Class . Bonk I /. 61S Jrf C S««^f SS } HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES {^t^oTsoU'* 5 ■ FRANCIS RIVES LASSITER (Late a Representative from Virginia) MEMORIAL ADDRESSES DELIVERED IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- TIVES OF THE UNITED STATES SIXTY-FIRST CONGRESS SECOND SESSION Proceedings in the House May 8, 1910 Proceedings in the Senate December 7, 1909 COMPILED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING ft^= WASHINGTON 1911 J TABLE OF CONTENTS Page. Proceedings in the House 5 Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 7 Memorial addresses by Mr. Turnbull, of Virginia 9 Mr. Hay, of Virginia 12 Mr. Saunders, of Virginia 14 Mr. Carlin, of Virginia 18 Mr. Slemp, of Virginia 22 Mr. Small, of North Carolina 26 Mr. Lamb, of Virginia 29 Mr. Gaines, of West Virginia 34 Mr. Maynard, of Virginia 3G Mr. Moore, of Pennsylvania 39 Proceedings in the Senate 43 [3] DEATH OF HON. FRANCIS RIVES LASSITER Proceedings in the House Monday, December 6, 1909. Mr. Jones. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness and a keen sense of loss that I announce the death of my late col- league, Hon. Francis Rives Lassiter, who died suddenly at his home in the city of Petersburg on Sunday after- noon, October 31 last. At some future time I shall ask the House to set apart a day when Members may be afforded an opportunity to pay suitable tribute to the life and character of the deceased. I now send to the Clerk's desk to be read, and move the immediate adoption of, the following resolutions. The Speaker. The Clerk will report the resolutions. The Clerk read as follows : Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. Francis Rives Lassiter, late a Representative from the State of Virginia. Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be directed to transmit a copy of these resolutions to the Senate. The resolutions were agreed to. The Speaker. The Clerk will report the additional resolution. [5] Memorial Addresses: Representative Lassiter The Clerk read as follows: Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Hon. Francis Rives Lassiter and the Hon. David Albaugh De Armond the House do now adjourn. The resolution was agreed to. Accordingly (at 12 o'clock and 40 minutes p. m.) the House adjourned. Tuesday, April 12, 1910. Mr. Turnbull. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the adoption of the order which I send to the Clerk's desk. The Clerk read as follows : Ordered, That there be a session of the House on Sunday, the 8th day of May, at 12 o'clock, to be set apart for addresses on the life, character, and public services of the Hon. Francis Rives Lassiter, late a Representative from the State of Virginia. The order was agreed to. Sunday, May 8, 1910. The House met at 12 o'clock noon and was called to order by the Clerk, who read the following communi- cation: Speaker's Room, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C, May 8, 1910. I hereby designate Hon. William A. Jones, of Virginia, as Speaker pro tempore for this day, J. G. Cannon, Speaker. [6] Proceedings in the Hotse Mr. Jones took the chair as Speaker pro tempore. The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the following prayer: Infinite and eternal spirit, Father of all souls, we are assemhled here to-day in response to a natural impulse of the human heart and in accordance with a long-estab- lished custom. Death, though perfectly natural, seldom comes without a shock, snapping the ties of love and friendship; then it is the deeps of the soul are broken up, the sympathies are loosed, and we need that comfort which cometh from above to deepen our faith in Thee and quicken our hope in the life everlasting. We are here in memory of one gifted by nature with large endowments, which, through the process of edu- cation, were developed to a high degree of perfection; possessed of a warm heart and a genial nature, he was prepared for a life of usefulness, and on the floor of this House served with fidelity his State and Nation. Com- fort, we beseech Thee, his colleagues, friends, and those to whom he was bound by the ties of kinship. Impress us with the uncertainty of this life and help us to do our work with patience, fidelity, and earnestness, so that when the summons conies we shall be prepared to pass on to whatever awaits us in the great beyond. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. The Journal of the proceedings of Saturday, May 7, 1910, was read and approved. The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the special order for to-day. The Clerk read as follows: On motion of Mr. Turnbull, by unanimous consent — Ordered, That there be a session of the House on Sunday, the 8lh day of May, at 12 o'clock, to be set apart for addresses on the [7] Memorial Addresses : Representative Lassiter life, character, and public services of the Hon. Francis Rives Lassiter, late a Representative from the State of Virginia. (Order agreed to in the House April 12, 1910.) Mr. Turnbull. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following resolutions: The Clerk read as follows: Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended, that opportunity may be given for tribute to the memory of the Hon. Francis Rives Lassiter, late a Member of this House from the State of Virginia. Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, and in recognition of his distinguished career, the House, at the conclusion of these exercises, do stand ad- journed. 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 resolutions were unanimously agreed to. [8] MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Address of Mr. Turnbull, of Virginia Mr. Speaker: The Hon. Francis Rives Lassiter, whose memory we have met to-day to commemorate, was born in the city of Petersburg, Va., on the 18th day of February, 1866. He was a son of Dr. D. W. Lassiter and Anna Rives Heath, his wife. He was educated at McCabe's University School, at Petersburg, until 1883, when he attended the University of Virginia and took the academic courses there, and in 1886 he graduated in law from the univer- sity, having taken the degree of bachelor of laws. Soon after he graduated at the University of Virginia he moved to Roston, Mass., where he practiced his chosen profession until the year 1888, when he returned to Petersburg, his native city, and was appointed city attor- ney for that city, which position he held until he was appointed United States attorney for the eastern district of Virginia by President Cleveland. He resigned his position in 1896, and about this time he became a candi- date for the office of attorney general of Virginia, and only lacked a few votes of securing the nomination for that position at the hands of the Democratic convention of the State, and in 1899 he was appointed superintendent of the Twelfth Census for the fourth congressional district. In early life he was captain of one of the military com- panies of his city and was afterwards elected major of the regiment to which his company belonged. [9] Memorial Addresses: Representative Lassiter Maj. Lassiter was first elected to Congress from the fourth congressional district of Virginia in 1900, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the Hon. Sydney P. Epes, and was reelected for the succeeding term. He was again elected to Congress in 1906 and 1908. He was for a number of years a member of the Democratic State cen- tral committee and chairman of the committee of the fourth district, and rendered active and valuable service to the party in the State and district. He died suddenly on the last day of October, 1909, having been cut down in the prime of life. It was not my privilege to know Maj. Lassiter very inti- mately, but he was a man of scholarly attainments, of pleasing address, of genial temperament, of kind heart, had a host of friends throughout the State and district, and had a strong hold upon the people of the district. Maj. Lassiter was a widower, having married Miss McGill, the daughter of John McGill, of the city of Petersburg, and she died several years ago without children. Our lives, Mr. Speaker, are but guideposts to others in the journey along life's pathway, and Maj. Lassiter's whole life shows what can be accomplished by persistent effort and untiring industry. Maj. Lassiter was reared in a home, an old Virginia home, where he could imbibe nothing but what stood for gentility, culture, and refinement. He was taught at his mother's knee to obey the orders of those who had a right to command his obedience, and to be gentle, courteous, and polite to all, the high as well as the lowly; to love and reverence his home and to stand up for the preservation of its sanctity against all comers; to honor his father and his mother; to love his native State and her traditions, and to do all in his power to build up her waste places and to cause her again to occupy the important position [10] Address of Mr. Turnbull, of Virginia that she once held in the councils of the Nation, and to love our common country and its Constitution in which our forefathers took such an active part in shaping and putting into effect, to stand up for its preservation in time of peace, and to hattle for it in time of war. It is such principles as these that we Virginians stand for to-day. [11] Address of Mr. Hay, of Virginia Mr. Speaker : " The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, the great earth itself, resolve into a vision and leave not a rack behind," may truthfully be said of all nature, save man. He alone lives in the hearts of those who survive him, and he lives longest who has loved most, who has been most loyal to friends. Such a one was Frank Lassiter. I wish to say one word of appreciation of Frank Las- siter. I knew him well. For more than 20 years I was associated with him in one way or another, and believe that I have formed a just estimate of his character and mind. He was above all a gentleman, courteous, kind, gen- erous to a fault, considerate of others, of most engaging manners, and " manners are not idle, but the fruit of loyal nature and of noble mind." He was a loyal friend. In all the relations of life he never faltered in his allegiance to the highest principles of truth and honor. In defeat he was not bitter; in victory he was mag- nanimous. He had an intense love for his State and for his people, and in their darkest hours he gave to them all the bril- liancy of his intellect, all the energy of his being, all the loyalty of his nature. He was appreciated by his people. They had in him a confidence begotten by a hundred proofs of his devotion to them and to the principles in which they and he be- lieved. He never hesitated to sacrifice his own interests, if by so doing he could promote the cause of his country and his party. :i2i Address of Mr. Hay, of Virginia He had but brief service in this House, but his broad culture and knowledge of affairs made a deep impression upon all with whom he came in contact. He took great pride in his work here and devoted himself to it with singleness of purpose and intelligent diligence. He had a high sense of the responsibility of his place in this great council. He felt that to be a Member of this body was a great honor and that he owed to it the best efforts of his mind. Words are all too poor to express our grief at his untimely taking off. He is " Where beyond these voices there is peace." He will live in the hearts of those who loved him, and his memory will be kept green by those he loved. 13] Address of Mr. Saunders, of Virginia Mr. Speaker: It is a melancholy task to lay the wreaths of affection and the tributes of admiration on the grave of a departed friend. But it is fitting that the men who served with him and loved him should avail themselves of the opportunity which this sad occasion affords to commemorate the striking cpialities of that strong and attractive personality which we knew in life as Frank Lassiter. The subject of these memorial exercises was born in Petersburg in February, 1866, at a time when that city was prostrate from the dreadful experiences through which it had passed in the closing years of the Civil War. He lived to see it take its proper place in the fair sister- hood of Virginia cities, in no small degree through the energy and activities of that generation to which Mr. Lassiter belonged and in which through his generous endowments of heart and brain he played a large and conspicuous part. Mr. Lassiter was thoroughly educated in several of the schools for which his State is famous, and in 1886 received the coveted degree of bachelor of laws from the Univer- sity of Virginia. For a short time he practiced in Boston, but soon re- turned to his native city where he continued to reside until his untimely death. He was active in his profession, and the rewards soon came that inevitably wait upon capacity, energy, and integrity. He was elected city attorney for Petersburg in 1888 and continued to hold that office until he was appointed [14] Address of Mr. Saunders, of Virginia district attorney for the eastern district of Virginia in 1893. In 1899 he was appointed supervisor of the census for his district. He was elected to the Fifty-sixth Congress to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Sydney Epes. He was elected to the Fifty-seventh Congress, the Sixtieth Congress, and the Sixty-first Congress. During all these years he grew in favor with his con- stituents and associates. Mr. Lassiter from early man- hood took an active part in politics and was always at the service of a friend. He was true to his convictions, inflexible in his integrity, and fearless in the maintenance of his principles. He was a scholarly man of decided literary attainments and large culture. As a public speaker he was graceful, vigorous, and eloquent, drawing at all times from the well-filled quiver of an extensive vocabulary and the copious stores of a highly trained mind. He was frank, honest, sincere, loyal, and generous. He had his faults, as all of us, but they merely illustrated that inheritance of fallibility which is our common lot. It has been well said of him that he was true to his friends and that no man had truer friends. There is something strong, true, sincere, and lovable about a man when his friends are true to him. It is well to think of those quali- ties in a man which make men love him — delicate honor, inflexible integrity, unswerving loyalty, and chivalrous purpose. These things survive the fitful fever of the indi- vidual life, and in their contemplation men are lifted up to higher things. It is hard to see a friend pass away at a time when his powers ought to be at their maturity and his capacity for usefulness and services at their highest point of efficiency. But how often is this true in the common ken of man- kind. Maj. Lassiter was a little over 43 at the time of his death. The time was far distant when in natural course 15180°— 11- tlS] Memorial Addresses: Representative Lassiter his physical vigor was to decline and his mental powers abate. Apparently the rich promise of the years was his when in a moment the summons came that awaits us all. Death has been busy in the Virginia delegation in the last decade or two. Gen. Lee, Mr. Rixey, Mr. Epes, Maj. Lassiter, Maj. Otey, Dr. Wise, Senator Barbour, Col. Slemp, all have died in harness. We are continually reminded in the lives of our friends and associates of the uncertainty of life, of the impartiality with which Death leaves his fatal summons in the lowly hovel and the sumptuous palace. Mortal life is a vapor, an exhalation, a fleeting cloud, a snowflake that whitens the bosom of the waters for a moment and then is gone forever. To-day in full luxuriance, to-morrow it is cut down and withered. We grope here for a little while between two grim and forbidding eternities if we view them in the light of the feeble taper of man's intellect. The Christian alone sees a star of hope in the vault of immensity. It is well for us to be reminded of our own littleness and fleeting tenure on mortal life. It may serve to turn our thoughts, our vision, our aspirations to the larger life beyond. In that contemplation we will lay hold of the steadfast and com- forting assurance, that " death did not come to our col- league bearing in his hand the sickle of destruction, but the scepter of immortality." Truly it has been said that " the multitudinous voices of earth and air are prophecies of a world to be." The flowers of the field rising from countless graves; the un- folding leaves of the forest, heralding the approach of summer; the orchards and meadows bursting into bloom; myriads of winged minstrels filling the world with mel- ody; are the evangels of the Lord, demonstrating before our eyes the universal victory of life over death. They [16] Address of Mr. Saunders, of Virginia are God's answers to the question, If a man die, shall he live again? They teach us the welcome lesson of immor- tality, and that — Beyond the waking, and the sleeping, Beyond the smiling and the weeping, We shall meet again. Yes, we shall meet again; blessed, sacred, comforting thought. [17] Address of Mr. Carlin, of Virginia Mr. Speaker : Francis Rives Lassiter was our colleague. When we last saw him — it was but a few days before death claimed him — he was apparently in good health. No one suspected that a kind and merciful Providence would so soon call him to a better and a higher life. It was my pleasure to have been with him for several hours just a few days before and to have observed him in the full bloom of his manhood and to have engaged with him in cheerful conversation, and when, on the 31st of October of last year, the news was flashed over the wires that he had died suddenly in his home city of Peters- burg, Va., I was slow to believe the truth. The verifica- tion of this sad intelligence soon followed, and again we were forced to realize the uncertainty of human life. We spend our lives in the busy turmoil of human affairs with but the slightest thought of the sad fact that we are doomed to certain death, and live as though this were an eternal existence, and were it not for the fact that we are constantly awakened by the death of some dear relative or friend and thus admonished that we are surely to follow, we would perhaps lose the opportunity for reflection. Providence has perhaps designed sudden death for some wise and good purpose. It may be to summon the living millions to careful, sober thought of the existence of a Supreme Being and a life beyond this world of care and strife. We can not look back and review the past of our la- mented friend and observe his splendid career or forecast his bright future without being forced, strong men though [18] Address of Mr. Carlin, of Virginia we are, busy with this world's affairs, to a realization of the fact that, after all, even the great and powerful play but a small part in the affairs of men and are but atoms in the great sea of life, and that life itself would hardly be worth the living were it not for the hope of everlasting reward in the great eternity. The death change comes. Death is another life. We bow our heads At going out, we think, and enter straight Another golden chamber of the King's, Larger than this we leave, and lovelier. And then in shadowy glimpses, disconnect, The story, flower-like, closes thus its leaves. The will of God is all in all. He makes, Destroys, remakes, for His own pleasure, all. Our lamented friend was a brave, intellectual, cultured man. These were the qualities with which God endowed him. He was human, and no doubt had his faults, but that he made good use of his talents is abundantly proven by the fairness of his dealing with his fellow-men and the usefulness of his career. The State in which he was born was selected by him as the stage upon which to play his part. It was there he was educated and received the degree of LL. B. from the University of Virginia in 1886, and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1888. He was an honored member of the legal profession until the day of his death. He was corporation attorney for the city of Petersburg from 1888 until 1892; United States attorney for the eastern district of Virginia from 1893 until 1896. In the practice of his profession he won the confidence and respect of bench and bar, and those who had occasion to observe him in the practice of his profession knew that he was destined to be called for more important service, and it was no surprise to them that when a va- cancy was occasioned by death from his district in the [19] Memorial Addresses : Representative Lassiter Fifty-sixth Congress, he was called by an almost unani- mous vote of the people to fill it. He served in the Fifty- seventh Congress, the Sixtieth Congress, and was serving in this, the Sixty-first Congress, when his sudden death came. It was our pleasure to know him in his home life, where he was loved with an affection that will endure as long as the last remaining member of his family may live. We knew him in his daily walks of life and had the oppor- tunity to observe his accomplishments. You knew him as a member of this body, and can bear testimony, not only to his splendid character, his culture, and his affec- tionate disposition, but to his usefulness to his district, his State, and to his country. He loved the party which had honored him and believed in its principles and pre- cepts, and had won the honors which had been bestowed upon him by his valiant service in battling for its cause. He was peculiarly adapted to a political career and pos- sessed every qualification of a successful leader, and had given evidence of his devotion to his party in numerous contests. He was a fluent speaker, a safe counselor, and a splendid organizer. He had untiring energy and pos- sessed a knowledge of men and affairs which was often helpful to both him and his party. The public men of Virginia knew him and loved him; and we shall miss him. Members of this and other Con- gresses who enjoyed his acquaintance entertained for him a high regard, and his intimates a deep affection. His loss we all shall feel, and to-day, as we pay our sad tribute of respect, we can earnestly express the hope " that he is better now " and that he may have an eternal abode in that land of endless peace and joy beyond the skies where saints immortal dwell. This is our last good-by. We have felt the warmth of his presence, the joy of his association. [20] Address of Mr. Carlin, of Virginia He has returned to his State full value for the honors it bestowed upon him. He has made his imprint upon the pages of his country's history and has gone to rest. He gave his honors to the world again, His blessed heart to heaven. And sleeps in peace. Our sympathies for his loved ones; our prayers for everlasting peace to him. There is no death! What seems so is transition; This life of mortal breath Is but a suburb of the life elysian, Whose portal we call Death. [21] Address of Mr. Slemp, of Virginia Mr. Speaker: Notwithstanding the fact that death is ever present with us and around us, yet when it comes to one particularly near us, either in our own household or one of our associates upon this floor, it invariably comes as a surprise. Were it not for the manifold evidences of life that greet us upon every side, especially at this vernal season in the natural kingdom, our minds would become fixed solely upon the decay and disintegration of all forms of life, but these evidences of life in the natural world inspire hope and confidence in us, notwithstanding that what we look upon as being dead has in it the germ of unending life. St. Paul in one of his epistles said, " If in this life only we have hope we are of all men most miserable." The doctrine of the resurrection was be- lieved by the chosen people of God before its complete demonstration in the Christian era, until it has, with few exceptions, become almost a verity among men of various creeds. Whether or not an individual holds to this belief as a religious tenet, there is in each one of us, however scholarly or unscholarly he may be, the hope of a future and better life than present environments afford. It is this and the example of those who have gone before us that keeps us from absolute despair and inspires us to press onward to the goal of this life's ambition where'er that goal may be. Francis Rives Lassiter, our late colleague from Vir- ginia, was a native of that Commonwealth, of old Virginia lineage. He was reared among a people noted for their geniality, their hospitality, and those fine traits of char- acter embodied in the general term of Virginia gentleman. [22] Address of Mr. Slemp, of Virginia He was born in the reconstruction period, during the transition from the old to the new South, and therefore had no personal experience of the great struggle through which our country went to perfect an indissoluble Union. Yet he was near the tragic scenes of the memorable con- flict, near the crater, near the capital of the Confederacy, and near to Appomattox itself. A morning walk for him in his childhood would take him over the parapets and fortifications, the last to be abandoned by the Confederacy in its defense of the constitutional liberty as the Southern people saw it. The war over — the questions arising from the inevitable conflict originating in the Constitution itself settled for- ever in the only way they could have been settled — the Virginia people turned their attention to the new prob- lems brought about by an entire change in economic conditions. In this new atmosphere, bringing into strong relief the heroic virtues of the Virginia people in their endeavor to adapt themselves to the changed conditions, Francis Lassiter attained his manhood. Preserving ever the sacred traditions of his people, embodying in his own personality in large degree the qualities of personal loy- alty and genial companionship, combined with a natural taste for public questions, he early entered on a career of responsibility that ended with his being an honored Member of the National Congress. In every way a devoted constituency could honor Francis Lassiter they honored him. Others more famil- iar with his life can speak of his achievements along polit- ical lines. To me, one of his colleagues, he was a Virginia gentleman, a blend of the old and new schools, adding to the courtly manners and personal charms of the one the aggressive spirit of the other. His disposition was that of a frank and sincere man, with feelings of good will to all the world. His conception of the duties of his [23] Memorial Addresses: Representative Lassiter position here showed that he grasped the two leading phases of congressional life — one a consideration of those large public questions in which the country as a whole is interested, and the other, attention to the specific wants and needs of the constituency which he represented in Congress. How faithfully he discharged the trust imposed in him is evidenced by his return to Congress each time with practically no opposition. Francis Lassiter was a man of convictions. Beneath an agreeable manner and a con- ciliatory disposition was the steadfast resolve of the man who had determined to do what he thought was right. Frequently, and actuated by the same spirit that caused his own people to stand for their convictions at the ex- pense of their life's blood, he was often found to separate himself from the views of a majority of his party asso- ciates and to vote as he thought would best subserve the interests he represented. His death brought sorrow to his people for they loved him — loved him well — not alone for what he had done for them, but because of his per- sonal attractions and worth. He was a man near to them and they realized it. He was a friend to every man, woman, and child in his district and they to him. His manner toward men breathed of sincere friendship and upon first acquaintance one felt spontaneously that they had in Francis Lassiter a friend. With him the human relation was uppermost. My own relations with him were of the most cordial and friendly nature. We differed politically, but such difference was never referred to in our intercourse, and I always cherished his friend- ship the more on this account. On my entrance to Con- gress I was touched and at the same time filled with grati- tude at the kindly words of eulogy he delivered in this House upon my father, who preceded me here. It is not sufficient to say that I miss him; I sincerely mourn, hu- [24] Address of Mr. Slemp, of Virginia manly speaking, the untimely taking out of this world of my friend, Francis Lassiter. The purpose of Divine Providence it is not given mortal man to know, and we can only await with calmness the end that comes to us all, best trying, as God has given us to see the light, to follow the faith that is in us. A man's life can not be said to be in vain if it has been contributed to the people of his nativity, as must be said of our dead colleague. The spirit of his life remains as an inspiration to tem- per our bitterness with softness. Those of us who remain will the better accomplish our aim in life if we occasion- ally at least look in retrospect upon the life, ideals, and purposes of Francis Lassiter. [25] Address of Mr. Small, of North Carolina Mr. Speaker: Membership in this House is a badge both of distinction and of honor, and whatever preconceived notions may be entertained by men who are not associated with the membership in this House, or have not had opportunity for close observation, the truth is that the man who stands as the representative of an American constituency in this body has one or more characteristics of mind and of heart and of achievement to his credit which entitles him to the distinction. As I have listened to-day to the tributes which have been paid to our friend Mr. Lassiter I recall with pleasure his strong mentality, his ripe scholarship, his studious habits, his love for the mother of States, the Old Domin- ion, his devotion to his constituency; but there is one other characteristic which at this moment I prefer most of all to recall, and that is that Francis Rives Lassiter was at all times and under all circumstances a gentleman. However the world may have defined this appellation, and however much men may have differed as to what constitutes a man of this disposition, I think all will agree on this definition, that he is a man who is considerate of others, who never wantonly gives offense, who has culti- vated the humanities of life, and who, upon all occasions, remembers that he is a part and parcel of his community and of society. I did not know Mr. Lassiter so well during the first two terms of his service in this body, but I did come to a closer acquaintanceship and comradeship with him dur- ing his later service. As I met him before committees, as [26] Address of Mr. Small, of North Carolina I mingled with him in this House, as I recall the pleasure of social intercourse, and particularly away from this hody, at several waterway conventions, it is a pleasure upon this occasion to remember the gentleness and the kindliness, the human interest of this man in his kind. I do not think, Mr. Speaker — and in this proposition I think we will all agree — that mere intellectual strength and superior mental equipment make either for the best and strongest man or afford the best opportunity for promotion in private and public life. I remember at college that a wise old preceptor stated, in the course of one of his lectures, that the heart, the gentler sentiments, and high ideals of life made for the highest type of manhood, and that in those early days I listened to that proposition with skepticism and with in- credulity; and yet, with experience in life, with observa- tion of men, I now realize that he was stating a great truth. How often have we observed men, particularly in public life, strong and rugged in intellectuality, their minds stored with information and with knowledge, and yet men who had not learned to abnegate self and culti- vate charity. On the other hand, how often have we seen men whom the world regard as possessing only mediocre ability, but who had cultivated the humanities of life, who, in their daily associations with others, were considerate, kind, and gentle, who participated in the movements that made for the uplift of humanity and the betterment of others, and who sought as the main purpose of existence to leave the world better than they found it — how often, I say, have we found these men sought out by their fellows as the recipients of distinction and honor and preferment. Mr. Speaker, our friend, to whom we are paying a tribute to-day, in his daily intercourse with men was always considerate, kind, and thoughtful. He remem- [27] Memorial Addresses: Representative Lassiter bered that the greatest virtue which we may possess is charity, and while, like the rest of us, he entertained his likes and dislikes, and perhaps his prejudices, yet in his association I doubt if there is one of us present to-day who is able to say that he ever heard him make an unkind or an ungenerous expression about his associates. This is a pleasing recollection as we are now paying this last public honor to his memory. He remembered, in the words of the great English poet, that after all " Love is only a loan for love." But while he possessed this gentleness, this charity, this consideration for others, yet at the same time when the occasion demanded, he had the spirit and the courage and the tenacity of his convictions. No man was ever more sensitive of his honor or more ready to defend it when assailed. With this beautiful combination of character he again illustrated what Bayard Taylor has so beautifully said, that — The bravest are the tenderest; The loving are the daring. 28] Address of Mr. Lamb, of Virginia Mr. Speaker: Death has laid a heavy hand upon the Representatives of the Commonwealth of Virginia in this House. For the sixth time in a decade we are called on to pay tribute to one of our dead colleagues. First, Sydney P. Epes, in the prime of life, with a prom- ising future before him; then Maj. Peter J. Otey, of Lynchburg, after a long and useful service that had en- deared him to his district; then Dr. Richard A. Wise, of the second district, joined the great majority, after ren- dering for many years devoted services in military, civil, and political life; then in the prime of his well-rounded life, and full of promise, this last enemy took from his lovely family and a host of friends, John F. Rixey, of Culpeper; then came the last hours of a favorite son of southwest Virginia, when Campbell Slemp joined the hosts that sleep beneath the sod. We meet this Sabbath day to pay tribute to another son of Virginia, and Member of this House. Francis Rives Lassiter, of the fourth Virginia district, died suddenly and unexpectedly of paralysis of the heart in the city of Petersburg on October 31, 1909. His death caused widespread regret throughout Virginia. He had been active in the State campaign of last year, and ap- peared at a barbecue at Waverly, Sussex County, only a day or two before his death. Our colleague was born in Petersburg in 1866, only the year after the close of the war that had laid waste the homes of his countrymen and linked his native city with the historic battle fields of the world. He was educated at McCabe's University School until 1883, when he took the academic courses at the University of Virginia. [29] Memorial Addresses: Representative Lassiter In 1886 he graduated in law from the university, having taken the degree of bachelor of laws. He subsequently practiced law in Boston until the spring of 1888, when he returned to Petersburg, making his home and practicing his profession there. He was appointed city attorney in 1888, which position he held until his appointment in 1893 by President Cleveland to the office of United States attorney for the eastern district of Virginia. This position he resigned in 1896, and in 1899 was appointed superin- tendent of the Twelfth Census for the fourth district. Maj. Lassiter was first elected to Congress to fill the unexpired term of Sydney P. Epes in 1900 and was re- elected for the succeeding term. In 1906 and again in 1908 he was elected to Congress, practically without opposition. It is not my purpose to go into details of Lassiter's services in this House. Those services are too recent and too well known to require mention here. His courtesy, his courage, his energy, his attention to duty, his peculiar charm of manner, and his unswerving loyalty to his friends were conspicuous traits of his character, and endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. Courteous and affable to all, warm hearted, sympathetic, amiable, pleased to share the griefs and misfortunes of his friends, and prompt to share in their rejoicings, it is not strange that Lassiter, even in the short span of life allotted him, won such high regard and affection from the people of his district. He was, indeed, a cultured orator and fought the battles of his party in every section of Virginia. His services in campaigns were always eagerly sought and cheerfully and generously contributed. No place too far, no work too hard, no time too valuable, and no task too difficult when friend or party required his services. [30] Address of Mr. Lamb, of Virginia Void of petty jealousy or envy, courteous and consid- erate of his colleagues at all times, scorning personal advantage at the expense of others, and worshiping high ideals, he devoted every talent at his command to the service of his district and State. It is through the faculty of making and holding friends that life is made happy and worth living. The knowledge that one has just one real friend is enough to arm him against most of life's ills and misfortunes, for in the heart of friendship there is a perfect refuge, a tower of strength, and a deep well of sympathy. What a delight and comfort to know that we have firm and unchanging friends. The friendships formed in this House constitute one of its chief inspirations and benefactions. Our admi- ration for and appreciation of our colleagues, living and dead, constitute the best part of our lives and stir us to higher effort and greater endeavor as we witness their labor for the public weal or recall the friendly greetings or warm expressions of approval from those who loved and obliged us while they held their places here. I often recall, almost with tears, an expression of friendship as it fell from the lips of a warm-hearted col- league when he hade me good-by, retiring from Congress on his own motion. For six or more years I have now and then called up the form and features of this friend as with sincerity and deep emotion he spoke those last words of friendship. My friend has gone to his grave. His words will linger with me while this life lasts and I expect to find him ready with a welcome in the great beyond. This thought and many more touching friend- ships came to my mind and heart as I witnessed the out- pouring of friends at the funeral of Representative Lassi- ter in Petersburg, Va. Not only those of his immediate circle of acquaintances and friends who knew him best and loved him most, but from the surrounding counties 15480°— 11- [31] Memorial Addresses: Representative Lassiter came representative people, who had stood by him in sun- shine and sorrow, in victory and defeat. It was a sad, imposing, and impressive pageant. It was a splendid trib- ute to one who had the happy faculty of making and keeping friends. Another virtue, in addition to the saving grace of friendliness, that characterized the life of Repre- sentative Lassiter was gentleness, the crowning grace of good men. He possessed this in an eminent degree. It helped to endear him to a loyal and devoted constituency. It bound him as with hoops of steel to those who knew him best and loved him most. It will keep green his memory in their minds and hearts when the scenes in which he participated become, as it were, ancient history. This grace of gentleness came naturally and by in- heritance to our departed colleague. In a refined and cultured home it was implanted and fostered. In a school presided over by a professor of the old school of Vir- ginia thought and ethics, his mental and moral character was formed and directed. At the University of Virginia he had the culture and training that has molded the minds and hearts of the youths of our country for many generations. A distinguished Virginian, a classmate of Mr. Lassiter at the University of Virginia, said of him at the time of his death: Another rare and very prominent virtue of our deceased col- league was his modesty. This virtue, as well as his unfailing loyalty to his friends, was shown so fully in a eulogy pronounced in this Chamber in March, 1900, on his friend, Sydney P. Epes, that I quote in part: From boyhood we walked in that clear light of friendship which only comes with youth, trusting each other so implicitly that one intuitively assumed the act or thought of the other. [32] Address of Mr. Lamb, of Virginia I dare not touch upon his qualities, lest in asserting that I was admitted to his friendship I arrogate more honor than I own. Yet how often have the great of heart loved lesser men. There is a consideration, however, which, while it loosens my halting tongue to-day, restrains the tears which would misbecome this presence. When death removed the mortal part of my friend, a part of him that was mortal fell to me. We had often talked, as youths do, of careers and things achieved. One of his dreams, already realized, was worthily to represent the people of his beloved Commonwealth. He shared the youthful hope that I, too, might be called to this high estate. Alas! How prayers are answered, hopes fulfilled! Could we have imagined a Providence so fantastical that must cast across my mortal orbit the shadow of his immortal course? It seems strange and almost inexplicable, Mr. Speaker, that one who was a man of twenty and four years, having seen much of life's mystery and a great deal of the lesser mystery of death when these twin souls came into being should have survived them both and in this Chamber paid tribute to their memories and been permitted to breathe the prayer that happiness and contentment might follow those who immediately and directly bind those memories to earth. He was a man of great culture, fine ability, honorable, manly, courageous. Those who knew him loved him and honored him. [33] Address of Mr. Gaines, of West Virginia Mr. Speaker: I desire to speak on this occasion, when the House is commemorating the life, character, and services of Francis Rives Lassiter, solely because of the personal liking and esteem I had for him. Longer ac- quaintance with his public career before I first met him as a Member here will enable others better to review his life work. I shall always be gratified to reflect that I had the opportunity to testify in his own district, and while he was living, to the esteem in which I held him and the personal fondness I entertained for him. With an exceptionally bright mind, maturing early, he was a lawyer at 21, city attorney at 24, a presidential elector at 26, a United States district attorney at 27, and elected to Congress at 34. But I repeat, Mr. Speaker, I do not intend to speak of his public career. I speak at all simply because I liked him. For sevei'al years he was a member of the Committee on Election of President, Vice President, and Representatives in Con- gress, and was a member of it at the time of his death. As chairman of that committee I first became well acquainted with him. It was easy to see that he had a mind finely and delicately adjusted in every respect. Sensitive himself in the highest degree, it is impossible even to imagine him not scrupulously careful whenever the feelings and sensibilities of others were involved. He was of the mold and manner of a gentleman of the old school, being such a man as he was. I confess I was pleased when it appeared that he in- stinctively felt that whenever any opportunity occurred [34] Address of Mr. Gaines, of West Virginia lo advance him on his reputation, he could count on me to be his personal friend rather than his political oppo- nent. No better example than he could be found of what is so characteristic of this House, namely, fidelity to party in all political matters and the total disregard of party in all personal relations. Able as he undoubtedly was in his grasp of political and governmental questions, deeply read in the constitutional principles which lie at the bot- tom of party differences in our country, I used sometimes to think that literature would have been his natural field. His fine mind and his fine sensibilities and his chivalrous nature, if interpreted into literature, would, I was inclined to think, have lived for years in the memories of many men, as he himself will live for all their lives in the hearts of all who knew him. [35] Address of Mr. Maynard, of Virginia Mr. Speaker: We are assembled here to-day for the purpose of paying tribute to the memory of our late friend and colleague, Francis Rives Lassiter, of Virginia. His sudden and untimely death was a distinct loss not only to his constituents and State but to the whole coun- try; to his intimate friends his death was a personal bereavement. Possessed of rare intellect and profound judgment, he was ever ready to give to his friends valued advice and to his colleagues and public associates the benefit of wise counsel. Coming from a distinguished ancestry, he early gave evidences of marked ability as a literary man, lawyer, and statesman. After a short practice of law in Boston, he returned to his native city of Petersburg, where, in obedience to the call of his people, he at once entered into the strife of the political struggle it was then making to cast off undesirable political rule. Under his untiring zeal, indomitable persistency, and wise leadership his party's efforts were crowned with success. Later on, while still devoting his attention to the practice of his chosen profession— the law— his district called upon him to assume leadership as district chairman. He brought to this position the same vigor and fidelity of purpose which had characterized his previous successes and at- tained similar results. He was preeminently a man who accomplished things. He was thoroughly known to his people; he had at all times their unlimited confidence and affection. They conferred upon him honor after honor, which he discharged with the utmost fidelity. Few men have held in so universal a manner the confidence and [36] Address of Mr. Maynard, of Virginia affection of the people he served, a circumstance which can be best accounted for through the absolute loyalty of his nature. Possessed as he was of a great number of commendable traits, strong in all, it could perhaps be correctly asserted that loyalty was his predominating characteristic. His unselfish fidelity was put to the test on more than one occasion, and there was never any hesitation on his part as to his course. Personal ambition was not considered by him in such circumstances; he gave thought only for his people and what he conceived to be their best interest, as when he sacrificed the position of United States district attorney rather than relinquish at a critical political stage the posi- tion of district chairman, which paid nothing. That was the spirit with which he served his district at all times, and in honoring him as they did they honored themselves. Personally he was the very soul of honor; truth and can- dor were not only deep rooted in his nature, but were strongly apparent in his every-day life and work. His heart and hand were always open to his fellow man. His was a quick sympathy, an alert mind, and a forceful power for all that was right and true. He cared not for the material riches of the world; his greatest desire was to aid and advance the people, and his controlling senti- ment was for what he believed to be their welfare and interests. He was a close student of Virginia and Vir- ginia history and traditions, and it would be most diffi- cult to find one more conversant with that subject than was he. Modest in all things, he sought rather the retire- ment of his accomplishments than otherwise. He belonged to the class of the highest type of the " Virginia gentleman," courtly in manner and bearing, chivalrous in spirit, gentle and tender in nature, steadfast in friendship, of the highest courage, and loyal to every principle of truth and justice. [37] Memorial Addresses: Representative Lassiter But, Mr. Speaker, the strongest eulogy that could be spoken of our late friend and colleague is that evidenced by the high degree of confidence reposed in and affection entertained for him by his own people. They feel that they have lost a true and faithful friend, a political leader unsurpassed in a time of strife and danger, a tried and faithful public servant whose watchword was duty, and in carrying out his duty he let no personal inclination or sacrifice stand between him and what he believed to be the right. His family have lost one dear to them, but the memory of his beautiful character and loving kind- ness will be to them a priceless recollection. The State of Virginia has lost a faithful and distinguished son, and all of us who knew him a loyal and loving friend. [38] Address of Mr. Moore, of Pennsylvania Mr. Speaker: Life's uncertainty is sadly emphasized in the departure of our lamented colleague. One is induced to wonder that such careful early training, such deep study, such serious disposition to fulfill the measure of man's usefulness in the community should be so quickly ended. His earthly career has closed, and the fate which overcame him serves but to warn us all. To-day a mighty nation laments the death of a King, and all civilized nations mourn in sympathy; yet to- morrow the sun will shine, the flowers will bloom, the peoples of the world will proceed with their usual avo- cations. We are but atoms infinitesimal in the divine plan. The highest and the lowest must depart from this earth; and perhaps the lesson we are to gather from it all is the les- son of humility, that lesson which the greatest of modern Americans, Abraham Lincoln, so thoroughly understood, the lesson comprehended in his favorite poem — Oh, why should the spirit of mortal be proud? I can not speak in set phrase of Francis Rives Lassiter. What I have to say upon this occasion springs crudely from the heart. Coming into this House, and believing I would find in statesmen the same earnest friendships that hold in private life, I was grateful for the warmth and promptitude of his words of encouragement. He was not of my party nor of my section of the coun- try, but from our first meeting I admired him for the chivalry and gentleness of his nature. [39] Memorial Addresses: Representative Lassiter It was not so long ago that upon an invitation from his State I spoke in the city of Norfolk. At the close of the meeting there was one amongst the many who came for- ward to express their good will who extended his hand reluctantly. As he did so he said, " I did not believe I could bring myself to offer felicitations to a Pennsylva- nian, but you have convinced me to-day that I was wrong, and I welcome you to old Virginia." I knew he was deal- ing with the past, but I said, " This is a surprise to me, for I am one of the newer generation and am merely a visitor from one American State to another. I would not have entertained an unkind thought of a Virginian com- ing to Pennsylvania." Later, I spoke of the incident to Francis Rives Lassiter. He said to me that the spirit that still abided in that one breast was a spirit that was fast fading out of the minds of men who had cause for bitterness and hatred toward the North; that the day was advancing, if it was not already here, when men of the newer generation would join hands for the advancement of our common country. I felt then, as I felt upon entering this House, that there was a mission for men of the type of Francis Rives Las- siter; that there was a mission here in this House for those believing as he did that augured well for the whole people. We met frequently from that time — frequently upon this floor, and always in a spirit of fellowship most de- lightful. We conferred in the spirit of mutual helpful- ness; if I could be of service to him, I would do that service cheerfully and without regard to political condi- tions, and if he could do a service for me he did it unsel- fishly. It was therefore with the deepest sorrow that one day in November last, after receiving a message from him that he would join us upon to-morrow " in body and soul," to promote the cause of the inland waterways, in [40] Address of Mr. Moore, of Pennsylvania which we had come to have a common interest, I read the startling announcement of his death. The shock was distinct, the sense of sorrow was keen and instant. I felt that a friend had gone, and that the country and the cause which he represented had lost one of its best servitors. The sad duty of announcing his death to the convention of the Atlantic Deeper Waterways Association at Norfolk was duly performed, and that convention evinced its grief in fitting resolutions. My brethren from Virginia and from other States, who have come to-day to pay your tribute of respect to our departed colleague, I feel that an occasion of this kind may permit the expression of the thought that inasmuch as life is uncertain and friendships are to be cherished there is much we could do while our friends are still alive to say those things that we are wont to say only after they are dead. This is the season of roses in Washington, when the bloom is upon the garden. Let us rather place the roses and the chaplets upon the heads of those whom we love than wait until the grave has made us repent of our own dereliction. If we only knew how near to each other we are, how animated we are by kindred sentiments, what good we might do, what kindly influence we might shed about us, even as Francis Rives Lassiter did in first ex- tending his hand to me, a newcomer in this House. The Speaker pro tempore. In pursuance of the order heretofore adopted, the House will stand adjourned until to-morrow at 12 o'clock noon. [■Ji] Proceedings in the Senate Tuesday, December 7, 1909. The Vice President. The Chair lays before the Senate resolutions from the House of Representatives, which will be read. The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows: Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. Francis Rives Lassiter, late a Representative from the State of Virginia. Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be directed to transmit a copy of these resolutions to the Senate. Mr. Bacon. Mr. President, in the necessary absence of both the Virginia Senators, I offer, on behalf of the senior Senator from Virginia [Mr. Daniel], the resolutions which I send to the desk. The resolutions (S. Res. 89) were read and considered by unanimous consent, as follows: Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announcement of the death of the Hon. Francis R. Lassiter, late a Representative from the State of Virginia. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these resolutions to the House of Representatives. Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, the Senate do now adjourn. The Vice President. The question is on agreeing to the first two resolutions submitted by the Senator from Georgia. Tbe resolutions were unanimously agreed to. [43] Memorial Addresses: Representative Lassiter Mr. Bacon. Mr. President, in each of the series of reso- lutions presented by the Senator from Missouri [Mr. Stone] and by me, on behalf of the Senator from Vir- ginia [Mr. Daniel], there is embodied a resolution "That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the de- ceased, the Senate do now adjourn." I make that motion now, so that it may apply to each of the series of reso- lutions. The Vice President. The question is on agreeing to the motion of the Senator from Georgia. The motion was unanimously agreed to; and (at 2 o'clock and 30 minutes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until Friday, December 10, 1909, at 12 o'clock meridian. [441 ■■v LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 787 754 5 %