternal city; and when his dying ear no longer 
 heard the sounds of earth he caught the strains of music 
 proceeding from the great throne. A noble man has gone. 
 Peace to his ashes; God rest his soul; and may those he 
 loved ever abide within the shadow of the everlasting 
 wing. 
 
 Here Mr. Huddleston took the chair as Speaker pro 
 tempore. 
 
 [33] 
 
Address of Mr. Almon, of Alabama 
 
 Mr. Speaker: It has been my good fortune and pleasure 
 to know our friend and late colleague, Fred Blackmon, 
 for the past 20 years. I first knew him when we would 
 meet at the capitol in Montgomery, Ala., when I was serv- 
 ing in either the senate or the house and he was in the 
 senate. I remember how well he stood before the people 
 of Alabama as a public man when he served in the capac- 
 ity as senator from Calhoun County for 10 continuous 
 years. I remember his reputation as a lawyer as well as 
 a legislator in those days. He was regarded and consid- 
 ered as one of the brightest and most promising and most 
 useful young men of Alabama. At the end of his 10 
 years' service in the Alabama Legislature he was honored 
 by the people of the fourth district and sent to the Con- 
 gress of the United States for 10 consecutive years, and 
 has illustrated that same life and same character of use- 
 fulness and ability during the past 10 years in the service 
 of the United States as a national legislator that he did 
 as an Alabama lawmaker during the 10 preceding years. 
 
 I think that our colleague from Alabama [Mr. Huddles- 
 ton] struck the keynote when he said the outstanding 
 characteristic of Fred Blackmon was loyalty. He called 
 attention so beautifully and so well to the different 
 characteristics of loyalty that predominated in the charac- 
 ter of Mr. Blackmon. That accounted largely for his hav- 
 ing so many friends. I never knew a public man who had 
 more loyal friends than Fred Blackmon. He was loyal to 
 his friends, and even those who disagreed with him on 
 public questions admired and respected him. He was a 
 man of decided convictions and had the courage to stand 
 by them, speak out, and vote his convictions on all occa- 
 sions. His loyalty to his friends was beautiful. He was 
 
 [34] 
 
Address of Mr. Almon, of Alabama 
 
 a man who did not find fault with Ids friends. He was 
 a man who overlooked and did not criticise his friends 
 if ho found in them any faults and frailties. The last 
 official act of our lamented friend was three weeks ago 
 to-day when he presided over this House- on the occasion 
 of the memorial services held in honor of the late Senator 
 Bankhead, of Alabama, and when he walked out the door 
 no one thought that that was the last lime that he would 
 appear in this House as he had appeared so continuously 
 and with such distinguished ability for the last 10 years, 
 and his death came to us as a great surprise and as a great 
 shock. The Alabama delegation will miss him, and we 
 shall always profit by many of the examples that he has 
 set before us as a course that we should follow. We will 
 profit by emulating many of his characteristics and traits 
 of character. His character and public service have been 
 so well portrayed here by different Members of this 
 House, both from Alabama and other States, that I deem 
 it unnecessary to take the further time of the House. He 
 was my personal friend for the past 20 years. I was 
 grieved greatly to hear of his death, and shall miss him as 
 will the other Members of the House and the members of 
 the Alabama delegation. 
 
 [35] 
 
Address of Mr. Ramseyer, of Iowa 
 
 Mr. Speaker: This hour has hcen set aside hy order of 
 the House of Representatives for memorial addresses on 
 the life, character, and public service of Hon. Fred L. 
 Blackmon. In this way we preserve the memory of our 
 distinguished and beloved colleague through the perma- 
 nent records of our Government, a distinction he merits 
 not alone because he was a Member of this body at the 
 time of his death, but more on account of his achieve- 
 ments in both private and public life. 
 
 Hon. Fred L. Blackmon came up from the lowly walks 
 of life to a place of power and influence in our National 
 Government. By toil, privation, and industry he edu- 
 cated himself and was admitted to the bar. Ry his abil- 
 ity, perseverance, and integrity he won early recognition 
 and success in his chosen profession. He was public 
 spirited. He became a student of public questions. He 
 was large hearted and sympathetic. The common people 
 trusted him and elected him to the greatest legislative 
 body in the world. 
 
 As a Member of this body most of us first learned to 
 know him and to admire and respect him for his sterling 
 qualities, his devotion to the public service, and his fidelity 
 to his constituents whom he served in this House so faith- 
 fully and so ably. 
 
 I served with Mr. Blackmon on one of the most impor- 
 tant committees of this Housq for nearly four years. I 
 learned to know him well. His life and character will 
 be an inspiration to the young men of his district. State, 
 and Nation. It was the lives of men such as that of Hon. 
 Fred L. Blackmon that Longfellow had in mind in the 
 following lines: 
 
 [36] 
 
Address of Mr. Ramseyer, of Iowa 
 
 Lives of great men all remind us 
 We can make our lives sublime, 
 
 And departing, leave behind us 
 Footprints on the sands of time. 
 
 Footprints that perhaps another 
 Sailing o'er life's solemn main, 
 
 A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, 
 Seeing may take heart again. 
 
 Let us, then, be up and doing 
 With a heart for any fate; 
 
 Still achieving, still pursuing, 
 Learn to labor and to wait. 
 
 [37] 
 
Address of Mr. Bell, of Georgia 
 
 Mr. Speaker: "The reaper, Death, deals right and left," 
 and so our friend and colleague, Fred L. Blackmon, has 
 passed to the great beyond. 
 
 When the tidings of his untimely death reached Wash- 
 ington our hearts were saddened inexpressibly. Only a 
 short while before he had presided in this Chamber, where 
 we had gathered to pay tribute to the lamented Senator 
 Bankhead, from his own loved State of Alabama, and now 
 he, too, has " joined the innumerable throng " who have 
 gone before. With bowed heads and saddened hearts we 
 laid him to rest in his home at Anniston, Ala. I attended 
 his funeral, and the many beautiful tributes bore eloquent 
 testimony to the love and esteem in which he was held by 
 those who knew him best. Old and young, rich and poor, 
 were there to pay the last tribute to their fellow citizen 
 and friend. 
 
 During the years 1 have been associated with Mr. Black- 
 mon in the House I have been impressed with his absolute 
 honesty and uprightness. He was a man of strong con- 
 victions, with the courage to live up to them. He was 
 fearless in his advocacy of the right and never faltered in 
 doing his full duly to his constituents and friends. Truly 
 we shall miss him. We shall miss having the benefit of 
 his clear vision and tine mentality. His strict adherence 
 to principle and his willingness to bear his part in the 
 bivouac of life were an inspiration to all with whom he 
 came in contact. 
 
 We can not understand why one in the prime of life, so 
 well fitted to be of service to his fellow man and so eager 
 to serve, should be taken, but — 
 
 [38] 
 
Address of Mr. Bell, of Georoia 
 
 If we could push ajar the gates of life, 
 
 And stand within, and all God's working see, 
 
 We could interpret all this doubt and strife, 
 And for each mystery find a key. 
 
 But not to-day; then be content, poor hearts; 
 
 God's plans like lilies pure and white unfold; 
 We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart — 
 
 Time will reveal the calyxes of gold. 
 
 And if, through patient toil, we reach the land 
 Where tired feet, with sandals loosed, may rest, 
 
 When we shall know and clearly understand, 
 I think that we shall say that " God knows best.' 
 
 [39] 
 
Address of Mr. Rainey, of Alabama 
 
 Mr. Speaker: In memoriam of Fred L. Blackmon, my 
 departed friend, I wish to speak of his life, his character, 
 his virtues, and then to lay tenderly upon his bier a 
 wreath of flowers to his memory — a tribute to this 
 good, manly, and kind-hearted man. At his funeral 
 service, in his home town of Anniston, Ala., and in 
 his own home, I looked for the last time upon the well- 
 remembered features of Fred Blackmon. I saw an 
 embankment of tlowers bestowed by admiring friends, 
 fraternal orders, and organizations. I heard one of the 
 most eloquent sermons fall from the lips of man, deliv- 
 ered by Dr. Frank Brandon, my former pastor. I saw his 
 family, relatives, and friends stricken in sorrow and be- 
 reavement, and then at the conclusion of the service I 
 saw men from all the walks of life — the low and the high, 
 the rich and the poor — fde by the casket and gaze for the 
 last time upon the calm face. I saw a man of talent and 
 of genius pause — one of Alabama's most gifted sons- and 
 the tears trickled down his cheeks, and then I saw the old, 
 hardy son of toil from the mountains, his long gray beard 
 like the prophets of old, look upon his face, and heard 
 him exclaim, " Fred was always my friend." 
 
 Mr. Speaker, these incidents proclaim the man. He was 
 a child of nature. He loved his fellow men, and they 
 loved him and were proud of him. Time in his relent- 
 less course cuts down all alike. He spares neither the rich 
 nor the poor, the low nor the high, the weak nor the strong, 
 the mediocre nor the man of genius. Naught can defy 
 him, for in his onward course he has leveled mountains 
 with the plains, changed the course of mighty rivers, and 
 altered the basins of the seas. The stars, the planets, and 
 all that encompass heaven's cosmos have bowed to the 
 
 [40] 
 
Address of Mr. Rainey, ok Alabama 
 
 mandates of time. We mortals must follow nature's 
 course, and yet, though the body is cold in death, his 
 actions and influence shall live. His memory shall be 
 perpetuated not only in marble and upon the records of 
 his Nation but in the hearts and memory of living men. 
 The date and place of birth, childhood, and young man- 
 hood of the deceased have already been gone into in the 
 remarks of his bosom friend, Mr. Dent, and therefore I 
 shall speak of him from the time I first knew him, which 
 was about 1907. At that time Mr. Blackmon was the 
 junior member of one of the big law firms of Alabama— 
 Knox, Acker & Blackmon. He handled many cases for 
 his linn in my home town, Gadsden, Ala. In the trial of 
 these cases he attracted the attention of the local bar and 
 gave evidences of the qualifications which later developed 
 him into one of the leading trial lawyers of our State. 
 He knew men, and he knew human nature. This trait or 
 gift, together with his ability in presenting his case, made 
 him a power before the jury. 
 
 As a practitioner he was a success, and later in life, 
 when he entered the political arena, these same qualifica- 
 tions insured to him political success. As a man, a 
 lawyer, and a politician he enjoyed great popularity. 
 Familiarly known as " Fred," he was esteemed a loyal 
 and true friend, firm in his convictions and known never 
 to swerve from any stand he had taken so long as he 
 believed he was right. In the House he voted his convic- 
 tions fearlessly and regardless of consequences. Some 
 men. are politicians and vote public sentiment. In this 
 sense Mr. Blackmon was not a politician but always voted 
 as he believed. He was not one of those who are moved 
 by public opinion, fads, or sentiment. In the great battle 
 of life he won, and thousands in his district remember 
 him as their ardent friend. As a husband and father he 
 was affectionate, tender, and ever mindful of the slightest 
 
 [41] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 wish of wife or children. To know him was to love him, 
 and his friends were bound to him "with hoops of steel." 
 Life at best is one great struggle, and that character so 
 strong and ennobling which not only achieves success but 
 blesses all with kindness and consideration with whom 
 it comes in contact is rare indeed; but such was the char- 
 acter of Fred L. Blackmon. With the great lens of life 
 he concentrated the sunbeams of happiness, good cheer, 
 kindness, and good fellowship into many a dismal and 
 benighted heart and caused to spring therein new hope 
 and new aspirations. His personality was grand and the 
 influence of that personality gave confidence and courage. 
 While yet in the prime of manhood and usefulness the 
 grim reaper summoned him to answer death's call. He 
 answered that call as he had lived — courageously and 
 fearlessly. Farewell, my good friend, forever. You have 
 gone the way all of us must soon follow. May your mem- 
 ory live green always in the hearts of your friends and 
 may the influence of your good deeds live hereafter. 
 
 Mr. Almon. Mr. Speaker, one of our colleagues, Mr. 
 Bankhead, of Alabama, was called home yesterday very 
 suddenly and speedily on account of the death of his 
 sister, Mrs. George A. Lund, and he asked me to explain 
 why he could not be here to-day. Also, Mr. Rainey, of 
 Alabama, was called home on account of very important 
 business. So 1 ask unanimous consent that they be per- 
 mitted to extend their remarks in the Becord. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
 ordered. 
 
 Mr. Dent. Mr. Speaker, I have been especially requested 
 by the gentleman from Iowa [Mr. Ramseyer], who is un- 
 avoidably absent, and who served with Mr. Blackmon on 
 the Committee on the Post Office and Post Boads, to 
 secure permission for him to extend his remarks in the 
 
 [42] 
 
Proceedings in the House 
 
 Record. And I ask unanimous consent that the request 
 be granted. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
 ordered. 
 
 Mr. Dent. And, Mr. Speaker, I am also especially re- 
 quested to ask the same consent for the gentleman from 
 Georgia [Mr. Bell] and the gentleman from Kentucky 
 [Mr. Rouse], both of whom served with our late friend on 
 the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
 ordered. 
 
 Mr. Dent. And, Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members be 
 permitted to extend their remarks in the Record on the 
 life, character, and public services of the late Representa- 
 tive from Alabama, Mr. Fred L. Blackmon. 
 
 The Speaker pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
 ordered. 
 
 Mr. Dent. Now, Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do 
 now adjourn. 
 
 Thereupon, in accordance with the resolution pre- 
 viously adopted, the House (at 2 o'clock and 12 minutes 
 p. m.) adjourned until Monday, February 21, 1921, at 12 
 o'clock m. 
 
 [43] 
 

PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE 
 
 Tuesday, February 8, 1921. 
 
 A message from the House of Representatives, by D. K. 
 Hempstead, its enrolling clerk, communicated to the Sen- 
 ate the intelligence of the death of Hon. Fred L. Black- 
 mon, late a Representative from the State of Alabama, and 
 transmitted the resolutions of the House thereon. 
 
 Mr. Underwood. Mr. President, I ask that the resolu- 
 tion just received from the House of Representatives may 
 be laid before the Senate. 
 
 The Vice President. The Chair lays the resolutions of 
 the House of Representatives before the Senate, which 
 will be read. 
 
 The reading clerk read the resolutions of the House, as 
 follows : 
 
 In the House of Representatives 
 
 of the United States, 
 
 February 8, 19-21. 
 
 Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of 
 the death of Hon. Fred L. Blackmon, a Representative from the 
 State of Alabama. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of 18 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. 
 
 Resolved, That as a further mark of respect this House do now 
 adjourn. 
 
 7<;ii7— 22 — —4 ••">, 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 Mr. Underwood. Mr. President, the Senate has just 
 heard the announcement of the death of my friend and 
 colleague, Hon. Fred L. Blackmon, a Representative in 
 Congress from the State of Alabama. He died leaving 
 many friends to mourn his loss and left a record behind 
 him of public duty well performed that will be an honor 
 to his State and a credit to his people. 
 
 I offer the following resolutions and move their 
 adoption. 
 
 The resolutions (S. Res. 441) were read, considered by 
 unanimous consent, and unanimously agreed to, as 
 follows : 
 
 Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the 
 announcement of the death of Hon. Fred L. Blackmon, late a 
 Representative from the State of Alabama. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of six Senators be appointed by the 
 Vice President to join the committee appointed by the House of 
 Representatives to take order for the superintending of the funeral 
 of Mr. Blackmon at Anniston, Ala. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these resolutions to 
 the House of Representatives. 
 
 The Vice President appointed as the committee under 
 the second resolution Mr. Underwood, Mr. Heflin, Mr. 
 Dial, Mr. King, Mr. Fernald, and Mr. Curtis. 
 
 Mr. Underwood. Mr. President, as a further mark of 
 respect to the memory of the deceased Representative, I 
 move that the Senate do now adjourn. 
 
 The motion was unanimously agreed to; and (at 6 
 o'clock and 10 minutes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until 
 to-morrow, Wednesday, February 9, 1921, at 11 o'clock 
 a. m. 
 
 Wednesday, March 2, 1921. 
 Mr. Underwood. Mr. President, on account of the recent 
 death of one of my colleagues in the House and the fact 
 
 [46] 
 
Proceedings in the Senate 
 
 that the resolutions came over from the House at a late 
 hour in respect to another colleague who has passed away, 
 it is desired at an early date to hold memorial services. 
 We are approaching the closing hours of the Congress. I 
 ask unanimous consent that a short time may be set aside 
 this afternoon to offer resolutions in reference to the late 
 Fred L. Blackmon, of Alabama, and that a few short 
 speeches may be made. I ask that at 3 o'clock the un- 
 finished business may be laid aside for that purpose. It 
 will not take long to dispose of it. 
 
 Mr. Poindexter. I have no objection. 
 
 The Vice President. There being no objection, the order 
 will be entered. 
 
 Mr. Underwood. Mr. President, the Senate by order has 
 set apart the hour of 3 o'clock for eulogies on a late Rep- 
 resentative from the State of Alabama, and as that hour 
 has about arrived, if there is no objection, I will ask that 
 the Senate proceed under that order. 
 
 I ask the Chair to lay before the Senate the resolutions 
 of the House of Representatives. 
 
 The Presiding Officer (Mr. Fernald in the chair). The 
 Chair lays before the Senate the resolutions of the House 
 of Representatives, which will be read. 
 
 The reading clerk read the resolutions, as follows : 
 
 In the Hoise of Representative*; 
 
 of the United States, 
 
 February 20, 1921. 
 Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended, 
 that opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of 
 Hon. Fred L. Blackmon, late a Member of this House from the 
 State of Alabama. 
 
 Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory 
 of the deceased and in recognition of his distinguished public 
 career the House at the conclusion of these exercises shall stand 
 adjourned. 
 
 [47] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 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. 
 
 Mr. Underwood. Mr. President, I submit the following 
 resolutions and ask for their adoption. 
 
 The resolutions (S. Res. 469) were read and considered 
 by unanimous consent, as follows: 
 
 Resolved, That the business of the Senate be now suspended, 
 that opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of the 
 Hon. Fred L. Blackmon, late a Member of the House of Repre- 
 sentatives from the State of Alabama. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these resolutions to 
 the House of Representatives. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these 
 resolutions to the family of the decedent. 
 
 [48] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 
 
 Address of Mr. Underwood, of Alabama 
 
 Mr. President: We stand in the closing hours of a dying 
 Congress. The hour is fast approaching when friend- 
 ships of many years' standing must part and go their sepa- 
 rate ways. We can not but feel in our inner hearts a note 
 of sadness as we realize the ties that bound many of us 
 together are about to sever, and in this hour we halt the 
 column in its march along the legislative highways to 
 recall the memory of our friends and colleagues who 
 served loyally with us in life and passed to the great be- 
 yond within the life of this Congress. 
 
 The State of Alabama asks you to halt the legislative 
 battle for an hour to do reverence to the memory of our 
 honored son. Fred L. Blackmon, of the fourth district of 
 Alabama, who served until a few weeks ago, when he was 
 called to his fathers. 
 
 Mr. President, the delegation from Alabama mourn the 
 loss of another friend and colleague, who died but a few 
 weeks ago. Fred L. Blackmon was born in Lime Branch, 
 Polk County, Ga., on the 15th day of September, 1873, and 
 when he was 20 years of age he moved to Calhoun County, 
 Ala., and made that his home to the day of his death. He 
 served with distinction in the General Assembly of Ala- 
 bama, and was elected to the Sixty-second Congress and 
 served for nearly 10 years, up to the time of his death. 
 He was a lawyer of excellent ability and high attainments; 
 a representative of the people, in whom all had confidence 
 in his high integrity, honesty of purpose, unbending loy- 
 alty to the principles in which he believed, and devotion 
 to his people unrivaled by any. He was a Democrat in 
 
 [49] 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 political faith, not merely by the accident of birth or 
 environment but because he had a full understanding of 
 the fundamental principles of his party and unyielding 
 faith in those great principles being the beacon star of our 
 national life. He had the courage of his convictions. He 
 never sacrificed principle for the sake of expediency. He 
 was ready to sustain the cause he advocated regardless of 
 the cost to himself. He was an excellent debater and 
 earnest worker and loyal friend. But, above all things, 
 he stood to the world foursquare as a real man, a stanch 
 friend, and true American. Honesty of purpose and loy- 
 alty of character always marked his course in life. We 
 who knew him best loved him most. His passing from us 
 left a deep sorrow in our hearts and an abiding love of 
 his memory that will rest with us always. 
 
 [50] 
 
Address of Mr. Robinson, of Arkansas 
 
 Mr. President: The Senate has scarcely known a husier 
 time than that through which we arc now passing. We 
 pause in the midst of important duties to pay tribute to 
 the memory of two departed friends. Both of them 
 served with ability and distinction in the House of Rep- 
 resentatives. 
 
 The Senate honors itself in paying just and appropriate 
 tributes to the name and service of Fred L. Blackmon. 
 
 Mr. Blackmon fell in the very prime of life. His per- 
 sonal characteristics endeared him to everyone with 
 whom he came in contact. He was genial, sincere, loyal, 
 and able. As a lawyer he earned distinction at the bar of 
 Alabama. As a legislator his services were characterized 
 by independence of thought and fearlessness of action. 
 He belonged to the old school of statesmen who believed 
 in the preservation of the respective powers of the States 
 and of the Nation. He witnessed with regret the constant 
 growth and multiplication of Federal agencies and the 
 expansion of Federal activities. We are all conscious of 
 the fact that Federal agencies during the last 20 years 
 have multiplied in numbers and that Federal activities 
 have been so greatly increased Congress is now almost 
 constantly in session. Throughout the future it is prob- 
 able that Congress will be in continuous performance. 
 
 Mr. Blackmon enjoyed many intimate friends through- 
 out the period of his service in the House of Bepresenta- 
 tives. He was interested in many important measures of 
 legislation. As a speaker he was forceful, clear, and 
 direct. He was always prompt and diligent in the per- 
 formance of his duties. His people trusted him and re- 
 peatedly returned him to Congress. He rewarded their 
 confidence with faithful devotion to their interests and 
 with conscientious performance of duty. 
 
 [51] 
 
Address of Mr. McKellar, of Tennessee 
 
 Mr. President: Alabama has indeed been unfortunate 
 lately in the loss of her distinguished sons. Mr. Burnett's 
 death was followed by that of Congressman Fred L. 
 Blackmon, a Bepresentative from the fourth Alabama 
 district. His death was sudden and unexpected. He died 
 while away from home. 
 
 Mr. President, I was born in the State of Alabama, in 
 the district that was represented in the House of Bepre- 
 sentatives by Mr. Blackmon for so many years. He lived 
 near my home. He was educated by my eldest sister. I 
 think the most of the education that he received was re- 
 ceived at her hands. He was a splendid young boy. He 
 was a good student. He had a splendid mind. When he 
 arrived at manhood's estate he became a lawyer, having 
 received his legal education at the University of Alabama. 
 He made a distinguished record there, and afterwards at 
 the bar he quickly assumed a commanding position. He 
 was successful in all that he attempted. 
 
 Turning to politics while still a young man, he was 
 elected to the House of Bepresentatives and was reelected 
 five times, his period of service extending over 10 years. 
 Popular in his own district, no one could defeat him. 
 Though it was frequently tried, he always won by his 
 ability, by his geniality, by his honesty and sincerity of 
 purpose. 
 
 He did not always agree with probably most of his con- 
 stituents; he frequently disagreed with them. I remem- 
 ber on the subject of prohibition his views did not accord 
 with the majority views of his district, but in that manly, 
 upright, honest, straightforward way of his he voted his 
 own convictions, and the people, while disagreeing with 
 him upon that important question, always stood by him. 
 
 [52] 
 
Address of Mr. McKellar, of Tennessee 
 
 I know him intimately in the House of Representatives. 
 I loved him, and I think everyone else who knew him 
 loved him — a kindly hearted man, a man of a noble soul, 
 a man who had nothing of guile in his nature, a man who 
 loved men because they were men, a man in whose word 
 every one of his fellows had the most implicit confidence. 
 His word was always as good as his bond. He stood high 
 in the House. He was a member of the Post Office Com- 
 mittee in that body. He took an active and effective in- 
 terest in all that came before that committee. He did 
 much for roads and much for the building up of all the 
 various branches of the Postal Service. I deeply regret 
 his death and shall ever cherish the memory of my 
 departed friend. 
 
 [53] 
 
Address of Mr. Harris, of Georgia 
 
 Mr. President: The Senators from Alabama and other 
 States have spoken and will speak of the career of Fred- 
 erick L. Blackmon as a citizen of Alabama and as a faith- 
 ful and capable Member of Congress. To me he wlas not 
 only my associate in the Halls of Congress, but his birth- 
 place and mine were in the same county in Georgia, and I 
 can think of him only as a Polk County, Ga., boy who was 
 living near me in my earliest years and who was among 
 the best and closest friends since I came here as Director 
 of the Census in 1913. 
 
 Because he was born and bred in my county and my 
 State I wish to make a brief reference to the family, the 
 community, and the county that gave him the natural 
 endowments, the social standards, and the patriotic im- 
 pulses which enabled him to win his way to such dis- 
 tinguished service in his day and generation. A man is 
 always the product of his nature and his nurture, of his 
 inborn powers, and his experiences with the world about 
 him — in short, of his heredity and his environment. It is 
 through his family stock that he receives his nature, his 
 inborn powers, and it is his home and community and 
 State that make the nature and provide the experiences 
 which train him. If we would answer the question, How 
 shall we account for the high achievements of our dead 
 friend? we must go to the family stocks from whence he 
 sprung and to the home and community in which he 
 received his early training. 
 
 Frederick L. Blackmon's mother was Sarah Ann Ross; 
 his father was a physician, who lived on his farm in a 
 community called Lime Branch, which is within 6 miles 
 of Cedartown, where lived my own father, who was also 
 a physician. Our fathers were personal friends and co- 
 workers in the great profession which seeks to promote 
 the health and strength of humanity. 
 
 [54] 
 
Address of Mr. Harris, of Georgia 
 
 Dr. Augustin Blackmon, the father of Frederick, was 
 given the name of Augustin as a mark of admiration for 
 a remarkable man, Augustin Young, who was a near 
 neighbor and the grandfather of many noble men and 
 women in my county and also the grandfather of the Hon. 
 James Young, the very able and conscientious Member of 
 Congress from Texas. 
 
 It was an unusually fine type of family stocks who lived 
 as neighbors of Dr. Augustin Blackmon and cooperated 
 with him in building that community spirit at Lime Branch 
 which gave its schools, churches, roads, farms, and homes 
 a standing far above that usually found. These families 
 were, as their names will show, all derived from that 
 Scotch-Irish strain that had settled Virginia, the Carolinas, 
 and Georgia, driving back the Indians, cutting down the 
 forests, building the homes, bridging the rivers, making 
 the laws, and giving a church and school to every com- 
 munity. The children and grandchildren of the settlers 
 of Virginia and the Carolinas went to middle Georgia by 
 the thousands between 1750 and 1800, and scarcely a gen- 
 eration had passed before thousands of their descendants 
 had moved to western Georgia. As it was usually the 
 most daring and the most enterprising of the younger gen- 
 eration that moved the empire of the white race westward, 
 it was from the best of the human stocks of middle 
 Georgia thai came the young men and women that made 
 the pioneer settlements in western Georgia. The very 
 names of these families who settled in Lime Branch be- 
 tween 1830 and 1860 show that they were but the advanced 
 lines of that great Scotch-Irish strain which left Europe to 
 find freedom and the fortunes awaiting them in America. 
 As you listen to these names you will find them all Anglo- 
 Saxon or Scotch-Irish. Those who made the early settlers 
 at Lime Branch were the Blackmons, Youngs, Coxes. 
 Caseys, Pittmans, Hiekses. Sewells. Hoggs, Willinghams, 
 
Memorial Addresses: Representative Blackmon 
 
 Cleavelands, Merritts, Brewsters, Garners, Winkles, 
 Wrays, and many others. Their forefathers and descend- 
 ants have distinguished themselves in all the wars from 
 the Revolutionary through to the World War. 
 
 Three miles south of Lime Branch lived William F. 
 Janes, who as a member of the legislature introduced the 
 bill creating Polk County. His son, Charles G. Janes, 
 was judge of the Tallapoosa circuit for many years. The 
 late Robert W. Everett, a successful teacher and farmer, 
 who so ably represented the seventh congressional district 
 in Congress, lived near by and taught many of those who 
 lived in the Lime Branch neighborhood and other sections 
 of Polk County. 
 
 These and others were the family stocks that gave pres- 
 tige to Lime Branch and Polk County by their traditions 
 and churches and schools and which trained every child 
 to the best ideals of manhood. It was the Blackmon-Ross 
 marriage, both Scotch-Irish names, that gave to Frederick 
 Blackmon the ability and the training that secured for 
 him the confidence and the leadership of the congres- 
 sional district in Alabama to which his mother moved 
 before his youth was completed. Mrs. David Lowry and 
 Mrs. Samuel Hogg, two splendid women of Polk County, 
 Ga., are sisters of Frederick Blackmon. 
 
 I trust that the Senators will not think it improper for 
 me to speak of these facts and names that apparently 
 belong to one family and one county, for reflection will 
 convince them that it is well to give honor to those fire- 
 sides and those community influences which produce 
 strong and noble men like Frederick Blackmon. 
 
 From scenes like these old Scotia's grandeur springs, 
 That makes her loved at home, revered abroad. 
 
 Princes and lords are but the breath of kings — 
 An honest man's the noblest work of God. 
 
 [56] 
 
Address of Mr. Harris, of Georgia 
 
 A boy born and bred in a rural community in Polk 
 County, Ga.; moved in bis youth to Alabama with his 
 mother, who continued there the same inspiration to 
 noble deeds, the same respect for right and duty, the same 
 urge to high achievements as had made the spirit of the 
 home in Georgia; and the boy became the servant of his 
 State and of all the United States in the Halls of Congress. 
 This is the continuing glory of our country. 
 
 [57] 
 
Address of Mr. Hefi.in, of Alabama 
 
 Mr. President: The custom of holding memorial serv- 
 ices out of respect for and in honor of a Member of Con- 
 gress who died in the service is indeed a beautiful and 
 praiseworthy custom. Here we are in the closing houi's of 
 the session and yet Congress halts its pressing, important 
 business and lays aside its legislative program long enough 
 to pay a tribute of love and esteem to two able and faith- 
 ful Members who have so recently served here. Death has 
 invaded the ranks of the Alabama delegation three times 
 during the Sixty-sixth Congress. Three able and faithful 
 servants of our people, one Senator and two Members of 
 the House, have gone from these historic Halls to their 
 last resting place. When memorial services were held in 
 the House in honor of Congressman Burnett I was a Mem- 
 ber of that body and delivered one of the addresses on 
 that occasion. I now desire to say a few words about my 
 good friend and recent colleague in the House, Fred L. 
 Blackmon, who died just a few days ago while serving the 
 fourth Alabama district in the Congress of the United 
 States. He was only 48 years old when the summons 
 came. In the midst of a brilliant and useful career, just 
 in the prime of life, death called him and he left us to join 
 that innumerable throng over yonder where there is no 
 death but life forevermore. 
 
 Mr. President, years ago he was elected by the good 
 people of Calhoun County to represent them in the Ala- 
 bama State Senate. He had before coming to Congress 
 legislative experience and training which wonderfully 
 well equipped him for service in the lower House. He 
 was elected from the fourth district of Alabama, the dis- 
 trict adjoining the fifth, the one that I had the honor to 
 represent for more than 16 years in the other branch of 
 
 Congress. 
 
 [58] 
 
Address of Mk. Hefi.in, of Alabama 
 
 The people of that district delighted to honor him and 
 to have him as their Representative in the greatest law- 
 making body in Ihe world. For 10 years the people of that 
 district commissioned him as their Representative and 
 he had been elected to represent them in the Sixty-seventh 
 Congress. After his last triumphant election he an- 
 nounced his intention to retire at the expiration of the 
 Sixty-seventh Congress and go back into the practice of 
 the law at Anniston, Ala. He was a splendid and a won- 
 derfully successful lawyer, and had for years enjoyed the 
 reputation of being one of the very best trial lawyers in 
 our State. He was exceedingly popular with both judge 
 and jury. He was a brave, manly man, a devoted friend, 
 a good citizen, and an able and faithful Representative in 
 Congress. 
 
 Mr. President, he will be missed and mourned by a large 
 circle of devoted friends in Alabama and by those with 
 whom he served so ably and well here in the Capitol of 
 the Nation. In the brilliancy and buoyancy of a useful 
 life death touched his dreamless slumber to his eyelids 
 and he fell asleep. He leaves a charming and devoted 
 wife and two splendid children, Fred L., jr., and Sara B. 
 Blackmon, to mourn his loss. In his death Alabama has 
 lost a distinguished, valuable, and popular citizen and an 
 able and faithful Representative in the Congress of the 
 United States. 
 
 Mr. President, I move the adoption of the resolutions 
 submitted by my colleague [Mr. Underwood]. 
 
 The Presiding Officer (Mr. Walsh of Massachusetts in 
 the chair). Without objection, the resolutions offered by 
 the senior Senator from Alabama will be unanimously 
 agreed to. 
 
 3 
 
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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