6CpY E 664 .U9 U5 Copy 2 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GEORGE HERBERT UTTER ( Late a Representative from Rhode Island ) MEMORIAL ADDRESSES DELIVERED IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES SIXTY-SECOND CONGRESS THIRD SESSION Proceedings in the House February 9, 1913 Proceedings in the Senate February 22, 1913 PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING lit-'-^o-^ \ WASHINGTON 1914 ■^j^--^ 2- fEB 20 1914 ^ TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Proceedings in the House 5 Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 7 Memorial addresses by — Mr. O'Shaunessy, of Rhode Island 9 Mr. Greene, of Massachusetts 14 Mr. Pluniley, of Vermont 17 Mr. Pickett, of Iowa 19 Mr. Murray, of Massachusetts 22 Mr. Reilly, of Connecticut 24 Mr. La Follette, of Washington 26 Mr. Crago, of Pennsylvania 28 Mr. McCall, of Massachusetts 31 Mr. Gillett, of Massachusetts 32 Mr. Harris, of Massachusetts 33 Proceedings in the Senate 35 Prayer by Rev. Ulysses G. B. Pierce, D. D 36 Memorial addresses by — Mr. Wetmore, of Rhode Island 39 Mr. Gallinger, of New Hampshire 44 Mr. Lippitt. of Rhode Island 48 [3] HON_ GEORGE H. UTTER DEATH OF HON. GEORGE HERBERT UHER Proceedings in the House Monday, December 2, 1912. Mr. O'Shaunessy. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following resolutions and ask for their immediate consideration. The Clerk read as follows: House resolution 714 Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. George Herbert Utter, late a Member of the House from the State of Rhode Island. Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be directed to transmit a copy of these resolutions to the Senate and send a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. The resolutions were agreed to. Mr. Cannon. Mr. Speaker, I move you, sir, that out of regard for the memory of the late Vice President, James Schoolcraft Sherman, and the memory of the Members of this House and of the Senate who have departed this life since the adjournment of the last session of Congress, this House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; and accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 8 minutes p. m.) the House adjourned until to-mor- row, Tuesday, December 3, 1912, at 12 o'clock noon. [5] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter Friday, December 6, 1912. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Crockett, one of its clerks, announced that the Senate had passed the follow- ing resolutions : Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announcement of the death of Hon. George H. Utter, late a Rep- resentative from the State of Rhode Island. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these resolutions to the House of Representatives and to the family of the deceased. Resolved, That, as a further mark of respect to the memory of those Representatives whose deaths have been announced, the Senate do now adjourn. Saturday, January 18, 1913. Mr. O'Shaunessy'. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- sent for the consideration of the order which I send to the Clerk's desk. The Speaker. The Clerk will report the order. The Clerk read as follows: Mr. O'Shaunessy introduced the following order: " Ordered, That Sunday, the 9th day of February, 1913, be set apart for addresses on the life, character, and public services of Hon. George H. Utter, late a Representative from the State of Rhode Island." The Speaker. Is there objection to the present consid- eration of this order? [After a pause.] The Chair hears none. The question is on agreeing to the order. The order was agreed to. Sunday, February 9, 1913. The House met at 12 o'clock noon, and was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore [Mr. Pepper]. [6] Proceedings in the House The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the following prayer: Eternal God, our heavenly Father, in whose all-encir- cling love we dwell, through whose never-failing minis- trations our existence is continued moment by moment, hour by hour, guide us, we beseech Thee, by the Holy Spirit of Truth to do Thy will, that we may build each for himself a character which shall be an everlasting memorial to Thee. We are here in memory of three great men, whose lives have become a part of the Nation's history. We can not add to or detract from their glory, but we may exalt ourselves by recording faithfully their service to State and Nation. Comfort, we pray Thee, their friends, colleagues, and those near and dear to them by the bonds of kinship with the blessed hope of the im- mortality of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow. Is our destined end or way; But to act that each to-morrow Find us farther than to-day. Inspire us with courage, zeal, and fidelity, that we may be worthy and pass on to the reward of those who, true to themselves, reflect in thought, word, and deed the char- acter of Him who taught us to pray: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thj' name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into tempta- tion, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will read the Journal. [7] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter Mr. Kendall. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the Journal may be dispensed with. The Speaker pro tempore. Is there objection? [After a pause.] The Chair hears none. Without objection, the Journal will be approved. There was no objection. The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the next order. The Clerk read as follows: On motion of Mr. O'Shaunessy, by unanimous consent, Ordered, That Sunday, February 9, 1913, be set apart for ad- dresses upon the life, character, and public services of Hon. George H. Utter, late a Representative from the State of Rhode Island. Mr. O'Shaunessy. Mr. Speaker, I present the following resolution, which I send to the Clerk's desk. The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the resolution. The Clerk read as follows: House resolution 824 Resolved, That, in pursuance of the special order heretofore adopted, the House proceed to pay tribute to the memory of the Hon. George Herbert Utter, late a Representative in Congress from the State of Rhode Island. Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, and in recognition of his distinguished career and his great service to his country as a Representative in Congress, the House, at the conclusion of the memorial proceedings of this day, shall stand adjourned. Resolved, That the Clerk of the House communicate these reso- lutions to the Senate. Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be, and he is hereby, in- structed to send a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased. The resolution was unanimouslj' agreed to. [8] MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Address of Mr. O'Shaunessy, of Rhode Island Mr. Speaker: Death, the great reaper whose sickle never dulls and whose arm never falters, has reaped a rich harvest in the Sixty-second Congress. My colleague and friend, George Herbert Utter, was the eighteenth in its necrological roll. More have been added since his soul winged its way to that immortal home where all of earth's grandeur pales into insignificance in comparison with the riches our Heavenly Father has stored up for his faithful children. Coming to Westerly, R. I., in 1861, from Plainfield, N. J., where he was born July 24, 1854, he resided in that com- munity continuously until his death, which took place on Sunday, November 3, 1912, two days prior to the general election. He had given freely of his splendid oratorical powers to the Republican national committee during the campaign and had stumped for his party in his usual effective fashion in the New England States, and, no doubt, by his unremitting endeavors hastened the end which was to be the climax of the malignant disease which gripped him. He was equipped for the masterful role he was to play in the business and political world at Alfred (N. Y.) Academy, in Westerly High School, and at Amherst College, from which he graduated in 1877. For years and until his death he was the publisher of the Westerly Sun, which steadily reflected the views of its owner, who was always ready with moral admonitions as applied to current events. [9] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter Congressman Utter was a man of simple tastes and hardy virtues; in debate he manifested the spii'it born of true conviction, and in council gave abundant evidence of that indefinable something which generates and in- spires confidence. He was a man of deep religious feel- ing, and his unfaltering devotion to the sect of which he was so conspicuous a member, the Seventh-day Baptists, found him ready for the summons which must come to all. No doubt perplexed him when, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Westerly, he passed away, comforted by the presence of devoted hearts and sus- tained by a State-wide approving sentiment of his private and public life. He was prepared for the fulfillment of the Saviour's words, " I am the Resurrection and the Life." The sect to which he gave such rigorous devotion is small in numbers and makes Saturday its Sabbath Day. The sturdy observance of this habit alone marked him as an unusual man, as one who differed with mil- lions, but differed conscientiously, manifesting at the same time a broad religious tolerance. But there are deeds that should not pass away. And names that must not wither. His deeds, so characteristic of the man, shall not pass away, and his name shall be remembered wherever meri- torious action and endeavor have left an impress upon the memorjf of man. It is related of him that, when governor of Rhode Island, he declined to attend a cele- bration in the city of Washington and delegated the lieu- tenant governor to take his place, because the exercises were to be held on Saturday. And in the performance of his duties in this great Chamber only the most pressing necessity, the consideration of some very vital question, would cause his presence here on the day that he had [10] Address of Mr. O'Shaunessy, of Rhode Island dedicated as his Sabbath. He had the courage of his con- victions, content with the approbation of his conscience. In political life he loved the truth, and dared speak it, even though in some cases it spelled defeat for some cher- ished ambition. He had a distinguished and honorable public career. He was elected four times a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and during one of those terms was speaker of the house. He was twice chosen as sena- tor from his home town, and thereafter he filled, to the satisfaction of the public, the exalted posts of secretary of state, lieutenant governor, and governor of Rhode Island. And withal he remained the same genial, unas- suming, charitably disposed Christian gentleman, mag- nanimous in his consideration of others, and never fail- ing to find deep down in the other man's heart something to admire and approve. His oratorical ability, coupled with his unfailing, invaluable advice and meaty sugges- tion for high moral endeavor, made him a favorite at public gatherings, and I am sure that his cheering words will long be remembered by the many Bible classes. Young Men's Christian Associations, and commercial bod- ies that had the pleasure and satisfaction of hearing him. His was a conservative nature that held to old traditions and found little comfort in the new political dispensation. He had a reverent regard for American institutions, and a profound trust that, unchanged, they could and would work out a nation's destiny. With his tenacity of belief there was always coupled a bourgeoning hope that every political problem would be solved for the good of all the people, but his caution dispelled rash methods, and his nature quailed instinctively at quick transactions in the methods of government. [11] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter He brought an optimism to his work; his buoyant spirit was nowhere better shown than in his favorite poem: HOW DID YOU DIE? Did you tackle that trouble that came your way, With a resolute heart and cheerful? Or hide your face from the light of day With a craven soul and fearful? Oh, a trouble's a ton, or a trouble's an ounce. Or a trouble is what you make it, And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts. But only how did you take it? You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what's that? Come up with a smiling face. It's nothing against you to fall down flat, But to lie there — that's disgrace. The harder you're thrown, why the higher you bounce; Be proud of your blackened eye. It isn't the fact that you're licked that counts, It's how did you fight — and why? And though you be done to the death, what then? If you battled the best you could, If you played your part in the world of men, Why, the critic will call you good. Death comes with a crawl or comes with a pounce, And whether he's slow or spry. It isn't the fact that you're dead that counts. But only how did you die? And here in this House, where his services were char- acterized by an unfailing sense of modesty and untiring zeal, we honor his memory. I can hardly reconcile my- self to the knowledge that my cheerful and helpful col- league has passed away. How often he spoke to me in this Chamber in his kindly and fatherly waj'. little think- ing that his useful, well-spent, highly moral life was so soon to end. He has gone, but he will live in the affection [12] Address of Mr. O'Shaunessy, of Rhode Island of a grieved domestic circle, in the respect of tlie State he loved and honored, in the memory of his services, and in the loving testimony of those whose good fortune it was to meet him here, to associate with him, and to work with him. [13] Address of Mr. Greene, of Massachusetts Mr. Speaker: The Sixty-second Congress has been de- pleted by the hand of death to a greater extent than it has been my experience to witness since I have been a Member of the House of Representatives. Many of these deaths have been sudden and unexpected, and I am sure none more so than that of the late Member from the second district of Rhode Island, Hon. George H. Utter. His activities seemed to be at their height of usefulness when the second session of this Congress was concluded, and I am sure no one imagined when the parting good- bys were exchanged and we departed to our respective homes that we had parted forever in this life from our late associate. His program for active campaigning in the presidential contest in behalf of the party to which he owed allegiance, and by whose membership he had often been honored, seemed to promise fulfillment of the work which he enjoyed and his return to the scene of his activities and friendships here. Rut while man proposes and plans for the future there is an unerring destiny which overrules our purposes and shapes our ends. Mr. Utter was a resident of Westerly, R. I., from early boyhood, and was active in promoting the interests and shaping the public improvements of the town of his adoption. His natural ability was improved by educa- tion in the public schools and by academic and college training. He was a newspaper publisher, and as such and as a public-spirited citizen he had a marked in- fluence among his fellow townsmen. He was an honored member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives for several terms and speaker of that body. He was also a [14] Address of Mr. Greene, of Massachusetts member of the Rhode Island Senate, secretary of state, lieutenant governor, and governor of that State. Upon the death of the late Congressman Capron he was elected a Member of this body. Mr. Utter was a ready debater and an eloquent advo- cate of the policy of protection to American industries and American labor, under which the State of Rhode Island had marvelously grown and prospered until it became one of the most complete and varied industrial centers of growth and activity in New England. But not alone to political lines were his activities limited. He was frequently called upon to speak in different parts of the country in behalf of the extension of the work of the Young Men's Christian Association and also in address- ing religious and other public assemblages. He was an eloquent and forceful speaker, and was always sure to have an appreciative audience whenever the announce- ment was made that he was to deliver an address. He was suddenly stricken with disease while actively en- gaged in the campaign for the Republican Party, and was compelled to submit to an operation, from which he did not recover. I was assigned to membership on the committee which attended his funeral services at his home in Westerly, R. I. There was a large attendance at the exercises of many persons prominent in public life from all over the State, and also his associates in Congress from Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The places of business in Westerly were closed, and general evidence of respect to his memory were displayed by the citizens of the community, and thus the last tribute of respect and affection was paid to his memory on the day follow- ing the national election of 1912. The town, the State, and the Nation have been deprived of the services of a [15] Memorial Addresses : Representative Utter useful and worthy citizen and able legislator, but his words and his accomplishments will be recorded in the pages of history, and Ms example and worth may well be an inspiration to the generations who may contem- plate his career in public and private life. [16] Address of Mr. Plumley, of Vermont Mr. Speaker: I enter these precincts to-day with lag- gard and hesitant steps. A funeral pall is over this Chamber, and shadowy forms, the ethereal essence of those whom we commemorate, walk by my side. A solemn hush is here where yesterday there was strenu- ous strife, and we who were partisans then are now one in that union of soul which awaits on common sorrow. It was a brief acquaintance I had with the late Hon. George Herbert Utter, a little less than a year, but dur- ing that period it became close and intimate. During the political campaign of 1912 he spoke in Vermont, at my request, and in my own town, where he charmed all with his wit, his wisdom, his method, manner, and matter. When we dwell upon his career we deal with a char- acter which was excellent, rich, and rare; with a life that was clean, exalted, and noble; with garnered results which are worthy of study and emulation. There beat in his breast a heart large, warm, and true. He possessed a personality which attracted friends and held them. He loved and was beloved. He had faith in others and was himself trusted implicitly. For the greater part of his adult life he was a public servant, living in the limelight of official service, yet beyond reproach and without scan- dal. He was honest because it was right to be honest; he served to the best of his ability those who trusted him, because such service was their due. He lived a high-minded, whole-souled Christian gentleman and patriot, and at his death there is bereavement and lamen- tation. [17] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter In his life and in his death he verified the words of Scripture : The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. It is indeed most gratifying that at this hour we can recount the virtues of our dead with naught to extenu- ate, naught to conceal; that as a precious privilege we can name him as our friend, and in honoring him do honor to ourselves. When cut down he was in the full tide of honor and usefulness. " His death was untimely and his brethren mourn." [18] Address of Mr. Pickett, of Iowa Mr. Speaker: James A. Garfield once said: There is no place on earth where a man will more certainly or more speedily reach his true level than in the House of Rep- resentatives. George Herbert Utter illustrates the force of this ob- servation. Elected to the Sixty-second Congress, he was permitted to serve only through two sessions — the extra session in 1911 and the regular session commencing December, 1911. Yet in this brief period he established himself in the esteem of his associates and left his impress on the legislation of this body. He laid the foundation for a career of usefulness and distinction. Genial and courteous in his manner, attentive to his duties, industrious in his work, bringing to his assistance a rare natural ability, supplemented by years of training and experience in the public service, he was admirably equipped to take a distinguished place in this high forum of national legislation. There is an old Roman legend — Let what each man thinks of the Republic be written on his brow. There were written on the brow and displayed in the words and acts of George Herbert Utter a high concep- tion of our Republic, an abiding faith in the fundamental principles on which our institutions rest, and a prophetic vision of its grander possibilities yet to come. While not omitting the details necessary to a legislator, he seemed to have a broad and comprehensive grasp of [19] Memorial Addresses : Representative Utter public questions. Emerson has said something about noting what " tlie hours are saying to the centuries." Ours is a great Nation; 48 separate sovereign States; 90,000,000 people; vast territory. Frequently the human mind is so absorbed with the localized aspect of questions that it fails to reach out and encompass, so to speak, the national viewpoint. It requires breadth of vision to grasp those great problems which involve the life and the future of our Republic. He had this faculty in a rare degree. He had another character trait — intellectual courage. He did not fear to act on his judgment. He stood square shouldered to his duty as a public servant. He did not propound the interrogatory, " Is this measure policy?" He always appeared to be self-questioned by " Is this right?" Small of stature, there was yet in his bearing the signet of command — command of himself, and therefore command of others, which, united, forms leadership. Amid the storms and passions which frequently beset the pathway of public men he stood erect, unshaken as Atlas- While storms and tempests thunder on its brow, And oceans break their billows at its feet. He was a firm believer in constitutional government. His love of constituted authority, reverence for the wis- dom of our fathers, and deep convictions in funda- mentals of our Government, together with an exalted- patriotism and a lofty ambition for the destiny of our Nation, recalled to my mind the hope expressed by Lord Coke — Of living always under the protection of the law and in the gladsome light of jurisprudence. [20] Address of Mr. Pickett, of Iowa Great memories are in themselves great leaders. The memory of those who have wrought for the Nation's good is in itself an education for those who follow. The memory of George Herbert Utter may well be preserved to the youth of our land, that they may emulate his example, that it may stimulate them to do their duty toward preserving the institutions he loved so well and to which his life was so nobly devoted. [21] Address of Mr. Murray, of Massachusetts Mr. Speaker: These are memorial exercises for one whom I never knew till I met him here as a Representa- tive from Rhode Island, but whom I came to know with such respect and admiration that I felt a personal loss when he died. Mr. Utter was a positive man, with real ideas about men and things, with courage and capacity to express those ideas. There was force in his manner and method of expression, but it was a charming kind of force that directed itself against policies and principles rather than against persons. I do not remember any time when we were in active disagreement on any matter in debate, but I am sure that we could have differed frequently in that way without any present memoiy of bitterness that might have been caused by his remarks. The memory would not be here, because the bitterness never was there when Mr. Utter spoke. He spoke sometimes, but he wrote constantly, for he was the editor of a newspaper. I have reflected lately on the influence he must have exerted during his lifetime as an editor; not the kind of influence that might cause men to vote in a given way, at a given time, but the kind of influence, unknown to him and not realized by his reader, that shapes the mind and helps to form the thought that may be the cause of action long after the reading may have been forgotten. I am sure that Mr. Utter wrote editorials and articles of real value, because he said things of that sort. I re- member well, for instance, a talk that he gave me one day when he stopped here at my seat on his way to the reference library in the rear of this section. It was a [22] Address of Mr. Murray, of Massachusetts simple talk about present-day conditions of American life, in which Mr. Utter developed to me his idea that most of the disturbance we noticed last spring was social in its nature rather than political. He showed me clearly that a large part of the price of present-day success is the loss of friendships and associations we truly enjoyed in earlier and humbler days. He proved from his experi- ence and from mine that many men who used to be friends are not now friendly, and that the change in rela- tions seemed to be because we had been singled out from our fellows for something of distinction. I wish that I could set forth in this memorial the de- tails of that talk, but I can not do so any more than I can ever erase from my mind and leave out of my life the effect of it. I am sure that Mr. Utter wrote frequently in the columns of his newspaper just as he talked that day to me. I am also sure that those writings left a lasting impression on the minds of his readers, just as that talk left a lasting impression on me. I remember well a newspaper editorial that I read many months ago written under the caption, " Creditors of humanity." It told something of the life stoiy of a Massachusetts man who was secretaiy of the Interstate Commerce Commission and had just died. It made the point that humanity keeps books with all who are given opportunity to serve. On one side of the ledger there is written down everything that comes to a man in the way of public position and office that presents opportunity; on the opposite side is a detailed statement of the things given back to humanity in return for these opportunities. I know little, if anything, of the details of service ren- dered by Mr. Utter before he came to Congress. I be- lieve on what I know of him as a Representative here, however, that he was indeed of the few who are " credi- tors of humanity." [23] Address of Mr. Reilly, of Connecticut Mr. Speaker: As editor of the Westerly Sun, as gov- ernor of Rhode Island, and Representative in Congress George Herbert Utter was a success. Under his direct management his newspaper had for a number of years been a power for good in Rhode Island, and its field of usefulness and influence was constantly growing. It is a clean newspaper in the fullest sense of that phrase, be- cause its editorial direction and business management were clean, because Editor and Rusiness Manager Utter was a clean man. His newspaper reflected the high moral standard that he had set for his life work, and its tone was never lowered. As governor of the State of Rhode Island he conducted the affairs of that Common- wealth along the same lines as he did his private busi- ness. He inaugurated reforms in State affairs that had long been needed, but which required a high degree of moral courage, in view of certain powerful influences, to put into effect. That the measures were of much bene- fit to the State and the people thereof is evidenced by the fact that they are still effective, and there has been no desire, at least no ability, to change them. While he was a stanch Republican, he was not the sort of partisan who stood for everything his party did. He went with his party so long as he believed it to be right, at least in a moral sen.se, and when it ceased to be that he did not follow it. In every position, either of private or public character. Gov. Utter gave to the duties of the position the best advice that was in him, and invariably it was of a high order. [24] Address of Mr. Reilly, of Connecticut He was well fitted for congressional life. His news- paper training and his service for his State gave him a firm grasp on national affairs, and he was certain to be- come one of the most influential Members of his party in this body. He was of a retiring nature, but that did not mean that he shirked responsibility or duty. He was always ready to stand in the front rank for what he considered right. He was a ready speaker as well as writer, and not only in political campaigns, but on the lecture platform, was he in much demand. He was a religious man and truly devoted to his faith. He had the fullest courage of his conviction, but was in no sense bigoted or narrow. He accorded to everyone the right to worship as he pleased, but had no patience with those who did not believe in any worship. His home life was ideal, and there his loss is felt the keenest. Though of a serious turn of mind as distinct from the frivolous, yet he was no grouch. He felt that the man who scattered flowers in the pathway of the poor and unfortunate and let the sunshine of human hap- piness into the dark places of life was following in the footsteps of the Master. And so he lived and died, be- loved of all who knew him and mourned the most by those who knew him best. [25] Address of Mr. La Follette, of Washington Mr. Speaker: My acquaintance with the late George H. Utter was necessarily very brief, we both being at the time we first met new Members serving our first term, he representing a constituency of a State bordering on the Atlantic, I from a State touching the Pacific. We were fellow members of the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures, and it was in attendance on com- mittee meetings that my attention was first directed to him particularly. His desire for accurate information, his insistence on a plain understanding of all measures discussed in that committee, caused me to give more than ordinary thought to and created a desire for knowledge of the man, and, upon looking up his biography, I was not surprised to learn that he had been a member and speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island, member of its State senate, secretary of state, lieutenant governor, and governor, respectively. In noting his achievements and successful career, I was reminded of a little speech made by President Lin- coln to a regiment of soldiers he was reviewing in front of the White House during the Civil War. President Lin- coln said : I happen temporarily to occupy this big White House. I am a living witness that any one of your children may look to come here as my father's child has. It is in order that each one of you may have, through this free government which we have enjoyed, an open field and a fair chance that the struggle should be main- tained that we may not lose our birthright. As President Lincoln was a living witness to the oppor- tunities opened up to the children of the most humble [26] Address of Mr. La Follette, of Washington householder, so was Congressman Utter a living example of the possibilities that are open to the laborer, the arti- san, and the tradesman of our great country, if they only have the determination, the stamina, and the ability to take advantage of the golden opportunities ever opening at their feet. Congi-essman Utter was a printer by trade, and a printer and publisher by occupation. He served his county and State in many capacities, each time establish- ing his worth. He was successively elevated in position and in opportunity to serve in greater things, and we can but mourn his sudden demise while yet in the perfection of his manhood and in the heyday of his success. I feel that his life and achievements should be an in- spiration to the youth of his own State and of our common country. A kindly, courteous gentleman. Long shall we cherish his memory. [27] Address of Mr. Crago, of Pennsylvania Mr. Speaker: It was my privilege to have been closely associated with George Herbert Utter, late a Repre- sentative from the State of Rhode Island, in much of his congressional labors. We were members of the same committee and at times were brought into close contact by reason of work on subcommittees. His very unex- pected death was to me a great personal loss, and to this service, in honor of his memory, I bring words of sorrow, feeble though they may be, yet too deep and real to measure by any standard other than of friendship for the man and a deep appreciation of the many virtues his life exemplified. I shall leave to others the recital of the events of his life prior to the convening of the special session of the Sixty-second Congress, as my personal acquaintance Avith him began at that time. A brief reading of his biography discloses the fact that his former work and training in public life had well fitted him for his duties as a Member of this body, and we see the result of that training reflected in his work. In his committees and on the floor of this House he took an active part and interest. He thought for himself, and his judgment on public questions was formed only after mature deliberation and was always founded on a knowledge of the facts and reasoned out by a mind trained to measure men and apply principles. As a Republican Gov. Utter was loyal to his party and the theory of government for which it stands, yet higher than the good of party he ever placed the common wel- [28] Address of Mr. Crago, of Pennsylvania fare of the Nation, and only those measures which ap- pealed to him as right and just received his support. His service in this legislative body was brief, yet he impressed his individuality on all with whom he came in contact, and had it been given him to serve even for a few years his ability, his loyalty to duty, his zeal for the public good would undoubtedly have commanded general recognition, and his real worth would have given him a prominent place in the councils of this body. Born in the year 1854, he was but a child when, in 1861, the War between the States began, and so he could not have a part in that great struggle which called to the field the young manhood of this Nation. When in 1898 the call to arms was again sounded he had reached that age in life when, until the Government was in greater need of men, he could not follow the flag to the front and participate in that brief but brilliant feat of arms. And so his fame is not linked to any martial epoch of our history, but is the product of an era of peace, yet his love and veneration for the men who bore arms in de- fense of our country were intense and sincere. His fame rests not on titles, but his titles came to him by reason of the true greatness of the man. In the closing days of a great political campaign, a campaign in which sane principles of self-government, by the people, were being assailed as never before, when all about him were the sounds of conflict, a conflict in which, from a sense of duty, he had enlisted with heart and soul on the side of law and order as he saw it, he must needs answer the higher call. His body, weakened by disease, refused longer to hold the life which struggled so hard to gain the victory. This life is grand and good and noble, yet it is a battle, a struggle from the cradle to the grave. [29] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter The physical man, in order that he may feel and know the pleasurable sensations, must be subject to pain and decay; the soul of man, in order that it may soar to heights divine, has within it the possibilities of sinking into depths of low desire. To war against pain and death, to struggle against that which would drag one to a lower level, physical, mental, and moral, is the challenge nature gives her children and impartially awaits our action. The life of the departed shows him victor in this con- flict. He had his days of sorrow and disappointment, but there was always the bright to-morrow — to-morrow with all its joys, its possibilities, and its pleasures. May we enter our to-morrow with a new realization that we are all agents of a great power in a mighty purpose; the manner of accomplishing that purpose we may not know, but if our work is good, if our lives are fdled with good deeds, we shall have fulfilled the highest purpose of the Creator. Gov. Utter has reached the end of all human endeavor, and in that spirit land of life eternal has found what mortal man can never know — ^perfect happiness. Peace to his soul, reverence for his memory, love for a life filled with good deeds — a life once ours, for evermore a part of the Infinite. [30] Address of Mr. McCall, of Massachusetts Mr. Speaker: I avail myself of the leave given by the House to give expression, inadequate though it may be, to my own sense of personal loss and of the loss suffered by the country, in the passing of our colleague, George Herbert Utter, late a Representative from the State of Rhode Island. Although he had never served in the House of Representatives before the present Congress, he estab- lished in his very brief service a place in its respect which was a very enviable one. His long experience in the house of representatives of his State and in other offices, among them that of governor, had given him a discipline and training which helped him to win his way here. That experience and his native talent peculiarly fitted him for work in a legislative body. It was my fortune to be his seat mate, and I soon be- came impressed by his industrj^ and devotion and the ability which he brought to his work. He was a con- scientious man, strong in debate, firm in purpose, and always courteous. He was an honor to his splendid little Commonwealth, which, within its narrow boundaries, has presented to the country the spectacle of a large, a pros- perous, and an intelligent population. He showed a quality which in a long service would have established him among the leaders of the House. The vacancy in the public service caused by his loss will not be an easy one to fill, and keen and lasting will be the sense of sorrow in the hearts of his friends at the departure of a genial com- panion, an upright and public-spirited man, and a culti- vated gentleman. [31] Address of Mr. Gillett, of Massachusetts Mr. Speaker: My acquaintance with Mr. Utter had been longer than with any other Member of this House, for we were students together at Amherst College, and 1 have ever since watched with interest and admiration his bril- liant career, of which his college life gave promise. The clever and attractive boy developed into the powerful and popular man. As a member of the Rhode Island Legisla- ture, the speaker of the house, and governor of the State, he proved himself a man of ability, tact, and biT»ad states- manship, and when he entered this House he had the qualities and the experience to make him at once in- fluential and useful. Although his service here had been short, he had already made for himself a reputation which foreshadowed a prominent position. He was atten- tive and industrious — eager to familiarize himself with the peculiar rules and atmosphere of this body and ■winning by his sound judgment and sensible views the confidence of his colleagues, while in the few instances he participated actively in the proceedings he showed himself a strong, fluent debater. He was master, too, on occasion, of a warm and inspiring eloquence, and with his culti- vated and charming personality was in every way fitted to make his mark in this body and be of valuable service both to his district and to the country. In his untimely death so early in his service I mourn a warm personal friend of whose genuine worth 1 am sure, because I knew him from boyhood, before we had learned to conceal our weaknesses, and I mourn, too, a public official whose sterling abilities, firm character, and honorable ambition insured him distinction and influence. [32] Address of Mr. Harris, of Massachusetts Mr. Speaker: I desire to add something to ttie eulogies of those of his friends who were friends of longer stand- ing and more intimate acquaintance with Gov. Utter than myself. 1 had known of him, but had never met him until the day the Sixty-second Congress convened in extra session. It chanced that his seat was in front of mine, and as we were both new Members, and both from New England States, we readily and easily got acquainted. I used to discuss the questions that came before us with him, and learned to have great respect not only for his judgment but also for his absolute sincerity of mind and upright- ness of purpose. He was always kindly and courteous in manner, and was never provoked into showing heat or passion even in sharp discussion. As he was clean and upright of mind, so was he in all his ways and habits, and the friendship I formed for him was one that was allowed to continue for all too short a time. Although he has passed on, and my contact with him was short, nevertheless in the brief time that I knew him he proved one of those who are not readily for- gotten and who in their passing through life leave im- pressions that are fragrant as flowers, and the memories of whom are like the faded rose leaves in the jar. We may leave them or set them aside for a time, but when the hours of retrospection descend upon us and we lift the lid of the jar that holds our sacred relics, refreshing, grateful, and stimulating comes the sweetness of a clean and honest friendship, which had in it only the things which are born in honor and sustained by virtue. [33] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter Mr. O'Shaunessy. Mr. Speaker, I ask that unanimous consent be given to those who are unavoidably absent to extend their remarks and make them a part of the pro- ceedings of this day. The Speaker pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. There was no objection. adjournment The Speaker pro tempore. In accordance with the reso- lution heretofore adopted and as a further mark of respect to the deceased the House will now stand adjourned until 10 o'clock and 30 minutes a. m. to-morrow. Accordingly (at 2 o'clock and 52 minutes p. m.) the House adjourned to meet to-morrow, Monday, February 10, 1913, at 10.30 a. m. Monday, February 24, 1913. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Crockett, one of its clerks, announced that the Senate had passed the follow- ing resolutions : Resolved, That the Senate expresses Its profound sorrow on account of the death of the Hon. George Herbert Utter, late a Member of tlie House of Representatives from the State of Rhode Island. Resolved, That the business of the Senate be now suspended in order that fitting tribute may be paid his high character and distinguished services. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these reso- lutions to the House of Representatives and to the family of the deceased. [34] Proceedings in the Senate Thursday, December 5, 1912. A message from the House of Representatives, by J. C. South, its Chief Clerk, communicated to the Senate the intelhgence of the death of Hon. George Herbert Utter, late a Representative from the State of Rhode Island, and transmitted resolutions of the House thereon. Mr. Wetmore. I ask the Chair to lay before the Senate the resolutions of the other House on the death of Repre- sentative Utter, of Rhode Island. The President pro tempore. The Chair lays before the Senate resolutions of the House of Representatives, which will be read. The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows: In the House of Representatives, December 2, 1912. House resolution 714 Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. George Herbert Utter, late a Member of the House from the State of Rhode Island. Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be directed to transmit a copy of these resolutions to the Senate and send a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. Mr. Wetmore. Mr. President, I offer the following reso- lutions, and ask for their adoption. The President pro tempore. The Senator from Rhode Island offers resolutions, which will be read. [35] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter The resolutions were read, considered by unanimous consent, and unanimously agreed to, as follows: Senate resolution 401 Resolved, That tlie Senate lias heard with profound sorrow the announcement of the death of Hon. George H. Utter, late a Representative from the State of Rhode Island. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these resolutions to the House of Representatives and to the family of the deceased. Monday, January 20, 1913. Mr. Wetmore. I desire to give notice that on Saturday, February 22, 1913, I will ask the Senate to consider reso- lutions commemorative of the life, character, and public services of Hon. George H. Utter, late Member of the House of Representatives from the State of Rhode Island. Saturday, February 22, 1913. The Senate met at 11 o'clock a. m. The Chaplain, Rev. Ulysses G. B. Pierce, D. D., otfered the following prayer: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the Providence which brings us to this day of holy and patriotic memory. In the light of the great example of him whom Thou wast pleased to make the father of our country, we here, with grateful and adoring hearts, con- secrate ourselves anew to the service of this Thy people. Receive our offering, we pray Thee, and grant that by Thy grace this may be that happy Nation whose God is the Lord. O God, who dost commit unto us the swift and solemn charge of life, we thank Thee for the life, the character, and the public service of him whom our lips shall this [36] Proceedings in the Senate day name. We can not forget him who labored by our side, who shared our counsels, and who brake with us the bread of life. We honor ourselves, our Father, in honor- ing him who honored Thee. Despite our loneliness, we are the richer because such have lived. Though his body is buried in peace, his name liveth, and his meniorj' is henceforth safely enshrined in our hearts. We pray Thee, our heavenly Father, to comfort those to whom this sorrow is most bitter and to whom this loss is most sore. Grant, we humbly pray Thee, that their hearts may evermore be in unbroken communion with his emancipated spirit. Quiet their restless and yearning hearts, until the day of the fuller life shall break and the shadows of our earthly sorrows shall flee away. In the name of Him who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light, hear Thou our prayer. Amen. The Secretary proceeded to read the Journal of yester- day's proceedings, when, on request of Mr. Smoot and by unanimous consent, the further reading was dispensed with and the Journal was approved. Mr. Wetmore. Mr. President, I ask the Chair to lay before the Senate the resolutions of the House of Repre- sentatives on the death of Mr. Utter, my late colleague in that body. The Presiding Officer (Mr. Page in the chair). The Chair lays before the Senate resolutions from the House of Representatives, which will be read. The Secretary read the resolutions of the House, as follows : In the House of Representatives, February 9, 1913. Resolved, Ttiat, in pursuance of the special order heretofore adopted, the House proceed to pay tribute to the memory of the [37] Memorial Addresses : Representative Utter Hon. George Herbert Utter, late a Representative in Congress from the State of Rhode Island. Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, and in recognition of his distinguished career and his great service to his country as a Representative in Congress, the House, at the conclusion of the memorial proceedings of this day, shall stand adjourned. Resolved, That the Clerk of the House communicate these reso- lutions to the Senate. Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be, and he is hereby, in- structed to send a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased. Mr. Wetmore. Mr. President, I submit the resolutions which I send to tlie desk, and ask for their adoption. The Presiding Officer. The resolutions submitted by the Senator from Rhode Island will be read. The resolutions (S. Res. 473) were read, considered by unanimous consent, and unanimously agi-eed to, as follows : Resolved, That the Senate expresses its profound sorrow on ac- count of the death of the Hon. George Herbert Utter, late a Mem- ber of the House of Representatives from the State of Rhode Island. Resolved, That the business of the Senate be now suspended in order that fitting tribute may be paid his high character and dis- tinguished public services. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these resolutions to the House of Representatives and to the family of the deceased. [38] MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Address of Mr. Wetmore, of Rhode Island Mr. President: At his home in Westerly, R. I., on Sun- day afternoon, November 3, 1912, the life of George Herbert Utter was suddenly terminated, after a rather unsatisfactory condition of health extending over a period of several years. Mr. Utter was born in Plainfield, N. J., July 24, 1854, the son of George Benjamin and Mary Stair (Maxson) Utter. He was a direct descendant of the eai'liest settlers of the State of Rhode Island through his mother, who was the daughter of John Maxson. Mr. Utter received his early education in the private schools of Westerly, where he came with his parents in 1858, after which he spent two years in Alfred Academy, Alfred, N. Y. He then returned to Westerly and two years more were devoted to the pursuance of his course of instruction in the Westerly High School. The latter part of Mr. Utter's education was secured at Amherst College, Amherst, Mass., from which he was graduated with the class of 1877. He was a riiember of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity of that college. Before entering upon his collegiate career Mr. Utter learned the printer's trade, and after graduation became associated with his father and uncle, G. B. and J. H. Utter, in publishing the Narragansett Weekly. On the death of his uncle in 1886 he was taken into the firm, and on the death of his father in 1892 he became sole proprietor of the paper. Through his efforts the Westerly Daily Sun was started, the first issue appearing on August 7, 1893. [39] Memorial Addresses : Representative Utter Mr. Utter was engaged in public lite for more than 30 5'ears, first serving on the school board of the town of Westerly, with which he was so long identified. His political career was commenced in 1883, and for two years he was on the staff of Gov. Augustus O. Bourn. In the year 1885 he became representative in the general assem- bly, and when the Republican Party again came into power in the State in 1888 was chosen speaker of the house. From May, 1889, to May, 1891, he was a member of the State senate and served on the judiciary committee for both years, acting as chairman of that committee during the latter year. He was then the choice of the people of Rhode Island for secretary of state, in which office he served fi'om 1891 to 1894, but was compelled to retire because of increased business demands upon him. Mr. Utter again served the State in 1904, when he was elected lieutenant governor. The following two years, 1905 and 1906, he was chosen chief executive of Rhode Island, and in the fall of 1910 was the successful candi- date for Representative in Congress from the second con- gressional district, which office he held until his death. He received the unanimous nomination of liis party for a second term in Congress, and would undoubtedly have been reelected had his life been spared, his death occurring only two days before the election, November 5, 1912. He was always an active church worker and devoted a considerable portion of his time to the Young Men's Chris- tian Association movement throughout the Eastern States, being a member of the Young Men's Christian Association executive committee for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He was made a deacon of the Seventh-day Baptist Church of Westerly in 1894, and for 20 years acted as superin- tendent of the Sabbath school. For 15 years he was treas- [40] Address of Mr. Wetmore, of Rhode Island urer of the Missionary Society of the Seventh-day Bap- tist denomination. I desire to read the following tribute to Gov. Utter, which appeared the day following his death, in an edi- torial published in the Providence Evening Bulletin, a Democratic newspaper: GEORGE HERBERT UTTER It is only the simple truth to say that no man in the public life of his time in Rhode Island occupied the same place in the af- fectionate esteem of his fellows as Representative Utter, who died at his home in Westerly yesterday afternoon. Mr. Utter was a man of exceptional capacity for personal friendships. In his contact with other men he had a happy faculty of reaching their point of view, understanding their posi- tion on debated issues, and sympathizing with their difflculties. Nor could anyone be more loyally appreciative of their success. Unassuming to an unusual degree, he was nevertheless a ca- pable public officer in all the important places he was called upon to fill. He served in succession as a member of both branches of the general assembly, as speaker of the house, as secretary of stat.e, lieutenant governor, and governor, and finally as Repre- sentative in Congress. If he had survived, it is probable that the doors of the United States Senate would have opened to him. Mr. Utter was a growing man in his party. In the campaign now closing he had been drafted for service by the Republican national committee in many parts of the Union. He participated in the primary campaign of last spring as far west as Ohio, can- vassed Vermont and Maine previous to the September elections in those States, and had since given too liberally of his strength to the national campaign. When he should have been recuperat- ing he was on the speaker's platform instead, and his activities in this respect very likely accelerated the disease that has now caused his death. A striking proof of the impression he made at Washington in the short period that was vouchsafed to him there may be found in the Congressional Record of June 17 last. Mr. Richardson, of Alabama, the Democratic chairman of the Committee on Pen- [41] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter sions, paid the following exceptional tribute to him in an address before the House: " Mr. Speaker, I regret very much indeed that a very distin- guished Member of this House, a member of the Pensions Com- mittee, and, in my opinion, justly and worthily classed among the ablest lawyers on the floor of this House, from the State of Rhode Island, Mr. Utter, is not present." This is the tribute of an experienced Democratic legislator to a Republican serving his first term, and it is rendered the more striking by the fact that Mr. Utter was not a member of the bar. To many of his fellow citizens in Rhode Island the quality that chiefly commended him as a public servant was his coura- geous independence of thought and action. Devotedly loyal to the principles of his party, he could nevertheless not be persuaded into compromises and transactions which his conscience did not approve. He had a peculiar hold upon the Republicans of the State, because they trusted him to stand clear of unworthy parti- san machinations. In his independence lay his largest strength, and even the party bosses realized that fact. He could not be bossed, and the people knew it. Mr. Utter was much more than a politician. He was earnestly interested in many good works, both in his home town and else- where. He spoke throughout this part of the country in behalf of high causes and was gaining a continually wider reputation as a master of the art of easy and efl'ective address. The State is poorer for his death. It is no exaggeration to say that Rhode Island mourns for George Utter, as he was famil- iarly and affectionately known, to-day. It saw in him the best type of public servant — efficient, modest, and industrious; a man of high ideals, blameless private life, instinctive friendliness, and stout convictions. Though modest, on his unembarrassed brow Nature had written " gentleman." Mr. President, my acquaintance with Mr. Utter ex- tended over a period of many years, and I held him in the greatest esteem. He had a high standard of political and civic conduct, which he exemplified in his life. [42] Address of Mr. Wetmore, of Rhode Island He was an orator of ability, always ready to give this gift of his to the Nation and his State, and it may be truly said his life was shortened by complying with the many demands of this nature made upon him. His personality was attractive and his disposition lov- able. The world is better for his life. [43] Address of Mr. Gallinger, of New Hampshire Mr. President: During the past j'ear death has exacted a heavy toll from among the men in public life, included in the list being Hon. George H. Utter, of Rhode Island, an able and influential Member of the National House of Representatives, in honor of whose memory fitting words are to be spoken to-day. My acquaintance with the late Representative Utter was rather limited, but I knew him well enough to enter- tain the highest possible regard for him as a faithful, in- dustrious, and able public servant. He was a strong party man, who could be relied upon to vigorously de- fend the principles and policies in which he believed. He was especially an earnest and able advocate of the Republican doctrine of protection, the beneficent results of which he had particularly noted in the industrial cen- ters of his own State. His oratorical abilities were of a high order and his services were in great demand as a political advocate beyond the borders of Rhode Island, his voice being heard in many campaigns in other States than the one he so well represented in Congress. Mr. Utter was a man of strong religious convictions. He made many addresses before religious gatherings, being always ready to aid in every good cause. His pre- dominant characteristic was courage, mental and moral as well as physical. He never sliirked what he consid- ered his duty as a public servant, his action on a measure being governed bj' his convictions rather than by consid- erations of policy. Having once taken his stand in a matter he did not hesitate to express his views with force and vigor, and to labor unceasingly to bring about what he believed to be for the public good. [44] Address of Mr. Gallinger, of New Hampshire Starting as a printer, Mr. Utter rose through the va- rious stages of the profession to be owner and editor of the Westerly Sun. Through the columns of that paper he found a means of impressing his high ideals upon the people of his home town, as well as upon the State at large. His newspaper was one of those which set a high moral standard, living up to it without regard to temporary' financial losses occasioned through the rejec- tion of news or advertisements which he considered unfit to be placed before the public. In that regard it is to be regretted that there are not more editors of that type. Mr. Utter was a strong Republican, but free from any suspicion of narrow partisanship. As governor of his State he was uninfluenced by clamor, and his record in that office reflects the high tone of his private, business, and public life. He inaugurated many reforms in the laws of Rhode Island, which stand to-day as monuments to his broad understanding of the people's welfare, and which at the time they were enacted required an un- usual degree of courage to support in the face of much powerful opposition. The death of a man like Mi\ Utter is a great loss not only to the community in which he lived, but to the State and Nation as well. It is fortunate for him that his life work left a monument more enduring than marble or bronze, which in the memory of those who knew him will always remain as the best possible proof of his high character and distinguished achievements. It can well be said of him that he made the most of his opportunities and that he did the best he could to advance the material and moral interests of those whom he so well represented. Measured by the standard of uprightness and integrity, Mr. Utter left a priceless legacy to his family, a legacy in which his legion of friends in private and public life all share. [45] Memori.\l Addresses: Representative Utter Mr. President, it is undeniably true that — 'Tis not the whole of life to live, Nor all of death to die. Of this man it may truthfully be said that he lived his life well, and that in his death no clouds dimmed the sweetness and beauty of his earthly existence. We may well believe that he still lives amid environments free from the cares, the toil, and the vicissitudes of this world. For him the great mystery of death has been solved, and for us he has left the lesson of a life well spent — an ex- ample to the youth of the land, and an admonition and inspiration to us all. Mr. Utter's life was one of un- selfishness, filled with genuine sympathy for all classes and conditions of our people. He strikingly illustrated in his life the thought of the poet expressed in these words : If men cared less for wealth and fame, And less for battle fields and glory; If writ in human hearts a name Seemed better than in song or story; If men, instead of nursing pride, Would learn to hate it and abhor it; If more relied On love to guide, The world would be the better for it. If men dealt less in stocks and lands, And more in bonds and deeds fraternal; If love's work had more willing hands To link this world to the supernal; If men stored up love's oil and wine And on bruised human hearts would pour it; If yours and mine Would once combine, The world would be the better for it. [46] Address of Mr. Gallinger, of New Hampshire If more would act the part of life, And fewer spoil it in rehearsal; If bigotry would sheath its knife 'Till good became more universal; If custom, gray with ages grown, Had fewer blind men to adore it; If talent shone In truth alone. The world would be the better for it. If men were wise in little things, AfTccting less in all their dealings; If hearts had fewer rusted strings To isolate their kindly feelings; If men, when wrong beats down the right. Would strike together and restore it; If right made might In every fight, The world would be the better for it. Mr. President, this brief tribute to the memory of Mr. Utter falls far short of doing adequate justice to the subject, but others, who knew him better than I, will tell more in detail of his high character, his great work, and his splendid public service. [47] Address of Mr. Lippitt, of Rhode Island Mr. President: I esteem it a privilege to have this opportunity of speaking about the career of George H. Utter, for, as I have studied his methods and achieve- ments, I have been more and more impressed with the fact that his was an unusual character. I have known him for years as he has been known to a majority of the other people of Rhode Island, as a man who has occupied high office with credit to himself and with credit to the State. But of an exact knowledge of the type of man he was, of his motives, of the nature of his views upon pub- lic and private questions, I confess to have had until recently a somewhat vague idea. During the two years he was in Washington it was my privilege to come into somewhat close contact with Mr. Utter and to obtain thereby a clearer knowledge of his individuality. It was his habit to frequently come over to the Senate wing of the Capitol to discuss with me the many questions that come before Congress, and which, for a newcomer not yet thoroughly in touch with the accumulation of in- formation upon national questions possessed by older Members, are difficult to decide. I was impressed in these conversations by the mental attitude with which Mr. Utter approached such problems. I found that he always knew the exact question he wanted to discuss and the exact form in which that question was coming be- fore Congress. I also discovered that in considering these questions what he wanted to arrive at were the facts in regard to them and the propriety and wisdom of the alternative courses which these facts offered for his choice, as they might affect the people particularly in- terested and the countrj' at large. [48] Address of Mr. Lippitt, of Rhode Island I never knew him to be thinking about the effect his action might have upon his individual fortune. He never seemed to be concerned about whether his constituents would approve his course, but, rather, to so decide that he might have his own commendation. As time went on, it began to strike me as somewhat remarkable that a man of Mr. Utter's long experience in public life should come to me to discuss such public questions in the inquiring and modest manner with which he always seemed to approach them. It would have been ordinarj' human nature for a man who had behind him the successful public career that this man had to have acquired such confidence, or, perhaps, I might say such esteem, for his own judgment that he would approach these conferences rather with a disposition to teach than with the desire to learn, and I became interested gradually in the problems that such a disposition presented. Mr. Utter's experience, I believe, is unique in the State of Rhode Island. There certainly has been no case in recent years of a man who has arrived at the high politi- cal positions to which he was elected by the gradual po- litical steps that Mr. Utter did. I am told that almost from his first appearance in Westerly, as a graduate from Amherst College, he began to take an active, if not im- portant, part in the public questions of that community. It was in the days when town meetings were good training for public life. The questions there considered perhaps were not of nation-wide importance, but they were those in which the local community took a strong and often bitter interest, and partisanship ran high; in fact, it has often been claimed that in the discussions and experiences of our New England town meeting the American people obtained that political training that has made the stability of this Republic such a contrast to that of many of our competitors in the art of government. [49] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter By what subtle process it is that in the dailj' association with each other it is gradually discovered that one man or another has the ability and the character that we want to see in public men is not always plain, but it is tradition that those qualities early made themselves apparent in Mr. Utter, and once he had been put in the line of pro- motion his upward progress was rapid and almost unin- terrupted. Appointed as a colonel on the personal staff of Gov. Bourn in 1883, when he was but 29 years of age, he went on two years later to fill the office of representa- tive in the legislature, which culminated at his fourth term in his occupying the office of speaker of the house of representatives, then, as now, a position of such im- portance to the efficiency of that body and the comfort of its members that it is seldom acquired without merit. In this case the office was filled by Mr. Utter with entire credit to himself and satisfaction to his colleagues. His talent as presiding officer made that session of the legis- lature unusual for the celerity with which the public business was dispatched, and the legislature adjourned at the appointed time with clean slates and without hurry. For the next two years, 1890-91, he occupied the posi- tion of senator from Westerly, and as chairman of the judiciary committee was the majority leader in that body. The six years thus spent in the legislature made him generally known to the people, and so generally liked that he was nominated and elected secretary of state, which position he held for three years until the expiration of 1894. During the next 10 years, though not occupying public office, he was constantly speaking in different parts of the State upon political and other questions, and so constantly adding to his reputation that in 1904 he was elected lieutenant governor, and in the following year was promoted to the office of governor, to which he was re- elected in 1906. In 1910 he became Representative in [50] Address of Mr. Lippitt, of Rhode Island Congress, succeeding Mr. Adin B. Capron, the condition of whose health prevented him from again being a can- didate. Many other men have held some of these offices, some other men have held several of these offices, but I believe there is no other man that has held all of them, and it becomes interesting to inquire into the type of man to whom this experience was given. I think that by such an inquirj' you will find that the personal qualities that made it possible are as unusual and as admirable as the career itself is unique. Mr. Utter was an orator. Throughout his career he has been a pleasing and popular speaker in every part of Rhode Island. As a speaker his methods were those of a practical man talking to a practical people. His ad- dresses were simple in their language, clear in their thought, direct in the way he treated his subjects. He was not profuse in oratorical illustrations. He did not have the imaginative flights of an IngersoU or a Bryan, with their "plumed knight" and "cross of gold," but he was full of ideas, that when he became interested in his subject poured forth in a rapid stream of well-chosen English and at a speed that could only be attained by a man of an active and well-filled mind. It was not easy for any but an expert stenographer to follow him. " I like to hear you talk," said an old lady in New Hampshire to him one day, " for you never have to stop to think." His manner on the platform was such as would natu- rally spring from the kindly nature of the man himself. He was vigorous and energetic, but not violent nor rasp- ing. He did not excite opposition, but rather inclined men's minds to move along in the way in which his own mind was going, to receive acceptably the thoughts he was trying to put into their minds rather than to seek [51] Memorial Adokesses : Repkesentative Utter arguments in opposition. He was naturally inclined to affection. It was his disposition to seek for the things that he could admire in others and he attracted affection because he saw things in others to like. This disposition coloi-ed and stamped the character of his public appear- ances, and if he did not always convince his audience, he seldom failed to inspire that friendship among them that made the firm foundation for his popularity. "As Jonathan would have been delighted to have pre- sented the name of David to the people of Israel, so do I approach the pleasant duty which this opportunity affords," was the way in which Adin Capron offered Mr. Utter's name in nomination for the position of governor in 1904, and two years ago, when the Republi- can Party leadei-s were hesitating over the availability of several most eligible candidates to succeed Mr. Capron at Washington, the practically unorganized movement of his friends from all parts of the State drove his nomina- tion through the convention with a rush that would not be stayed. What, now, were the habits of thought, the mental characteristics, of the man of these achievements? For after all the true test is the man himself rather than what has happened to him. In a rough way men can be divided into those whose nature it is to seek something to commend and who commend it, and those who seek something to condemn and who condemn it. Men have achieved high positions and have produced important results by each of these methods, but if for Mr. Utter to have been a member of the legislature, speaker of the house of representatives, leader of the senate, secretar>' of state, lieutenant governor, governor, and Representa- tive in Congress, to have won the affection and esteem of his fellow citizens and kept it to the day of his death, it [52] Address of Mr. Lippitt, of Rhode Island had been necessary for him to be a critic of individuals, to delight in exposing evil things, to be a man who pulled down rather than one who built up, he would never have occupied any of these oflices, for all such methods were so utterly foreign to his nature that you will search his career and his speeches in vain for any sign of them. Active as was his mind, it was active in the discussion of ideas, not in the discussion of men, except so far as men could be helped. During a large part of the time — for nearly 30 years — he was actively engaged in the duties of public offices and of a political career; but the remark- able thing to me about this man is that he was no more interested and active in the subjects that pertain to a career of this kind than he was in the thoughts and activities that pertain to an entirely diiferent side of human life. For during all this long period often as he spoke upon political questions no less often did he speak upon moral questions. During his two years as governor, week after week, in one part of the State and another, and before one class of religious thinkers and another, he was carrying the message of the broad and tolerant morality in which he so earnestly believed. It is rather unfortunate that but few of his public addresses have been preserved, and even these are only in fragmentary form, but there are enough to show clearly the kind of ideas upon which his mind loved to dwell. " One of our failings is to find fault. It is human nature to overlook the multitude of good things and to see that which is evil. Let us have charitable judgment on our neighbors," is what he told the people at the Park Street Church. " True friendship means that we must overlook our friends' faults and magnify their virtues " is the way he [53] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter was talking a few days later at the Pythian celebration, and again he says: There are three virtues that every man must cultivate toward Ills fellow man — forbearance, confidence, and help. The practice of these constitute the square deal. Similar ideas, simply but emphatically expressed, is the message he was constantly carrying from one end of the State to the other. If he was a practical politician, who discussed practical questions in a practical way, he was no less a man with lofty ideals of public and personal service, and if he felt and inculcated these ideas toward individuals, you may well believe that he was no less desirous of serving the State when he was called upon to serve her in a way that would redound to her gloi->' and to the increase and upholding of her good name. " I want to meet the people of this State and talk to them and of them, finding good instead of evil to speak of in the State and its institutions; I tell you Rhode Island is a State to be proud of," he said to a reporter just after his second election as governor, and this was no acci- dental state of mind. Continually, through all his public addresses, you will find ardent and eloquent expressions of his love and admiration for Rhode Island. "Let no man throw discredit upon this State; let every man protect this State, her honor, and all that pertains thereto," he said to the jewelers at their banquet in March, 1906; and on another occasion, speaking of Rhode Island, he says: Her richest inheritance is her glorious record throughout the history of this Nation, and the promise of her future is in the character of her sons. [54] Address of Mr. Lippitt, of Rhode Island However often in the active current of a busy com- munity we may sometimes forget it or be inclined to doubt it, there is such a thing as public spirit. There is that form of it which we call patriotism, and if the thoughts in this man's mind, if the constant trend of his teachings, if his lifelong acts and occupations are reliable guides, he was on fire with it; not as a noble sentiment to be eloquent about — I never happened to come across the word in his speeches — but as something that was con- stantly, though unconsciously, pushing him on to praise and extol Rhode Island — her people and her institutions. I can imagine him hot with indignation when she was unjustly or ignorantly assailed — eager and keen to de- fend. His very first act as Representative in Congress was to speak in her praise, as to praise her had been the theme he loved the best through all his gubernatorial career. Thus his speeches and acts bear testimony to his nat- ural disposition to look for the good wherever it can be found, for to so do was his idea of service and service was the passion of the man, service to the men and women with whom he came in contact, service to the State which it had been given him to represent, service that would make the men and the State think better of themselves and would make their neighbors and asso- ciates think better of them also. " There is no nobler motto, there is no greater wish that we each one can take to ourselves to-day than this and this only, ' I serve,' " is the conclusion of one of his inaugural addresses to the general assembly; and again, in one of his Sunday talks — " Put into the thought of your children that the highest duty of an American is to be of service to some one else. It will have a good effect in some place and at some time." [55] Memorial Addresses: Representative Utter " Let no man think he can advance himself by closing the door of opportunitj' to his neighboi'," he tells the Master Carpenters' Association. Still in his thought mere giving is not enough. The manner of the giving and the manner of serving must be as complete and as perfect as the service itself. There is a couplet of Lowell's which I am told was constantly in his mind and which he constantly quoted, so constantly that to some of those who knew him best its sentiments stand to them for the character of the man: Not what we give, but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare. I am aware that we sometimes associate the use of such sentiments as this with something of insincerity or with some tendency of character that fails to impress us as manly, but no man who followed the career of George H. Utter, some of whose characteristics I am trying to bring before you, ever associated any such idea with his unpre- tending modesty, his unmistakable enthusiasm and force. There was nothing mawkish or effeminate about this vig- orous and independent political fighter. If the ideals of human conduct were constantly in his mind, and they were, they were there as something not to be worshiped from afar, but as something to be used in the constant activities of daily life. They were not to him merely something to be talked about in the sacred surroundings of a Sunday evening church meeting, and forgotten during the week. " The way to save the Nation is to keep on doing it day after day, and every day," is the energetic plan he urged upon his hearers. "There is danger in the notion," he said, speaking of government, "that it can obtain equal results for all men. The only thing which the law can do is to give each man [56] Address of Mr. Lippitt, of Rhode Island an equal opportunity," and he urged his hearers to look for and to use all their opportunities, for no one will do it for them. This, then, is the portrait of the man as I see it revealed in his acts, in his thoughts, and in his speeches. That he had a remarkable and honorable career I have already said; that, combined with that career, there was the con- stant evidence of an admirable and unusual type of mind, of heart, and of conscience I think no one who may study Mr. Utter's record will deny. I will confess that I started to prepare this address gladly, but, nevertheless, as somewhat of a perfunctory duty. I stand now as a great admirer of a career that I believe had its foundation in the loftiest ideals of human conduct. 1 believe that I have been studying the acts and thoughts of a man than whom no other is entitled to stand higher in the minds and hearts of the people of Rhode Island, so that what I began as a duty I now bring as a tribute of affection, of appreciation, and high esteem. The archives of Rhode Island will preserve the list of his honors, and to his fi-iends and neighbors his memory will long be dear. 1 think we may safely believe that he himself, with his clear and active mind, with his high ideals and his spotless record, has gone on to — Join the choir invisible Of those immortal dead who live again In minds made better by their presence; live In pulses stirred to generosity, In deed of daring rectitude, in scorn For miserable aims that end with self. In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars, And with their mild persistence urge man's search To vaster issues. [57] Memorial Addresses : Representative Utter Mr. Smith, of Michigan. Mr. President, I offer the reso- hition which I send to the desk. The Presiding Officer. The resohition will be read. The Secretaiy read the resolution (S. Res. 475), as follows : Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of Mr. Rayner, Mr. LfTTER, and Mr. Wedemeyer the Senate do now adjourn. The resolution was unanimously agreed to; and (at 4 o'clock and 20 minutes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until Mondaj', February' 24, 1913, at 10 o'clock a. m. ^ [58] '^=¥»-,'V»vv UXBKHK. O. ^^^'•''^^^ sW"fS"'"ii LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 787 903 7 ^ HOLUNGER pH8.5 MIU RUN F3-1343