Class ^6$^ Book i^^l 59th Congress I 2d Session f SENATE I Document I No. 405 Russell Alexander Alger I Late a Senator from Michigan) MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Fifty-ninth Congress Second Session SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 23, 1907 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 24, 1907 Compiled under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing WASHINGTON : : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : : 1907 Eqga "OGl 16\907 TABLE OF CONTEXTS Page. Proceedings in the Senate Prayer by Rev. Edward E.Hale 5 Memorial addresses by: Mr. Burrows, of Michigan Mr. Daniel, of Virginia r 5 Mr. Warren, of Wyoming 2 3 Mr. Spooner, of Wisconsin 2 $ Mr. Dolliver, of Iowa 33 Mr. Dick, of Ohio 4 2 Mr. Warner, of Missouri . . » 54 Mr. Foraker, of Ohio 57 Mr. Smith, of Michigan 59 Proceedings in the House "3 Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden •' 63, 66 Memorial addresses by: Mr. Denby, of Michigan 6 9 Mr. Smith, of Michigan So Mr. Lacey, of Iowa s 4 Mr. Fordney, of Michigan ss Mr. Hamilton, of Michigan 95 Mr. Darragh, of Michigan io2 Mr. Townsend, of Michigan io 7 3 Death of Senator Russell A. Alger PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE Thursday, January -v, <9°7- The Chaplain, Rev. Edward E. Hale, offered the follow- ing prayer : /;/ my Father's house arc many homes. I go to prepare a place for you. If our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of Hod, eternal in the heavens. They cease from their labors, but their works do follow them. Let us pray. Father of life, teach us the lesson of life at this moment of sudden death. Thou art pleased to call him to higher service, to see as he is seen, to know as he is known. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, he is changed, and this corruptible puts on incorruption, and this mortality is clothed with immortality. We need not pray for him. He conies to Thee in the glad certainties of that larger life. But for ourselves, Father, we pray that our labors may be consecrated to Thee; that we may live to Thy service ; that we may go about Tin- business ; so that when Thou dost call us where 5 6 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger we may cease from such labors, we shall enter into the higher service of the sons and daughters of the living God. We ask it in Him who is immortality and life for us, coming to Thee in the name of Thy well-beloved Son. ()//;- Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is done in heaven. Give us this day oar daily //read, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, is the power, is the glory, forever and forever. Amen. Mr. Burrows. Mr. President, it becomes my painful duty to announce to the Senate the death of my colleague, Hon. RrssELL A. Alger, who died at half past 8 o'clock this morning at his residence in this city. This is not the time for eulogy. At some future date I will ask the Senate to set aside a day in which to pay fitting tribute to his memory. For the present, I ask the passage of the resolutions which I send to the desk. The Yick-President. The Senator from Michigan sub- mits resolutions, which will be read by the Secretary. The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows: Resolved, That the Senate has heard with deep regret and profound sorrow of the death of Hon. RUSSELL A. ALGER, late a Senator from the State of Michigan. Resolved, That a committee of twelve Senators be appointed by the Vice-President to take order for superintending the funeral of Mr. ALGER, which shall take place at his late residence on Saturday, January 26, at 2 o'clock p. m., and that tile Senate will attend the same. Resolved, That as a further mark of respect his remains be removed from his late home in this city to Detroit, Mich., for burial in charge of the Sergeant-at-Arms, attended by the committee, who shall have full power Proceedings in the Senate 7 to carry these resolutions into effect, and that the Sergearit-at-Arms be directed to invite the Representatives from the State of Michigan to join the committee appointed by the Senate to escort the remains of the deceased to his place of burial. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copyof these resolutions to the House of Representatives. The VICE-PRESIDENT. The question is on agreeing to the resolutions which have been read by the Secretary. The resolutions were unanimously agreed to. The VICE-PRESIDENT appointed as the committee under the second resolution Mr. Burrows, Mr. Frye, Mr. Daniel, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Warren. Mr. Spooner, Mr. Scott, Mr. Dillingham, Mr. Foster, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Dick, and Mr. Crane. Mr. Burrows. Mr. President, as a further mark of respect to my late colleague, I move that the Senate do now adjourn. The motion was unanimously agreed to; and (at 12 o'clock and 1 7 minutes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until to-morrow, Friday, January 25, 1907, at 12 o'clock meridian. Saturday, January 26, 1907. Mr. Frye. I think the Senate ought to adjourn at this time, in order to attend the funeral of the late Senator Algf.r. There will be carriages at the door of the Senate to accommodate Senators. The last carriage will leave the door at precisely half past 1 o'clock, so that it is necessarj that the Senate should now adjourn. I make that motion. The motion was agreed to; and (at 1 o'clock and 10 min- utes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until Monday, January 28, 1907, at 12 o'clock meridian. 8 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger Saturday, February 23, /yuj. Mr. Burrows. I offer the resolutions which I send to the desk, and ask for their immediate consideration. The Vice-President. The resolutions presented by the Senator from Michigan will be read. The resolutions were read and unanimously agreed to, as follows : Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. RUSSELL A. ALGER, late a Senator from the State of Michigan. Resolved, That as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased the business of the Senate be now suspended to enable his associates to pay proper tribute to his high character and distinguished public services. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these resolutions to the House of Representatives. Address of Mr. Burrows, of Michigan MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Address of Mr. Burrows, of Michigan Mr. President: For the second time during my brief service in the Senate the State of Michigan has been called upon to mourn the loss of one of its most distinguished rep- resentatives in this body; first, Senator McMillan, and now, Senator Alger. Both rendered conspicuous sen-ice to the State and the nation, and died full of honors. Senator Russell A. Alger, at the time of his death had reached the allotted span of human life, and completed the work which Providence had assigned him, and died, as he had frequently expressed his desire to do, at his post of duty in the front of battle. Life's work was completed and he was content. Russell A. Alger was born in Medina County, in the State of Ohio, February 27, 1836, where he spent the days of his early youth. I can not better describe the struggles of his boyhood than by quoting from an authentic account of his early life, a simple story, which should be an inspiration to the youth of this day and in all days to come : His parents, after settling in the woods of Medina County, were ex- tremely poor and partially invalids, and young Russell found it necessary to labor hard in order to earn support enough to sustain his parents, his younger brother and sister, and himself. But the charge of supporting his invalid parents was not to last long. When he was but 12 years of age his father and mother died, and young ALGER was left with a younger brother and sister to care for. That, io Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger indeed, was a trying situation, and many a boy of weak moral fiber would have abandoned the responsibility. Not so with young ALGER. He grappled with circumstances as he found them. He secured for the chil- dren a home where each could be cared for and then proceeded to make something of himself. At first he worked for his board, clothing, and three months' schooling in the year. In 1850, at the age of 14, he cut loose from so restricted a contract and really began life as a "hired man." His first engagement was for six months, during which time he received $3 for the first mouth, S4 for the second month, and $5 a month for the remainder of the term. ( Hit of these scanty earnings as a farm laborer he contributed to the needs of his brother and sister, who had been placed in families w here their limited services were accepted for their board. Thus young Al.GER had worked steadily forward from boyhood, had accepted what wages he could obtain, from their meagerness had aided in the support of his brother and sister, had not faltered in any of the long years from the time lie was 12 years old until he was 20, but had gone steadily forward, doing what he considered was simply dutiful and manly. Until he was 20 years of age young ALGER had simply struggled for the existence of himself and his two wards. Such is the simple story of his early life. Such condi- tions would ordinarily have daunted the bravest heart; but the Scotch and English blood that coursed in his veins stirred his heart and nerved his arm for the conflict before him. With undaunted courage he took up the duties and responsibilities of life, and under the most trying circum- stances discharged them all with manly spirit and an uncon- querable will. Finally, in 1859 he went to Michigan and engaged in the active duties of a business life. He had, however, scarcely entered this new field of his labors when the civil war broke out, and, turning his back upon the business career he had mapped out for himself and his hopes and ambitions for the future, he offered his services to the country, and in August, 1861, enlisted as a private in the Second Michigan Cavalry, sharing the hardships and the privations of a private soldier. His soldierlv qualities were soon recognized and promotions Address of Mr. Burrows, of Michigan n followed rapidly. He became captain of Company C, then major of the regiment, then lieutenant-colonel of the Sixth Michigan Cavalry, and in 1863 was promoted to the colo- nelcy of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry. In 1S64 he was given the rank of brigadier-general for gallant conduct in battle, and finally, in June, 1865, having served until the close of the war, he was brevetted major-general of volunteers for gallant and meritorious services during the war. He served until the close of the conflict, participating in sixty-six bat- tles and skirmishes, and rose from the ranks to a brevet major-general of volunteers. Returning to Michigan at the close of the war, with peace assured and the Union restored, he resumed his business enterprises, and in the forests of Michigan hewed his way to fortune and fame. The lumber industry, in which he was engaged, proved a most lucrative venture, and his indus- try was ultimately rewarded with an abundant fortune. Before this time he had paid no attention to political affairs ; but in politics he had always been, from his earlv manhood, an ardent Republican, and in 1884 was nominated by his party for governor, which office he held for two years, at the expiration of which time he declined to be a candi- date for reelection. The firm manner with which he dealt with the labor troubles in the State induced him to forego a renomination in the interest of party harmony and strength. He retained his hold, however, upon the confidence and affection of the people of. our State, and in 1888 the Michi- gan delegation to the national Republican convention at Chicago was instructed to present his name for the high office of President, and in the convention he received at one 12 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger time 142 votes, but the nomination was conferred upon another. In his political life, as in his business, no disappointment or adversity caused him to waver from his sense of duty, and entering into the campaign with all the enthusiasm of his nature, he devoted his time and substance to the triumph of his partv. He was prominently identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, and in 1889 was chosen its com- mander in chief, with which organization he remained until the time of his death. In 1897 General Ai.gkr was appointed Secretary of War by President McKinley, and he continued in that office until 1S99, covering the entire period of the war with Spain. I often heard him speak of the gratification he felt over the fact that the conflict brought a reunited people together under one flag and for one country. In his history of the Spanish war he says: Americans have not forgotten — they are not likely to forget — the splen- did spectacle of the country's response to the Government's ultimatum upon Spain which inevitably resulted in war. It was spontaneous and practically universal ; it was sincere and enthusiastic. One realized that thirtv-three years of peace had made no change in the American charac- ter. More than 100,000 veterans of the civil war, wearers of the blue and wearers of the grav, pleaded for an opportunity to serve the reestablished Union. The sons of those who fought under Grant and Lee showed the soldierly and patriotic spirit of their sires had lost nothing in intensity by the lapse of years. I know, he often said to me, that that consummation was worth all the war cost. In 1902 he was appointed Senator to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator McMillan, taking his seat December i, and subsequently elected by the legislature of the State for the full term of six years. Address by Mr. Burrows, of Michigan 13 There was but one sentiment in the State, and that was of vindication by the people who knew him best, among whom he had lived, and who had unshaken confidence in him. His death is sincerely mourned by all the people of our State, whom he served so long and so well, and his memory will be revered by the generations to come. Upon the receipt of the intelligence of Senator Alger's death, the governor of the State conveyed official notice of the sad event to the legislature, then in session, in the fol- lowing fitting terms: Executive Office, Lansing, January 24, igoy. To the President of the Senate: Hon. Russell A. Alger, Senator of the United States from Michigan, died at Washington, D. C, at 8.45 a. in., January 24, 1907, thereby creat- ing a vacancy in the representation of this State in the Senate of the United States. Full of years and honors. Senator ALGER has gone to his reward. It falls to the lot of few men to serve their State and nation in such exalted stations. Not alone because of the honors and responsibilities that came to him in civil life do we revere his memory. As a Michigan soldier he rendered distinguished services in the war of the rebellion. Michigan never failed during the lifetime of Senator ALGER to testify to her love and devotion for him when the opportunity presented itself, and it is fitting 111 tin- highest degree that arrangements be made by the legislature of the State he loved and honored for services at which proper expressions may be given of the loss our State has sustained. Fred M. Warner, Governor. The legislature supplemented this tribute of the executive by declaring — The services of General Alger in war and in peace have been signalized by conspicuous devotion to duty, unflinching courage, wisdom, and patriot- ism, and have been freely rendered to the State and the nation. He went to his death wounded, but with great courage. With malice toward none and charity for all, he laid down 14 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger the burden of life, leaving this declaration of mingled patriotism and pathos: Should war ever again come upon this country and find it so totally un- prepared as it was in 1S9S, I hope that those who have been so profuse in their criticisms and eager to discover faults may have the patriotism and pride of the country to rise above personalities and, instead of striving to tear down, may endeavor to strengthen the hands of those upon whom the burden mav fall and whose only hope of reward is that satisfaction which comes from the consciousness of having labored honestly and unremit- tingly to serve a Government whose flag has never yet known defeat. Address of Mr. Daniel, of Virginia 15 Address of Mr. Daniel, of Virginia. Mr. PRESIDENT: When one beloved once lay dead in a stricken home, a friend wrote these words to those who mourned : Watch and tend him as ye would, sickness and sorrow and pain and death at last would be his portion. Be not cast down that he is freed from them and that his spirit is at rest. Such thoughts as these, Mr. President, commend them- selves to our reflection at the close of the long, eventful, and achieving life of our late colleague, Russell Alex- ander Alger. It had passed beyond the vigor of his active manhood and was* already assailed by a mortal malady which he faced and knew. The last days of Gen- eral Alger must have been gloomy and depressing days to him, for the}' were marked by the signs of his early dis- solution. He had been told, and he instinctively knew from his own feeling, that the hand of death was on him. The adventitious charms of life were gone. Ambition's bugle call and fame's alluring smile could possess no attractiveness for him who had heard " the one clear call which came from beyond the harbor bar." The increasing feebleness of body made each day the more and more a burden, and yet in these days of heaviness and sore trial the very highest, noblest, and bravest quali- ties of the true man showed themselves in him. He came day by day to his post of duty in the Senate. He listened 16 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger to the proceedings and was careful to be present and to deliver his vote when the sense of the Senate was taken. Nice gentility marked his plain but trim dress. He had a pleasant word of greeting and cheer for friends he met. He was composed and calm. Looking time and looking death in the face, watching, as it were, the last sands as they poured out of the down-turned glass of life, like a trained soldier under fire, he showed no wincing. He proved in his conduct and in his bearing that the sense of duty remained constant and predominant in him. If " duty " be the sublimest word in the language, surely dutv realized and duty done, even in the face of death, is man's highest and most noble achievement. This is true great- ness of soul, and this did he display. If the history of any Senator here were written, it would probably be found that, like Senator Alger's, it runs back into the conditions, into the history', and into the very organism of the society of which he is a part. Of course there are exceptions to this rule. There are the pertur- bations, the revolutions, upheavals of society, and great periods of transition when all rules are broken. But he, as well as the other two of our colleagues who have left our side in this Congress, illustrated the principle which these words indicate. Bate, a clerk on a steamboat at 13, a soldier at 17, a law- yer and editor and soldier again, and then governor and Senator ; Bate, born under the influences of that region in which Old Hickory Jackson was a leading figure and influ- ence, came as naturally to his career and his opinions as . Udress of Mr. Daniel, of I 'irginia 17 man does to the atmosphere that gives to him the breath of her existence. Gorman, horn in Maryland on the borderland of the civil conflict, page in youth, then postmaster of the Senate, nat- urally entering into the great business of a commercial and manufacturing State, was representative of his time, of his geography, of the matters and things around him, just as truly as was Bate. General ALGER represented a different segment of our his- tory and country. When the new States sprang into being beyond the Alleghenies they were under the guardianship of the great Government which the original States had founded. They were not either creators of the principles for which they stood nor were they, except in a minor sense, the achievers of the land or the independence which they enjoyed. It was perfectly natural that they should look upon the Government which created the Common- wealths and which raised them as children into the man- hood of sovereign States in a different light from those who were the descendants of the earliest pioneers and of the earliest fabricators of our institutions. Take either of the three men— Bate, Gorman, and ALGER— and transpose their positions and their surround- ings, and each of them would have been a man of mark and leading; and with situations changed the very nature of the men would also have differed with the diversity of things which they represented. But there is much like- ness, even if there be difference, in their contacts, associa- tions, and geographical relations. They were all three men S. Doc. 405. 59-2 2 18 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger of high American ideals. They were all three devoted patriots and willing burden bearers of the people. All three of them rose from the nndistingnishable obscurity of a boyhood which had no silver or golden spoon in its mouth and which was marked by no special opportunities. But each bespoke the sturdy and worthy stock from which he sprang by showing the stuff that was in him. Each illus- trated the truth expressed by Edmund Burke when he said, " It is a prerogative of man to be in a threat degree a crea- ture of his own making." Each had in him the materials of success, and each molded that material into success by long, persistent, and hard striving on his own projected models. General Alger's career illustrates the tremendous oppor- tunities and the beckoning hands of ambition and enterprise of the old Northwest, which had been turned into young and magnificent commonwealths. A farmer's boy of 10, going to school of nights at one period of the year and teaching school at another ; a student of the law, admitted to the bar, forming his character upon ideals of a future career which seemed to open before him ; then passing from Ohio into the new Commonwealth of Michigan and there hearing the bugle blast that summoned its people to arms in 1861. There is comprehended in the mere statement of his military career material out of which a graphic volume could be written. A private, a captain, a major, a lieutenant- colonel, a colonel, a general, crowned with brevet of major- generalship at its close, and participating in sixty-six bat- tles and skirmishes. This would seem extravagant to those unfamiliar with the unremitting tenor of the war ; but the Address of Mr. Daniel, of Virginia 19 cannonade was as regular almost in the period of 1864 as the rising and the setting of the sun. and battles passed out of view in a day which in other times would have been written upon the brilliant scrolls of history. The most marked feature in the history of General Alger, and one which betokened his indomitable energy, his set- tled and fixed purpose, and the abilities which were behind them, is the fact that he strove in many things and succeeded in them all. Plunging into the wilderness as yet scarcely traversed by the white man's step, he rose to great eminence as a business man. Then he interwove the fortune which he had created by his own merit and genius into the mani- fold business relations which sprang up in the development of a more complex order of society. Turning his attention to the political field, he becomes elector at large to represent his party before the people, and then is elevated to the posts of governor and of Senator. These things tell their own stories, and I need not go into the detail of relation which has been so eloquently and well done by his colleague. In several ways I became better acquainted with General ALGER than usually falls to the lot of Senators here who are not upon the same committees and are not in that unison of consultation which kindred political opinions often brings. I first met him socially in an agreeable and friendly way in London ten years ago. The face of a countryman is always welcome in a strange land. We sojourned at the same hotel, and in daily contacts and associations I seemed to become familiar with his character, to see its lights and shades, to realize how friendly and how kindly it was, and 20 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger to share and exchange hospitalities which rendered absence from home and country an additional matter of joy inter- mingling with new scenes. The next time 1 was thrown frequently and for a much more prolonged period with General Alger was during the time of the Spanish war. He had then come to Washing- ton as Secretary of War, and a burden was thrown upon his shoulders such as has been thrown upon no man in this generation, unless it be the President in whose Cabinet he served. General AEGER was not at that time in i^reat vigor of health, but he devoted himself to the task before him with an assiduity, with a patience, with a continuity of application which could not have been surpassed by any man. For the time being it seemed as if party lines had dis- appeared; and what particrdarly commended him to my admiration was not only his frequent expression of gratifi- cation that we were all one in the feelings of friendship and in sharing the burdens and the opportunities of government, but also one in deed. No man connected with the Admin- istration was more gratified to issue commissions to the sons and kindred of the men with whom he had fought, nor do I think there was any man in Washington who enjoyed more generous and complete satisfaction in the renewal of olden ties and in seeing the work of grace proceed that cements the affections as well as the interests of the people. I heard him make remarks on many occasions which I would not feel at liberty to repeat in public, even though thev were most honorable to him and such as furnished worthv examples for any man to imitate. Address of Mr. Daniel, of Virginia 21 Mr. President, it was a matter of great disappointment to me that when you appointed the committee to attend Gen- eral ALGER'S remains to his home in Michigan I could only in part perform what was my becoming duty; as one of its members I did attend his funeral here, and was impressed by its simplicity and by the utter absence of all effort at ostentation. Befittingly, a battalion of cavalry, in which arm of the seryice he had been a distinguished officer, escorted his remains to the depot, from which they were transported to his home. Fittingly those who were his comrades in arms again put on their uniforms, that they might testify their especial sympathy. But beyond the mere forms and ceremonies which are necessary to such an occasion, there was nothing more than the offerings of personal friendship and the sharing in grief which marked the departure of one so well known, and, by those who knew him best, so well beloyed. I would haye accompanied his remains to the city of Detroit, and I felt a sense of keen disappointment that I could not do so, but I had in my hands tasks which I could not la}' down without feeling that I was deserting my post of duty, and in preferring duty to even so sacred a call I felt I but imitated the worthy example which he himself had set before me. All of us haye heard, Mr. President, and from main- sources, of the beautiful home life of General Alger and of the happy liyes that were lived by those nearest and dearest to him under his roof. To that fortress of the heart, the home, we turn always in our troubles, and to that we turn instinctiyely as we seek to know those who have ^one 22 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger forth into life's battle to bear life's burdens. The husband, the father, the friend had the capital of his life in his home. Thither bore he his trophies. Thither he returned when the weariness of the strife came on. There his friends ever found welcome, and there he was himself in the finest phase of his nature. He will be missed by comrades who shared his dangers and his hardships in days of conflict. He will be missed by some who were his enemies in war but who became his friends in peace, and who rejoice to know that he was their friend. He will be missed by men of public life who sought his counsel and his influence. He will lie missed by men of business whose affairs were intermingled with his own and who trot light and counsel from his sagacity and experience. Rut all this seems scarcely of account when we recall how he will be missed by those who were next to him in the sweet and loving affections of the fire- side. Comfort it is not ours to give to them; consolation we can not bestow ; though we would that both gifts were within the compass of our sympathy. We can only be glad that his suffering is ended, and believe that his good works on earth will follow him and that he is at peace and rest. . Iddress of Mr. II 'arren, of 11 T yoming 23 Address of Mr. Warren, of Wyoming Mr. PRESIDENT: Fur more than a year prior to the 24th day of last month there moved among us, participating in our labors, shirking none of the arduous duties attached to membership in this body, one who carried with him know- ingly his death warrant. < h er a year ago our friend, in whose memory we are devot- ing these few feeble words, became informed of the serious condition of his health, and learned that any moment the dread summons might come which would take him away from Ins family, friends, colleagues, and all that is loved and prized in this life. With the quiet courage which marked Ins whole life work he uttered no complaint, he showed no anxiety, he asked for no sympathy. He had the hope of being permitted to finish the term of service for which he had been elected, and with this hope actuating him he put his house in order, continued his daily tasks, and performed his duties quietly, gently, and yet with courage, which, as we look back upon the year's work, we must pronounce sublime. The world has admired the courage of the Spartan youth who bore unmoved the gnawing of the wolf at his vitals; but what courage was that compared with the faithful performance of duties from day to day by our colleague, his fate facing him every moment? This closing year of the life of our friend, in which he car- ried silently and uncomplainingly his grievous burden, is but 24 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger typical of another period of his career, when, without harsh words or recrimination, he bore bravely and quietly the brunt of blame which by right should have been placed upon us — the Congress — and upon the people of the country. It is needless to repeat history so fresh in our minds; but we all know that, following the great struggle of the civil war, we, as a nation, allow-ed ourselves to drift for over thirty years in blissful insecurity. The Congress, representing perhaps accurately the general sentiment of the country, maintained our Army on a footing inadequate to our commer- cial standing and importance in the world of nations. Sud- denly forced into war, there was an outcry against our unpreparedness, which naturally centered against the then Secretary of War, regardless of the fact that the deplorable condition of affairs was the accumulated result of the laxity of our own acts. Under bitter aspersions, and knowing his own blameless- ness, Secretary Ai.gkr never retaliated; under circum- stances of the most trying nature he never departed from the dignified poise of character which had so marked his life. While he lived no words of defense of his own acts, or con- demnation of the charges of his critics, passed his lips. Even though it should not come during his lifetime he knew that when the impartial history of the war with Spain should be written it would be recorded that its errors were those of the remissness of our system and not the shortcomings of any officer of the Government. And on the day of his death came the official declaration of the War Department vindicating him. Of Secretary Address of Mr. II 'arren, of II 'yoming 25 ALGER'S administration of the War Office, Mr. Secretary of War Taft said : General ALGER was patriotic, earnest, and most devoted to the interest of the Army and especially considerate of the welfare of the enhsted ^ He was a gentle, kindly .nan, with great confidence m his friends and associates, and was much beloved by his subordinates He was the sub iect of unjust criticism because of the country's lack of preparedness for war when war came, although for this he was nowise responstble. It is not necessary for me at this time to recount to you in detail the life story of RUSSELL ALEXANDER AlgKR; but I can not refrain from calling attention briefly to the salient features as shown in the modest biographical sketch which appears in the current Congressional Directory and to point out the self-evident fact which his life exemplifies, the untold possibilites our country offers the man who un- dertakes his life battle equipped with energy, application, honesty, and ambition. A penniless orphan at 13, facing want and privation; a plowboy at 20, doing the long dreary toil of the farm and field; a country school-teacher, with the petty, wearing trials of that calling; a lawyer, taking a leading place in his profession; a lumberman, understanding the intricacies of the business and attaining wealth through this knowledge; a soldier, taking part in sixtv-six battles and skirmishes; a governor of a great State, administering the office creditably and honestly ; a Cabinet officer, grappling with problems that had never before confronted an officer of the Govern- ment,, and, at his death, a Senator of the United States, loved by his constituents and his colleagues. Such is the story of our friend and colleague, and it fur- nishes a lesson of untold value to the American youth who 26 Memorial Addresses: Russc/l A. Alger would reach high place in the business or political life of this country. His was not accidental success, but all that he gained was by patient, untiring, intelligent effort, and with every act underlaid with the broad foundation of inher- ent honesty. His success exemplifies the truth of that well-known verse: The heights by great men reached and kept Wert- not attained by Midden flight. But they while their companions slept Were toiling upward in the night. To those of its who had the pleasure and privilege of close association with him was revealed the lovable side of his nature, of which the world at large necessarily could not know. His was a character in which predominated gener- ous, kindly sentiments toward his fellow-men, and these traits brought to him throughout his entire career the loyal support and ardent friendship of everyone with whom he came in contact. It was this which endeared him to the people of his own State, who knew him well and who always held out to him the richest gifts and highest honors at their command. It was the citizens of Michigan — his friends and neighbors — who made him their governor, who voted for him loyally and steadily for the Presidential nomination in national conven- tions, and who, when the hands of the country seemed to be raised against him, gave him just and fitting vindication by electing him to the Senate of the United States. We who have worked with him on the floor of the Senate and in committee and have had the privilege of meeting him Address of Mr. Warren, of Wyoming 27 in his charming home circle can well understand the fealty of his State and the love which its citizens bore him. It became my sad duty to go to the former home of Sena- tor Alger when his body was consigned to its last earthly resting place, and I saw while there widespread evidences of sincere and heartfelt grief. The people of his home loved him as we, who for the past six years have associated with him here, loved him, and they, as we, mourn his death, knowing and appreciating his noble traits and good deeds. Such a character does not live in vain. Rich, he did not misuse his wealth, but kept it employed in the busy marts of commerce, that his fellow-men should share in its pro- ductiveness, and of his surplus he gave abundantly to the poor and needy. Powerful, in politics, he was never domi- neering, but always was mindful of the feelings and wishes of others and sympathetic with the people themselves. Able to live in idleness, yet he did the daily task which came to his hand as faithfully and cheerfully as the humblest workman. He has departed, but he has left in faithful effort, good deeds, and high accomplishments "a monument more last- ing than brass and more sublime than the regal erection of pvramids, which neither the wasting shower, the unavailing north wind, nor an innumerable succession of years and a flight of seasons shall be able to demolish." 28 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger Address of Mr. Sfooner, of Wisconsin Mr. President: I can speak in tribute to the memory of Senator Alger only the word which my heart shall send to my lips. I knew him long and well, and as I have listened to the eulogies which have been pronounced upon him I have had borne into my mind in an intense way the fact that it is onlv when we stand by the open grave of a man and cast our eves along the pathwav which he trod from the begin- ning to the end that accurate judgment of his qualities, of his accomplishments, is possible to us. Senator Alger afforded for all time by his career indu- bitable evidence of the possession in full measure of many great and noble qualities. It was a long and toilsome jour- nev, Mr. President, from the village in Ohio, where as a vouth, unaided by adventitious circumstances, he began his struggle to the eminence upon which he died. No man without noble purpose, well-justified ambition, strong fiber, and splendid qualities in abundance could have carved out and left behind him such a career. His pathway was from the beginning upward, and all along it, at every stage of it, he discharged well every duty which manhood could demand ; and all along he scattered with generous hand deeds of kindness and helpfulness to those who were in need, sowing the seed which blossomed in fragrance along his pathway and made it beautiful. Address of Mr. Spooner^ of Wisconsin 29 A man of great commercial genius, bom to command, of unquenchable spirit, of indomitable will, be wrought won- derful success in the realm of business ; and, Mr. President, it needs not to be said that in that realm no one ever dared to impeach his honor. No man without commercial honor would have wrought and accomplished in that field what he wrought and accompished. The governor of a great State, carrying the splendid ad- ministrative ability which had given him triumph in the walks of business life to the capital in the service of his people, he there vindicated their confidence and the wisdom of their choice of him to be their executive. And then turning aside from business and turning aside from home — and no man ever lived who held in his heart a tenderer love for home and wife and children — he betook himself to the field of battle, and, as has been stated here, in over sixty battles and skirmishes he bared his breast to the bullets of the enemy and offered his life that the Union mirilt abide, and that what was its flag then should forever remain its flag, rising, Mr. President, from the humble but noble position of a private soldier to be captain, major, lieu- tenant-colonel, colonel, brigadier-general, and major-general, the latter brevet rank, for gallantry on the field of battle. When his friends and fellow-citizens lowered his inanimate body into the grave which had been digged in their midst, there was upon it more than one scar which he had received in defense of this Government. As Secretary of War— I allude to that, Mr. President, with some pain — I saw him often while he was in the Cabinet. I do not intend to go into the subject save in a few brief 30 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger words. His service there was difficult of performance in some of its aspects. Demands were made upon him which in the circumstances no man could completely meet, the fault not being his, but elsewhere, lying here, perhaps, and in the other House. I remember calling upon him one morning in the War Department during the war with Spain, and as he walked from a little gathering of people he staggered with physical weakness. His face was as white as it was as he lay in his coffin, but his eyes were bright. I begged him to go to his Ik une, and he made this characteristic response, "This is my place." I speak of it to show that wonderful spirit and characteristic devotion to duty, which was the law of his life to stand at the post to which duty had assigned him ; and there can never be anywhere or in any time a more beautiful illustration of that loyal spirit and sense of duty than that which he exhibited in the later period of his life while a Senator of the United States. We noted from day to day his growing weakness. He knew as he moved around the Chamber and sought the committee rooms for service there that the Angel of Death walked by his side with outstretched hand, ready any mo- ment to grip his heart. But that courage, that devotion to duty, that scorn which he always had for rest in the hours of work buoyed him up and held him to this place almost to the last moment of his eventful life. He was a public-spirited citizen always. He was a gen- erous, kindly man whose sympathies were always easily aroused, helpful to those who deserved help and helpful, alas, to many who did not. Address of Mr. Spooner, of Wisconsin 31 Mr. President, he was criticised for having- made poor appointments to the Army during the war with Spain. I think he would have done any kindness for me which he felt at liberty to do. I may say here that he never, during his term as Secretarv of War, once gave an appointment to the Army from my State, for each time— and there were not many— I took to him an order for the appointment from the President— and no President could have been more care- fid than was the Executive of that day in making wise selec- tions— but it was impossible, as the world must know, in organizing suddenly a great army to choose with accuracy the men for command in small places and in high places. The wonder is, Mr. President, that so few men were com- missioned from civil life during that war who proved them- selves incompetent or otherwise unworthy. Senator ALGER was generous to his friends and forgiving to his enemies, save where a wrong done him was such that no self-respecting man could forgive. Mr. President, this ceremonial seems like parting again with an old and dear friend. I think it can not be found that in any station or in any relation of life Russeli. A. ALGER was other than devoted and faithful. No sweeter act or j uster act ever was done by a great State than was done by the State of .Michigan when she sent him into this Chamber and to that desk with her certificate of confidence in his honor and in his ability. It was a proud distinction for him ; but I believe it left unhealed a wound which never could be healed. 32 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger Mr. President, his career is ended; his day's work is done. Michigan lias made many notable contributions to the public service of the United States in civil and military life ; she has great treasure in the fame of her public men ; but among all her treasures she will cherish as a precious, imperishable jewel the name and fame of Russell A. Algf.k. Addrsss of Mr. Dolliver, of Iowa 33 Address of Mr. Dolliver, of Iowa Mr. President: The deatli of Senator Ai.ckr has re- moved from the Senate one of the most attractive and useful men connected with our public affairs. It has been one of the happy experiences of my service here that Sen- ator Alckr's desk was next to mine and that I have had a daily opportunity to enjoy the advantage of intimate conver- sation and acquaintance with him. Long ago I learned to admire his record, both as a soldier and a statesman. But during the years in which I have been sitting here by his side I have been permitted to study his character more closely and to confirm all the good opinions of other years. The life which we live in this world is so strange, so hard to understand, so wrapped in mysteries which baffle all our questions, that I have allowed the habit to grow upon me of finding out from others, and especially from those who by reason of their opportunities and their experience have sounded all its depths and shoals, what they think of it and what it means to them. It is a familiar saying that no message comes back to us from the shadows which fall upon the end of every human life. But it is almost as true that we are cut off from any communication with our fellow- travelers that one can not understand what the others are saying, as the great procession moves along toward the silence of the grave. Even those who are working at the S. Doc. 405, 59-2 3 34 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger same task, walking side by side upon the same road, appear like strangers, speaking different languages and answering each other's questions in a foreign tongue. The most pathetic utterance of the Master recorded in the gospel, "Have I been so long time with yon and yet have ye not known me?" is in a lesser sense true of all who meet together, as we journey together, till at last we shall know as we are known. It is this isolation, this separation from our fellows, this privacy upon which it is so hard to intrude, this miraculous thing which Lord Tennyson in his old age speaks of as the "abysmal depth of personality" which has invented the sweet vocabulary of childhood and discovered for our comfort such words as "lover," "com- rade," "friend," and kept them at the center of all great literatures and close to the heart of our religions faith. ( )ne day I asked General ALGER what he had found in life which most fully explained its meaning and threw the most light upon the problem of its worth. Almost with- out waiting he said that he had found in his home, in his wife, and in his children its most complete interpretation. And so no biography of him can exhibit any of the secrets of his strength or explain the inspiration of his achieve- ments which does not have in the foreground a picture of the one whom he chose in the years of his young manhood to be the partner of his joys and sorrows. I asked him one day, after he had told me somewhat of his early struggles and spoken in modest words of the suc- cess in business and public life which had come to him, what part of it gave him the most satisfaction, what among all the things he had tried to do he thought of with the Address of Mr. Dolliver, of Iowa 35 most prick-. He said that if he had to leave everything else out he would prefer to keep the recollection of the years which he had spent in the old Union Army, defend- ing the flag of his country. I could not get him to speak of the battles he had helped to fight, of the long marches, of the victories in which he had a share. He left all that to others, for he knew how truly the mighty work which the Union Army wrought and the final victory which it won belonged to millions of men and women and how insignificant after all were the trophies of rank and high command. Whoever writes the biography of RUSSELL A. ALGER will not be fortunate in estimating the importance of his public service if he does not subordinate the fame which he acquired in the chief office of a great State, in the Cabinet of the President at an important epoch, in the Senate of the United States, to those four years of arduous responsibility in the civil war. For more than once I have heard him say that the greatest office which he had ever held, the distinction among his fellow-men which he prized the most, was commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, that peaceful, unarmed host which, in humble quarters scattered throughout the land, preserves the traditions of our heroic age. And so it seemed fitting to me, as I stood the other day with multiplied thousands of his neighbors and friends about his grave, that the ministers of the church should stand apart and let an old Union soldier open the worn and faded ritual of the post of which he was a member and read, in the light of the setting sun, made weird and 36 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger beautiful by a landscape of snow, the parting benediction of his comrades upon his memory Senator Alger was a representative American business man, and, like nearly all such men, he had to fi^ht the battle of life upon his own resources. It was a favorite doctrine of his that a young man who begins with nothing to rely upon except his own energy has an altogether better chance than the children of affluence and fortune. And it is cer- tain that his own career is not peculiar in the illustration which it gives of the truth of this proverbial philosophy. At any rate, it does not take very much imagination to dis- cern behind the splendid outcome of his life, as lumberman, miner, merchant, manufacturer, railroad builder, and captain of industry, the poor boy, starting out in the world with nothing in his favor except health and strength and the ambition to win the prize. We live in times when the public ask troublesome ques tions about ^reat riches, when the cross-examination of swollen wealth is going on, not only in the courts, but about the firesides of the people; when the fierce light of curiosity, turning rapidly to anger, beats upon present-day accumulations of money, and when men are looking for some way to restore the old standards of integrity, which are, after all, still held in respect even in the market place. The criticism is not directed against the law of property which we have inherited from our fathers; it is aimed at those schemes of speculation through which the public interest is sacrificed to carry out the plans of avarice and greed. It is undoubtedly stimulated by the want of wisdom often seen among those who have captured the highest stakes. ' Instead Address of Mr. Dol/iver, of Iowa 37 of hiding their plunder like the old-time pirates, they often inflame the resentment of the unincorporated multitudes by vulgar ostentation and .sometimes till the newspapers of Europe and America with the scandals of their profligate living. There was a time when everybody who had any property felt a certain common interest with all property rights, hi iw- ever large. But it would be idle to conceal the fact that the da}- seems to be approaching when the public mind is learning to discriminate between the honorable accumulation of property and the business methods which have already brought shame upon some departments of industry and commerce. I do not know how great General Au;kk's financial for- tune actually was, but probably not as great as commonly supposed. But whatever it was, there was no stain of dis- honor upon it. It represented the capacity, the patient industry, and the genius for affairs which has never been without honor in the world of business. And it would be hard to find a better test of the real character of the man than to observe how little his wealth affected his manners; how slight its impression upon his daily walk and conver- sation; in short, how much greater the man was than his possessions. And when on the day of his funeral I looked upon the streets of the city where he lived and saw them crowded mile after mile with men and women and children standing with solemn faces and uncovered heads, it did not require the testimony of neighbors to let me know that he had used his fortune for the welfare of the people where his ^s Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger lot was cast. A rich man with his heart full of love. to humanity is God's best gift to modern society. I would have the young men of America, without measur- ing the possibilities of their success in money, treat the ac- cumulations which come to them as the result of honorable effort, not as a master to put them into slavery, but as a servant to be sent out upon errands of philanthropy to help and bless the world in which we live. Such a man was Senator Ai.gkr. And while in this Chamber his voice was seldom heard in debate, no one of us can doubt that when his people sent him here they con- tributed to the real deliberations of the Senate a strong and valuable guidance, too often wanting in our management of practical affairs. If I were called upon to point out the most conspicuous public service of General Algkr in civil life, I would recall his labors as Secretary of War in the Cabinet of President McKinley. I had an opportunity to know something of the burdens that were suddenly placed upon him, of the difficulties which he had to surmount, and of the noise which beset his office after the brief conflict with Spain was over. I do not know that anybody else has been impressed by it, but I have often wondered how it came about that nearly everybody connected with the chief events arising out of our intervention in behalf of the colonies of Spain sooner or later was called to pass through humiliation, and one at least through despair and suffering even unto death. ( >ne day, sitting by Senator Alger's desk, I ventured to comment on this depressing aspect of our great victory, for- getting for a moment that he himself had tasted the bitter Address of Mr. Dolliver, of Iowa 39 draft commended to his lips by the morbid and misguided opinion of some of his countrymen; and I can not forget the quiet smile of the old soldier of General Grant's army as he explained the interesting phenomena. His notion was that every generation has in its heart a vague longing for ex- ploits and far-sounding renown of its own; that we get tired of feeding our enthusiasm on the fame of other times. For that reason, as the war with Spain came on, so many people desired to get into it that the size of it was exagger- ated in the popular imagination, and nearly even-body had a dull sensation of having been robbed of a chance to play a part on the stage of an epoch-making drama. The country was filled with talkative heroes, better suited to command the Pacific than Dewey, better suited to take Santiago than Shatter, better suited to blockade seaports than Sampson, better suited to stop up the mouths of harbors than Hobson, and better suited to ecpiip and put armies in the field than the Secretary of War. As a net result of this surplus military energy this unissued stock in a patriotic enterprise grotesquely overcapitalized in the public mind, an audience was waiting for the campaign of abuse and slander, directed not only against the War Department, but against nearly all our movements on land and sea. There have been few more discreditable episodes in the annals of. American public opinion. It brings to mind, as we recall it, a chapter in the quaint fiction of Rabelais, in which the adventurer whose perils he records reaches the countrv of Tapestry and finds there, 1 teing attracted to the spot, as he plainly says, by a loud and vari- ous noise like that of paper mills, "a diminutive, monstrous, 4<"> Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger misshapen old fellow called 'Hearsay.' His month was slit up to his ears and in it were seven tongues, each of them cleft into seven parts. However, he chattered, tattled, and prated, with all the seven at once, of different matters and in divers languages. He had as mam' ears all over his head and the rest of his body as Argus formerly had eyes, and was blind as a beetle and had the palsy in his legs. About him stood an innumerable company of men and women, gaping, listening, and hearing very intensely. So that those men of happy memories grew learned in a trice and would most fluently talk with you of a world of prodigious things, the hundredth part of which would take up a man's whole life to be fully known — every individual word of it by hear- say." Having discovered "forty cartloads of modern histo- rians lurking behind a piece of tapestry, where thev were at it dingdong, privately scribbling the Lord knows what, and making rare work of it," he ventures to ask the question, "What sort of study they applied themselves to?" and was told that "from their youth they learned to be evi- dences, affidavit men, and vouchers, and were instructed in the art of swearing, in which they soon became such profi- cients that when they left that country and went back into their own thev set up for themselves and very honestly lived by their trade of evidencing, positively giving their testi- mony of all things whatsoever to those who feed them most roundly to do a job of journey work for them; and all this by hearsay. Wherever printing is free and speech is free, the infirmi- ties of human nature seldom allow institutions like that to be closed even for repairs. Address of Mr. Dot/tver, of Iowa 41 But the friends of General Alger, recalling, as I feel bound to do to-day, the injustice which was visited upon him, no longer see the need of defending him, for their thoughts turn without bitterness from those dismal months, now almost incredible to the American people, to the figure of the old soldier, sitting in his library in the pride of con- scious rectitude, setting down in writing, for his children and for his countrymen, the whole history of the Spanish war, its greatness and its littleness, its meaning and influence upon the national life, trusting his own fame to the simple record of his official labors and to the impartial judgment of posterity. The State of Michigan, in which he had lived so lono-, to whose material development he had contributed so much, was quick to challenge the imputation involved in his retirement under such circumstances from public life. His election to the Senate was recognized everywhere as the answer of those who knew him best to the clamor with which his reputation had been assailed. He had borne with honor the chief dignity of the Commonwealth. Bv common consent its people had lovingly presented his name to the nation for the highest office of the Republic, and they lost no time, although he was broken by the cares and burdens of life, and though the infirmity of years was already upon him, to console his old age by their commission to sit in this historic Chamber and end his days in the service of the people who had trusted and believed in him for more than half a centurv. 42 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger Address of Mr. Dick, of Ohio Mr. President: I feel I can not let this- occasion pass without offering a few remarks. Senator Alger was born in Ohio, and only a few miles from inv own home. He spent his youth in my home county and prepared for admission to the bar in my home city. In later years he was a frequent visitor there, where he had social and business interests, and he always enjoyed the admiration and respect of the people of his native State. Those of us who knew him best loved him most. The career of RUSSELL A. ALGER is typical of what is best worthy of imitation in American life. Born in pov- erty in a log cabin, which did not even possess a ridgepole, yet he enjoyed the rich heritage of descending from a long line of sturdy, respected, God-fearing ancestors of the best Puritan stock. They had been pioneers of early New Eng- land, his great-grandfather a brave soldier in the Revolu- tionary war, and his own father, early in the last century, joined the band of stalwart pioneers who moved from Con- necticut to the Western Reserve, where he broke a clearing in the wilderness, put up his cabin, and engaged in the stern struggle for existence which nature reqires of her favored sons. Young Alger was bereft of his parents at the early age of 12, and was left with a young brother and sister who looked to him for guidance and support. He spent the Address of Mr. Dick, of Ohio 43 remainder of his boyhood years on the farm of an uncle, working at first for board and clothes and three months' schooling in each year. He attended country school and academy for such meager educational advantages as the neighborhood afforded, and for two years himself taught school. His first cash employment was for $3 a month and board, but for part of that year he was paid $5 a month, from which he clothed himself and helped his brother and sister. His earnings gradually increased to $20 a month, the highest wage paid at that time to farm laborers. He was industrious, faithful, and ambitious, and, like thousands of other American boys, felt that the larger opportunities lay in the town rather than in the country. He moved to Akron, then a small country village, and entered upon the study of law. His preceptors were able and successful law- yers of more than State-wide reputation. One was Chris- topher P. Wolcott, then attorney-general of Ohio and from 1862 to 1863 Assistant Secretary of War under Edwin M. Stanton, with whom he had read law. The other preceptor, who still survives, was William H. Upson, for four years an honored member of the National House of Representatives and for a dozen years judge of the supreme and circuit courts of Ohio. ALGER was admitted to the bar at Columbus in 1859, and entered a law office in Cleveland. The qualities which brought him success in other lines of industry would cer- tainly have given him great success at the bar, but he remained in the practice only a few months, failing health forcing him out of doors and compelling him to follow life in the open air. He moved to Michigan, and with borrowed I i Memorial Addresses: Russell . I. . llger capital engaged in the lumber business. The war soon broke out and he promptly offered his services to bis country. He enlisted in August, 1861, and the next mouth was mus- tered in as a captain of the Second Michigan Cavalry. For three years he served in that branch of the Army and ren- dered gallant and conspicuous service. His name is closely linked with the names of those two incomparable cavalry leaders, Sheridan and Custer, and had his military training been equal to theirs his military reputation would have been no less, for he was a bom commander of men, with natural military genius. It is hard to realize that this quiet, retiring, modest gen- tleman, who has unobtrusively moved in and out among us for the past four years, was one of the most dashing and courageous cavalry commanders in the civil war, but such was the case. No portion of his career shines so resplendent and no braver or more gallant soldier served in either army. Always the idol of his men, he often led them into desperate situations, but they were always eager to follow where he led. It has been said it was ALGER who requested the gov- ernor of Michigan to issue a commission to Philip H Sheridan, then an unknown captain of infantry, as colonel of a cavalry regiment, and Sheridan himself bears witness that it was Ai.ckk who, on the 25th day of May, 1862, handed to him telegraphic orders announcing his appoint- ment as colonel of the Second Michigan Cavalry. The two soldiers served together in the siege of Corinth, Miss., and are mentioned side by side in Gen. Gordon Granger's report for having well and faithfully performed their whole duty and Address of Mr. Dick, of Ohio 45 meriting the highest commendation from their general and their country in that campaign. ALGER led the line of skirmishers in the advance on Boonville on May 30, 1862, which led to its capture^ and was mentioned by Colonel Sheridan as having rendered important service. A month later the enemy, with over 5,000 mounted men, attempted to recapture Boonville, and attacked Sheridan, who was in command of two regiments, with only about 800 officers and men. When the attack developed the vastly superior force of the enemy, Sheridan detached ALGER with 90 sabers and directed him to make a detour around the flank of the enemy and attack him in column in the rear. Sheridan in his memoirs says of this movement that he was "confident of Alger's determi- nation to accomplish the purpose for which he set out," and the movement was entirely successful. Sheridan attacked in front with his entire force at the same time ALGER struck the rear, and the enemy stampeded and fled. ALGER himself was slightly wounded and taken prisoner, but escaped and returned to his command the same day. It was a brilliant charge and nobly executed, and this engage- ment made Sheridan a brigadier-general and ALGER a major. Every promotion that came to him was won by bravery and courage on the field of battle. On the 16th of October, 1862, he was made lieutenant-colonel of the Sixth Michigan Cavalry and ordered to the Army of the Potomac. On February 28, 1863, he was appointed colonel of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, and his command was the rir.st Union force to enter Gettysburg when threatened by the 46 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger approach of General Lee and his army. He rendered dis- tinguished service here and participated in the several charges made by his regiment on the fatefid 3d of July. He was wounded July 8 at Boonesboro, Md., while in pur- suit of the enemy, but returned to duty the following September. To the end of his service he commanded this regiment, which was in Custer's brigade, except for short periods when he was temporarily in command of the brigade, and he was one of Custer's most trusted and fear- less regimental commanders. He repulsed an attack of the enemy in the operations around Culpeper Court House in September, 1863, his regiment being in advance of the brigade and passing through the town. In fact, Alger's entire militarv career while any fighting was going on was spent on the firing line, in the advance, in the skirmish line, or making desperate charges with his men. General Custer honored him as he did no other subordinate. In the winter of 1863-64 he performed special services for President Lincoln, receiving orders from him direct and visiting nearly all the armies in the field. In the movement from the Rapidan to the James in June, 1864, be participated in several brilliant engagements. Of the famous charge at Trevilian Station, June n, General Sheridan says : The cavalry engagement of the iitli ami 12th was by far the most brilliant one of the present campaign. The enemy's loss was very heavy. My loss and captured will net exceed 160. They are principally from the Fifth Michigan Cavalry. This regiment, Col. R. A. Algek, gallantly charged, down the Gordonsville road, capturing 1,500 horses and about « » 1 prisoners, but were finally surrounded and had to give them up. Address of Mr. Dick, of Ohio 47 Alger's command in this charge did not exceed 300 men. Though surrounded by the enemy, he cut his way through a column of troops and rejoined the Union Army. For his distinguished gallantry in this engagement Colonel ALGER was brevetted a brigadier-general. His own official report of this engagement was most modest. The only tone of exultation it contains was over the fact that through a severe and fatiguing campaign his regiment had not lost a single man from disease, although the total loss in killed and wounded and missing was very great. The condition of his health compelled him to retire from the Army in October, 1864. He had participated in more than sixty battles and skirmishes, and at the close of the war was brevetted major-general for gallant and meritorious services. He returned home to begin again at the bottom to build for the future. He organized and planned large business enterprises. He acquired wealth, acquired it honestly, and never used it dishonestly. At one time he counted his lumber forests by the hundred square miles. He was a true captain of industry, for he created wealth and distributed it to others. He organized large industries by taking advantage of the opportunities which were open to all men. He was a prophet who looked into the future and foresaw coming demand. He never manipulated the stock market, never made a dollar by speculation, nor tore down what another had built up. When he benefited him- self he impoverished no one else, but added to the prosperity of all men with whom he dealt. His first entrance into politics was in 1884, when his partv in Michigan looked for its strongest man in order to 48 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger regain political control of the State, then administered by the opposition, and named Alger as its candidate. His administration as governor was very popular because of his business methods, his strict honesty, and close attention to duty. He refused a renomination because he could not afford to longer neglect his own business, and he would not slight the State's business for his own. In the Republican national convention of [888 he was a formidable candidate for the Presidential nomination and led an enthusiastic and devoted following. On one ballot he received 143 votes out of a total of 830, or more than one- sixth. He was voted for by delegates from twenty-six States and Territories, scattered from Maine to Washington and from Florida to Arizona. In a field of twelve candi- dates he received on the second ballot the next to the highest vote. After that he never stood lower than third on the list nor received less than 100 votes. On the last ballot, which ballot nominated Harrison, he received 100 votes to 118 for John Sherman, who had led on preceding ballots. Xo candidate before the convention had a more determined following, and his own State cast its solid vote for him from the beginning to the end of the contest. In this con- vention was first heard the exclamation, since heard in hundreds and thousands of public gatherings, "Who's all right?" " He's all right." It was applied by the news- boys of Detroit to General ALGER. He was elected national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic by acclamation in 1SS9 and was one of the most popular and successful heads of that splendid organi- Address of Mr. Dick, of Ohio 49 zation. No soldier was more loved by his comrades who wore the blue. He was made Secretary of War in President McKinley's Cabinet, with no thought that he would ever be called upon to assume the responsibilities of a war minister. Before the war clouds lowered the American people, with the blind optimism characteristic of them, believed war was impos- sible. When war did come the nation, as has always been the case in the past, was entirely unprepared. There never was a more popular war, and many times more men offered themselves for service than could be accepted. While there were plenty of men, men as brave and patriotic as ever served the Stars and Stripes, there was a scarcity of every other necessity. There were on hand barely enough of our newly adopted and improved rifles to arm our small Regular Army. The volunteers were equipped with an inferior arm, and <>ur best was not as efficient a weapon as that carried by the enemy. Volunteer regiments had to be sent to the firing line carrying cartridges loaded with black powder to face an enemy using only smokeless powder. We had no reserve supply of uniforms or tents, and there was no cloth in the country with which to make the new 7 service uniform required By climatic conditions in a tropical coun- try The country was surprised and shocked to learn that the .State volunteers were not eqiiipped for service, though everyone conversant with the facts well knew such was the case, for in our national blindness we had believed war was impossible. While human passions remain as they have been- since passion was born, and national ambitions cross S. Doc. 405, 59-2 4 5ur most enduring riches are our friends — friends not of a day, but friends that we " grapple to our souls with hooks of steel." It was Emerson, I think, who said, "The only way to have a friend is to be one." The truth of this saying was exemplified in the life of RUSSELL Alexander Alger. ( )f him it may be truthfully said that those who knew him best loved him most. But our dead brother, Mr. President, was more to me than a friend. He was my comrade. The most enduring and tender ties in this life outside of the family circle, I Address of Mr. Warner^ of Missouri 55 am constrained to believe, are the ties that are welded in the fires of battle between those who have shared, in a common cause, the privations of the camp, the hardships of the march, and the dangers of the battle. As a citizen he was without reproach; as a soldier he- was without fear. To fittingly speak of his record as a soldier would be to recount in no small part the marches and battles of '61 to '65. He was ever upon the firing line, taking an important part in threescore and six battles and skirmishes. For gallant and meritorious services he was brevetted brigadier and major-general of volunteers. With him, the war ended at Appamattox. Then, in com- mon with those who had borne the battle "with malice toward none, with charity for all," he gladly exchanged the instruments of war for the implements of industry. But few men have been more highly honored bv their States and by the nation than the deceased. Yet, much as he esteemed the honor of being governor, Cabinet minister, and United States Senator, no one nor all of these honors did he as highly prize, as he told me in this Chamber a few weeks before his death, as the one of being commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization composed of the survivors of the men who, with him, had followed the flag of our nation as their " pillar of cloud bv day and of fire by night." He deemed it a blessed privilege to have been an actor in that mighty drama of ages out of which came the convic- tion universal, more earnest and firm than was ever expressed by the pen of a Hamilton or ever fell from the lips of a Webster, that there is no river, mountain, or other natural 56 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger boundary line that can ever divide this Republic; that we are one people, one in law, one in hope, and one in destiny. He rejoiced tbat he had been spared to see the day when the men of the blue and of the gray recall the scenes of the civil war without passion and review its results without regret. His was one of the gentlest and kindliest spirits I ever knew. His life was an inspiration to the young man of brain, industry, and honesty. He has pitched his tent with the old field marshal on the other side. His life being without reproach, lie inarched through the "valley of the shadow of death " seeing nothing here to regret or there to fear. It is a consolation that in the presence of our dead there comes to us an affirmative answer to the question of ages: "If a man die, shall he live atrain?" Letter from Mr. Foraker of Ohio 57 Letter from Mr. Foraker, of Ohio. Mr. Burrows. Mr. President, it was the desire of the Senator from Ohio [Mr. Foraker] to be present at these services, but I received a letter from him this morning stating that illness detained him at his home. I ask that the letter may be inserted in the Record. The Vice-President. It will be so ordered. Mr. Foraker's letter is as follows: Washington, February 2j, /go/. Dear Senator Burrows: An attack of the grip pre- vents my attending the Senate and participating in the memorial exercises in honor of Senator ALGER. I greatly reoret that such is the ease, for it would be to me a labor of love to join with yon and his other colleagues and friends in paying proper tribute to such a splendid character. It was my good fortune to know him intimately for many years. He first attracted the attention of the Ameri- can people as a dashing cavalry officer in the civil war, where, on account of his own merit and gallant services at the front, he rose to high rank, succeeded to important commands, and won great distinction. He was a typical volunteer soldier of the Union Army. As commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, as the governor of Michigan, as the Secretary of War, and, finally, as United States Senator, he filled con- 5 s Memorial . iddresses: Russell A. Alger spicuous places and rendered great services to his comrades, his State, and the nation. But great as are his claims up< m us because of these distinguished services, I shall always think of him first because of his excellent qualities as a man. Amid the busy cares of his active life he never forgot the claims upon him of others. He was one of the most considerate of men. I never knew one freer from envy, jealousy, malice, and every other kind of ill disposi- tion toward others. He was always modest, generous, even tempered, and lovable. Nothing gratified him so much as to do a favor or extend help to those who were honestly struggling against odds in the battle of life. His family relations and home life were ideal. There love and affection reigned supreme ; and so it is that from whatever view may be taken of his life, character, and public services there comes a real inspiration to emulate his example. Again regretting that I can not be present to elaborate these suggestions, I remain, Very truly, yours, etc., J. B. Forakkk. Hon. J. C. Burrows, United States Senate, Washington, D. C. Address of Mr. Smith, of Michigan 59 Address of Mr. Smith, of Michigan Mr. President: To pay tribute to the deserving, to shower eulogy upon the dead, is the custom of ages and the privilege of friends. This historic Chamber, the scene of so many fierce polit- ical controversies and the abode of ^ much affectionate aood will, is at once the tribune of popular expression, the forum of reflection, and the theater of action harmoniously combined. Here the voices of the strong have been raised for the weak and the soldier of destiny has drawn his sword in royal battle. Here the favored son of fortune and the victor over circumstances have poured out their souls in tuneful harmony, and history recalls no loftier aspirations than have moved the hearts and minds of men in this high place. It is fitting, indeed, that from the vexatious affairs of state we turn in tearful contemplation to one whose life- typified his country's greatness and in whose death the shadows fall tinted with mellow glow. Born in an humble cottage, his early life burdened with the perplexities of poverty and the difficult problems of existence, he soon mastered both himself and circumstances, and marked a royal trail through the forest of life, romantic and thrilling in individual intensity. To make his way alone from an humble frontier cabin to this exalted station, leaving monuments of generosity and 60 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger enterprise along the stormy path he tranversed, is. indeed, the priceless privilege of few. Laborer, lawyer, soldier, statesman, this busy man unlocked with his magic key the hidden treasures of com- merce, and with dauntless spirit leveled forests, cleft moun- tains in twain, and delved with pick and shovel and spade, guided only by his flickering lamp and his stout heart, to the choicest gifts of mother earth. Then with lavish hand he scattered his generous bounty into the lap of the poor and the unfortunate until the widow and the orphan, the sick and the distressed, came to look upon this goodly man as religion personified, while that vast army of newsboys in the city of his home, whom he met each year in princely conclave, came to look upon his kindly face with reverential awe, drawing from his inspir- ing life lessons of comfort and hope, pointing the way to the very summit of the possibilities of American manhood. To blaze the way with ax and saw, to pore with patient vigil over the baffling intricacies of the law, and just as he had taken to his heart the queenly wife who sustained and aided him with such noble dignity and womanly poise in life's great battle, to leave all and risk his life upon count- less battlefields is to do that which only a manly man can do. ( >l>stacles only stimulated him. Danger fired his imag^i- nation and strengthened his resolution; povert) spurred him to greater endeavor, and disappointment could not dis- courage him nor alter his plans. Tall, lithe, agile, strong, he broke the bonds of ciicum- stances and cleared his own pathway to the highest goal, never doing injustice to any man. His fascinating figure Address of Mr. Smith of Michigan 61 became familiar to his countrymen as he moved with modest but intrepid mein, whether in the thickest of the fray upon the field of battle or in executive, administrative, or Senatorial office. His radiating and inspiring person- ality stimulated alike the old and the young; and when at last the strain of active life bore too heavily upon him and his big heart broke, his noble character took on again the sweetness of gentle childhood, and he found his greatest comfort in mingling quietly and uncomplainingly among his fellows or in sharing the joys of his beautiful home, where worthy sons and sympathetic daughters vied with wife and mother in a home life that was perfect in its love- liness and in which no discordant note was ever heard. Senator ALGER died like the soldier that he was. In the midst of every earthly blessing, richly dowered with the love of friends, he sat under the sword of fate, unmoved by fear and unawed by the shadow of death. He passed away in the gentle quiet of the early dawn, the morning sun filling his death chamber with rich radi- ance, typical of his life among men. About his bier gathered the mighty of State and nation. Soldiers in martial array rode sadly but proudly by his corpse. The flag of his country, which he had defended so bravely, was his pall, enshrouding the dead chieftain in its graceful folds, while the remembrance of his loving country- men constitutes his priceless mausoleum. Mr. President, from this Chamber Michigan has gathered up the sacred dust of many noble sons who have borne with conspicuous honor the commission of our State. 62 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger Cass and Howard, Chandler and Ferry, Conger and Bald- win, Stockbridge and McMillan wrought mightily and faith- fully for their country, and the people of our Commonwealth treasure their ashes in memory's golden urn. To-day we lovingly lay upon the shores of the limitless sea this last contribution to our immortal dead. O unseen oarsman, gently, lovingly, tenderly, and hope- fully bear him across the dark river, made wider by our affection and deepened by our tears. This Chamber may have echoed with more eloquent voices, and abler statesmen may have trod this matchless way; but no kindlier, gentler, manlier man was ever carried through yonder portals than the late modest, unassuming Senator from Michigan. Proceedings in the House 63 PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE Thursday, January _y, 190?. The House met at 12 o'clock noon. The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the following prayer : Our Father in heaven, we meet this morning- in the shadow of the death of Senator Alger, of Michigan, a man who for more than forty years, as soldier and statesman, has been conspicuous in the service of his country. Our sympathies go out to the bereaved family and the stricken friends, and we most fervently pray that we may live so close to Thee that when our time comes we may be prepared to pass on and take up whatever awaits us in some other world; with faith, and trust, and confidence, and fortitude, in the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. The Speaker laid before the House a message from the Senate announcing that the Senate had passed the follow- ing resolution: Resolved, That the Senate has heard with deep regret and profound sorrow of the deatli of Hon. RUSSELL A. Alger, late a Senator from the State of Michigan. Resolved, That a committee of twelve Senators be appointed by the Vice-President to take order for superintending the funeral of Mr. Alger. which shall take place at his late residence on Saturday, January 26, at 2 o'clock p. m., and that the Senate will attend the same. Resolved, That as a further mark of respect his remains he removed from his late home in this city to Detroit. Mich., for burial, in charg. -1 the Sergeaut-at-Arms, attended by the committee, who shall have full power to carry these resolutions into effect, and that the Sergeant-at-Arms 64 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger be directed to invite the Representatives from the State of Michigan to join the committee appointed by the Senate to escort the remains of the deceased to his place of burial. 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 nou adjourn. And that in compliance with the foregoing the Vice-Presi- dent had appointed as said committee Mr. Burrows, Mr. Five, Mr. Daniel, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Warren, Mr. Spooner, Mr. Scott, Mr. Dillingham, Mr. Foster, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Dick, and Mr. Crane. Mr. Bishop. Mr. Speaker, I am called upon to perform .1 sad duty on behalf of my colleagues from Michigan and myself, in announcing to the country the death of Hon. RUSSELL A. Alger, Senator from Michigan. This announcement conies at a time of peculiar fitness, at an hour when this House has been engaged in the con- sideration of a bill granting pensions to those who have served their country as soldiers and sailors of this Republic and to their widows and orphans. The distinguished Senator who has passed out of service in the Senate this day spent the years of his early manhood in adding luster to the name of the American volunteer soldier in sixty-six battles and skirmishes. He was commissioned captain of volunteers in August, 1861, major in 1862, lieutenant- colonel in 1863, brevet brigadier-general of volunteers for distinguished service in the field in 1864, brevet major- general of volunteers for distinguished bravery on the field in 1865, commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic in 1889. He was elected governor of the State of Michigan in 1884, appointed Secretary of War by Presi- Proceedings in the House 65 dent McKinley in 1897, and chosen to represent the great State of Michigan in the United States Senate in 1902. He has enjoyed many honors bestowed by the admiring citizens of his State, but in the discharge of every public position he has earned the universal credit of duty well done. At some future time I shall ask the House to set aside a day to present proper eulogies on his life, char- acter, and public service. For the present I offer the following resolutions, which I send to the Clerk's desk to be read. The Clerk read as follows : Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. RUSSELL A. Alger, a Senator of the United States from the State of Michigan. Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased Senator. Resolved, That a committee of twelve Members be appointed on the part of the House to join the committee appointed on the part of the Senate to attend the funeral. Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House do now adjourn. The Speaker. The question is on agreeing to all the resolutions except the last. The resolutions, except the last one, were unanimously agreed to. In pursuance of the foregoing resolutions, the Speaker announced the following committee on the part of the House: Mr. R. P. Bishop, Mr. William Alden Smith, Mr. Samuel W. Smith, Mr. Charles E. Townsend, Mr. Edwin Denby, Mr. Washington Gardner, Mr. H. R. Burton, Mr. M. L- Smyser, Mr. J. A. Goulden, Mr. John H. Small, Mr. David A. De Armond, and Mr. A. P. Pujo. S. Doc. 405, 59-2 5 66 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger The Speaker. The question is on agreeing to the last resolution. The question was taken; and the last resolution was agreed to. Accordingly (at 2 o'clock and 30 minutes p. in.) the House adjourned. Monday, February 18, 1907. Mr. Denby. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the present consideration of the order which I send to the desk. The Clerk read as follows : Ordered, That the session of the House on Sunday, February 24, 1907, be held at 10 o'clock a. m., and that the time until 12 o'clock noon be set apart for memorial addresses on the life, character, and public services of Hon. RUSSELL A. ALGER, late a Senator from the State of Michigan. The Speaker. Is there objection? [After a pause.] The Chair hears none. The question was taken ; and the resolution was agreed to. Sunday, February jy, rpoj The House met at 10 o'clock a. m. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., as follows: Let not your heart be troubled : ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for'you. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle ivere dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our house 'which is from heaven: Proceedings in the House 67 IJ so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. /-(>/- we that arc in this tabernacle do groan, being bur- dened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought for us the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present. nor things to come. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the /ore of God, which is in Christ fesus our Lord. Eternal God, our heavenly Father, whose heart goes out in approbation and love to those who seek to do Thy will and thus add to the sum of human happiness and depart- in." leave the world a little better that they have lived and wrought. We thank Thee for the men whose characters and deeds we are here to memorialize, men whose gifts and talents fit- ted them in an eminent degree for the onerous duties laid upon them by their fellow-citizens. Let Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, be upon this service, that those who shall record their tribute of love and respect may inspire those: who shall come after them to faithful service. We thank Thee for the hope of immortality which lifts us in our better moments to larger life and nobler deeds and which bids us look forward to a brighter world beyond the confines of earth. Let Thine everlasting arms be about those who mourn the loss of their dear ones, and in Thine own good time bring them to dwell together in one of the 68 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger many mansions prepared for those who love the Lord, and Thine be the praise forever. Amen. Mr. Denby. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following resolu- tions, which I send to the desk and ask to have read. The Clerk read as follows : Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended that oppor- tunity may be given for tributes to the memory of Hon. RUSSELL A. Alger, late a Senator from the State of Michigan. Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory of the deceased and in recognition of his distinguished public career, the House, at the conclusion of the exercises of this day, shall stand adjourned. Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate. Resolved, That the Clerk send a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased. The Speaker pro tempore. The question is on agreeing to the resolutions. The question was taken, and the resolutions were agreed to. Mr. Denby. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that leave to print upon the subject of the day's exercises be extended to all Members of the House for a period of ten days. The Speaker pro tempore. Is there objection? There was no objection, and it was so ordered. Address of Mr. Denby, of Michigan 69 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Address of Mr. Denby, of Michigan Mr. SPEAKER: The truest tribute to the departed is the silent requiem that chants in the hearts of a great people when death comes to a loved and honored leader. We who remain may vie with one another in the superlatives of praise, we may exhaust the language of eulogy— we do not add one jot or tittle to the fair fame of the illustrious dead. As it is beyond our power to take from him any part of that respect and love that have been his reward in life, so it is idle to suppose that we can control the hand of history and by our feeble efforts make him nobler, better, greater than he was. He, the dead, whom we vainly strive to exalt, gains nothing by our praise. His place is secure, and the story of his life becomes a cherished possession— his legacy to the living. We have gathered here to-day to pay this public honor to our lamented Senator, RUSSELL A. Alger. But the great heart of Michigan has rendered to him in death an honor so perfect that no eulogy spoken here can add to its simple dignity. What tribute can there be so earnest and so pure as the bowed heads and the bitter tears of a mourning populace? Michigan, which so greatly honored him in life, received him home as a sorrowing mother receives the body of her 70 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger Son. Upon a day of bitter cold the train arrived. Snow covered the streets of Detroit. It was Sunday morning, and, free from the engagements of their week-da}' toil, the citizens of the Senator's home chose to spend their holidav standing in the rigors of the open air to pay their sad trib- ute. The beautiful city opened wide her tender arms and took him to her heart again. The scene suggested another great occasion, when, having left the Cabinet of President McKinley, the affectionate sympathy of Detroit went out to him and she made him welcome home. Then flags and music and might}' cheers showed their lovaltv and devo- tion; but when last he returned the concourse that filled all the thoroughfares stood silent and stricken as he passed them by. As one was the generous outburst of sympathy and honor, that all the world might know how true to the living statesman beat the heart of Michigan when causeless slight was put upon him, so the other was the reverent ex- pression of her grief when he came home to stav forever. And upon the next day, when the last honors were paid and the bugles sounded taps over the soldier's grave, again in the winter weather the people of Michigan came out to say farewell. The streets were crowded, the cemetery thronged with a silent multitude. All classes, all ages, all conditions, one purpose — to honor General Alger, repre- sentative and friend to all, benefactor to many. Delicate women, busy men, veterans of the great war, worn and feeble that their country might be safe and strong, the sires of '61 and the sons of '98, all standing bareheaded in the snow when the General came home. Address of Mr. Denby, of Michigan 71 Ah, sir, there was tribute, there was eulogy, such as few receive. What inspiration to the living in this high honor to the dead! And these scenes, Mr. Speaker, but latelv I was witness of. With the thought of this living, throbbing eulogy so freshly present in my mind, Mr. Speaker, do von think I can try to-day to eulogize Michigan's loved Sena- tor? But there is no study more inspiring than that of the nation's patriots, who in many walks of life have illustrated the energy, adaptability, and capacity that have always marked the men of America ; there is no dutv more erate- fid than that of paying loving respect to their memorv. That study and that duty are ours to-dav. General Alger was a typical product of his dav and nation. It is the glory of our country that this is so. Many other of his contemporaries raised themselves by their unaided efforts, as he did, from poverty to affluence, from obscurity to fame. Main- other men fought gallantly at his side in the great struggle of 1861 — the new birth of freedom upon this continent. It is well with a nation when this is so. I take nothing from his fame when I sax- he came into being in a generation when the great emer- gency raised up many great men to meet it ; great fighters like himself, great statesmen, great patriots. It is said that even- emergency breeds its master, as the Revolution bred Washington ; as the civil war, Lincoln ; the military exi- gency, Grant, when it seemed that Grant, and only Grant, could wear out the gallant forces of the South. But it seems to me that, be the emergency great enough, it will breed, in this country at least, not one man, but a nation of men of giant mold — men fit to cope with anything ; men of 7 2 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger one idea, if yon like ; men at least with but one fear, and that of dishonor. The civil-war epoch was the heroic period of our national life. Men grew to their full stature then. So terrible a struggle, waged on both sides for principle's sake, could not fail to develop the greatest qualities in the character of its participants. When a man leaves all that home may mean to incur the horrors of march and battlefield, and offers upon the altar of his countrv and his concience health and life and hope of the future, there is, Mr. Speaker, something stirring within him that proves him one with the Eternal. And when an entire nation dedicates itself to furious war- fare, one part against another of the same great people, for four long years, and gladly suffers all the unspeakable agonies of that awful struggle until from very exhaustion the sword falls from the hand of one party to the conflict, may we not say, sir, that that nation was not born to die? It, too, has shown itself of the immortals. I do not propose to burden this paper with statistics; but, sir, to show where Michigan stood during this time and what she did to prove her right of equality in the sovereign sisterhood of States, I give you these facts only: On the outbreak of the war there were in Michigan about 775,000 inhabitants. During the war Michigan sent to the Federal Army 90,747 soldiers, or about 12 per cent of the entire population and about 60 per cent of her able- bodied sons. Of the 90,747 men and boys who served under the flag, 177 officers were killed on the field, 85 officers died of wounds, and 96 of disease- — 358 in all; and 2,643 men were killed, 1,302 died of wounds, and 10,552 Address of Mr. Denby, of Michigan 73 died of disease, or 14,497 enlisted men, a total of all ranks who died during the war of 14,855 — about 16 per cent of all soldiers engaged from the State. This does not take into account the great host whose lives were shortened and whose health was destroyed. A notable fact in regard to this splendid army of volunteers from Michigan is that 67,468 of the men were native-born American citizens. Of the remainder, nearly 9,000 were Canadians, and about 13,000 were natives of the British Isles and Germany. Let me call your attention to one striking fact in regard to the mortality list. Two hundred and sixty-two officers were killed or died of wounds out of a total of 358 in all who died. Those men were well led whose officers died in such numbers on the field of battle. Against the lurid background of the war General Alger first comes into public view as captain of Company C, Second Michigan Cavalry. Thereafter, through successive promotions, earned by skill in the handling of troops and gallantry on the field, he rose to be colonel of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, and later was brevetted major-general of United States Volun- teers. There is not time to recite here the many conflicts in which he participated or the many deeds of daring he performed during his service in the Army. Certain it is that he was a brave and able soldier, leading his men with dash and vigor into the fiercest of the fighting, wherever it was to be found. He was the typical cavalrvman, infinitely careful of the health, comfort, and well-being of his troopers when care could be shown, utterly reckless of their lives and of his own when attacking the enemy. The whole great story, full as it is of romance and of valorous devotion 74 Memorial Add) esses: Russell A. Alger to duty, is told in this one sentence from the Congressional Directory : Brevet major-general, United States Volunteers, June II, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services during the war, having participated in sixty-six battles and skirmishes. Sixty-six battles and skirmishes! Sixty-six occasions when death was an ever-present possibility, generally a probability; when the young life, with all its courage and all its hopes, afterwards so abundantly realized, was freely offered for the flag. Let me touch very briefly upon one only of these many engagements. I quote his own account of the dreadful days at Gettysburg, July 3 and 4, 1863. It will be remem- bered that the plans of Lee are supposed to haye contem- plated a cavalry charge on the Federal right, which, with Pickett's terrific onslaught on the center, was to break the line and give the yictory to the Confederate forces. Had Stuart been successful in getting to the rear of the Federal position, no one can tell what might haye been the out- come. That historic spot, now known as the " High-water mark of the rebellion," might haye been instead the low- water mark of southern reverses, from which the gray tide might have swept on, whither no one knows. At any rate it is certain that the cavalry action on the right of the Federal line was of critical importance. General Alger, in a report made to the Adjutant-General of the Army, July 1, 1880, thus describes the part his men took at Gettysburg : July 3. At 10 a. m., our brigade being on the right of the army, the enemy's cavalry, under General Stuart, appeared in our front in large force. I was ordered to dismount my regiment and attack him, which I Address of Mr. Denby, of Michigan 75 did driving him back about half a mile and into a thick wood. Here he rallied and attacked me and was repulsed, but with a heavy loss to my regiment, as well as to him. Again he attacked me, moving round on my left flank, but was again repulsed. In this last attack I also sus- tained a serious loss, including the gallant Maj. Noah H. Ferry (brother of United States Senator Ferry), of my regiment. Rein- unable to hold my position longer, my ammunition being nearly exhausted and while the enemy was diverted by a charge of the Seventh Cavalrv Colonel Mann, on my right, I fell back and mounted my regi- ment ' While mounting, the enemy charged past my right flank, about 40 rods distant driving the Seventh Michigan back in confusion. At that moment having mounted a portion of my command, I directed Maj,,. Trowbridge to take it and charge the enemy, which he did gallantly, hav- ing his horse shot and killed under him in so doing. A few moments later the balance of the regiment was engaged and the enemy checked and driven from the field, only, however, to rallj and come'dowu upon our brigade in still greater numbers. This charge was met by Colonel Town with his First Michigan, which had been held 1.1 reserve until now, who charged, checked, and broke the enemy's ranks, driving him from the field in confusion, assisted by the other regiments of the brigade. This left our brigade in possession of that hotly contested field, and night having closed in, this terrible battle ended, and at our left, where the roar of cannon and musketrv had been kept up all day, all was a, >w quiet except occasional desultorv firing along the line. My loss in killed and wounded was very severe. Major Ferry, who was cheering his battalion to hold its ground,' was instantly killed. His death cast a deep gloom upon the whole brigade He was a gallant soldier and an exemplary mail, and his loss was a great blow. July 4, at 10 o'clock a. 1.1., our division marched from Gettysburg battlefield to intercept the enemy, who was retreating along the South Mountain road toward YVilliamsport. We marched, via Em- mettsburg, up the road leading to Monterey, a small place, as it appeared in the night 011 the top of South Mountain Range, the Fifth Michigan Cavalrv being in the advance. As we approached the summit of the mountain about midnight (the night being very dark) we were surprised by the enemv opening fire upon us with two howitzers charged with grape- shot, at short range. The confusion following was only for a moment, and thev were soon driven off and the command moved forward. Arriv- ing at the summit of the mountain, the trains of the enemy could be dis- tinctlv heard moving along down the road which intercepted the line of our march, the road leading down the west slope of the mountain toward Williamsport. Near the junction of the two roads and between us and the trains of the enemy was a bridge over a deep stream swollen by the heavy rains of the afternoon of the 4 th, which was guarded by over 1,000 of the 76 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger enemy's infantry. This bridge the Fifth Cavalry charged across, forming its line on the opposite side of the bridge by the flashes of its guns (the regiment being dismounted), and moved forward at a double quick upon the enemy and was followed by the mounted escort of General Kilpatrick. This charge resulted in the capture of about 1 ,500 prisoners and a large train of wagons, the latter extending from the top to the base of the mountain, which were mostly burned and the mules attached to them turned over to the quartermaster. I can not speak in terms of too high praise of the behavior of my regiment in this engagement. It was the most trving place it had passed through up to that time, if not during its organization. General Custer, who commanded the cavalry brigade engaged during the battle, in his official report, made August 22, 1863, says : The enemy was soon after reported to be advancing on my front. The detachment of fifty men sent on the Oxford road were driven in, and at the same time the enenvy's line of skirmishers, consisting of dismounted cavalry, appeared on the crest of the ridge of hills on my front. The line extended beyond my left. To repel their advance I ordered the Fifth Michigan Cavalry to a more advanced position, with instructions to main- tain their ground at all hazards. Colonel ALGER, commanding the Fifth, assisted by Majors Trowbridge and Ferry, of the same regiment, made such admirable disposition of their men behind fences and other defenses as enabled them to successfully repel the repeated advance of a greatly superior force. I attribute their success in a great measure to the fact that this regiment is armed with the Spencer repeating rifle, which, in the hands of brave, determined men, like those composing the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, is, in my estimation, the most effective firearm that our cavalry can adopt. Colonel ALGER held his ground until his men had exhausted their ammunition, when he was compelled to fall back on the main body. The beginning of this movement was the signal for the enemy to charge, which they did with two regirrients, mounted and dismounted. During his military career General Alger was at differ- ent times severely wounded, captured by the enemy, but escaped, and stricken with fever. When at last the war was over he returned to Michigan and took up the pursuits of peace with the same courage, vigor, and intelligence that marked his military career. Address of Mr. Denby, of Michigan jj He had no fortune to repair, but one to make. The rap- idly growing business of the State and the great lumber industry, then in its infancy, offered opportunities of which he was not slow to avail himself. By his own ability and farsighted business skill he made a great success in busi- ness and was soon numbered among the most prosperous and influential men in the State, and so remained until his death. Michigan has always loved and honored the General. She made him her governor, then the President made him Secretary of War, and after he had left that position Michi- gan sent him to the United States Senate. It was un- pleasant privilege, as a member of the legislature of 1903, to make the first seconding speech in behalf of General Alger. Upon that occasion I was so impressed with the unanimity of the sentiment in his favor that I referred to this vote in the legislature as merely confirmatory of the action of the people, taken by popular vote, without the formality of a ballot. If I were asked to name the qualities of General Alger which more than any other accounted for his remarkable success in political life and for the devotion of his friends, I would say his kindness, generosity, tact, and sweetness of disposition, the great human attributes that charm and attract and make the world akin. His course through life was marked by many deeds of unostentatious charity. How much he gave will never be known, but that his bounties were very large is certain from the occasional instances brought to public notice. In Detroit he was mourned by 78 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. . llger none more sincerely than by the newsboys of that city. They have there a large organization, consisting of six or seven hundred members, called the "Newsboys' Associa- tion." General Alger helped the boys in and out of the association with clothing and other necessaries and with his kindly cheer, year after year, until he became the "newsboys' friend," a badge of honor he was well worthy to wear. How many other persons there are who regard his passing as the loss of their best earthly friend can not be known. His charities he tried to hide, but you will hear to-day some instances that could not be concealed. He rendered back to society in constant benefactions the riches it gave to him. He was one of the kindest, most lovable men in public life. Mr. Speaker, General Alger met death as a friendly messenger, not unexpected and, save for the pain of parting from those whom he loved so well, and who in their sorrow have our tenderest sympathy, the summons was not unwel- come. He faced the end in that perfect peace that is the reward of a life well lived. He was engaged to the last in the discharge of the duties of his high office, and when the time came it found him read)- to go. I think Tennvson's last poem gave General Alger's feeling toward death so clearly I quote it here: Sunset and evening star And one clear call for me, And may there be no moaning of the bar When I put out to sea. But such a tide as moving seems asleep. Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Address of Mr. Denby, of Michigan 79 Twilight and evening bell And after that the dark, And may there be no sadness of farewell When I embark. For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place The floods may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar. So Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger Address of Mr. Smith, of Michigan Mr. Speaker: In keeping with a custom of many years in this honorable body, this hour and this day has been set apart to do honor to the memory of the distinguished dead. I accept this opportunity to pay tribute to one who in life was my friend and in whose death I experienced a per- sonal loss; one whom I hold in affectionate remembrance for his genial and kindly qualities, for his broad love of humanity, and his generous soul. I became acquainted with him while serving in the State senate. He was then governor of Michigan. I there became impressed with his sterling qualities which the exi- gencies of life had developed in him. He was the soul of honor in politics, the same as in even- other relation in life. Russell A. Alger was born in Lafayette Township, Medina County, Ohio, February 27, 1836. His parents died when he was but 1 1 years of age. He was then com- pelled to provide for himself, laboring on the farm at small wages, attending school winters and until he acquired an education ; then, having completed a course in law, he was admitted to the supreme court of Ohio in 1859, and in May, 1885, the degree of LL. D. was conferred on him by Hills- dale College. He removed to the comparatively new State of Michigan in the latter part of 1859 and engaged in the business of Address of Mr. Smith, of Michigan 81 lumbering, then in its infancy, laying the foundation of his fortune. Events were stirring and destiny was preparing for the noble and distinguished career which he has so honorably filled. Abraham Lincoln called for volunteers and Russell A. Alger responded, entering the Army in 1861 as captain of Company C, Second Michigan Cavalry, and rose through successive ranks to brevet brigadier-general, then was bre- vetted major-general, United States Volunteers, for distin- guished bravery and meritorious services during the war. At the close of the war he became extensively engaged in the lumber business and other industries, and being possessed of those qualities of mind and heart which make for success in the self-made man — courage and sound busi- ness judgment — in assuming again the arts of peace he accumulated, by honest means and methods, a large fortune, which he has generously used for the betterment of mankind. I leave to others more intimately acquainted to tell the story of the thousands of homes and hearts made comfort- able and happy by his generous love. It sometimes happens that commercial relations make political relations expedient and to be desired. General Alger was always a consistent and devoted Republican. He was honored as a delegate to the Republican national convention in 1884, and that same year was elected gov- ernor. His large business interests forbade his accepting a renomination in 1886. During his term as governor his S. Doc. 405. 59-2 6 82 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger name was frequently mentioned in connection with the office of United .States Senator,' but he cast it aside for the time being, saying that he "would like to represent his State in the Senate sometime." He was a candidate for President at the Republican national convention in 1888, Michigan casting her vote solidly for him on every ballot. In 1889 he was elected commander in chief of the Grand A run- of the Republic, and more than once he feelingly expressed his gratitude for this honor bestowed on him by his comrades. He prized it as one of the greatest honors of his life. President McKinley appointed him Secretary of War in 1797, which portfolio he resigned in August, 1899. He urged President McKinley earlier in the same year to accept his resignation, but the President refused to do so. On the merits of the work performed by the War Department dur- ing this period, the War Investigation Commission has said: After thirty-three years of peace, during a great part of which the Army did not exceed 26,000 men, it suddenly became necessary to arm, clothe, feed, and equip more than a quarter of a million. The sudden emergency which called our people to arms after an interval of half a century of peace with all foreign powers was met by the War Department with earnestness and energy. The situation found the coun- try unprepared with any large stock of arms, ammunition, clothing, sup- plies, and equipments. That they were duly provided and that the numerous demands on the industries of our people were met so promptly will remain one of the marvels of history. I assert without fear of successful contradiction that when the historian comes to write an unbiased opinion of his conduct of the War Department it will be told that he was one of the best of Secretaries of War. Address of Mr. Smith, of Michigan 83 Upon his retirement from the Cabinet he returned to Michigan, where thousands of citizens gathered to welcome her honored hero as a testimonial of their appreciation of his sincerity of purpose and his ability in administering the affairs of his office, as thousands have so recently gath- ered to pay the last sad tribute to the man who died brave and true, full of years and full of honors, whose life was part of the history of his time and, as one has said: "For. his gallant conduct upon the battlefield of life he has been promoted to a higher service." As husband, father, and friend the white flower of a blameless life is left as a priceless legacy of love to the inner circle of home. That life will ever be an inspiration to the youth of our land. 84 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger Address of Mr. Lacey, of Iowa "Six. Speaker: I will not speak at any great length upon the life, services, and memory of General Alger. The Representatives from the great State of Michigan will do this fully, as his character deserves. Iowa originally was a part of the Louisiana Purchase, subsequently was transferred to the Territory of Michigan, and so for a time the State which I have the honor in part to represent was a part of the Territory of Michigan. Our ties were then close and inti- mate, and we of Iowa have always retained a profound inter- est in the affairs of that splendid sister State. The statue of General Cass stands in Statuary Hall, the old Hall of the House of Representatives, a Valhalla in which the patriot dead of America will be commemorated. There is a place in that hall for General Alger, and whether chosen for that place or not, he has a more enduring place in the hearts of the people of the State which he has so greatly honored. In the civil war he became a general. He filled all the positions to which he was there called with the highest honor and ability, and shed his blood upon many battle- fields in behalf of his country and of his flag. I recall a political trip which was planned in the cam- paign of 1896 for General Alger— a wounded Union soldier and a general of high distinction — with General Sickles and General Howard — Sickles with but one leg and Howard but one ami — the three of them passing from State to State, Address of Air. Lacey, of loua 85 speaking briefly at different points, receiving an ovation that they so well earned during the davs of the civil war. General Alger's career in that war will alwavs be pointed to with especial pride by Michigan. Michigan has honored him with high office as governor of the State and as Senator of the United States. He was chosen durino- a critical period for the position of Secretary of War, and the Spanish war was conducted under his administration. For his part in that war he never received the credit that he deserved, but. in the language of Shakespeare, "did not escape calumny." In Roman triumph it was the custom to select a number of people to hoot at the conqueror as he passed by, to teacli him that he was mortal. But mourners only appeared to watch the funeral train of the same conqueror when death had claimed him. When the Spanish war had closed there were those who were anxious to point out every flaw that could be found in the wonderful record of that brief but heroic epoch. Time has vindicated and will continue to vindicate General Alger's service in that war. His service and that of Gen- eral Shafter will be written in the history of the American Republic. General Shafter, who with 19,000 men sur- rounded and captured 29,000 Spaniards, received obloquy and carping criticism for his heroism and success. He did not break into the magazines in his own defense, but intrusted his career to time and to historv, and that career will receive the due credit which it deserves. The Ameri- can historian will be just. General Alger, while directing from the office of Secretary of War the management of that great war, great at least in its results, though brief in time. 86 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger never received the credit that he deserved. In one hun- dred and thirteen days the Spanish power was erased from the map in two hemispheres and the history of the world was changed. Mr. Speaker, there is no such thing as a resultless war. We may have the wireless telegraph, we may have the smokeless powder, we may have the crown- less king or queen, but there is no such thing as a result- less war ; and the results of that brief war of one hundred and thirteen days will figure much in the history not only of the United States of America, but of the world. General Alger's ability in conducting the hurried details of that improvised war will be written to his honor in the future accounts of the nineteenth century. On next Wednesday the seventieth birthday of General Alger will have arrived. He almost filled out, though not quite, the allotted three score years and ten of man. Those were hon- orable years. He was recognized for his true worth by those who knew him best and stood by him through evil and good report, and his State rallied around him and sent him to the Senate of the United States and would have elected him again if he had so desired, but failing health led him to make the announcement that he did not desire that dis- tinction, and he failed to serve out quite the full term for which he was chosen. He was often spoken of for the Presidency. He was formally nominated in more than one national convention. Well do I remember, Mr. Speaker, the enthusiasm with which his name was received in 1888 in the Chicago convention when a soldier of his old regi- ment, who had after the civil war cast his lot in the South and had come up as a delegate to that convention, spoke Address of Mr. Lacey, of Iowa 87 about the various men who had been thought of and sug- gested, both before the meeting of the convention and on the floor of that convention, describing the heroism of Gen- eral Alger without naming him. He finally came to the statement, "What is the matter with ALGER?" and a cry went up from the convention " He's all right," and there was a battle cry born right there on the floor of that con. vention. From that answer originated a phrase which has been upon the tongues of millions of all kinds of men in public meetings from that day down to the time General ALGER'S honorable career was rounded out with the sleep that knows no waking. YVe meet here this cold, blusterv, wintry day, selecting the holy Sabbath day to honor his memory in the closing hours of the Fifty-ninth Congress, when night sessions have overworked both of the bodies which make up the American Congress. We stop during these hurried hours in the closing days of this session to do honor to a man who has honored his State, honored his nation, and who has brought credit and distinction to the great legislative body of which this House is a part. I wish, Mr. Speaker, simply to lay upon the snow which covers his grave to-day a wreath from Iowa in memorv of Michigan's distinguished soldier, citizen, and statesman. 88 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger Address of Me. Fordney, of Michigan Mr. Speaker: To-day we meet in commemoration of one of the most illustrious sons of the great State of Mich- igan, and I deem it a profound privilege to here speak a few words in behalf of the memory of such an one as the late Senator Rrssi'.i.i. A. Ai.ger. Mr. Speaker, I had known the deceased for over thirty years — in fact, from my early manhood. I had known him as an employer, as a private citizen, as a public man, and as a friend ; and from that extended acquaintance with him I feel that my life has been enriched and ennobled to an extent far beyond my present ability to express. His life was so full of goodness, the purity, the simplicity, and the faithfulness so lacking in the most of us that justice can not be done his memory in the brief time I feel that I am privileged to ask at the hands of this House. Much will be said and much has been said here and else- where of our departed brother in more fitting phrases and loftier speech than it is my ability to command, but I doubt much whether any will hold the memorv of that man in as loving reverence as do I by reason of my long acquaintance and association with him. Senator Alger came to Michigan a young man, poor as viewed from the standpoint of latter-day greatness but rich in the eyes of God. He came with the muck of the furrow Address of Mr. Fordney, of Michigan 89 on his feet, but with a heart of sterling manhood beating in his breast. He came to us when to live in Michigan meant more than mere sweat of brow, when it meant a fight with the help of the strong right arm of the Lord, when it meant unswerving trust in a power higher than humanity can be- stow, and when it meant to know no defeat in the face of seeming failure. He faced the obstacles of the sturdy pio- neer of his day with the fortitude that predicted his future success. He helped us hew our homes in the vast forest fastnesses of the great State ; he helped us la} - the founda- tion of our State government ; he helped us to build what we have builded ; he toiled with us, arm to arm and shoul- der to shoulder, from our infancy to our present greatness, and whatever glory there may have been achieved by the vState of Michigan, in either national or State affairs, his hand has been one of the guiding influences pointing to us the right way and helping our faint and faltering footsteps when we would turn back. Mr. Speaker, not an avenue of the life of our great Com- monwealth, be it religious, commercial, or political, is there but that has felt the beneficent touch of his gentle influence. He was with us in all our undertakings, and while many times honored at the hands of his adopted State, yet the gratitude thus expressed for him falls far short of just com- pensation for his life's efforts and sacrifices in her behalf. His early life in Michigan was spent in the woods when the lumber industry in that State was paramount, and as a lumberman he laid the foundation of his future prosperity. As a young man among us, forgetful of self, at the sacri- fice of opportunity, as it seemed then, at a time when hope go Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger and honest effort count for much in the lives of young men, he put behind him all personal ambitions ; the then present opportunities became secondary in his thought, and with the zeal and love of a true American, in the year 1861, offered himself, his hopes, and his ambitions that his State and his countrv might be saved. His was a life and character to which war, with its attendant horrors and deprivations, did not appeal. He had other aims in life than that of marches and battle, but to his great sense of duty and patriotism there were no two ways. His not to reason why. His but to do and die. The necessity of his motherland was paramount. To know that she needed him was enough, and he went. His services in the war between the States, his achievements and sacrifices, his rise from the humble position of a captain of a company to the higher rank of brevet major-general, United States Volunteers, is fittingly chronicled elsewhere. On his return to us at the close of the war, bearing the scars and stains of his active and eventful participation therein, unchanged and untarnished by the glories of con- quest and the flattery of an admiring Commonwealth, in his gentle and retiring manner he took up the thread of life where it had been severed ; he started where he had left off, never fearing, nothing daunted, and by that indomitable perseverance so characteristic of his every effort and ambi- tion, never for a moment regretting the time he had given for the preservation of the Union, unaided, save by his silent reliance on that ever-present source of strength, he built the Address of Mr. Fordney, of Michigan 91 foundation of a career, both private and public, attained by few. It was some years after his return from the war that I be- came acquainted with him, and at that time he was well on the road to success which so fittingly crowned his even- effort. In later years it was my privilege to have been acquainted with him in his public and social life, and in all these opportunities of a most thorough acquaintance in all capacities I can say that I have never known any man whose confidence and esteem I have cherished more than I do that of Senator Alger. Mr. Speaker, it is scarce in this life that we find a man of so retiring a nature, so unassuming in every detail, so thoughtful of others, so unselfish and so faithful, who attains the position in public or private career as did Senator Alger. We find many admirable characteristics in all with whom we come in daily contact, and possibly very few undesirable qualities, but seldom do we find all of the virtues centering themselves in the life of one man that were characteristic of the life of Mr. Alger. His success was due to his nobleness of purpose, his fidelity to trust, his unswerving devotion to his friends and to his promises, his love for all mankind, and his purity of thought. A criticism once passed on him in my presence was that he placed too much reliance on everyone with whom he came in contact. Ah ! would that all men had that simple, childlike trust in their fellow-men that stamped every moment of the career of Senator Alger. Well may it be said that he believed all men, for suspicion is born of untruthfulness. And while Senator Alger may have suffered many times for this unfal- 92 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger tering trust placed in his brother men, yet that very trust which' has shown a life so free from blame, so free from cor- ruption, so full of all that is most desirable in men, has borne him on pinions of love above the petty suspicions, inferences, and insinuations usual in these days, and has placed him on a pinnacle unscathed and unsullied. Mr. Speaker, no man can love nncleanness, corruption, or untruthfulness in another, and I say that few men are loved by those who know them best as was Senator Alger loved by those who knew him best. To be sure, his path- way in life was not without its disappointments, its defeats, and annoyances. His public career at times was attacked, his purposes assailed, and his ambitions thwarted, but through it all, through the malignity and abuse that was maliciously directed at him at one stage of his public life, does his untarnished character shine like a lone star in the blackness of night. From the chaos of envy, malice, selfishness, and abuse he rose purer, more loving, and more beloved than ever. Clad in an impenetrable armor of a clean conscience, a pure purpose, and a love for all man- kind, he marched with head aloft amid the petty cross fire of political jealous}' and intrigue, knowing full well that " truth, crushed to earth, will rise again," and that the invectives of hatred and malice could but make the brighter, by the contrast, the purity expressed in his every thought and deed. He conquered because he " loved his neighbors as him- self," and by this love his enemies became his friends. It was my privilege, Mr. Speaker, to be on intimate terms with Mr. Alger during the declining vears of his Address of Mr. Fordney, of Michigan 93 life, through periods when his dear ones daily despaired of his recovery. I was with him at his rallying intervals, at which times he most faithfully attended to his every duty, both public and private, and I knew his condition — learned it from Mr. Alger himself — and, with the deepest sense of gratitude for the lesson of patience, cheerfulness, and hope which he thus taught me, I say not one word of complaint, irritability, or regret did I ever hear pass his lips. Stand- ing in the shadow of death's valley, and knowing it, to the end he maintained that same kindly, God-fearing, and for- bearing nature that had characterized his whole life. Little wonder a loving family mourns the loss of such a husband and father; little wonder that the great State bows its head in silent anguish at the news of the death of such a son ; little wonder that a nation pauses to place the emblems of reverence and sorrow on his bier. Our friend Russell A. Alger remains with us only as a memory, and since his death I have heard so man}- kindly words spoken of him by his colleagues that it seems sad that living he might not have known how much we valued, trusted, and appreciated him. Bv nature he was sunny and cheerful, and the atmosphere about him was always warm and bright. Though possessed of great self-reliance, he had no frills and needed no starch to strengthen his dignitv. Those of us who came to know him best not only respected him, but learned to love him. Death came to him as it should come to all of us; not as an enemy, but as a friend; not as a defeat, but as a victor}-; not as an end, but as a beginning; not in the guise of a serpent, but in the form of an angel. Death came to him, 94 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger not as life's curse, but as life's coronation. His life work is finished, his pleasant voice is hushed, his feet no longer press the sands along the shores of time, but those of us with whom he mingled will, until our last days, be grateful for having known such a character; and I believe we are all broader, truer, and better men because our friend for a time sojourned with us. Address of Mr. Hamilton, of Michigan. 95 Address of Mr. Hamilton, of Michigan Mr. Speaker: Russell A. Alger was born in a log cabin in Medina Comity, Ohio, in the year 1836. He was bom in poverty ; but it was the robust poverty of farm life in the earlier period of our Republic, which, though it knew nothing of luxury, and frequently lacked even the necessaries of life, was never abject. He was rich in the poverty of being born so poor that he could see something above him to struggle for. He was reared in poverty, but it was the poverty of boy- hood on the farm, rich with hope and health and ambition ; and it was the poverty of a time and place which drew no lines of caste and social distinction. His father and mother died when he was 1 1 years old, and after their death he worked for his board and clothes until, at the age of 14, he began to earn wages, beginning at $5 a mouth and increasing until at the age of 20 he was earning Si 5 a month. Meanwhile he had been going to school winters, and his schooling culminated with a term or two at Richfield Academy. In 1857 he began reading law with Wolcott & Upson, in Akron, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar, but he never practiced law ; and in 1861, having moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., he enlisted as a private in the Second Michigan Cavalry, and was commissioned captain of Company C. He served three years, participated in sixty-six battles and 96 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger skirmishes, was seriously wounded, and rose by successive promotions until he reached the rank of colonel, and was brevetted major-general for gallant and meritorious service. He was elected governor of Michigan in 1884, was a con- spicuous candidate for the Presidency in 1888, served as Secretary of War from 1897 to 1899, was appointed a Sen- ator of the United States to succeed James McMillan in 1902, was elected to that office in 1903, and died January 24, 1907. General Alger died a rich man. In 1867 he entered into a partnership known as "Moore, Alger & Co.," which evolved in 1881 into a corporation known as "R. A. Alger .K: Co." This partnership and this corporation dealt in pine timber lands. They acquired vast tracts of magnifi- cent pine forests, which increased in value while they held them until single trees were worth five times what the land whereon they grew had cost per acre. To lumber interests were added mining interests, rail- road interests, and banking interests, until General Alger became a multimillionaire. Victor Hugo says : "Be fortunate and you will be thought a great man." General Alger was something more than a fortunate man. Whatever there was of greatness in his personality or his career is due not alone to good fortune, but to a blend of certain inherent qualities — the qualities of honesty, gen- erosity, philanthropy, courage, and patriotism. These qualities alone, however, do not make major- generals, Secretaries of War, United States Senators, or governors. Address of Mr. Hamilton, of Michigan 97 It is possible to hold these places without these qualities, and many a private in the ranks has had all these qualities and never been heard from outside his own immediate neighborhood. Neither is it greatness in itself to have held any or all of these offices. There have been many major-generals, and some few of them may be remembered. There have been many members of main- Cabinets, and some few of them may be remembered. The various States from time to time have elected a good mam- Senators, and some few of these are still remembered. As to governors, there are forty-five of them now per- forming their executive functions, and there are two or three, perhaps, whose names are known beyond the bound- aries of their States. It has been estimated that about 4,000,000 people die every year, and the percentage of those who do things to make their names remembered is not high. It is impossible to analyze the baffling, illusive, internal illumination which we call personality which differentiates one man from another. There were greater lawyers than Lincoln, greater legis- lators than Lincoln, greater orators than Lincoln, and vet the personality which we call Abraham Lincoln will hold his name forever above the flood of years. By universal consent he has taken his place among the few great souls who belong to all time. We max- account for the greatness of some men whom S. Doc. 405, 59-2 7 98 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger conspicuous talent has driven on to great achievement by calling it the abnormality of genius. But if we point to most men of eminence and say such and such traits made them great, we are obliged to admit that others endowed apparently with these same traits have utterly failed. No philosopher has ever undertaken to name the elements and give their true proportion in the human compound which the world calls greatness. It is possible for a man to be great without honesty, like Marlborough; brave without patriotism, like Benedict Ar- nold; great without morality, like Rousseau, or great like Voltaire, to whom Frederick the Great wrote: "If your works deserve statues, your conduct deserves handcuffs." Then, too, greatness is a relative term, and it is hard to determine the point where it grades into mediocrity or the point where it shades into notoriety, which is a sort of bastard brother of greatness. To this class belong all those who possess that impalpa- ble qualitv — impossible to describe, teach, or counterfeit — the faculty of fooling the crowd, which amounts to genius in some cases and collects toll from the credulity of all ages. I lay no stress on money. I do not call a man great necessarilv because he has capitalized an industry, taken the right tips on stock, discovered a mine, cornered oil or steel, captured the standing timber of a nation, owns a town, or controls a railroad. The men who have done these things have their reward, and their reward, among other things, amounts to the monotony of the very best, a dull faculty of enjoyment, and eternal vigilance to protect what they have obtained. Address of Mr. Hamilton, of Michigan 99 Solomon tried it all. He asked God for wisdom, and because he asked God for wisdom and not for wealth or honor we are told that wisdom, wealth, and honor were added unto him; and, having tried it all, in his old aye, from a throne of ivory in a palace of cedar, he pronounced it all vanity. We are like travelers on a journey. The world has been explored but it is a new country to all of us, and we travel mostlv alone, although the caravan in which we journey is large. And we pick up the baubles which others have left along the way, make collections of them, capitalize them, issue shares on them, decorate ourselves with them, and go the way that those who left them went. One man has the money-getting faculty ; another has not. (hie man has the bump of aecpiisitiveness, and another has not ; and generally when there is a convex on one side of a man's head there is a concave on the other side to make up for it. Of course there are great men of wealth and men of great wealth, but the public comment makes little distinction, except that the five-talent man attracts more attention than the two-talent man and is therefore singled out for more frequent denunciation. We have no titles of nobility, but we have men who command markets to rise, and the}- rise ; to fall, and they fall; who could buy a moderate-sized kingdom without financial inconvenience, and we have constant illustrations of the involuntary deference that one million pays to two millions. ioo Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger People are constantly rated according to their bank accounts, not only in Dun's and Bradstreet's, but socially. These distinctions are not abolished above-ground even in the cemetery, where the shadow of the monument of financial success falls across the pauper's anonymous grave in the potter's field just over the fence. ( ".cneral Alger was a rich man, but his claims to dis- tinction are in no wise based upon his wealth, except that it enabled him to respond nobly to the charitable impulses within him, to respond nobly to his own constant desire to relieve want and to extend the hand of pity and alleviation to all those in distress. I read some days ago the story of a man who died and, being called before a Mighty Presence, was asked to state what things he had accomplished while on earth, and he humbly answered that he had accomplished nothing ; that his life had been a failure, and then there rose up a multi- tude of witnesses of good deeds done in secret, until this feeble, wayworn failure in the race of life was glorified. And so I think some things in General Alger's life, least known about, may constitute his most enduring claim to glory. He was a man of exalted patriotism. He risked his life time and again for love of country. Perhaps humanity may sometimes meet upen some higher level than patriotism, but at present there is no nobler trait in human nature than love of a man's country. He was an honest man, and the reputation of an honest public official is part of the moral capital of our whole country. Address of Mr. Hamilton, of Michigan 101 He was a modest man. He never stood around on promi- nent corners for the purpose of being pointed at as a celebrity. He was a sincere man. Sincerity is a trait that in the long run can not be counterfeited. It is like a flame— no one can paint it. A man's name comes to stand for what he is, and the name of Gen. RUSSELL A. ALGER stands for the life of a brave, generous, honest gentleman, who loved his country and served it to the best of his ability. io2 Manor ia/ Addresses: Russell A. Alger Address of Mr. Darragh, of Michigan Mr. Speaker: My acquaintance with (yen. RussELL A. ALGER had its beginning soon after the close of the civil war. He was at that time, as he ever after continued to be, the idol of the veteran soldierv of Michigan. He was then serving as commander of the Department of Michigan, Grand Army of the Republic, to which office his comrades had elected him in recognition of his valor as a soldier and of his worth as a citizen. He was the first man ever chosen to fill that office. Our acquaintance later ripened into a warm personal attachment which remained unbroken to the end. The recollection of the kindly interest which Senator AlgER ever made manifest in matters which concerned me and the helpfulness of his counsel impel me to pay humble tribute to the memory of him whom I esteemed as a friend and admired as a man. To the people of the State of Michigan, whose love and high esteem for Senator Alger had been so frequently demonstrated, the announcement of his death came with all the force of a personal bereavement. His never-failing kindness, his faith in his fellow-man, his gracious hospi- tality, his munificent and yet unostentatious charity, his sublime courage and patience and dignity when unjustly assailed, his correct life, and his honorable and distinguished career as a soldier and as a citizen all endeared him to the Address of Mr. Darragh, of Michigan 103 hearts of the people of his State, who knew him best and loved him most. RUSSELL A. Alger at the age of 11 years faced the world as a poor and obsenre orphan boy. With something of that courage and confidence which was a dominant trait in his character he confronted the situation. He earned his daily bread and acquired an education. He studied law and was admitted to practice. At the outbreak of the civil war he raised a company of volunteers and was mustered into the service of the United States as captain of Company C, Second Michigan Volun- teer Cavalry, of which regiment Philip H. Sheridan was soon thereafter placed in command as its colonel. Captain Algkk was, by promotion, made major April 2, I862. He was wounded and taken prisoner in action at Booneville, Miss., July 1, 1862; was appointed lieutenant- colonel Sixth Michigan Cavalry October 30, 1862, and colonel Fifth Michigan Cavalry June 11, 1863. He was again severely wounded in action July 8, 1863. He served with distinction under Sheridan, Kilpatrick, and Custer, and participated in more than three-score battles and minor engagements. " For gallant and meritorious services during the war" he was commissioned brevet brigadier-general and was mustered out of the service as brevet major-general, United States Volunteers, at the age of 29. Such is the brief history of his brilliant and honorable military career. When hostilities had ceased and his country no longer needed his services in the field, he returned his sword to its scabbard and devoted himself to business affairs with the 104 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger same energy, the same intelligent forcefulness, the same courage that characterized his military service, and abun- dant success crowned his efforts. Senator Au'.kr's life was one of achievement. The influence of such a life as his, let us hope, will live on as an inspiration to the young' man of to-day and to the young man of the future. The greatest of English poets has said: The evil that men do lives after them: The good is oft interred with their hones. To this sentiment I do not fully subscribe. Rather let it be said that the good, equally with the evil, that men do will live after them and bear fruit each of its kind. From early life Senator Alger was deeply interested in public affairs. He did not seek political preferment until lie was chosen bv his partv as its candidate for governor of his State in 1884. To this office he was elected, but declined a renomination two years later. At the Republican national convention in 1888 Governor Alger was the candidate of his State for the office of Presi- dent, and was one of the three leading candidates for that high office. From the date of the organization of the military orders of the Loyal Legion and the Grand Arm}- of the Republic, Gen- eral Alger took a lively interest and a prominent part in the affairs of these societies. He was elected commander in chief of the Grand Arm}- of the Republic in the year 1889. In 1897 President McKinley appointed General Alger to a place in his Cabinet as Secretary of War. In the dis- charge of the duties of this office, made difficult and trving Address of Mr. Darragk, of Michigan 105 by reason of the war with Spain, and because of our almost complete unpreparedness for war, General Alger labored diligently, and with a measure of success which few men could have equaled under like conditions. The following high tribute was paid to the character and services of General ALGER by his successor, Mr. Secretary of War Taft, in the formal announcement of General ALGER'S death made to the Army: The Secretary of War announces with deep sorrow the death of the Hon. Russei.i. Alexander Alger, which occurred on the 24th instant, at his residence in this city. General Alger was Secretary of War during the Administration of President McKinley, from March 5, 1S97, to August 1, 1899; a period during which the administration of the War Department was brought into great prominence through its activities in connection with the war with Spain and the military operations in the Philippines that succeeded it. General Alger was patriotic, earnest, and most devoted to the interests of the Army, and especially considerate of the welfare of enlisted men. He was a gentle, kindly man, with great confidence in his friends and associates, and was much beloved by his subordinates. He was the sub- ject of unjust criticism because of the country's lack of preparedness for war when war came, although for this he was in no wise responsible. His record as a soldier in the civil war was long, useful, and highly honorable. General Alger became United States Senator by ap- pointment of the governor of Michigan on September 27, 1902, to succeed the late Senator James McMillan, and was elected to that office on January 20, 1903. Owing to failing health, he declined to be a candidate for reelection. His term of office as Senator would have expired on March 4 next. His last prayer was answered: I want to die in the harness. I want to give my family and friends just as little trouble as possible when the time comes. I would prefer to live, but I am ready to go. 106 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger "Like one that wraps the drapery of his couch ahout him and lies down to pleasant dreams," Senator Alger passed into the great unknown. Upon no citizen of Michigan has a grateful people bestowed so many and such high honors as were cheerfully accorded to Senator Alger, if we except only Gen. Lewis Cass. RUSSELL A. Alger died full of years and full of honors. His deeds will be his most enduring monument. We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; In feelings, nut in figures on a dial. We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best. Address of Mr. Tozvnsend, of Michigan Address of Mr. Townsend, of Michigan Mr. SPEAKER: To me it is a rather solemn and unpleas- ant duty to speak on memorial occasions, and were it not for the fact that he whose memory we honor here to-day was a resident of Michigan I should adhere to my hitherto unbroken rule of contemplating in silence the memory of my departed friends. I can see much that is proper and much that is beautiful in setting apart a day of the Congress to eulogize deceased Members. I am only sorry that we live in such an age of business and of practical things that when a man dies we have scarcely time to attend his funeral, much less to memorialize him. It is undoubtedly an evidence of man's divinity that in the presence of death resentments are softened and only good thoughts are in control. Sometimes things are said on such occasions as this which ought to have been said before death had stopped the ears to words of censure or praise. It is probably true that he who has passed to the (Treat Beyond will not be affected by what we may say here to-day, but we possibly — the few of us who are here — will be made better for having contem- plated the man who has departed from among us. How much better it would be if we could only find time to say the things that the man would like to hear before he has gone out from among us. Ri'SSELL A. ALGER since 1859, and until his death in this citv, was a resident of Michigan. He contributed io8 Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger largely to the development of our State, and for many years was one of our foremost citizens. At his death lie was con- sidered a wealthy man, but his wealth was due to his own energy and ability ; and he will not be known hereafter because of his wealth, but rather because of his life as a public citizen. His was a strenuous life, ana much of it was passed dur- ing crucial periods of our country's history. When the rebellion broke out he enlisted and was mustered in as cap- tain of Company C, Second Michigan Cavalry, and at the end of seven months he was promoted to the position of major of his regiment. In six months more he became lieu- tenant-colonel of the Sixth Michigan Cavalry, and after seven months more he was again advanced to the position of colonel of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry; and on June n, [864, for meritorious services in battles, he was brevetted brigadier-general, and one year later was made brevet major- general of United States volunteers. o Few soldiers of the great civil war have advanced more rapidly ; but promotion came not as the result of achieve- ments on parade, but rather because of things done in action. He was engaged, as has been stated here, in sixty-six battles and skirmishes, and so strong was his faith, so dauntless his courage, that defeat was never contemplated by him. I have thought that the " plunger" in business life makes the most brilliant soldier ; he has a vision of something desirable, and no intervening obstacle retards him. General Alger in business more than once had his all staked on practically a single venture. He only saw success. He did not see, or, at least, was not deterred by, the difficulties in his path. Address of Mr. Tomnsend, of Michigan 109 He knew that lumber was a staple, and into it he plunged with all the vigor of his strong nature. Several times it seemed that he had gone in too deeply, but lumber rose to meet his necessities and success was his. In war it was the same. He believed in the ultimate triumph of the Union, and recognized nothing insuperable in its pathway. In 1884 lie was elected governor of Michigan, and in 1888 was a formidable candidate for President at the Republican national convention at Chicago. One of the sad yet glo- rious memories of Michigan's citizens is General Alger's connection with the War Department. Sad, because cir- cumstances placed upon his brow a crown of thorns, which malice and ignorance pressed down hard ; glorious, because he lived long enough to see himself vindicated and to have the crown of thorns supplanted by a wreath of immortelles. Michigan never lost faith in her distinguished son, and on the death of Senator McMillan the vacancy was filled with General Alger. He died in the harness. His was a nature which could not endure idleness, and his wish to serve to the last was gratified. Only when the war was over and the Union pre- served did he lay down his sword. Only when the Great Commander ordered him to "fall out" did the beloved Sen- ator Alger quit the distinguished service he had rendered his State and nation. It seems most fitting that his eyes should close here in the nation's capital. In 1865, at the age of 29 years, he, as major-general, beheld the glorious concluding spectacle of the civil war. Here at the beginning of the Spanish war he was the Secretary of War. Here, as Senator since 1902, i io Memorial Addresses: Russell A. Alger he assisted in shaping the destiny of the nation he fought to preserve. From here loving hands tenderly hore his earthly tenement to its last resting place in Michigan, where there was but one heart, and that heart was sad. His bereaved family will miss him most, for he was preemi- nently a devoted husband and a loving father. But thousands of newsboys, who through his bounty and encouragement were inspired with ambition to do and to be, will mourn his death, and the citizens of Detroit and all Michigan will appreciate that one of their most respected and influential men has gone out from among them. Death is always a solemn thing; whether it comes in the morning, at noon, or at night, it is unwelcome ; but of very tew men could it lie said that their work was more nearly finished, their lives more completely rounded out, their duty more fully performed than of Senator ALGEK when he "wrapped the drapery of his couch about him and lay down to pleasant dreams." For a year or more he stood in his open grave and waited for the walls . to fall upon him ; but he was unafraid and asked no sympathy. He had met death before. He had become familiar with all the sensations which come to a man under those circumstances and was unterrified. A few days before he died I sat beside him in the dining room of this House, and he discussed his coming dissolution hopefully and cheerfully, and when I reminded him that all Michigan was his friend he said : " I believe that is true, and I would rather have that to console me than to know that I could have my days prolonged. " His face lighted up, and his eyes shone with an expression of Address of Mr. Townsend, of Michigan in perfect faith and confidence. He was apparently ready to go, and well could he have repeated the words of the ven- erable poet, uttered under similar circumstances : I know not where His islands lift Their fronded palms in air ; I only know I can not drift Beyond His love and care. And so, beside the silent sea, I wait the muffled oar ; No harm can come from Him to me On ocean or on shore. His life work was well done and, the allotted span of life having been passed, he went to sleep amidst the flowers of love and esteem and awakened at the Master's commenda- tion — " Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." , rift