■f^w^^xxx^-mw** « «,< V* » ^vr ^ !i'»i\ \ N , 0-. *.H ^VW » .V\ \'' *< \™^,k» * s -^ \ \ l\y^->'^ ^ J^O\V*\\\ \^ \\ ^\\\V^ , \ \ . \ .«." \ \ ^ '« V \> 1>1S> \\\ ' *\ \\ nV* s->r.N > \ vrf- \\ \ \ \ \ >,\ \v \ \ ^\ \ _ V\ \ \- \x v. ^' i^ 11 \V ft\ * ^ ^ ^'> .V ^ - . ..J>k V ^ \, '"•T** •«t«Ji«'j ■ % \ \ \ «V^^ s.^ ^^ . ^ \N. '\^ \\^ W^ .\ PRESENTED BY JUDGE fd I^IIS. ISAAC R. Ein, WASHrNGTON, D. C. -1931- CLiss Ei*^ F>i(i:.si-:xTi;i) isy ^1/^'// ■ '^/l/////./ ■ ^) ■ ^/////t'/>/ 5.'^::5i'r;TED EV yjj. s^d C«rf>Y-> IS'^l- i^'^S; ^ . MEMORIAL ADDRESSES LIFE AND CHARACTER FRANCIS B. SPINOLA, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM NEW YORK, DKHVEKED IN THE House of Representatives and in the Senate, FIFTY-SECOND CONGRESS. PUBLISHED BY ORDER OK CONGRESS. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. •893 . "Snails- Besoh'cd by theHouscof Hcpresentatives (the Senate concurring), That there be printetl of the eulogies ilelivered iu Congress upon the Hon. Francis B. Spinola. late a Representative from the State of New York. 8.000 oopies, -which shall include 50 copies to he botind in full morocco, to be delivered to the family of the deceased, and of those remaining, 2.(i00 copies .shall be for the iise of the .Senate and 5,3.50 copies for the use of the House of Representatives; and the Secretary of the Treasury is directed to have engraved and printed a portrait of the said Francis B. Spinola to accompany said eulogies. Agreed to in the House of Representatives ,Iuly 29, 1S92. Agreed to in the Senate December 15, li<9'2. 2 Gi-.t from juTse and Mrs. Isaac R. Httt Now. 17, 1931 PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE OE REPRESENTATIVES. ANNOUNCEMENT OF DEATH. January 27, 1892. Mr. CocKRAN, of New Tork. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere sorrow that I announce tlie death of Hon. Francis B. Spi- NOLA, a Eepresentative from I^ew York in the Fiftieth and Fifty-first Congresses and also a Representative-elect from that State, and my immediate predecessor. Later in the session I shall ask the ITonse to take appropriate action in regard to liis death. I ask the adoption of the resolutions which I send to the desk. The Cleik read as follows : Ilesolved, That the House has heard with deep regret and profound sorrow of the death of Hon. Fkancis B. Splnola, late a Representative from the State of New York. Resolved, That the Clerk be directed to eoiiimunicate a eopy of these resolutions to the Senate. Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House do now adjourn. The (juestion being taken, the resolutions submitted by Mr. Cockran were iinanimoiisly adopted ; and in accordance there- with (at 4 o'clock and 25 minutes p. m.) the House adjourned. Address of Mr. Cockran^ of New York., on the EULOGIES ADDRESS OF Mr. COCKRAN, OF NEW YORK. March 26, 1892. Mr. Speaker : 1 rise to move tlie adoptiou of a resolution expressing- tlie feeling of profound sornnv with which tliis House has learned of the deatli of Francis B. Spikola. late a member from New York. The span of Gen. Spinola's life, lasting as it did, some seventy years, covered a period of the deepest interest in the history of the world. Born during that period of torjior into which the world seemed to have sank at the conclusion of the iNapoleonic wars, he reached man's estate about the time when the great inventions of the railway and telegTaph began to multiply the activities of tlie human race and to broaden the boundaries of civilization. He was always deeply interested in tlie development of our national institutions. At an early jjeriod of his career he took an active part in the political contests of his State. He was several times chosen by the people of his neighboiliood an alderman of the city of BrookljTi, and subsequently he became a member of the senate of the State of New York. When the country became plunged in the throes of civil war and the life of the nation was .staked on an issue of ariiks he drew his sword in defense of the Federal I'nion. Life and Character of Francis B. Spinola. 5 When peace was restored he again became active in the ]>ul)lic life of his State. He was several times elected to the State legislature from the city of New York, where be had fixed liis residence after his retirement fi-om the army, and in ISSG he was chosen a Representative in Congress and con- tinued to serve as a member of the House to the end of his life. During his long career he was always a vigorous fighter, but neither friend nor foe ever questioned his loyalty. He had many political opponents; he had no personal enemies. With the doctrine of secession he would tolerate neither dis- cussion nor compromise, but he regarded the civil war as ended when the last Confederate soldier had surrendered bis arms. As his political opponents were his personal friends in private life, so the men whom he fiiced on the field of battle he regarded as his fellow-citizens and brothers after the resto- ration of peace. Firm in his friendships, generous to his opponents, loyal to his party, fiiithful to the Union, diligent in the discharge of his public duties, his long career in the service of his country is fittingly crowned by the unanimity with which his memory is bonored this afternoon by the Representatives of the Nation. Address of Mr. Curtis, of New York. Mr. Speaker: In rising to support the resolutions of my friend from the Tenth district of New York [Mr. Cockran], in which he pays a deserved tribute to his jiredecessor in this House, Gen. Spinola, I shall confine myself to a general state- ment of his public services, making particular mention of two or three notable incidents in his career wbUe in the civil service of his State and as an officer in the army battling for the i)res- ervation of the Federal Union. To others I leave the conge- 6 Address of Mr. Curtis, of New York, on the nial duty of commenting on tlie qualities he displayed and tlie services lie performed while a member of this House. Francis B. Spinola was born in the county of Suftblk, State of New York, on the 19th day of March, 1S21. His ancestry was of different races. His father was an Italian, and I have been told that he could have rightfully been a member (if the societies of St. Patrick, St. Andrew, St. George, and St. Nicholas. Whether or not this be true, Ins mother was the daughter of an officer who served through the revo- lutionary war, and she gave to her son the wit, the sturdiness, the persistency, the h)yalty, and the versatility of tempera- ment characteristic of all these races. He received an academic education and entered upon business pursuits befoi-e attaining Ids majority. At 22 years of age he was elected an alderman and served five years in the common council of the city of Brooklyn; later he was elected to the board of supervisors of King's County, serving three years. In 1853 he was elected to the New York assembly, continu- ing four terms, serving on important committees. In 1857 he was elected to the State senate; was reelected and served four years. He was a member of the Democratic national conven- tion which met in Charleston, S. C, and later in Baltimore, Md., in ISGO. He was an earnest supporter of Douglas and contributed much by his persistent efforts and skillful man- agement in securing his nomination to the Presidency. Gen. Spinola was the last survivor of the New York delegation to that convention. He joined, with many other members of his party in New York, irrespective of differences which had existed among them in the convention, in urging a union ticket to consist of representatives of each of the three candidates opposed to Lincoln. The success of the llepublican candidate was grievously disappointing to him, and he indicated in his positive and Life and Character of Francis B. Spinola. 7 uncompromising way Ids thorough dissatisfaction. He neg- lected no opportunity to dechire his hostility to the incoming administration and his unyielding opposition to any and all political measures it might propose. When the flag was struck at Sumter aiul the President issued his proclamation of April 1."), 1861, calling for 75,000 men to uphold the Constitution, maintain the laws, and preserve the Federal Union, the legislature of New York was about completing its labors for final adjournment. Governor Morgan sent a message to the legislature advising the imme- diate enactment of measures to enable the State of Kew York to fill her quota under this call. The bill for enrolling volunteers was introduced into the assembly, briefly discussed, and passed by an overwhelming majority the same afternoon. Great iutei-est was felt iu the action of the senate, which met iu evening session, to consider the military bill. Soon after the bill had been reported from the committee having it in charge Senator Francis B. Spinola took the floor; expectation ran high. It was not only what should be the response of New York to the President's requi- sition for more than one sixth of the men called for, but the character of that response as iudicated by this first act of the legislature, Avhich would express the sentiment of the people of the Empire State respecting a vigorous prosecution of the war for the Union. Senator Spinola was a strong man, a leader and organizer in his party, known to be stubbornly o])posed to the Federal Admiuistratiou. His reiusal to support this measure would indicate opposition to a vigorous prosecution of the war or a divided sentiment among the masses of the great cities, whose voices at that time bad not been heard. He could speak for them perhaps better than any man who occupied a seat on that floor. He commenced by denouncing the Kepublican party for 8 Address of Mr. Curl is, of New York, on the its errors, and to praise his own for its prudence, wisdom, and devotion to the welfare of the country, and said : War in any shape is a calamity, but more so when it assumes the shape of arraying hrotlier against l)rother; but this is not the time for bandying ■words. War is upon us. The American iiag for the iirst time has been torn down, and it remains for us to say whether it shall be allowed to trail or again wave in triumph. The Republicans by failing to agree upon a fair compromise, have brought this war upon us ; but now that it is here, the Democrats are ready to fight the battles and tight as long as necessary. I believe that vmless the request that has come from Washington is promptly responded to the President and his Cabinet will not occupy their positions in Washington on the Fourth of July. From this time onward you will not hear me say anything about party, hut hereafter it will be my country. And taking the Stars and Stripes from his desk, waved it in the senate chamber, declaring: This is my flag, which I will follow and defend. The morchants, the bankers, the professional men in the great cities, and the masses of the people throughout the State had come forward and declared their determination to support the admiuistration in its efforts to preserve the Federal Union. These words of Senator Spinola, more than the utterances of any other man in the senate, gave assurance that the masses in the great cities were devoted to the Union and ready to enlist for its defense. With a wisdom and foresight possessed by few he urged the raising of large levies and the making of prompt, vigorous prci^arations for active hostilities. The legislature adjourned the following day, and he returned to Brooklyn and gave his influence and exertions to the raising of troops for the Union Army. Later he was appointed a brigadier-general of volunteers by the President " for meritorious conduct in recruiting and organ- izing a brigade of four regiments and accompanying them to the field," an appointment unlike any other made during the war. In 18G1 it was not uncommon for men to be appointed to high positions in the Army because of political consid- Life and Character of Francis B. Spinola. 9 eration or sectional interests. Tlie effect of many of these appointments on tlie success of military operations was scarcely less disastrous thai* the effort would be futile of teaching mathematics by introducing geometry as the first textbook instead of numbers and the four ground rules of arithmetic. Tet, in the case of Gen. Spinola, he entered upon the duties , of a position, to the proper and efficient discharge of which preliminary training and experience had been regarded as absolutely necessary to success, with such natural aptitude for acquiring the science and skill of military art, that lie was able to draw from his associates and superiors such high com- mendation as the following extracts from the ofQcial reports of the operations of the Third Army Corps on the 23d of July, 1863, will showl Gen. Henry Prince, commanding the Second Division of the Third Army Corps, reports: At this juncture I received permission from corps lieadquarters to employ my division wliere I saw best. I then directed I?rig. Gen. Spinola to marcli his brigade (The Excelsior) by tlie flank along the hollow, then in our view, winding to the front and center of the high ridge on which we stood, keeping on the lowest ground within it, and, on debouching from it by the left flank, to advance in line by liis proper front up the hill he would find himself at the base of, and take it. This hill was the key of the ground occupied by the enemy's skirmishers. The line of the .Second Brigade (The Excelsior) nuide its .appearance at the base of the hill between 5 and 6 p. m., and l)egan to ascend before its right was clear of the hollow or ravine, which did not give it so fair a start as might otherwise have been ; but nothing can transcend the gal- lantry with which it rose to the crest and drove the enemy from it. In the moment of this success a second crest of the same hill, 200 yards beyond the first and confounded with it until this time, came into view, behind which the enemy rose from his prone posture as thick as men can stand, opening a furious fire of musketry. At the same time a six-gun battery, still further beyond, opened with shell. The severest part of the charge of the Excelsior Brigade was before it after taking the first crest, but without hesitation, with the determination of the Union soldier, and the fury of the hurricane, it took the second crest and exposed the enemy (scampering away from it) to fire while descending the one side of a deep, cleared hollow and climbing up the other. The simple narrative of this infantry exploit, unaided by any other arm 10 Address of Mr. Curtis, of New York, on the of the service, is the most just (•oniinenilatioii that can be made of those who performed it. It is impossible to mention their names. Brig. Gen. F. B. Sj'INOLA, United States Volunteers, while leading his brigade towards the second of the crests taken by it, fell, wounded in two places, severely, but not seriously. Gen. J. H. Hobart Ward, commanding Fiist Dhision, Third Ai'my Corps, reports: Gen. Spinola, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, formed his troops in a ravine in front of the enemy's position, and charging them in magnificent style, drove them from the tield in confusion, the major-general, commanding the corps, witnessing the whole operation. In this charge Gen. Spinola was twice wounded. Maj. Gen. AVilliam H. French, commanding the Third Army Corps, reports: The Excelsior Brigade was selected to carry out my orders, and moved rapidly to execute them. Descending the precipitous slopes of Wapjiing Heights, they were directed upon the valley which separated the series of knolls in our front, behind the principal of which the enemy, perceiving the object of the movement, concentrated. The brigade was at once deployed at the base of the knoll, and advanced upon the enemy. Halt- ing for a moment upon the crest of the hill, the line rushed upon the enemy with the bayonet, giving cheer after cheer and driving him back in con- fusion out of the gap. Nothing could be more brilliant than the conduct' of the officers and men in this aft'air, evincing lighting iiualities of the highest order. Brig. Gen. SpiNOLA,who led and commanded the brigade, was twice wouuded. This man of civil pursuits, withoitt military education or experience in the field, at \'l years of age, entered iii)oii the duties pertaining to high military rank, and so acquitted himself in active hostilities as to win the commendation of educated and experienced soldiers, thereby furnishing strong evidence that he had that genius for command wliich is not the province of schools to create, nor experience to establish, when the natural elements are wholly watiting. Gen. Spinola through life was in touch with iill the elements of our demo- cratic societj'. At all times ai)artisan in discussing questions of public concern, he, in the hour of supreme national peril, lose to the highest plane of jiatriotism and peiformed the Life and Character of Francis B. Spinola. 11 duties allotted to him with uuseltish devotion. When the calm succeeded the storm he again took his place at the head of his partisan column and contended for the adoption of his political principles in the conduct of public affairs. Self-educated, self-established in business pursuits, he entered the profession of the law, not with a view of practicing- at the bar, but as the means of attaining greater efficiency in the performance of duties pertaining to public life. He filled the positions of alderman, supervisor, assemblyman. State senator, harbor-master, brigadier-general of volunteers, twice again in the New York assembly, and three times elected to Congress, covering most of the time ft-om his majority to the day of his death. All but two of these— brigadier-general of volunteers and harbor-master— he attained by the suffrages of his neigh- bors, a proof of his popularity and ability. He had a striking individuality, which could be neither imitated nor disguised. He never lagged in the support of friends or principles, nor wearied in his contests with those from whom he differed. ADDRESS OF MR. CUMMINGS, OF NEW YORK. Mr. Speaker: The old warrior was just threescore and ten. After living the time allotted to man he gave up the ghost. His stubborn spirit at last yielded to the inevitable. He died as he had lived, front to the foe. He faced death at the final hour as he had faced it on the field of battle— undaunted and without fear. His career had been long and conspicuous. He was familiar with the highways and boulevards of life. Its byways were not unknown to him, and he had trodden its most sinuous paths. Yet he had carried high his crest. His facid- ties were alert and resolute. Asking no favors, he was always in battle array. Ambus- 12 Address of Mr. Cummhigs^ of New VorJi, on the cades could not uuiierve liim. Indeed, surprise was almost unknown to liim. The inevital)le alone could oveinower liini. He was ever on the attack. His defense was aggression. He invariably met an assault with an assault. There was very little of tlie cavalier about liim. He was a Itoundhead ^Moss-trooper, ever on the foray. A rough rider, lie was uujaelding in discussion and nu'rciless in retort. Ada- mantine in spirit, he was soldered into liis opinions. It required more than logic to loosen him. He could Ik- melted only by working the blowpijie of human sympathy. For, although posi- tive in character and action, he was not misanthropic. There was a quaint phosphoric light in his intellectuality. It had the play if not tlie scoi>e of an aurora. It enlivened his social relations and endeared him to his friends. New acquaintances were warmed by the glow of his genial- ity. There was fire in his eyes, life in his gestures, and earnestness in his speech. His face indexed his cliaracter. Determination had done its work up(m his features. It was the face of a wari-ior; yet the expression was tempered with good luimor. The floor of the House seemed native to him. Long experience elsewhere had made him familiar with the paths of legislation. No trapper ever paced a mountain trail more confidently. Never did he falter for a word. A quick thinker when on his feet, his tongue kept pace with Ids brain. Woe to those who interrupted him, for he bandied the rapier and the claymore with equal facility. Once, and only once, standing in the shadow of the mace of the sergeant-at- arms, did he yield to the overbearing disposition of the Speaker. It was in the last hours of the Fifty-first Congress. Furious at his headlong assault, the Speaker mounted the steps, T)rushed aside the temporary occupant of the chair, brought down the gavel, and peremptorily ordered his ruth- less assailant to take his seat. Sullenly and with a look of Life and Character of Francis B. Spinola. 13 defiance be obeyed. The assault had been made because the old warrior had been refused recognition to call up a bill pro- viding for the erection of a monument over the bones of the martyrs of the British prison ships. There was Revolutionary blood in the old man's veins. In early life he had seen the wrecked timbers of one of these floating hells, and had heard details of the cruelties from the lips of the soldiers of the Revolution. Patriotic to the core, Gen. Spinola was a true Democrat. He stood upon the Constitution, and upheld the rights of the States. An ardent advocate of home rule, he was the impla- cable foe of centralization. lie was devoted to the interests of tlie many rather than to the interest of the few, but he never allowed the interests of the many to trespass upon the rights of the few. He chanipioneil the rights of labor, and resisted the encroachments of monopolies. Never robbing others of their rights, he was jealous of his own privileges and preroga- tives. He was of the people and for the people. He asked no more for his constituents than he was willing to give to others. He was as broad as his country. While deprecating extravagance in public expenditures, he advocated liberal appropriations for the development of its resources and for internai improvements. He did not believe in tying the arteries of trade with a protective tariff. He believed that commerce was the life of all nations, and that it took charge of the interests, the movements, and the intercourse of all mankind. Its restriction drained the lifeblood of the great city which he in part represented. It imijoverished the people and enriched the trusts. Sir, no more thorough political partisan than my late colleague ever breathed. He loved his party as he loved his country, and lie loved his country as he loved his life. In his party he believed he saw the only party of the people. He 14 Address of Mr. Cunimings^ of New York, on the loved its leaders as he loved his tried friends. Its eueniies were his eueniies. Entire devotion to the party organization was his rule of political life. The Mugwump he regarded as ail unclean bird — a harpy that reveled in the feast uninvited, and defiled every dish that it touched. To act in public affairs seemed to be a passion with him. For more than a quarter of a century he represented eitlier New York or Brooklyn in legislative assemblies. Indeed he may be said to have belonged to public life for a much longer period, for he was an active worker in political organizations which had an essential influence upon public affairs since his boyhood. He had iieared his manhood when Gen. Jackson went out of office. When the Albany Regency was at its zenith his was a prominent figure in the primary elections. The regency was a voluntary association of dis- tinguished Democrats whose determination in party affairs was generally accepted wirliout question. It embraced such names as William L. Marcy, Martin Van Buren, Azariah C. Flagg, and Edwin Crosswell. It was considered by far the most influential political body in the United States. It never assumed to dictate, nor did it claim the slightest political authority. Its strength lay in the sagacity of its suggestions. Young Spinola, although at first a Whig, was undoubtedly conversant with its power and influence. It left its impress upon his political career. In after days his contests were waged in strict accordance with its desires. When it waned and Tammany came to the front, he joined that organization. He was conspicuons in its mass meetings and at its councils. His heart was enwrapped in Tammany. Never from the day he euteri'd it to the day of his death, did he swerve from his fealty. It is easy from this to work out the sum of his political faith and action. It is comprised in the words Democracy and discipline No other crown did he ask; no other exaltation did he desire. Life and Character of Francis B. Spiuola. 1 5 Mr. Si>e:iker, I kuew Francis B. Spinola for tliirty years. He ouce told uie that he was of Italian lineage. Italy is a land that has been tempest-tossed by war and passion even as its great founder is said to havebeen tossed by land and sea. Since the fifth centiuy its history has been divided into eight periods. Each has been one of tumult. It is the land of the ponu'gran- ate and the vine, of beautiful skies, of love, of poetry, of painting and of sculpture. It was there that the lights of ancient literature went out, and there that the renaissance began before the last rays had fiided from the horizon. It was an Italian who gave the Old World a new world; It was an Italian who brought countless worlds within our view. I know not from what particular family our friend sprang, but there were traces of Rienzi, Masauiello, Savonarola, and of the Montagues and Capulcts in his composition. Even Machiavelli had left his mark. Om.' characteristic, however, was preeminent. The Italian loves Italy as the land of his birth. Spinola loved America with an Italian devotion. Her flag was as i^recious to him as the jleur de Us to a Bourbon or the cloak of the prophet to a Mohammedan. He drank from a perennial spring of patriotism. It was the spirit of his fathers in the Revolution. 'Mr. Speaker, thrice since the dawn of the new year have I addressed the House on occasions of this kind. Circum- stances have required it. It is by no means a duty to be coveted. Yet no one should shrink from it. It docs seem to me that when a member is dropped from the roll of the livhig, something definite should be said to show what manner of man he was. With this in defense of their country, can America he backward, aud yet just, in jiaying her tribute of respect to the mem- ories of citizens who. eijually patriotic aud meritorious, perish less splendidly in the presence of unheeded want aud cruel pestilence. The memorial to Congress, which is too long for me to read in its entirety, then proceeds: Without trespassing further on the time of your honorable House, we would briefly suggest that after preparing a decent tomb, where the prec- ious relics of these victims for the nation may rest undisturbed and sacred until tin- (ircat Spirit has decreed the resuscitation of the dead and the Life and Character of Francis B. Spinola. 19 final eousummatioii of all things, we would wish to see erected some mouu- luent that may endure the rage of time; neither lofty, nor sumptuous, nor magnitieent, but which may, nevertheless, inform future ages, " Here lies the remains of an immense multitude of men who, preferring death to the sacrifice of their honor and the fidelity they owed to their country, perished in the prison ships at New York." It appears that Congress did not make an appro])riation, and as far as I can learn there was no bill introdnced, and no action at that time taken further than the presentation of the memorial, an extract from which I have read. In the mean time, however, John Jackson executed a deed conveying the land to the Tammany Society; and in ISOS Mr. Jackson, as chairman, and Benjamin Eomaine, the grand sachem of the Tammany Society, perfected arrangements for removing the bodies from the shore to the ijlace selected, which, as the account says, Mr. Jackson had adorned by "planting trees of of an appropriate description." When the preparations were completed there was witnessed one of the greatest exhibitions of patriotic feeling ever exhib- ited in this country. On page 81, in giving an account of the proceedings on that occasion, we find these words : The detachment of artillery filed off and took post on a hill adjacent to the place of interment. The colors being planted and the company of marines having taken their station, Benjamin Romaine, grand sachem of the Tammany Society, accompanied by the Master Builders and the Tam- many committee, performed the ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the vault. The eye of every spectator was anxiously turned upon the scene. The most profound silence prevailed. It was a moment big with ])atriotic and exalted and enthusiastic feeling. It seemed that the recol- lections and sensibilities of America were concentrated, and that the debt of gratitude to the memory of 11,000 of our brave but unfortunate defenders, which it belonged to the nation to discharge, was about to be canceled. The following is the inscription upon the stone: In the name of the spirits of the Departed Free. Sacred to the memory of that portion of American seamen, soldiers, and citizens who {)eri.shed on board the Prison Ships of the British at the Wallabout during the lie volu- tion. 20 Addnss of Mr. IVhcc/cr, of Alabama, on the There was also engraved on the corner stone these words : This is tlie corner stone of the vault erected by the Tammany Society or Columbian Order, which contains their remains. The ground lor which was bestowed by John Jackson, Nassau Island, season of blossoms. Year of the discovery the 31(>th, of the institution the llHli. and of American indeiiendenee tlie 32d. April I!, 1808. Mr. Joseph B. Fay, a member of the Tammany Society, and a distingiii.shed lawyer of the city of Xe^- York, was appointi^l the orator of the day. In desciiliiug- the suffering of these men, he says: But the sufferings of those vmfortunate Americans whom the dreadful chances of war had destined for the prison shijjs were far greater than :iuy which have been told. In that deadly season of the year when the dog star rages with relentless fury, when a pure air is specially essential to life, and even the bosom of indolent ease pants to catch it from the " tur- ret and the hill," the British locked their prisoners, after long inarches, in the dungeons of a ship infected with contagion and reeking with the filth of crowded captives, dead and dying. In vain did tlie terrified prisoner remonstrated and beg for pity ; he was hurled alive without mercy into this nauseous grave, and no reasoning, no praying could obtain from his stern tyrants the smallest alleviation of his fiite. Yet there was mw condition upon which he might be spared the tortures of this slow but cert.ain death, and that was enlistment in the service of the enemy. It was this hallowed resting-place of our martyrs which was visited by our friend in his boyish days. It was here he imbibed those j)atriotic inspirations which became part of his life and so remained until his death. And I read these, Mr. Speaker, because I remember the night when Gen. Spinola made a speech in this Hall asking that an appropriation should be made to commemorate these martyrs by a suitable monument. He described the cruelty of the British officer Fraser, in South Carolina, to his jtris- oners, and read a descriptiiui of their suflerings with a fcivor which could only have come from that great-hearted and chi\- alrous man. He read the insulting offer of the British officer, inviting his prisoners to join with the I'ncmies of their country and Life and Character of Francis B. Spinola. :^1 tlieir noble responst', aiul tlicii (|iii)tcMl XW laiij^uayc of the officer, who said: "Go theu," said tliis olHcer to these martyrs of thi! prison ships, '-go to Your (luugeons in the prison ships, where you shall perish and rot. But first let me tell you that the rations which have been hitherto allowed to your wives and children shall from this moment cease forever, and you shall die assured that they are starvinj^ in the public streets and that you are the authors of their fate." A sentence so terribly awful appalled the firm soul of every listening hero. A solemn silence followed the declaration. They cast their wonder- ing eyes one upon the other, and valor for a moment was suspended lietween love of family and love of country. Love of country at length rose superior to every other consideration and, moved by one impulse, this glorious band of patriots thundered in the astonished ears of their persecutors : -'The prison ships and death or Washington and our country." In closing his oration the Taininany orator said : On this day we lay the corner stoue of their tomI>. Their ashes hitherto have been blowji about like " summer's dust in the whirlwind," hut the mar- ble column shall rest on this spot and tell to future ages the story that they had to choose death or slavery, and that they nobly elected the former. Per- haps their spirits are this moment on the wings of the wind, hovering over our heads and smiling on the pious tributes we now humbly pay to their memories. In this sepuiclier shall their white bones bo gathered. Itshall overlook the scene of their probation, and be at once amoniiment to Ameri- can gratitude and of English barbarity. The curious mariner sh.all point at it in silent admiration as he passes at a distance, and posterity shall call it the tomb of the patriots. Tlie devotion of Gen. SriNOLA to the memory of these liatriots justifies, I thinli, my recalling the.se scenes and cere- monies. Could it have been possible foi- anyone to have read of these patriotic x)roceedings or to have heard them recounted by any one who witnessed tliem, without having the fires of patriotism kindled in his heart ? They found a ready response in the heart of young Spinola, and the inspiration which then took posses- sion of him remained warm and bright until the day of his death. It was very natural that these impressions, made upon his mind in early youth, should have crowded upon him with renewed 22 Address of Mr. IVkeelcr, of Alabama, on iJic streu{;tli in his later years aud stimulated bim in his efforts to induce Con.uress to honor these j)atri(its by erecting a monu- ment to coninieniorate their heroic endurance aud to mark their graves. The highest type of manhood, nobility, and diivahous generosity himself, he could not but admire such qualities in these heroes of the jiast. As I first learn(-'d to know aud esteem Gen. SriNOJLA when be entered this Hall, I shall leave to others wlio knew him throvighout his long and noble life to tell of his ^reat services to the Em})irc State, to whose honor and interests that entire life was devoted. Whether as a statesman or a soldier his services were in the highest degree honorable and eminent. As a State senator of New York, and as one of the ablest Eep- reseutatives of that State in this Hall, he was ever ready with his great ability aud irresistible fervor to defend the traditious, the honor, and the interests of the imperial Comnujuwealth he loved so well. Every member of this House was impressed with Gen. Spinola's positive characteristics. He possessed the conrage of his convictions to a degree seldom found amoug men. His strong and well-balanced mind fathomed every question, and after divining what his judgment api)roved as the right course no jiower on eartii could swerve or shake his determination. As a general on the field of battle no oflicer of the Aimy of the PotonuK! achieved greater distinctiiui than Gen. Spinola for bravery aud determined courage. In battle after battle, though often wounded, yet always undaunted, he led his troops with an intrepidity which won for hmi the applause of his army aud his country. Froui the beginniug of the war until its close his fortune, his services, aud his life were all freely offered to the cause he had espoused; they were all, without a reservation, laid \\\\q\\ the altar of his country. Iusi)ired by the unparalleled devotion of the patriots of the Life and Character of Francis B. Spiuola. 23 Ecvolutioii, liis whole soul yoarued to emulate the example set by them for the imitation of the true men of future generations, and to keep alive that spiiit of devotion to eountry whieh made it possible for our forefathers to achieve our independence. Would that these patriots could look from their sacred graves and behold the spirit which animated them so beautifully and forcibly exemplified in the character and career of the one whose virtues we have assembled here to commemorate. Address of Mr. Geissenhainer, of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker : Again the undiscovered country calls us to its frontiers, bids us oft'er an aft'ectionate farewell, and to draw the pall ui)on the bier of another brother who has gone to become a iJarticipant in its hidden mysteries; mysteries in which the promised glories are to be revealed, the cherished hopes to be fulfilled, and the weary traveler to find an eternal rest; myste ries which bring reward t(^ life well spent and place the faithful nearer to his God ; mysteries which fulfill the evidence of things unseen and realize the substance of things hoped for. This undiscovered country can not be entered without the summons of that grim messenger whose duty it is to recruit the army of the shadow world. His summons is one of peace to those prejiared to receive and enter the happy life beyond, where no i^laces can be desolated and no firesides nuide vacant. His summons, often rather a kindly invitation, is made to young and old alike; to the new-born infant and to the one whose mete of years is full. To all he comes ; his imperative comnmnd exempts no strength or degree of life. National halls oppose no barrier to his approach. To the last Congress he appeared fifteen times, reserving our late brother to close the list. 24 Address of Mr. Gcissciihaiiicr, of Nca' Jcrsey\ on the Thiougliout tliis cajjital fity are noted iiiiiuy places where from our public servants have been bidden. Within the sound of this very Chamber is marked the spot whence one who luid occupied the most exalted station in the people's gift was sud- denly called away. Again this House is assembled to offer the homage of rever- ent memory to one who gathered with us here. His bier is now before us and we have come to lay iipon it T\ith gentle hands, as the last tribute permitted us to offer, flowers of tender regard and jewels of affectionate friendship. We too wrmld come to dejiosit our humble testimonial, not hoping that it will increase but simply mingle with the sweet odors already breathing there. During the several years we were sheltered beneath the same roof it was [)ermitted us to enjoy more than a casual acquaint- ance with the venerable brother and thus to know him as he was and understand his nature. He had long served the people of his State in legislative halls, and comprehended them and their requirements. This knowledge enabled him to serve them here in his latter years, where no desire of theirs remained unsatisfied. Beneath a brusqueness was hidden the earnestness and devotion which characterized his labors. Gen. Spinola had served his country and exposed himself to the dangers of the battlefield. He bore Mith much discom- fort the wounds received at Wapping Heights, where he suc- cessfully made a l)rilliant charge against an outnumbering force that was protected by a stone wall and supported by artillery. It was, probably, owing to the wounds received iu this gallant affray that Gen. Spinola's life was shortened. From his military experience he seems to have acquired that untiring persistency with which he ever advocated the cause of the veteran. The great ambition of his Congressional life was to secure Life and Character of Francis B. Spiiiola. 25 the erection of ;x monuineut to the heroes of the hulk-ships martyrs, whose boues after bleaehi7ig long upon the sands were placed by private hands within a vault near Wallabout Bay; a generous but unfitting tomb for remains of men as brave and true as they had been. In this connection many will remember Gen. Spinola's untiring exertions. At all times, in season and out of season, he left no means untried to accomplish what patriotism had thus far failed to i^erform. No martyr monument was to be a laurel for the General, but his efforts to secure its erection will lie ever borne in mind. The last words he uttered in this Chamber were in its behalf. And yet a monument stands to his memory, in the erection of which a pension was obtained for a once prominent political opponent and an unjustly sullied reputation vindicated. Gen. Spinola had served two terms in this House and was entering upon a third. Here, being gifted with a keen sense of humor, he often by his apt sayings and quick repartees restored the sunshine and drove away the lowering clouds. With unswerving allegiance to his party household he warmly resented unkind allusions and manifested the value of a friend- ship that stands unshaken amid the raging storms. Yet no one took offense, and his peculiarities in speech, manner,' and in attii-e served only tlie more to endear him to his colleagues of both sides. Of genial, kindly, social disposition, he made and had no personal enemies. To the coterie that gathered about him during the evenings everyone was welcome. . To rekindle the camp fires and fight anew the battles was a favorite subject whenever the distinguished war governor of Pennsylvania came in their midst. They recalled the end of others and looked upon fleeting time with no fearing eyes. There came a time when the tales were almost told. Gradually the veteran drew near the age around which the 26 Address of Mr. Campbell, of Neiv York, on the river winds. His days began to waue aud were as flowers tliat close at set of sun. Upon the river bank lie lingered waiting to cross to the beauteous gi'oves beyond, and at length there came to him in a ripe old age the realization of the last words of Gen. Stonewall Jackson: "Let us cross over the river and rest under th^ shade of the trees." Address of Mr. Campbell, of New York. Mr. Speaker: I rise to participate in these sad services, realizing the great responsibility and aware attles of that war. Eleven thousand and five hundred were sacrificed, men who had their liberty at command ou any day when they would consent to abandon the cause of the colonies and enter the British Army. There was no one day during their long confinement and snff'ering but the provost guard approached them and offered them their freedom if tliey would embrace the British cause ; and, to the credit of twenty thousand American patriots who suffered on board those prison ships, there never was but a single one who betrayed his country and left his associates and joined the British service. [Applause.] Now, sir, I will ask attention for a minute or two while I read from the history of the AVallabout prison ships and the martyrs who died there. I will cite one case where the British had captured a company of American soldiers in South Carolina, and the Hessiau captain who com- manded the enemy otfered those men their freedom if they would go into the British service. Said he, after they had refused his offer: 36 Address of Mr. Hooker, of Mississippi, on iJie "Go, then, to your (iuiiLteons in the prison ships where you shall perish and rot. lint first let n)e tell you that rations which have been hitherto allowed to your wives and children shall from this moment cease forever, and you shall die assured that they are starving in the pnblic streets, and that you are the authcns of tlieir fate." That was the declaration ofthat British oliicer to the company of Ameri- can patriots that had been captured iu South Carolina. A .sentence so terribly awful appalled the firm soul of every listening hero. '• A solemn silence followed tlie declaration. They cast tlnir wondering eye.s oue upon the other, and valor for a moment hung suspended between love of family and love of country. Love of country at leugtli ro.se supe- rior to every other consideration, and, moved by one impulse, this glorious band of patriots thundered iu the astonished ears of their persecutors: 'The ])risou ships and death, or Washington and our country ! ' " [Applause and cries of " Vote! " "Vote! "] The bones of the patriotic soldiers whodiedin the prison ships were put iu the temporary tomb, which was erected by Benjamin Romaine, the grand sachem, who had been instrumental in gathering them together and who owued the ground on which the toml) was erected. In 1842 the city of Brooklyn asked to have the bones turned over to it for appropriate sepulture. Iu reply to that ap])licatiou Mr. Komaiue wrote: "I have guarded these sacred remains, with a reverence which perhaps at this day all may not ajjpreciate or feel, for more than thirty years. They are now in their right place, near the Wallabout and adjoining the navy yard. They are my property. I have expended more than $900 in and about their protection and preservation. I commend them to the protection of the General Government. I bei|ueath them to my country." Thus it will be seen he gave them to the United States; he gave them to his country. •■This concern is sacred to me. It lies near my heart. I suffered with those whose bones I venerate. I fonght beside them. I bled with them." This man belonged to the army himself; he went through the whole seven years' service under Washington. He has given the remains of these men to the American Kepublic. If they had not died the martyr's death that they did we would have had, in my humble judgment, no Anuriiau Kepublic to-night. Those men died to create the rnion. We respect and venerate those who iu later years have died to protect and preserve the Tnion; why should we not remember those l>y nutans of whose sntVerings the Kepublic itself was established? This monument, where it is proposed to erect it, will overlook the very spot on which these men died. It will overlook the battletiehl of Lon" Island; it will overlook the ])lace where the gallant Maryland regiment suffered death when tin; Hrisish drove them into the water. It will over- look Nt'w York B.ay, the East River, and the Sound. There is no more fitting j)lace on earth for such a monument to be erected than that i)ro- posed by the bill under consideration. I appeal to the generosity and Life and Character of Francis B. Spinola. 37 pati-iotism of the American poci]il.'. 1 ;isk ;;eii(liMiien here to-night, in Wv. name of justice and right, to join in perpetuating the memory of these. men who died as martjrs for their couutrj'. There is nothing so indelihiy fixed on my mind as that which was painted tliere tlii^ first time I saw the tomb of these men. It was over sixty years ago, when I was a small hoy. For fifty years the society which gathered these bones raised tlie liag overtliem on the 4th of July. That ceremony ceased to be observea.ssage of this bill. [Applause.] I hope, sir, that tlies(^ patriot martyrs shall not, iioM' tliat Gen. Spinola is dead, waut an advocate for this coinmon act of justice on the part of the American people. His mantle in tlii.^ Uongress, to which he was elected, has, by the choice of the people of the Tenth OouoTessional district of Xew York, fallen upon one of the most distinguished lawyers of that city, renowned not only for his power at the bar, but as an orator. While he thus steps into the shoes and falls heir to the mantle of Gen. Spinola, I hope he will be inspired with a desire to carry out the ettbrt of that gentleman during his lifetime to secure this simple act of justice to the martyrs who died in the British prison ships, and that the news may be carried to him in that other worhl, where he has gone to receive his reward, that if he did not succeed himself, his people have chosen a successor here who will still lu-ge upon 38 Address of Mr. Cooper^ of Indiana^ on the the Ameiican Congress to do that act of duty in the endeavor to procure which Gen. Spinola spent the closing years of liis life. It was my pleasure frequently to enjoy his most cordial welcome and enlari^cil hospitality in tliis city. It was also my pleasure on one occasion to accomi)any him from this city, and to accept the hospitality of that political society to which he was proud to belong. There, in his companj-, I shared the hospitality of Tammany Hall ; and whether here, iu his commo- dious quarters, presided over with so much grace and elegance by his accomidished and devoted wife, or whether in that hall where he had so ofteu sat with his comrades who agreed with him on political questions, he dispensed hospitality witli that lare grace and earnestness of manner which belonged to few men. Those qualities of earnestness, Mr. Speaker, and those qualities of genial hospitality attached men to him with "hooks of steel;" and wlien once they became known to Gen. Spinola, they never failed to love him. Now, he haspassed away ;but we, wlio knew him in these ITalls, follow him with our love. He has gone to that ''undiscovered country,from whose bourne no traveler returns." He has gone; and i 1 1 ( )ur verdict, we pronounce that he possessed the character of an earnest, honest, and patriotic man. We now commit him humbly to the judgment of Him whose all-seeing eye watches the sparrow as it falls and counts the unnumbered sands upon the seashore and weigheth the hills as in a scale and the nunin- tains in balances aiid measureth the waters of tlie earth in the hollow of His hand. Life and Charactfr of Francis B. Spinola. :39 ADDRESS OF Mr. Cooper, of Indiana. Mr. Speaker : What we do and say here to-day is for the liv iiig, not for the dead. Francis B. Spinola has passed away from earth. His account is l)alanced, and the books are closed. No word of ours can help or harm him now. If from a sense of bereavement or sorrow, or if by way of atonement for past indifference to merit, we make some demonstration over the graves of our friends this ft^ct may reflect credit upon us; it may satisfy our consciences and allay our grief, but it can not affect the departec' If the bitterness engendered in a life of toil and struggle should still be manifest; if the voice of opposition and the spirit of envy which assail and follow the living should lind utterance against the dead, it would expose the weakness of our nature and the wickedness of the human heart; it would reflect upon the living but it could not harm the dead. In life a man's character belongs to him ; in a certain sense it is his property; he is its builder; he must protect and defend it. When the work is finished and the workman is called away, that which is left belongs to the world; it is the property of the race. It is for this reason that it seems to me not only proper but profitable to devote some time to the consideration of the lives of such of our colleagues as have fallen around us here, to put upon record our estimate of their character and to furnish to the world an inventory of its new acquisition. Mr. Speaker, my acquaintance with Gen. Spinola began with the Fifty-first Congress, and my opportunities for study ing his character were limited to our two years of service here. During that time there were few men on this floor who were accorded more marked attention or resi>ectful consideration. He was in many respects a remarkable man. 40 Address of Mr, Cooper, of Indiana, on the III the first place, he was a strouy individuality; he was uot a machiue-inade man. By some chance or other he had escaped the inexorable processes of our latter-day training;- which prunes every faculty and reduces every asi)iration to a formula. He had some lines of character which neither fashion nor friction nor the so-called culture of modern society could polish away. He was unique and therefore interesting. Though representing a metropolitan district he had all the appearance and demeanor of a pioneer, and had he lived in one of our Western communities we should have called him "uncle" and made him governor of the State. Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate for our country and the times in which we live that the tendency is to dwarf the individual. At the doorway of our schools the children stand in line; having entered they are graded and classified, and the necessity for discipline aiul methods in dealing with numbers leaves little room for the orderly exercise or development of individual traits. Instead of dealing with the child as a plant which should be sufiered to develop on all sides in obedience to the law of its nature and from the forces supplied from within, it is set in a row and trimmed so that the lines may be even and the general effect symmetrical. This synthetic process has also obtained in other departments of life. Men must stand in line at the shop, at the ticket office at the theater, at the railway station, and even at tlie doors of our popular churches. The village blacksmith now stands among a wilderness of wheels, where he is known by number and not by name, and merely superintends a machine which is in itself almost automatic. Our Priscilla is taken from her spindle and her distaff, and she stands in line to watch the play of steam-driven fingers. Mr. Sjicaker, just what should be done to arrest this process by which, like pebbles in the bed of a brook, we are all to be Life and Character of Francis B. Spinola. 41 rounded and evened up, just liow iu the midst of a multitude eaeli one shall still be sufl'eied to pursue his individual path, this is neithei' the time nor place to disi-uss. I have called attention to this condition in order to j;ive emphasis to the character of him whose loss we mourn here to-day. Tlie lesson of his life is that, notwithstandinj;- the evident tendency of the times is to group and label, to grade and classify mankind, it is possible for a nuin to realize the value of his own individuaUty, and that to develop and preserve the forces which are peculiar to each is to respond to the call of God within us and to execute his infinite jjurpose coucerniug us. Gen. Spinola was a man of great coui'age. It was perhaps owing to the predominance of this charactei'istic trait that he was able to survive all the enervating influences of our modern so-called culture, and that he could not be brought either by comi^romise or compidsiou to worship at its altar. I repeat he was a man of marked individuality; he bore no stamp or factory brand. He C(nild create; he could not imitate. He could lead, but he did not know how to follow. There was a little passage at arms here on this floor during the first session of tlie Fifty-first Congress between him and one of his colleagues from New Tork [Mr. Lansing], in which the latter paid to him, perhaps unwittingly, the greatest and most fitting complimeut which, to my mind, could be framed into language. In discussing the question of prison labor Gen. Spinola bad called attention to the evil consequences of bring- ing convict labor into competition with free and honest artisans, and in the course of these remarks he had referred to the posi- tion and demands of some labor organizations in his State. Eesponding, Mr. Lansing said: It was said of my frieud and colleague from New York that when he was a soldier, if lie saw a whole corps of rebels he did not think they were more than a corporal's guard, but now he seems to see in every labor organiza- tion of ten a whole election district. 42 Address of Air. Cooper, of Indiana, on the And this may be taken as a key to bis character. He was l)iave when his duty was dear, but he was afraid to do wrong. He eoukl fight and lead in the front of battk- ; tbe loudmouthed cannon and the saber's flash, the onset and shock of battle had no terrors for him, but as a conscientious and faitlifnl servant of the people, when called to act where there was doubt or danger, he became fearful lest he might not clearly undersrand and fully record their wishes. Mr. Speaker, the deceased was a kind and friendly man. As a humble Representative from a distant State I came here a stranger to this place, and from the first he gave me the most cordial and generous treatment. Now that he is gone, I gladly bear testimony to my impressions concerning him, and can truthfully say that to me he seemed strong, and brave, and true. His career on earth is ended, but the impression he leaves behind is clear and distinct, and it will become brighter as it is studied, and more precious in that day when the world leai-ns that her richest treasures are the names other brave and manly men. Mr. CUMMINGS. I ask for the reading of the resolutions sent to the desk at the beginning of the special order. The Clerk read as follows : Jtcsolrcd, That tbe business of the House be now suspended that oppor- tunity may he given for tributes to the memory of the Hon. Francis B. Si'iNOi.A, late a Representative from the State of New York. Besolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory of the deceased and in recognition of his eminent abilities as a distinguished public servant the House, at the conclusion of these memorial proceedings, shall stand adjourned. Resolved, That the Clerk ((immuuicate these resolutions to the Senate. RcsoJred, That the Clerk be instructed to send a copy of these resolu- tions to the fauiilv of the deceased. Life and Character of Francis B. Spinola. 43 Mr. CuMMiNGS. Mr. Speaker, I move the adoption of tlie resohitious. The resolutious were unauimously adopted. The Speaker jyro tempore (Mr. Wilsou of Missouri in the chair). In accordance with the second resolution just passed, the House stands adjourned until iMonday, March 28, at 12 o'clock m. Accordingly (at 3 o'clock and 46 minutes p. m.) the House adjoui'ned. PROCEEDINGS IX THE SENATE. EULOGIES. Febeitary 25, 1893. ]\Ir. Hill. I now ask tliat the resolutions from the House of Eepresentatives reUitive to the death of the late Francis B. Spinola may be laid before the Senate. The Vice-President. The Chair lays before the Senate resolutions from the House of Eepresentatives; which will be read. The Chief Clerk read as follows: Eesolced, That the business of the House be now suspended that op- portunity may be given for tributes to Ihe memory nf the Hon. Francis B. Spinola, hite a Representative from the State of New York. Eeaolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, aud iu recognition of his eminent abilities as a distinguished public servant, the House, at the couclusion of these memorial proceed- ings, shall stand adjourned. Resoh-ed, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate. Resolved, That the Clerk be instructed to send a copy of these resolu- tions to the famUy of the deceased. Mr. Hill. I ofler the resolutions, which I send to the desk. The Vice-President. The resolutions will be read. The Chief Clerk read as follows : Sesolred, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announce- ment of the death of Hon. Fr.\ncis B. Spinola, late a Representative from the State of New York. 45 46 Address of Mr. Hill, of New York, on the IleKolvKl, Tliat the Imsincss i)f the Senatr 1> > i u .> ■• * m\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\»\\\m\^^^^^^ yy ^^<>«««%mMg^«^^ ^afi^v-»\r^#-<#