LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Chap. El4<5>4- sheif .^^s y\i- PRESENTED BY UNITED STATES OF mmcA 9— 17S A ^J ^o^ / MEMORIAL ADDRESSES ON THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF Nelson Dingley OF LEWISTON, Ex-Covernor of the State of Maine and Representative in Congress, DELIVERED IN JOINT ASSEHBLV OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Sixty-ninth Legislature, Feb. 15, IS99. AUGUSTA KENNEBEC JOURNAL PRINT 1899 32295 STATE OF MAINE. In Senate, February 28, 1899. On motion by Mr. Blanchard of Franklin, Ordered, The House concurring, that the resolutions adopted jointly by the Senate and House of Representatives, on the death of Nelson Dingley and the remarks made by the several senators and representatives relating to the same, be printed in a memorial pamphlet, and that three thousand copies of the same be fur- nished to the members of the Legislature. In Senate Chamber, February 28, 1899. Read and passed. Sent down for concurrence. KENDALL M. DUNBAR. Secretary. House of Representatives, March i, 1899. Read and passed in concurrence. W. S. COTTON, Clerk. STATE OF MAINE. Executive Chamber. Augusta, January 17, 1899. To the Senate and House of Representatives: It is with feelings of profound sorrow that I perform the pain- ful duty of announcing to you that the Honorable Nelson Dingley, representative in Congress from the Second district, died in the city of Washington, last Friday evening, at half-past ten o'clock. For some time the people of Maine, and of the whole country, have watched with deep anxiety his brave struggle for life, earnestly praying that he might be spared for further usefulness to the nation. And as hope of recovery had begun to cheer and gladden their hearts, a sudden change for the worse ended his grand life, and put a period to his noble, practical and eminently useful career. We all sincerely mourn the loss of one so good, so just and so great, and tender our heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved family. As a statesman he takes a high rank among those who have wisely guided aright the republic in its onward march, and who have written their names in imperishable letters high upon the nation's roll of honor. As a journalist, a legislator, a congress- man, a governor and an upright citizen, he has shown us a life and character worthy of imitation and reverence. In his long and varied career he has been scrupulously faithful to every trust and duty — just and impartial. "Hew to the line, let the 4 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. chips fall where they may," was the principle that dominated and controlled all his acts. Maine will never forget his devotion to his native State and her interests, and though dead, he will continue to live in the grateful iicarts and memories of all her citizens. In the halls of her Legislature he began his distinguished public labors; they have closed in the Capitol as a tried and trusted leader of his party in the National House of Representatives. His integrity, devotion to duty, love of right and justice, vast research, sound learning, thorough mastery and comprehension of all questions relating to finances and tariff, commanded for him on all occasions an attentive hearing, and made him a recog- nized authority, not only among his friends, but also with his political opponents. It is my deliberate judgment that in refer- ence to these subjects he has never had a superior and but few equals on the floors of Congress. As a mark of respect, I have directed that all flags on public buildings be placed at half-mast, and also that the executive departments of the State government be closed during the day of the funeral services. It is for this Legislature to take such further action in the premises as it shall deem fitting and proper LLEWELLYN POWERS, Governor. STATE OF MAINE. Senate Chamber, August Aj January 17, 1899. Mr. White of Androscoggin presented the following : When from some point of vantage we are permitted to look out over a mighty forest we see scattered sparingly, here and there, a few trees towering above their fellows like mighty rulers. So here and there among their fellow men occasionally there appears a great leader commanding the attention and respect, the confidence and devotion of mankind. Conspicuous among the distinguished men the State of Maine has produced, whose fame and field of action have not been con- fined to the limits of our State or even of the Nation, stands Nelson Dingley. Honest, able, learned, pure in private and in public life, he has endeared himself to the people and enshrined himself in their confidence and affection. As a token of respect to his memory and in response to that silent sorrow which oppresses us all at his death, it is Ordered, That a committee, consisting of the President of the Senate and two senators, on the part of the Senate, with such members as may be joined on the part of the House, be appointed to attend the funeral at Lewiston, Wednesday, Jan- uary eighteenth, at ten o'clock, A. M. ; that the Secretary of State transmit a copy of this order to the family, and that as a further mark of respect to the memory of the dead, the Senate and House stand adjourned. In Senate, January 17, 1899. Read, unanimously adopted, and sent to the House. KENDALL M. DUNBAR, Secretary. In House of Representatives^ January 17, 1899. Read and unanimously adopted in concurrence. W. S. COTTON, Clerk. Joint Committee appointed to attend the funeral of tlie late Honorable Nelson Dingley : The President of the Senate, Mr. Clason of Kennebec. Mr. White of Androscoggin. Mr. Hamlin of Hancock. The Speaker of the House, Mr. Stetson of Bangor. Mr. Harris of Auburn. Mr. Manley of Augusta. Mr. Murphy of Lewiston. Mr. Brown of Falmouth. Mr. Hix of Rockland. Mr. Donham of Hebron. STATE OF MAINE. House of Representatives, n, .- . -.r ,. January 23, 1899. On motion by Mr. Manley of Augusta, Ordered, The Senate concurring, that a committee consisting of the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House be appointed as a committee to arrange for suitable memorial exercises to be held in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, the fifteenth day of Februar)-, in order that the executive department and members of the Legislature may pay their tribute of respect to the memory of the late Nelson Dingley. House of Representatives, January 23, 1899. Kead and passed. Sent up for concurrence. W. S. COTTON Clerk. Tj , , , . In Senate, January 24, 1899. Kead and passed in concurrence. KENDALL M. DUNBAR, Secretary. IN JOINT ASSEMBLY. House of Representatives, Wednesday, February 15, 1899. Called to order by President Clason of the Senate. On motion by Mr. Stearns of Aroostook, Mr. Stearns of Aroostook of the Senate and Mr. Philbrook of Waterville of the House, were appointed to wait upon the Governor and the Executive Council and inform him and them that the Legislature was in joint assembly for the purpose of holding memorial exercises to the memory of the late Nelson Dingley and extend an invitation to the Governor and Council to attend. Senator Stearns subsequently reported that the committee had delivered the message with which it was charged, and the Gov- ernor was pleased to make answer that he would attend in this Chamber forthwith, accompanied by his Council, for the pur- pose of joining in the exercises commemorative of the life and character of the late Honorable Nelson Dingley. Thereupon the Governor, accompanied by his Council, entered the hall. The Governor assumed the chair and addressed the assembly as follows : Gentlemen of the Joint Assembly: It is indeed an honor to respond to your invitation to preside during the ceremonies commemorating the life and public ser- vices of Nelson Dingley. 8 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. This grand citizen of our State, whose Hfe and character you are now to commemorate, is one whom I have personally known for many years, and have known him only to respect and to honor him. I have presented here a list of the names of those w'ho desire to deliver memorial addresses. If there are others not upon the list, I have no doubt they will have an opportunity to speak, and that all will be pleased to listen to them. In compliance with the arrangement, the exercises will begin by addresses from gentlemen who are members of the Senate, then will follow those who are members of the House of Repre- sentatives. I will now recognize as the first speaker the Senator from Androscoggin, Mr. White. MR. WHITE or ANDROSCOGGIN. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Assembly: It is not my purpose to attempt any extended eulogj- upon the life and character of Nelson Dingley. More eloquent lips than mine will tell j'ou the story of his life and from that story draw lessons that will instruct and strengthen us all in the performance of public duty. And yet I cannot allow this occasion to pass without bringing my tribute of love and esteem to so worthy and noble a character. In contemplating the passing of a human life the saddest thought which comes to us is how little the world recks the change. To-day we step forth in all the restless activity of life, to-morrow the grave closes over us, and in the rush of human events we are soon forgotten. Such, at least, is the fate of the great mass of humanity, but occasionally there appears a strong and great personality, the influence of whose life and character upon human affairs is not limited to the short space of human life, but long survives and in some cases seems to increase with succeeding years. NELSON DINGLEY. 9 Among the early founders of the nation a Hamilton or a Jefferson are illustrations of this persistent influence, and I am inclined to think that the influence of Abraham Lincoln upon the nation is greater to-day than at any time during his life. To a peculiar degree Lincoln represented the joys and sor- rows, the aspirations and ambitions, the thought, the life and the intelligence of the great commonalty of the nation. Upon this commonalty rests the strength and endurance of this nation, the permanence of our institutions. From this commonalty have sprung all its great political leaders. No man has yet risen to enviable eminence in this nation whose heart has not beat in sympathy with the intelligent thought and conscience of the people. Demagogues arise in abundance who for a time may deceive the populace, but the test comes when a man occupies positions of public confidence and trust for a long term of years. There is no X-ray known to science that penetrates like the glare of the public eye when brought to bear upon the life and character of a public servant. Tried by this supreme test, I believe Nelson Dingley will go down to posterity as one of the most useful and eminent public men the State of Maine has produced. For more than a quarter of a century he has been a prominent figfure in public affairs. Who, now that he is gone, mourn his death? Go out among the people in his own city, throughout the State, or the nation even. There you will find the mourners. There you will hear earnest and sincere expressions of regret at his untimely taking off. This, to my mind, is the most striking testimonial to his char- acter, the sublimest tribute to his memory. It shows that he had in no common degree touched the hearts of the people and impressed himself upon them as worthy of their confidence and esteem. lO MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. They saw here a man whom they could trust, for during a long public career extending over a period when party passions had been aroused to the highest pitch, the fiercest political opponents had never questioned his honesty or his integrity. He was without blemish in public as well as in private life. They saw a man whose daily life ennobled labor, for he was a mighty worker himself. The conventionalities and enjoyments of society, excusable and necessary though they may be within cer- tain limits, had no attractions for him, for he had no time to play. To him life was real, life was earnest. They saw a man coming from out the common walks of life, who, by honest and industrious effort, had become a leader among the rulers of a mighty nation at a time when the nation, bursting the bonds of provincialism, had taken its proper place among the great world powers of the age, and yet who had never for- gotten his simplicity of manner and address, and who was as approachable by the plainest citizen as when he was a toiler at the press. They saw a man of courage and conviction in public affairs, who, with consistent purpose, labored and legislated for the greatest good of the greatest number. It is no wonder that the death of such a man in the full strength of his power and influence came to our people with a sense of personal loss. They felt that in his death they had lost a safe man in the halls of legislation and a wise and prudent man in the councils of the State. I do not wish to claim for Mr. Dingley any merit which is not justly his due, for if I knew the man, nothing was more distaste- ful to him than extravagant or undeserved praise, but it can be justly and truly said of him that he was one of the best examples of that high type of manhood which represents the best thought and conscience of New England. NELSON DINGLEY. 11 The people of this State, while mourning his death, have just reason for congratulation that their State has produced so worthy a figure in national affairs, and to the youth of the State his example will be a beacon to lead them in the paths of good citizenship and political integrity. MR. PLUNNER OP PENOBSCOT. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Assembly: Although Nelson Dingley was born sixty-seven years ago to-day in the home of his maternal grandfather, near that noble river within the sound of whose falling waters his entire private business life was passed and his home permanently established, several years of his early childhood were passed at his father's home, among the everlasting hills of Piscataquis county, in front of that "grand uplift of mountain brows," which extends across our State from Abraham and his fellows on the west to old Katahdin — king of mountains — on the east. And who will ever know how muchof the high ambition, noble aspiration and exalted sentiment of the man was due to the influence of the magnificent natural environment of those childhood days? There, too, among as industrious and hard-working a people as ever forced a rocky and unwilling soil to yield them the neces- saries and comforts of life, may have been stimulated that remarkable prediction for unremitting labor, which distinguished his whole after life, and made illustrious his public career. This is not a fit occasion to attempt a complete sketch of Mr. Dingley's life, nor a careful analysis of his mental and moral traits ; and passing by the record of his useful and distinguished service of four terms on the floor of this hall and two terms in the chair; passing by the story of his masterful creation of a great and influential newspaper, whose columns were ever kept as clean and pure as his own life and character, and which he himself desired and designed to be the best monument of his 12 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. busy and useful life ; passing by the history of his two terms of distinguished service as chief magistrate of our State. I will only touch briefly upon some points of his service in that great parlimentary arena, into which it was my privilege to see hins enter, in the autumn of 1881, not in the place of a deceased or defeated predecessor, but in the place of an illustrious neighbor and friend who had been promoted, on his merits, to the upper chamber of Congress. He very soon attained among his associates an enviable reputa- tion for steady habits, tireless industry, and conscientious devo- tion to his public duties. And in a few years his information upon all questions touching the tariflf, currency, banking, com- merce and kindred subjects had become so varied, comprehen- sive and thorough, and was held so readily at his command, that his associates called him the Encyclopedia of the House, in kindly recognition of the invaluable aid he was able, and ever willing, to render them, when engaged in the investigation of fiscal matters, or special preparation for their discussion. And a constantly enlarging encyclopedia of useful, valuable and well- digested knowledge did that ample, active and tireless brain remain, until the end. The possession of this vast fund of knowledge, practical and technical, and his long parlimentary experience and ready command of the rules made him, by com- mon consent, the best equipped man in or out of Congress for the doing of the crowning work of his illustrious public career ; the framing of a great revenue measure, which, while affording means to keep the vast machinery of government in operation, should at the same time stimulate instead of blocking the wheels of private industry, a measure which by many is deemed the most scientific and philosophical of its kind ever enacted ; which bears his honored name, and will shed lustre upon it, throughout all the generations of the future, in which study and considera- tion of the .subjects with which it deals, shall be required. While Mr. Dinglcy was broad-minded and patriotic enough to use his knowledge, and the power it gave him, in the interest NELSON DINGLEY. I3 of the whole country, his loyalty to his native State, and sense of duty to her, as one of her chosen representatives, ever con- strained him to see to it that her interests were duly considered, and in him the State of Maine has lost one of her most alert, influential and powerful friends, as well as one of her most illus- trious sons. Mr. Chairman : The legislative career of Nelson Dingley affords the most marked example and illustration, with which I am acquainted, of what painstaking, methodical, persistent, perse- vering and unremitting hard work will do, to make a public man useful, influential and great. He was wise enough to know at the outset, that if he was to become a great parliamentary leader, the disadvantages of a weak and thin voice, an unimpressive presence, lack of fertile imagination, lack of a keen sense of humor, and lack of that subtle, imponderable, indefinable, but real and potential force, called personal magnetism, would have to be overcome or offset, and this he determined to do by gain- ing, at the earliest possible day, a most thorough and masterful knowledge of all the complex and technical, as well as the sim- ple and practical subjects, with which our National Legislature has to deal, and no man ever became the leader of his party on the floor of the House by virtue of his chairmanship of the ways and means committee, as he did, who was more unquestionably its real leader, by virtue of his superior ability, attainments and fitness for the place. Mr. Dingley 's habits were as regular and methodical as clock- work. He regularly retired at eleven o'clock, and slept while other men indulged in social relaxation or dissipation; and as regularly breakfasted at seven o'clock and worked while other men slept. He regarded his time as not his own to be wasted at pleasure, but as his only in trust for the public whose servant he always felt himself to be, and he safe-guarded it with the same care as a miser does his gold. His time was too precious to be freely spent in ordinary social talk; but upon due occasion in that 14 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. higher type of conversation which not only entertains but in- structs and inspires, he had few equals. I remember on one occasion when he was about to start on his regular morning walk of a mile and a quarter from his hotel to the Capitol, he invited me to accompany him, saying we could thus have opportunity to chat without loss of time; and that charming talk of his, which my own reticence enabled him to turn into a familiar discourse, will long survive in my memory as a most pleasing revelation of a side of the busy man I had not before seen. Mr. Chairman : That able, compact and influential delegation which the State of Maine for years maintained in the National Congress, with so much credit to herself and advantage to the nation, is only too rapidly breaking up. Of its six members so long associated together, and so widely known to fame, Mr. Dingley was the second to fall at the post of duty, and to our finite comprehension, there has never been a time when he could not have been better spared. But while often inscrutable, the ways of the Almighty must ever be righteous altogether. This is our faith. This we are bound to believe ; and we believe, too, that good men will be found to fit into the circumstances of the situation and take up and carry forward the work which has dropped out of his stricken hands in such a way that the State and the republic shall receive no lasting detriment. We will reverently bow to this inexorable decree of the Divine will, real- izing that, "Leaves have their lime to fall, -And flowers to wither at the north-wind's breath. And stars to set; but all. Thou hast all seasons for thine own. O Death!" NELSON DINGLEY. 15 MR. BLANCHARD OP rRANKLIN. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Assembly: Representing a constituency distinguished for its loyalty and devotion to Mr. Dingley, I deem it a duty as well as a privilege to speak a few words as a tribute to his memory. A noble heart has ceased to beat ; a long life of brilliant and self-devoted pub- lic service is finished. We now stand at its conclusion, looking back through the changeful history of that life to its beginning, and its varied events, interwoven with all that tended to the upbuilding and the advancement of our own State and the nation, throws its shadow of gloom over us to-day. Yet it is a sacred privilege to contemplate the end of the great and the good. It is profitable as well as purifying to look upon and realize the office of death in removing the environments of life and to gaze upon virtues which survive its powers of destruction. The light which radiates from the life of a great, true and patriotic statesman is often dimmed by the mists of political strife, but the blast which strikes him down purifies the atmosphere which surrounded him in life and allows recognized and unrecognized virtues alike to shine forth in bright examples and well-earned renown. It is then and only then that we witness the sincere acknowledg- ments of gratitude by a people who, having enjoyed the benefits arising from the faithful service of an eminent statesmen, embalm his name and works in sacred memory. Few, very few, have ever combined the high intellectual powers and distinguished gifts of our departed representative. Within this very hall, whose walls have echoed the voice of a Hamlin and a Fessenden and a Blaine, in early life he began his political career, being twice elected Speaker of the House of Representatives and six times elected a member of that branch. His keen discrimination and deep insight into the affairs of State gave him later the high- est position within the gift of the people of Maine. His rare executive ability displayed as Governor marked him as a fitting representative of his constituency in the halls of Congress. l6 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. Of the incidents of his Hfe during the past eighteen years as a member of Congress, it is unnecessary for me to speak ; they are as familiar as household words, and must be equally familiar with those who come after us. "But there are deeds which should not pass away, And names that must not fade." Of such deeds the life of Mr. Dingley affords many bright examples. His name will live with a freshness which time can- not impair, and shine with a brightness which passing years can- not dim. A great mind, a great heart, a great career have been con- signed to history, and her muse will record his rare gifts of intellectual power, plain, direct and convincing logic. She will point to a career of statesmenship which has to a remarkable degree stamped itself in the public policy of this country and reached in beneficent practical results the fields, the looms, the commercial marts and the quiet homes of all the land. Bold and skillful and determined, and possessing a remark- able fund of knowledge, he gave character to the party of which he was the acknowledged leader, impressed his opinions upon their minds and attached himself to their hearts, without arous- ing the clamors of rivalry or murmurs of jealousy. A Christian statesmen in the glory of his age, his memory will be glorious in after years ; it reflects a light coming from a source which clouds cannot dim nor shadows obscure. Such a man was Mr. Dingley. Amid all the allurements of an eminently successful political life, his early habits of temperance and democratic simplicity of living stamped him as a man of sterling integrity and spotless Christian character. In the exultation of the statesmen he did not forget the duties of the man. He was ever approachable, agreeable, genial alway. In every city, town and hamlet of his district are those who will shed tears of regret that no more will they be permitted to touch the hand and listen to the affectionate advice of their beloved representative. When in the full power and strength of manhood, when his every thought was of the NELSON DINGLEY. I7 progress of his country, when his wise counselHngs were so much needed, the dread visitor, death, battles with his noble life. At length the silver cord is broken and a nation mourns for her son, as only a nation mourns when her truly great and noble die. From Maine's bright galaxy of statesmen has fallen a brilliant star from the sphere which is illuminated, and is lost in gloom of death, and though his work is finished, it has been so noble, so honorable, so successfully performed as to entwine his memory for all time into the imperishable history of his native State. Not alone will his own State remember his work, but throughout the nations of the globe, his noble deeds will re-echo down the corridors of time. He needs no costly monument of marble, bronze or brass to perpetuate his memory for when these shall have crumbled into dust the history of our nation will show the divinity of his handiwork. "When the bright guardians of a country die, The grateful tear in tenderness will start, And the keen anguish of a reddening eye Disclose the deep affliction of the heart." r8 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. MR. CHAMBERLAIN OP LINCOLN. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Assembly: When we pause amid our active official duties to pay some trib- ute to the memory of the noble dead, we perform an act fully in keeping with the best instincts of humanity. We love to honor our fellows in life, we bow silently to reverence them in death. Here, to-day, do we honor the memory of one who was a true man ; whose whole life was devoted to the best interests of his district, his State, and his nation. Nelson Dingley was indeed a great man. He had made a study of life. He had calculated its probabilities ; he had meas- ured its possibilities. He had discovered that no course could be complete that was not founded upon the best, the purest and the noblest purposes. He was a student and assiduously applied himself to every pub- lic task. His grasp of national questions was masterful ; he brought to their consideration a native talent, developed by care- ful training and supplemented by a depth of knowledge rarely possessed, and only reached by continuous thought, and the most rigid research. His abilities in this direction opened up to him exceptional opportunities, and how well he improved them his great successes attest. His statesmenship was the admiration of his people ; his priv- ate life the pride of all his friends ; his character a strong fortress that defied assault and that drew to him a respect and reverence that no other attribute could command. No man was ever associated with him who was not bettered because of that silent, yet powerful influence. "For that structure that we raise, Time is with materials filled ; Our to-days and yesterdays Are the blocks with which we build." NELSON DINGLEY. I9 Mr. Dingley exemplified this truth by presenting to the world a life carefully guarded each day by constant, upright, honest en- deavor. Each successive stage of his public career, from his first experience as a legislator, within these very walls, to his exalted station in the National Congress, was marked by the rul- ing forces of study and perseverance. It is not necessary that I should recount the many acts that have made his name famous. These have become a part of his nation's history. It is better that we recall the lines of reasoning he followed, and reflect upon the paths of progress he trod. He was sensible of the trust reposed in him ; ready at all times to respond to the demands of his people, ever anxious to give to their business interests his impartial attention. He desired to be in close touch with all his constituents and the humblest was received with courteous consideration. Thoroughly American, he aspired to be loyal ; he held a pro- tective policy the safest and surest road to development. His every undertaking has shown a patriotism worthy of emulation. Speaking upon this occasion in behalf of a portion of the con- stituency he represented, I desire to express our appreciation of his great worth. We almost claimed him as a resident of Lincoln county, for it was upon our shores that he had built him a sum- mer home to which he could hie when released from the burden of official cares, and seek their inspiration and strength. Our people were always glad to honor him in life ; they as sacredly esteem his memory. Mr. Dingley's life work on earth is ended ; his achievements will live. We realize the lustre of his fame to-day, but future generations reading in the clear light of a true history will come to view his life, character and works in even a grander and more brilliant radiance. "Thou art not idle in thy higher sphere, Thy spirit lends itself to loving tasks, And strength to perfect what it dreamed of here, Is all the crown and glory that it asks." MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. MR. VOUNQ OF OXFORD. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Convention: This occasion is a notable one for us all. The work of the Legislature has ceased for the time that these fitting honors may be paid to the memory of Mr. Dingley. The story of his life has been told, but had it not been so, that life, with all its strength and greatness, would have been as an open book, known of all men, and best known and most honored by those with whom he, in his lifetime, most associated, and with whom, for so many years, he kept himself in close touch and sympathy. For a long time he has been among the foremost men of our State. Indeed, it was many years ago, that he, after holding numerous positions, was for two years Governor of the State in whose service we now are. And the same painstaking care, the same honest de- votion to the duties of that high office, the same capability and tact marked the man in that position that had been his character- istics during his life. But, in that broader field which opened up to him in the Congress of the United States, he made a name and fame as enduring as the rugged hills and mountains which are so identified with the county of which, in the Senate of this State, I am now a representative, and which constitutes a part of the district which he represented in Congress. Of his business and political successes I need not speak ; of his family ties, which seemed the tenderest and truest, none ever doubted their strength and worth. For me only, to say that Oxford honored the splen- did abilities and the Christian character of Nelson Dingley, in no man better blended, and for him, with our State and nation, mourns. NELSON DINGLEY. MR. MOREV or LEWISTON. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Assembly: A great man is dead. Simultaneously with the announcement that his life had ended came an expression of profound regret throughout the nation. Rarely indeed has our country paused and bowed at the bier of a man who possessed to such a marked degree the respect of his fellowmen. And now the State, the scene of his early struggles and the witness of his many triumphs, to-da)', does homage to his memory. Mr. Dingley was a statesmen of great natural ability. Per- sistent effort and incessant toil developed those latent natural powers with which he was so bountifully endowed. At twelve years of age we find him reading and digesting Gibbon's History of Rome ; a little later, while still a mere boy, delving deep into the intricacies of political economy and philosophy ; and at the age of thirteen years he sustained a discussion for more than an hour in a mock trial that resulted favorably to his contention. These incidents are recalled simply as showing that while a child he possessed those qualities of mind to a marked degree, which, later on in life, in their full development, rendered him famous. Mr. Dingley realized, however, that the possession of great nat- ural powers was not alone sufficient for success, but that they must be supplemented by broad information to make them effec- tive. Accordingly, he bent himself to that task, making the acquisition of knowledge one of the chief aims of his life, and, as a result, he admittedly had no superior in the nation as to the breadth and accuracy of his information on certain economical subjects. High in his moral tone, Mr. Dingley brought to the aid of his natural gifts and the vast fund of information that he had acquired, a purity of character and integrity of purpose that rendered his advancement in the political world rapid and easily held secure his high position in the national life after it was once 22 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. acquired. Of the fullness of his success in his public life there can be no doubt. He aimed high and he hit the mark. The thought is beautifully expressed by Tennyson : "When one would aim an arrow fair, But send it slackly from the sling, And one would pierce an outer ring, And one an inner, here and there. And last the master bowman, he Would cleave the mark." Never did he find himself in that sorry plight described by Bacon when he says, "Who can see worse days than he that yet living doth follow at the funeral of his own reputation." The citizens of Lewiston will long remember Mr. Dingley in his private life — his life among them. From a modest begin- ning in business he worked his way steadily upward along the lines of journalistic work, till, at his death, his paper, in its cir- culation and influence was easily one of the leading papers of the State. During all of these years, Mr. Dingley impressed his strong personality upon his fellow citizens. His interest in the financial and moral welfare of his city, his solicitude for her educational advantages, the strong hand extended to Bates Col- lege in the time of her need, will not soon be forgotten. He was willing to recognize merit, to assist the young man, to lend a helping hand. Many the time that he interested himself to obtain a pension for the soldier's widow and orphans. He possessed a kind heart. His instincts were those of a true gentleman. His affable and courteous ways invited confidence. But why enumerate further instances. The ten thousand persons that passed with solemn tread and viewed his remains lying in state in City hall, were witnesses to the esteem and respect in which they held their distinguished townsmen. And later, at the church at which he had been an attendant for so many years, when the last sad rites were said, this honorable body, by its official delegation, witnessed the great throng that passed by the NELSON DINGLEY. , 23 mortal remains of Mr. Dingley, eager for the last look before eternity claimed him forever. He died a Christian gentlemen. For him, "The day has come, not gone; The sun has risen, not set ; His life is now beyond The reach of death or change, Not ended but begun." MR. HARRIS OP AUBURN. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Assembly: The thoughts that arise in our hearts and gather to our lips upon this occasion may be fully and freely expressed. The life work of Nelson Dingley shines brighter than any light that can be thrown upon it. The State of Maine has suffered a grievous loss, and dedicates this day and hour to the memory of as worthy a man as was ever reared within its borders. He won his way without exciting the envy of others, and rose to high places of trust and responsibility solely by merit. Offered the treasury portfolio by the present administration, he declined it, believing that his duty lay in forwarding the work he had already undertaken. A member of one of the strongest delegations in the National House — one of whom was its dis- tinguished speaker — coming from a sparsely populated State as compared with many of her sister states, without the backing which mere numbers give in the conduct of our Republican insti- tutions, he was, without question, made chairman of the commit- tee of ways and means and thus became the acknowledged leader of the dominant party on the floor of the House. No man in Congress, or out of Congress, ever did more for the welfare of this State and its citizens than did he. He had seen his tariff bill and his war revenue bill in successful operation. 24 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. In the midst of his labors upon the commission which had in charge the negotiations with Canada and the Enghsh commis- sion, respecting reciprocity he is stricken down. At the height, perhaps, of his career he is taken from us. Much was depend- ing upon him. This feehng of dependence upon and confidence in him pervaded the entire country. Expressions of profound sorrow are heard on every side, from people of high and low degree, from the President of the United States solicitous at his bedside in Washington during his last illness, to the aged woman whose husband and son he had befriended, kneeling beside his casket in City hall in Lewiston, thronged with the procession of mourners, and oflfering up her prayer and lamentation. His life and character were a fit setting for his distinguished abilities. Simple and unostentatious in dress, in manner, and habits of life, he was the most approachable of men. His atten- tion and interest were easily enlisted and he was helpful to all who sought his counsel. The earlier years of his manhood were employed in establish- ing the newspaper which remains a lasting monument to his un- tiring industry and business sagacity. It was his pleasure "To scorn delights and live laborious days." Not so very long ago, standing in front of the Journal office in Lewiston, in conversation with him, he said to mc : "If I have ever accomplished anything worth while, it has lieen done by hard work. Genius! some men talk about genius. If there is such a thing, I haven't any of it, nothing but a talent for hard work." He was never an agitator or an alarmist. There was nothing negative in his way of doing things. Simple and straightfor- ward in his methods, profound and thorough in his knowledge, he was a constructive statesmen of the highest type. It is a matter of satisfaction and pride to us that his unusual abilities were early recognized here at home. When twenty- nine years of age he first became a member of this House and NELSON DINGLEY. 25 was Speaker for two terms, declining a third election to the Chair. Here again, as when he declined the treasury portfolio, he chose to serve on the floor of the House rather than in executive office. His two terms, however, as Chief Executive of the State, demonstrated his supreme fitness for such duties. He was a leader of men, not by reason of his oratory or what we call personal magnetism, but by reason of his integrity and the sheer force of his intelligence. His application to details was prodigious and his force of mind and clear vision carried him safely through great undertakings. He won for himself the same esteem in the broader field of his labors that he had won at home among his neighbors and his friends. We of the State of Maine are proud of him and are loyal to his memory. We know that where he led there it was safe to follow. His career has become a part of our State and national history. He takes his place (not the least) among the men whose names shine brightest on those pages. Evans, Fessenden, Hamlin, Blaine, Dingley are names that stir the blood of the sons of Maine. His services to the public and to humanity are not finished. The purity of his character, his modesty and simplicity, the in- tenseness of his purpose have left an indelible impression. The good he did lives after him. 26 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. MR. DONHAM OP HEBRON. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Assembly: It is with gratitude to my associates that I am given an oppor- tunity of paying a word of tribute to the memory of the great congressman whom earth has lost and Heaven has gained. Our words, to-day, are of little consequence, except as they express our individual appreciation of those qualities of mind which characterized the man and his work. A gentlemen of eminent qualifications and ample opportuni- ties for knowing, speaking in commendation of the remarks of his pastor at the funeral service, said : "There was of Mr. Dingley that which was both good and great and to exaggerate either, is to do an injustice to his memory." Of that which was great — of his great work in life, it is for those to speak who, by personal association, knew him best. Of its grand resvilts and benefits to his fcllowmen, those quali- fied by long experience in the greater affairs of men may judge them. To-day, I would pay tribute to that which was kind and good in Mr. Dingley's life, as made manifest by his work. And in that work, his beneficence was not characterized by individual preferences so much as by a breadth of mind, a keen judgment of what would bring to his people the most good and the great- est blessings. His kindly nature, united to his loyalty to duty, held his mind in active exercise, so that nothing should escape his notice where- in he might do for his people. And when by virtue of the high position he occupied as chairman of the committee to provide ways and means for the government, the people of the whole country became his constituents, and he was found equal to the requirements of a nation. With all his eminence and the great prestige he had won he was not given to offering his opinions concerning great ques- tions unasked. We recall one instance when out of the kindness NELSON DINGLEY. 2"] of his heart he spoke that the people might be saved from the unnecessary anxiety and the business men from an alarm that was liable to bring disaster to the business interests of the whole country. When in November last, the senator from Ohio was under- stood to say that the tariiif was to again undergo revision, to meet the requirements incident to the war with Spain, his words had hardly reached the masses, on their mission of danger to the great centers of tr..de, before it was flashed on lightning wings thoroughout this great land, that there would be no revision of the tariff. Contingencies were provided for, and business con- tinued in the even tenor of its way, undisturbed, for Nelson Dingley had spoken. As the statement of the misquoted senator from Ohio was supposed to embody the views of the administration, this timely act of our congressman was the more grand. He risked the prestige he had gained by years of toil, that he might do his people a kindness, and in their hearts they thanked God for this man, who could quiet their fears with such authority and assur- ance. As a citizen and neighboi , my first impression of Mr. Dingley was formed under circumstances well remembered by his friends. He had just returned from abroad. Three months of his time had been devoted to the study of the Irish question, as it then agitated America as well as all Europe. True to the nature of the man, he had chosen to go to the source of the trouble to study it. From the abject misery of the Irish hovels, he had come to a land of plenty and a home of luxury. To be once more among trusted friends, and his belovea neighbors, so affected his generous nature, that his soul overflowed with a joy I have never seen equalled. In a recent conversation he told me that he never knew what a glorious thing it was to be an American citizen, until he had lived through this home coming. 28 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. The highest to which a man may attain in life is to become fit for the Lord to make use of him in His care and control of the universe. It is from this standpoint that we may account for much that we know of in the lives and works of Washington, Lincoln and Grant, of Webster, Clay and Sumner, and of our own Hamlin, Blaine and Dingley. One of the most cherished memories of my life is that this noble man made some use of iiic, in extending his kindness to others. A desire for knowledge and a struggle in gaining it, whether by schoolboy or man, challenged his deepest interest. I was accustomed to send to Mr. Dingley for books, reports, copies of speeches and government literature for the students of Hebron Academy. In preparing themselves for debates on questions pertaining to our government, and essays in graduating exercises, etc., they had come to depend upon our representative in Congress as one of their ready and most valued sources of information. Words once reached him that it was feared that the students were encroaching upon his time, giving him trouble or at least annoyance, that they were presuming upon his gen- erosity, but his kindness was equal to their demands, and word came back that they need employ no middleman, but send direct to him whenever they thought he could help them. The boys and girls, the students of any other school, would have received from him the same kind attention. It had but to be shown him that a boy or girl was trying to fit themselves for the work of the future, and the duties of life, to insure them the help of his beneficent, tireless mind. It became my pleasant duty to call upon him on business in October last. With the business dis- posed of, I asked him if he would take under consideration the coming to Hebron Academy, to speak to those students to whom he had been so kind. I asked it, hoping he would give me encouragement that at some time in the future he would try to do so. I was gratified by his saying "I will do that — that's just what I want to do," and when he named a day in the coming NELSON DINGLEY. 29 week, I was indeed surprised. He said he was refusing to speak in other places, or states, but he feh as though he knew those young folks up there, and he was glad of an opportunity to go to see them. Mr. Dingley came to Hebron, October twenty. After spending a part of the day with friends, he met the students in their large audience room in the academy building. He had said to me that he would speak to them without any special prep- aration. Together we outlined what we thought would be sat- isfactory to them. I speak of this, because, after he had met the students and looked into the faces of those boys and girls, some- thing must have changed the course of his thoughts, for not once did he refer to his subject as we had outlined it. He seemed to be taken back to his own school-day life. He told them with an accuracy as remarkable as it was interesting of his own school days, and his individual method of studying. How from the years from twelve to eighteen he had made a special study of history while tending his father's store in the country. His method was, after putting the store in order for the morning he would read until a customer came in. After the customer had gone he would repeat aloud to himself what he had read before he was interrupted. If any part was not well understood, he would read again that portion and rehearse it until it was fixed in his mind. His rule was to read about twenty or thirty min- utes, close the book, rehearse it, and catechise himself. In this way he read the histories of that time. In proof of the value of his method of study he told them that since he had been in public life, whenever he wanted to refer to history studied in those years, he could recall it to mind as readily as though he had read it but yesterday. What his talk was to the scholars they can speak for them- selves. In the last number of their school journal, the Sem- ister, edited and published by the school, there is a notice of Mr. Dingley's visit to them as follows : "On October 20th, the Hon. Nelson Dingley, our representa- tive to Congress, came to Hebron for the purpose of making the 30 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. Students of Hebron Academy a visit. It is our wish to acknowl- edge a kindness whatever its source. That Mr. Dingley, after doing for us as he has done in the past, should lay aside his great cares and public duties to come and speak to us, places us under an obligation which we are unable to properly acknowledge. His subject seemed to be his own school-days, what he himself did when he was in our places. He explained his method of learning with such clearness and vigor that we could adopt it as our rule of study at once. His tribute to the Scriptures, the beauty of their language, the purity of their English, their value as our guide in life while young, will never be forgotten by those who heard him. He urged us to study the politics of our country, to choose and act upon those principles, which will per- petuate the New England home, to investigate well, choose and act with that party which to our minds represents that which is good and best for the people, and that which represents progress and prosperity to our nation." To-day, those students, my neighbors and the people in the little village over in the Oxford county hills have gathered in their audi- ence room, this morning, to speak to each other of the kindness of their friend. As my mind goes out to them assembled there to join with us, the government of our State, in honoring his mem- ory, I know that their lips are expressing their hearts' deepest feelings, that their words are laden with a tenderness akin to and a love not unlike that in which we hold and cherish the memory of our own immortal Lincoln. NELSON DINGLEY. 3I MR. WEBB or PORTLAND. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Assembly: We pause, to-day, in our public duties to do honor to a leading American statesman. His fame and reputation are as broad as the nation, and his name, we firmly believe, is written indelibly on the pages of American history. All the nation honored him when living, all the nation mourns him dead. But yet he was ours, our fellow citizen, our friend, our neighbor. This is the State of his birth, here is the hall where his political career be- gan, where for six terms he was a representative, and never in the greater honors that came to him and in the eminent positions which for so many years he filled, did he falter in his affection for his native State nor in his devotion to the interests of her people. In another sense also he was a true representative of Maine and New England. He had inherited from his Puritan ances- tors many of those better traits of the Puritan character. He had the deep and fervent religious belief, an ever present faith in the love of Christ and in the nearness of God influencing all the actions of his daily life, the conscientiousness in the perform- ance of duty, public and private, and the absolute and perfect purity of thought and action. That stalwart, historical Puri- tanism which has made New England famous never had a better representative in the halls of the American Congress. His powers of memory and his industry were marvellous. He had at his immediate command, an enormous amount of informa- tion. He never wearied in the study of the subjects to which he had especially devoted his life, and seemed never to forget what he had learned. Work was his greatest pleasure. Con- stant industry, rare powers of concentration and utter indiffer- ence to all distracting pursuits, made him the best informed man in the country upon questions of fiscal policy. But while he was a student, he was also practical. He was the exponent of a theory, but he was no mere theorist. As the author of the 32 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. present revenue legislation of the United States, he was not sim- ply the student working out blindly theories formed in the closet, but the practical and far-seeing statesman striving for practical results. He cared little for amusements or for the life of society. Com- radeship with other men was unusual with him. He lived in a world of ideas, not of men. He was a man of kindly feeling, generous impulses and benevolent tendencies, but all his affection was centered in his family. His home life was particularly charming and beautiful. Rarely will one find a closer union than that between his wife and himself, rarely a parent more devoted to his children. We wonder at his industry, we admire his intellect, we rever- ence and respect his character. Maine was proud of him while he lived. She honors herself in doing honor to his memorv. MR. MAXCY OF GARDINeR. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Assembly: Eulogies, no matter how full of praise, no matter how elo- quently delivered, can add nothing to the fame of him whose memory we now honor, and whose departure we so sincerely mourn. But having received from him courtesies that I can never forget, and having had the rare privilege, a privilege I think no other gentleman in this House enjoyed, of being a neigh- bor of Mr. Dingley for many years during his vacation days, I feel I should be ungrateful, did I not at this time express my appreciation of the virtue of him we knew and loved. Upon our beautiful coast of Maine, two miles out from its rock-l)Ound shores, cradled in the arms of the broad Atlantic, lies the peaceful island where, summer after summer, for a quarter of a century. Governor Dingley went with his family to seek his much needed rest and recreation, and there in his modest cottage by the sea, amid the firs and spruces and among NELSON DINGLEY. 33 the rugged rocks of his native State, he lived during his vaca- tion months. Away from the cares of state, beyond the sound of the iron horse, miles from the distracting noise of the city, beside that sea whose soothing influence night after night lulled him to rest, he peacefully and quietly dwelt. His brain largely conceived the idea of those homes by the sea, his hand penned the words that shaped their government, and it was mainly through his example and influence that the moral tone of that island has been of the highest ; its history is a liv- ing monument to his principles and ideas. He dwelt among his neighbors, quietly, without ostentation, as though not aware of his popularity or of his publicity. Strang- ers coming to our island could scarcely believe that the quiet, gen- tlemanly, courteous man pointed out to them as Congressman Dingley, was the same man of whom they had read and who stood so high at Washington, for no man upon our island was more unassuming than he, and yet his influence was so great among us, that I never knew him to advocate any measure that was not adopted ; his earnestness of manner and his clearness of expression always carried conviction. Always ready and wil- ling to answer any proper question concerning the affairs of our State or country, I remember with gratitude the conversations with him I was permitted to enjoy. I recall especially those con- cerning the great national questions of the past few years, the silver question, the tariff, and the Spanish war; in this latter affair I realized how near he stood to the President and how important a factor he was in shaping the destiny of this country. I learned from his lips the attitude of both the President and him- self concerning the war, and he said to me with an earnestness I shall never forget "view the matter as we may, the United States have embarked upon a course that will lead them no one knows where, but of this we are assured, that whether we wish it or not, the simplicity of the United States of the past is a thing of the past, and henceforth we shall take a new stand among the nations of the world." 3 34 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. The extent of his information upon various subjects greatly surprised me, and I recall at this moment the last evening I spent in his company. Some legal questions pertaining to the affairs of our island were discussed, and Mr. Dingley gave us his opinion with a clearness of style that any lawyer might envy, and then the conversation turning upon the war and finance he spoke of these matters, and gave us figures by the score as readily as though reading from a book. Again the conversation changed to the history of our coast, and he related many incidents in connection with the early settlements of Pemaquid, Monhegan and Fort Popham, that caused us to look with wonder upon the extent of his information. His fund of knowledge seemed inexhaustible, and from law to finance, to state craft and to history, his mind passed with scarcely an effort. A few years ago, at the close of a beautiful Sabbath day in August, he addressed us in the open air upon the shores of our island. In conversation with him just before he began to speak, I said to him, it must be difficult for you to appear at your best when, considering the day, you would hardly expect the stimulus of applause you generally receive, and he answered, "I care not for applause, the clapping of hands or the stamping of feet make no impression upon me ; if I can have the eyes of my audi- ence fixed upon me, if I can have their undivided attention I am perfectly satisfied." Standing there in the open air, with head uncovered, with no sound save the gentle pulsing of the sea upon the weather-beaten rocks, and as the sun was slowly sinking in the ocean, he addressed us in such an earnest, impressive and conscientious manner, that the scene will never be effaced from my mind, and I am sure that he then received the reward that he desired, the earnest gaze and undivided attention of his hearers. Born in the humble walks of life, with no heritage of fame or fortune awaiting him. Nelson Dingley by his own efforts, with- t the aid of rich and powerful friends, slowly but surely climbed the ladder of fame until he became great in the councils NELSON DINGLEY. 35 of the nation, and now the grandeur of the man is recognized by all. His career has not been brilliant or swift, but by industry, honesty, faithfulness, and uprightness of character he trod the path from his birthplace upon a hillside farm to a seat in this House, and those same principles secured for him the highest office in the gift of this State, and right nobly did he fill the Gov- ernor's chair. Entering the halls of Congress it was years before he became the leader upon the floor of the House, years of patient toil, years of self-sacrificing labor in the interests of his State and his country, and he asked for no reward save the conscious- ness of doing right. Leader of his own party, he was more respected and followed by his political opponents than any other member of that House. Trusted with the innermost secrets of the President and of our government, secrets which could easily have enriched him, he never by word or look betrayed that trust. Honor him we ought, honor him we must ; his life, his virtues, compel our admiration and command our respect, for he honored every position which he filled. He loved this land of his birth, he loved our rock-bound coast, against which, in sunshine and in storm the ocean rolls inces- santly, our immense forests and our great lakes, our hills of granite, our fertile valleys and our beautiful rivers which flow peacefully to the sea ; but above all he loved and labored for those who chisel our granite, or hew our timber, for those who toil in our workshops or upon our land, and for those who carry in ships the products of our skill and industry ; for them he gave his eft'orts and his life. His work is finished, his book is closed, and turning over its pages we read the rich legacy he has left to his family, his friends, his State and his country, a legacy not of gold that might perish with him, not a reputation for base power that must soon be forgotten, but a legacy that is written in our hearts, his noble character. He has left a name imperishable in the history of our 36 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. State ; he has Hved a Hfe that with other strong, honest, noble lives makes possible a continuation of this land of the free, and so long as such men devote their energies and lives to the cause of right, so long will this nation prosper. - "God blesses still the generous thought And still the fitting word He speeds, And truth at His requiring taught. He quickens into deeds. Where is the victory of the grave? What dust upon the spirit lies? God keeps the sacred life He gave, The prophet never dies." MR. BENNETT OF MOLLIS. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the .Issenihlx: In this hour of eulogy on the life of this distinguished man, I wish to add one spray to the wreath now weaving around his memory, as a tribute from Dartmouth College. It is sad to do almost anything for the last time. The hand of the sculptor trembles as it gives the last touch to the ilunib mar- ble, though that touch may place a smile upon lips of stone, and give immortality to the hand that placed it there. Nelson Dingley has gone to his final rest; he has finished the work of a noble life and while his heart has ceased to throb with earthly hope, his soul, spotless as a ray of morning light has winged its course to the throne of all judgments to claim its reward, home and rest in the starry realms of Heaven. My heart is sorely grieved in saying a last "farewell" to him, my elder brother, for we are alumni of the same college, brothers in the same fraternity and you that have entered the charmed circle of a college family can best appreciate the import of this hour so sad to me. He received the greater part of his scholastic training at Dart- mouth, from which college he was graduated in the class of 1855. NELSON DINGLEY. 37 Upon entering college, he at once set a proper value upon the advantages it afforded him for intellectual progress, for build- ing a noble and robust character and preparation for an honor- able and useful career in life. He never wasted a single hour of those college years on worthless but tempting vanities, for he knew if those opportunities were once lost, that neither gold nor tears could buy them back. If there is one word in our language that governed his life, it was manliness ; he burned that word into the palm of his hand so deeply that no bribe or temptation could induce him to raise that hand for a base or unworthy pur- pose. He was a diligent and tireless student, careful and thorough in all his investigations, platonic in reason, cogent and convinc- ing in argument, ready in debate, though not so brilliant, per- haps, as some, for his was not a genius that sparkled now and then, and dazzled the world with a fitful light for a few moments and then vanished ; it shone rather with a pure, steady and benig- nant beam such as gives leaf and bloom to the forest, pencils the apple's cheek, and ripens the harvest in the field. He laid the foundations for his future greatness broad and deep by labo- rious days and nights of collegiate application. He graduated at the head of his class ; he died its most eminent man, a Christian statesman, loved by his neighbors, trusted by his State, honored by the nation and respected everywhere. Totus teres atque rotundus. What a noble example for the youth of his countrv. Dartmouth will miss her son. She will preserve and ever cherish his memory as one of her most sacred trusts. She will write his name beside that of Webster, Choate, Chase and other classic names that cluster around her brilliant history. Mr. Speaker : The greatest honor that could fall to a Spartan mother was to have the lifeless form of her son, slain in battle, returned to her upon his shield. Few, indeed^ ever gained that reward. It was bestowed onlv on him whose integrity was spot- less, whose loyalty was above suspicion, whose courage flinched 38 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. at no peril, nor passed unchallenged ny foe. Finally he must plead his title with his sword upon tlie balLleiield, face to face with Sparta's enemies. Did the sharp point of a foeman's cimeter inflict the slightest scar upon his back while in retreat, then this great honor was forfeited. Nelson Dingley comes back to his latest home borne upon his shield. He has fought life's conflict with a Spartan's fortitude ; he fell in the very bowels of the battle with shield and war-gear harnessed, he bears no scar tainted with cowardice or dishonor. No man can challenge his right, and while his Alma Mater now sits mourning over his lifeless dust and is shaken with this tem- pest of grief that beats against every breast, like Scylla's restless wave, soon she will lift her voice in peans soft as strains from Orpheus' lyre at the triumph of this splendid man. He lived a noble life ; laden with honor's spoils he dies. To his country he leaves a patriot's richest gift, the benefaction of a Christian life consecrated to principles of justice, truth and humanity, that shall be an inspiration for her intelligent and robust youth outlasting fame's eternal date. For his college he has won the Spartan's crown. Then Hail, Dartmouth, victorious in thy mourning weeds, Let thy son in peace and honor rest, From worldly chance and strife secure, For him "there are no tempests, no noise, but silence and eternal sleep." NELSON DINGLEY. 39 MR. 6ELLEAU OF LEWISTON. Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Assembly: "The ocean of to-morrow Breaks upon life's rocky shore, With its turmoil, with its sorrow, Evermore, ah, evermore. Flowing, ebbing, ebbing, flowing; Fears of untold trouble throwing. Solemn shadows over tide." Sir : The nation has lost a great man. The voice of Gov- ernor Dingley which but recently echoed through the national house of Congress is forever silent. The State of Maine which gave him birth, had in him a most devoted son hence she loved him, she cherished him, gave him position, reputation and honor ; but all, Mr. Dingley fairly earned by a long life devoted to duty, to study to the interests and to the welfare of his State and country. Sir : It was not my privilege or fortune to know Mr. Ding- ley intimately, but to see him was to know him. The represen- tative of the Second district of Maine was not an ordinary man. His intellectual endowments were of the highest degree. His life and character were above reproach. His busy career shows us how well his mind was stored with that useful information which qualified him for the high duties and trust entrusted to his care. In his early life Mr. Dingley was admitted to the bar, had he followed that profession he would have ranked among the most profound jurists in the land ; but journalism claimed him and there he was the peer of the ablest of the profession, and it is the journalist that became a legislator in this House of Rep- resentatives. Its speaker and the governor of the State ; serving the people in these several capacities so well and so faithfully that the admiration for the man became general, and from then there remained but another thought in the minds of his people and that to elevate him still higher in the council of the nation as soon as the opportunity would present itself. The oppor- 40 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES. tunity came, Air. Dingley was elected to Congress, to the ever- lasting honor of his constituents. In Congress his reputation had preceded him. There he carried that same energy, that same cool judgment that had characterized his labor at home and at once his reputation became world wide and not only did he become the leader of his party but he became the great legislator, statesman, and a patriot. But, sir, 1 had not risen for the purpose of eulogj-, others more able, better qualified and more authorized, have done so eloquently and in the best of terms, but I should have been unjust to the feelings of my heart had I failed to declare my sorrow for the loss of this distinguished son of Maine. I feel I should be untrue to the people I have the honor to humbly represent, had I failed on this occasion to rise and place on record their high appreciation of Mr. Dingley as their neighbor, their friend and their eminent representative in Congress. Hence my par- ticipation in these most worthy exercises. Sir : The city of Lewiston mourns the loss of her great citi- zen. The nation, and the State of Maine especially, will remem- ber her great men, and in the days that are to come, when her admiring sons shall call the roll of her illustrious statesmen, by no means the least in that bright array will stand the name of Nelson Dingley. The Governor: The purpose for which this Assembly was formed having been fully and most ably accomplished, I now declare it dissolved.