\ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 704 917 A p6i2malif6« Sixty-Fifth Congress, Third Session House Document No. 1861 WILLIAM P. BORLAND (Late a Representative from Missouri) MEMORIAL ADDRESSES DELIVERED IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES SIXTY-FIFTH CONGRESS THIRD SESSION March 2, 1919 PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING Z ■Z ' ?- '• i T I WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1922 '3 72 ^' '^- "*****• "*' "" ' i iiiii i >ntirt LIBf^RY OF CONQRI88 1VIAR1.^19?H ^• TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Proceedings in the House 5 Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Gouden, D, D 5, 9 Memorial addresses by — Mr. Clement C. Dickinson, of Missouri 11 Mr. Perl D. Decker, of Missouri .- 14 Mr. William H. Stafford, of Wisconsin 18 Mr. Frank W. Mondell, of Wyoming 20 Mr. J. Charles Linthicum, of Maryland 23 Mr. James W. Good, of Iowa 25 Mr. Scott Ferris, of Oklahoma 28 Mr. Champ Clark, of Missouri 30 Mr. Courtney W. Hamlin, of Missouri 34 Mr. Joseph W. Byrns, of Tennessee 36 Mr. Leonidas C. Dyer, of Missouri 39 Mr. William L. Igoe, of Missouri 40 Proceedings in the Senate 43 [3] HON. WILLIAM P.BOHLAN: DEATH OF HON. WILLIAM P. BORLAND PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE Saturday, February 22, 1919. The House met at 11 o'clock a. m. The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the following prayer : Eternal and everliving God, our Heavenly Father, we bless Thee for that spirit of patriotism and profound gratitude which moves the people throughout our Nation, yea, throughout the world, to hold in sacred memory the birth of him whom we delight to call the Father of his Country. We thank Thee for the mentality which enabled him to grasp and solve great problems; for the divination which enabled him to penetrate the future and predict results; for the splendid personality which enabled him to com- mand men and lead them to victory; for the fervor of his religious convictions which enabled him to rely upon Thee for strength and support and which brought him to his knees at Valley Forge— the darkest hour in that struggle for liberty, right, and justice. Long may his memory live in the hearts of his country- men and longer yet his deeds inspire men to truer, nobler life. We are shocked by the news from oversea, that a Mem- ber of this House, ever active and conspicuous for his work, has passed to the beyond. Comfort his friends and admirers, his bereaved wife, and those to whom he was near and dear with the blessed hope of the immortality of the soul through Him who died and rose again. Amen. [5] Memorial Addresses: Representative Borland Mr. RucKER. Mr. Speaker, it becomes my sad duty to an- nounce to the House the death of our late colleague, the Hon. William P. Borland, a Representative from the State of Missouri. Mr. Borland died on February 20, 1919, day before yesterday, at base hospital No. 301, at Coblenz, Germany. At a later date I v^ill ask the House to set aside a day for tribute to the life and distinguished public services of my colleague. For the present I offer the following resolution. The Speaker. The Clerk will report the resolution. The Clerk read as follows : House resolution 601 Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. William P. Borland, a Representative from the State of Missouri. Resolved, That a committee of 20 Members of the House, with such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the funeral. Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions of these resolutions, and that the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of the contingent fund of the House. Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. The resolution was agreed to; and the Speaker an- nounced as the committee on the part of the House Mr. Romjue, Mr. Rucker, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Booher, Mr. Dick- inson, Mr. Hamlin, Mr. Shackleford, Mr. Essen, Mr. Igoe, Mr. Dyer, Mr. Hensley, Mr. Russell, Mr. Decker, Mr. Rubey, Mr. Sherley, Mr. Mondell, Mr. Little, Mr. Good, Mr. An- thony, and Mr. Campbell of Kansas. Mr. Rucker. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Speaker of the House may be added to the committee. [6] Proceedings in the House The Speaker. The gentleman from Missouri asks unani- mous consent that the Speaker of the House be added to the committee. Is there objection? There was no objection. Mr. RucKER. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following. The Clerk read as follows : Resolved, That as a further mark of respect this House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 5 o'clock and 15 minutes p. m.) the House, under the order heretofore adopted, adjourned until Sunday, February 23, 1919, at 11 o'clock a. m. Wednesday, February 26, 1919. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Waldorf, its enroll- ing clerk, announced that the Senate had passed the fol- lowing resolution : Senate resolution 468 Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announcement of the death of Hon. William P. Borland, late a Representative from the State of Missouri. Resolved, That a committee of 10 Senators be appointed by the Vice President, to join such committee as may be appointed on the part of the House of Representatives, to attend the funeral of the deceased. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these reso- lutions to the House of Representatives. Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased the Senate do now adjourn. Friday, February 28, 1919. Mr. Alexander. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it may be in order on Sunday, March 2, between the hours of 11 and 12 o'clock, to deliver memorial addresses on the life, character, and public services of our deceased colleague. Hon. William P. Borland. [7] Memorial Addresses: Representative Borland The Speaker. The gentleman from Missouri asks unani- mous consent that there shall be a meeting of the House on Sunday, March 2, at 11 o'clock a. m., and that the time from 11 to 12 o'clock be set aside for the delivery of memorial addresses on the life, character, and public services of the late William P. Borland, a Representative from Missouri. Is there objection? Mr. Garner. Had not the gentleman better make that from 10 o'clock to 11 ? Would it not be just as convenient? Mr. Alexander. I doubt if it would be as convenient. Mr. Garner. That difference of one hour on Sunday would mean a good deal. Mr. Stafford. I assume that the gentleman would have no objection to providing that it would not interfere with conference reports, so that there would be an hour for these exercises on that day at that time? Mr. Alexander. No; we realize the condition, and we do not want to interfere, but our plans are already made. The Speaker. The gentleman from Missouri asks unani- mous consent that on Sunday, the 2d of March, there be a meeting of the House at 11 o'clock a. m., and that the time from 11 to 12 be set aside for the delivery of memorial addresses on the life, character, and public services of the late William P. Borland. Is there objection? There was no objection. Sunday, March 2, 1919. The recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker at 11 o'clock a. m. The Speaker. The Chaplain will lead in prayer. The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the following prayer : Infinite Spirit, Father of all souls, with unbounded faith in the overruling of Thy providence for the final good of [8] Proceedings in the House all mankind, we humbly and reverently bow in Thy holy presence and pray for that love which casteth out fear. Increase our love for Thee and for our fellow men, that when death comes to our dear ones our grief may be assuaged by a perfect trust in Thee. We meet here to-day to record on the pages of history the life, character, and public service of a Member of this House who passed from the scenes of this life far from home and native land— a scholar, a teacher, a professor, a president of a college, a writer, a statesman. Be graciously near to those who knew and loved him, especially to his bereaved wife. Comfort and sustain her in the blessed hope of the life everlasting. Faith is the rainbow's form Hung on the brow of heaven, The glory of the passing storm, The pledge of mercy given; It is a bright, triumphant arch, Through which the saints to glory march. Hear us in His name. Amen. Mr. Dickinson. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following reso- lutions, which I send to the desk and ask to have read. The Clerk read as follows : House resolution 621 Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended, that opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of Hon. William P. Borland, late a Member of this House from the State of Missouri. Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, and in recognition of his distinguished pubhc career, the House, at the conclusion of the proceedings of this day, do stand adjourned. [9] Memorial Addresses: Representative Borland Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate. Resolved, That the Clerk send a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased. The Speaker. The question is on agreeing to the resolu- tions. The resolutions were agreed to. [10] MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Address of Mr. Dickinson, of Missouri Mr. Speaker: The news of the death of William P. Borland came as a distinct shock to all of the Members of the House. He had gone about the 1st of January on a trip to France, and was taken ill while on his way to Coblenz, on German soil. He contracted a cold, which resulted in pneumonia, and, finall5% in his death, about the 20th of February. I knew William P. Borland intimately. His friendship I enjoyed and appreciated. He came to Congress and entered upon his services here on the 4th of March, 1909. He served 10 consecutive years in this body, the longest period of service of any Representative from Kansas City, which place he represented with such distinguished ability. That city is said to be the Cape Hatteras of American politics, and changes its Congressmen wdth unusual rapidity. It is notable that this courageous Rep- resentative stayed so long in Congress from this great Kansas City district. Mr. Borland was comparatively a young man. He had barely passed the half-century mark, being nearly 51^ years old. The hand of the reaper Takes the ears that are hoary, But the voice of the weeper Wails manhood in glory. [11] Memorial Addresses: Representative Borland He was a graduate of law at the University of Michi- gan and commenced the practice of law in Kansas City, which was not the home of his birth. He was born at Leavenworth, Kans. He finally moved to Kansas City, which remained his home until his death. He organized a school of law in that city and was the dean of that school. He wrote one or more law books, a textbook on wills and administration. He entered political life comparatively early and was in the public eye up to the time of his death. He was a public-spirited man, a man of courage and strong convic- tions, and battled for his ideals. He hunted for the right. He did not feel the pulse of the public to learn whether what he did was popular but acted always from the impulse of what he believed to be right. He felt that his career as a Representative in Congress might end quickly and that he would be retired, because he was not allied to any great political organization in his city, and he came repeatedly to Congress, fearlessly asserting the right, and as a strong Representative of a great city and district — tied to the chariot wheels of no organization — he repeatedly came because he was the popular choice of this great district. Mr. Borland was an easy and ready public speaker, and took an active part in this House, was active in debate, a hard student, well informed, and handled his subjects with unusual ability. By reason of his public services he attained State and national reputation. His name was always before the public because of his activities as an industrious public servant. He was a member of the Ap- propriations Committee, where he rendered active and efficient service. He was vigorous mentally and physi- cally, and bore evidence of a long and active life. It was a great shock when we learned of his passing away. His anxiety to see and learn by personal contact what was going on in France and Germany caused him [12] Address of Mr. Dickinson, of Missouri to breast the storm of severe weather in a hard winter, and he took a severe cold, resulting in pneumonia and death, which was a distinct loss to his State and the Nation. William P. Borland was popular because he was cour- teous. He was gentlemanly in his bearing toward his fel- low men. His courage and intelligent work gave him the respect of his associates in Congress. He led a correct life, and was a man of high ideals and lived and loved to do the right. He was ambitious even beyond the office that he held, and if he had lived he would still have remained in the public eye and continued to be prominent in the affairs of the State and Nation. All who knew him inti- mately learned to love him for his many virtues; all who knew him and saw him in his daily work respected him for his high character and deeply regretted his early de- parture from life and its activities. We will miss him. He will live in the affections of those who knew him because of his courageous stand for what he believed to be right and good. Many notable speeches did he make in this great public body. He has gone into the great beyond. He has entered the gates of eternal life. He builded on earth a character that will remain a monument to bear evidence to his worth. His virtues and active efforts to help build for the right will be a sweet memory to his hosts of friends, who gave him support because they be- lieved in him. His place will be hard to fill. He gave the example of a correct life, of the duties of a public servant, and the confidence of those who gave him opportunity for public service will be a lasting monument to his great and unusual public career. 113] Address of Mr. Decker, of Missouri Mr. Speaker: I deem it an honor to stand in this Hall and pay a tribute to a departed friend and to a statesman of ability and courage. Mr. Borland, of Missouri, as we all know, was a man of the highest personal character. Upon his private life there was no stain. He was a worthy friend and a worthy citizen in private as well as public life. As a public man his work was greatly appreciated by the people of the State whom he had the honor in part to represent. I have not an extensive personal acquaint- ance in the great metropolis of Kansas City, where he lived, but I think that without using the language of ex- travagance I can say truthfully that I never met a man from Kansas City who did not have a word of praise for Representative William P. Borland. I have no doubt he had his personal and political opponents, but it was singu- lar and a matter of frequent remark by men who lived outside of Kansas City how highly our friend and de- parted colleague was esteemed by the people of his home city. He was a man of much more than the average ability. He was a scholar, and by that I do not mean that he was a product of the schools. He was a man of much reading, a man of much research, a man of much investigation. He was a lawyer, a lawyer of more than usual ability. He was one of those lawyers who realize that genius con- sists mostly in hard work, and William P. Borland was an industrious man. As a young man myself I wish to pay him a tribute for one thing. I wish to speak in behalf of the young lawyers, many of them in the State of Missouri, and pay to him not only a tribute, but also speak a word of gratitude and appreciation for the work which he did as [14] Address of Mr. Decker, of Missouri an educator in the law. Many a young man in Missouri who to-day stands high in the profession that most of us regard as a very high profession would not stand there to-day if it had not been for the untiring industry of our departed colleague and for his spirit of generosity and willingness to serve his fellow man. The Kansas City Law School has done much good in our State, and when I think of the Kansas City Law School I think of William P. Borland. As a public citizen, as a Representative, and as a statesman he took high rank. His chief character- istic, or, rather the two characteristics which most im- pressed me as I watched his career were industry and courage. He took an interest in all the legislation of this body. I do not mean that anybody's mind is of sufficient breadth and power fully to master every subject that comes before this body, but perhaps, on account of the varied interests of the great metropolis which Mr. Bor- land had the honor to represent, his duty as a Representa- tive made it necessary for him to be familiar with and to participate in many fields of legislation. The next quality was his quality of courage. He stood for cleanness in American politics. Kansas City is one of the greatest cities in the United States. I speak somewhat from personal knowledge because I was educated within a few miles from there. It is a clean city as cities go. It is a city where public virtue and civic spirit is high, and on the right side, on the clean side of every public question, William P. Borland, our departed colleague, was found. But he had his enemies. He catered to no pernicious influences. He never sacrificed his honor, he never sacrificed his man- hood for public preferment. He stood foursquare to all the world and dared to do what he thought was right, and dared to do what he conceived was his duty. How well he did I need not say, for you men know him as well as I. As a member of one of the greatest committees, perhaps [15] Memorial Addresses: Representative Borland the greatest committee of this legislative body, he was a useful, valiant, and able member, and I was impressed in the last year with the toil and the foresight and the wis- dom which he displayed as a member of that committee in appropriating for the great needs of this titanic struggle through which our Nation has passed. I am not surprised that when the armistice was signed, when the war was over — the war to which he had de- voted so much of his time and of his heart interest and his intellect — he could not restrain himself from wanting to go across the sea and observe for himself as an American representative what the real situation was and what was the result of our efforts on the other side. I know that he was also prompted to go by his deep and abiding inter- est in all the brave boys who have won the battle for our country and for humanity and for the civilization of the world. And while upon this mission — this important mission — the summons came. Far from home — I will not say far from friends, because it is a matter of consolation to us to know that he was among those who cared for him well — when the end came he was among those who appre- ciated his worth and knew the things for which he stood. He was among Americans when he answered the last summons, and although those who were the nearest and dearest to him were far away at the end, I know that as he was brave in private life, as he was clean in private life, I know that as he was brave and courageous in public life he was not afraid to answer the last roll call. For I know that he could say with Tennyson : [16] Address of Mr. Decker, of Missouri Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me I And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea. But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam. When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell. And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell When I embark. For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar. 49775—22 2 [17] Address of Mr. Stafford, of Wisconsin Mr. Speaker: In 48 hours the Great War Congress will come to an end, and in this hour we set aside the pressing legislative business to pay our last tribute to one of the men who did much in this Chamber and in the committee to make possible the great victory that is about to be con- summated in a peace that will bring, it is hoped, all wars to an end for years and years. Mr. Borland had more than average ability, else he could not have achieved the distinction he attained. He was one of the recognized forces for good, truth, and right. He led many fights on this floor. His worth was recognized in the Committee on Appropriations when the chair- man imposed on him the high responsibility in the pres- ent Congress of chairmanship of the subcommittee on fortifications. Prior to this Congress he had not served on that sub- committee, but on the other important and leading sub- committees — the sundry civil, the District of Columbia, and the legislative. Being a stranger to the work, he im- mediately applied himself to the heavy task, as he did to every subject intrusted to him to take charge of, and after months of close study and laborious work he presented to the full committee, and later to this House, the fortifica- tion appropriation bill that carried the enormous amount of $5,600,000,000. His handling of that measure on the floor of this House showed the great work in which he had engaged to make himself master of the subject of fortifications. We were all greatly surprised when we learned that he had lost in the primary fight for nomination. We had [18] Address of Mr. Stafford, of Wisconsin thought that his people would recognize his work and worth. If the people of his district had possessed the same estimate of him and the same high regard in which he was held here, I truly believe that he would have been renominated and would have continued for many years the useful service that he had given to the country and his district these many years past. His whole life seemed to have been in preparation for public service, so favorably equipped was he for its needs. Though I did not know him intimately, yet my personal estimate of him from his work in committee and on the floor was that he was pre- paring and was peculiarly qualified to be advanced to higher position in the other body, the Senate of the United States. It is sad to contemplate that in his prime his work should have ended so abruptly. If he had lived, the rich promise of the mid years of life would have been crowned with laurels of requited labor and service. The future his- torian, as he studies the annals of Congress, will agree that William P. Borland has left his impress upon the legisla- tion of the greatest Congress that ever met — the War Con- gress that is about to close. [19] Address of Mr. Mondell, of Wyoming Mr. Speaker : The news of the passing of our dear friend over yonder in France came to me as a very great shock and left me with a sense of profound sorrow and personal loss, for he was a rare soul, and I deem it a privilege to have been among those who were his friends. One of the most universal hopes of the human heart is that when the summons comes to " join the innumerable caravan that moves into the silent halls of death" we may be privileged to meet that summons at home, in the midst of family and friends, sustained and supported by the sympathy of our loved ones. Our friend was not granted this boon, and yet the messenger of death was not unkind to him, for it granted him the privilege of passing into the eternities from a land that has ceased to be foreign to our hearts and sympathies; a land near and dear to us through the heroic service of millions of our boys, consecrated by the supreme sacrifice of our best beloved; a land from whose hillsides and forests the souls of thousands of our brave boys went to their reward. Truly, if one may not pass to the great beyond at home, what better place from which to take our de- parture could there be than France, fair France, sanc- tified by the heroism and devotion of the brave and gallant of many lands, and among them the heroic sol- diers of the great Republic? Mr. Speaker, the eloquent young gentleman from Mis- souri [Mr. Decker] who has just spoken referred to two among the many splendid qualities of our departed friend — industry and courage. He was tremendously [20] Address of Mr. Mondell, of Wyoming industrious, but the two traits of his splendid character that most impressed me were courtesy and courage. How difficult it is in the clash of opinions on this floor, in tri- umph and more so in defeat, to keep one's temper, to maintain a judicial attitude, and to be uniformly cour- teous. How much all of us have at one time and another had to regret the word quickly and thoughtlessly spoken. It was a characteristic of our friend that, no matter how the tide of battle ran, he was calm and courteous, kindly and considerate. No man who has ever occupied a place on this floor has displayed more than he the quality of courage. I have come to the belief that the quality needed here above all other qualities and endowments is that of courage. We are drawn naturally to men with whom we agree, but as time goes on and our legislative labors continue we frequently become strongly attached to men with whom we often disagree, but whom we learn to value and appreciate as being sincere, conscientious, and courageous. Some day American constituencies will realize that the primary qualification for a Member of this body is en- lightened, unselfish moral courage. I sometimes think that within the boundaries of those things that we con- sider as being reasonable it does not matter so much what men's views are, do they but hold them unselfishly with conviction and maintain them with courage. Our friend, with a courtesy that never failed, combined a courage that never faltered. We do not know what lies beyond the veil. We do not know what the future may hold for any of us. But we do know this, that for the splendid, loyal, conscien- tious, helpful, courageous soul of our friend the future and the great beyond can hold no terrors and have naught but good. He was faithful, courteous, courageous. [21] Memorial Addresses: Representative Borland conscientious always, and we do not despairingly mourn for him in his passing, much as we regret his loss, for every duty of his life was well done, and he has, we know, gone to a goodly reward. Mr. Igoe assumed the chair as Speaker pro tempore. The Speaker pro tempore. The gentleman from Mary- land [Mr. Linthicum] is recognized. [22] Address of Mr. Linthicum, of Maryland Mr. Speaker. I feel should I not say something of the worth of the Hon. William Patterson Borland I should be remiss in a duty which my State owes to his memory. There is a very dear and historical connecting link be- tween Mr. Borland and the State of Maryland, especially its metropolis, the city of Baltimore. During the heat of the Revolutionary War there came to our then town of Baltimore 20 gentlemen of large means, experience, and generosity. Among this number was one William Patterson, who became one of the bulwarks of our city and State. He it was, together with other public- spirited citizens, raised money to equip the troops, helped form the banks, and provide means and money to develop and deepen the harbor and channels of Baltimore. Many other things vitally necessary to the winning of the war and the prosperity of the city were largely due to him. In 1812 William Patterson's clipper ships plied the Seven Seas and did more to destroy English commerce during that war than any other one factor and hasten the conclusion of the war. It was Patterson who helped fortify North Point and Fort McHenry, where the English were repulsed and the Star-Spangled Banner was born. There was no citizen of our splendid Commonwealth who lived during those precarious times of two wars who did more for his adopted city and State than did William Patterson. William Patterson brought with him to this countrj^ his daughter Elizabeth, afterwards known as Betsy Patterson, and a nephew whom he raised as a foster son, one Thomas Borland. It was William Patterson Borland, a son of Thomas, who settled in Kansas City, Mo., and became the father of William Patterson Borland, our colleague, whom we knew so well. Betsy Patterson, the daughter, on the 24th of December, 1803, as published in the Federal [23] Memorial Addresses: Representative Borland Gazette, was married by the Rev. Bishop Carroll to Jerome Bonaparte, the youngest brother of the first consul of the French Republic, afterwards the Great Napoleon, and from this union came the grandson, the former Secretary of the Navy, Charles J. Bonaparte, of Baltimore. Thomas Borland and Betsy Patterson were brought up like brother and sister, and the splendid service of Wil- liam Patterson endeared them both to the city of Balti- more and our State. William Patterson Borland, our former colleague and friend, was a familiar figure in the House of Representatives. Always vigorous, always at- tentive to his duties, and as a constant attendant upon the sessions he became known and loved by each and every one of his colleagues. The ability with which he grasped the various subjects of legislation was remarkable. His tenacity was almost beyond his endurance. When I first came to this House, eight years ago, he looked well and strong and the picture of health and vigor, but his con- stant and untiring energy greatly sapped his constitution, so that before he left for France, where he died, he showed the fatigue of the long sessions we have had during the past years. A man of perseverance, good judgment, and a splendid speaker was our friend Mr. Borland. We shall miss him in the Halls of Legislation. Marylanders, whom he has addressed on several occasions, will grieve at his passing away. They will connect his work and his life with the history of his illustrious namesake, William Patterson, and his grandfather, Thomas Borland, of Maryland. On behalf of the people of Maryland, on behalf of the great city of Baltimore, I extend to those whom he has left behind our tenderest sympathy, our greatest admira- tion for the deceased, and our fervent wishes that his family may look upon Maryland second alone to the State of Missouri, which he so admirably represented. [24] Address of Mr. Good, of Iowa Mr. Speaker : Death has laid its hand very heavily upon the Sixty-fifth Congress. During this Congress 14 Mem- bers of the House and 10 Members of the Senate have already passed to the great beyond. In the death of Wil- liam P. Borland the House lost one of its most scholarly and industrious Members and the Nation was bereft of a statesman of high order. His work in Congress was not confined to his district alone, but was national in scope and permanent in character. It was my good fortune to become closely associated with Mr. Borland. We had many things in common. We were of the same age, graduated from the same university, entered the same Congress together, and for eight years labored together upon the Committee on Appropriations. In this association I came to know him intimately. I admired him for his great industry, his ripe scholarship, and, above all, his straightforward and manly character. In my experience I have rarely met a man in whom there were so happily combined those rare qualities of scholar- ship, of fidelity to duty, of industry, and courage that were combined in him. His greatest work in Congress was in the preparation of the fortifications bill during the last session. That bill was prepared while we were at war and carried more than $6,000,000,000. Its preparation involved not only a study of our seacoast defenses in the United States, the Panama Canal, Hawaiian Islands, and the Philippine Islands, but it also involved the greater problem of supplying the American Expeditionary Forces in France with field artil- lery and field-artiller>' ammunition. This, in turn, com- pelled a thorough study of the productive capacity of [25] Memorial Addresses: Representative Borland America to furnish arms and ammunition necessary to win the war. It involved an examination of existing facilities and plants, the building of new plants, and the enlargement of plants already constructed. In the prepa- ration of that bill it was necessary to study not alone the practical questions of supplying materiel, but also the scientific problems involved in their production. The work of Mr. Borland in the preparation of that measure was the admiration and delight of his associates. Neither the magnitude of the bill nor the many minute details involved in its preparation deterred him in the least from the most searching and thorough investigation required for the solution of the problems which it involved. When that great measure was considered in the House it was found to have been so thoroughly prepared that scarcely an amendment to it was adopted on the floor of the House. I recall with great pleasure the manner in which he approached his work in the preparation of that bill. Weeks before the estimates were taken up by the sub- committee every member was furnished with a list of books and periodicals having a special bearing upon the production of the materiel which would be embraced within the bill. We were furnished by him with scien- tific references to the production of nitrates, liquid chlo- rine, picric acid, toluol, and other necessary ingredients of ammunition and high explosives, for which there was a great demand and of which there was a shortage in the United States. The preparation of that measure, there- fore, involved not only a knowledge of science, but a cool and deliberate judgment of a high order, and Mr. Bor- land's work in its preparation is a monument to his states- manship more enduring than granite. Mr. Borland was a very industrious Member of the House. He called his subcommittee together early in the morning, and its work kept them in session ofttimes until [26] Address of Mr. Good, of Iowa the late hours of night. He shrank from no duty, but ap- proached his work with genuine enthusiasm, and I have no doubt that his early demise was in some measure due to the unusual strain upon his time and strength which the consideration and preparation of the great bill which had been intrusted to his care exacted. His work is ended. It was well and patriotically per- formed. The great State of Missouri, which gave him to Congress, will miss him. His friends and associates here, where he performed his greatest public service, will miss his counsel and advice. But the greatest personal loss will be felt by his family. He was essentially a home man, and when not engaged in his public duties he sought the companionship of home. Surrounded by a loving and in- teresting family, he spent his leisure hours with its mem- bers. And so to-day our tenderest sympathy goes out to the bereaved widow and family left to mourn his loss. To them, as to us, he will be remembered as a man of high ideals, of pure heart, pure mind, and pure speech. Those who knew him best loved him most. [27] Address of Mr. Ferris, of Oklahoma Mr. Speaker : I knew the late William P. Borland inti- mately during the last 20 years of his life. He was the dean of the Kansas City Law School when I graduated from that institution. I knew him while he was teacher and I scholar; I knew him here in Congress as a Member of Congress. I served with him throughout his service here; I remem- ber very well when he first came to this House. I had preceded him by two years in the Congress of the United States, and when I met him down in the well of the House yonder he said to me, " I used to teach you. Now you can teach me." I merely mention that fact to show the breadth of character and the generous disposition that he had. As we see the lives of our friends ebbing away, as our friends pass to that unknown, we are always impressed with the mystery that enshrouds it and surrounds it, and we are again impressed, it seems to me, with the thought that death always comes too soon, and in the lives of men that are so full of usefulness, so full of true worth, so full of generous and unstinted endeavor, the loss which we feel and the loss which we know the world suffers becomes more acute and is brought home to us with greater force. Our late colleague had no enemies here and he had none at home. I used to live in Kansas City, Mo., myself. I was born in that State. I have known him intimately for 20 years. The State loses a great man, the Nation loses a great man, the Congress loses a great man. But it seems to me, after all, that when death approaches, as it must approach us all, it is worth something to his friends to know, and it will be worth something for his family to [28] Address of Mr. Ferris, of Oklahoma know, that while here he left nothing but favorable im- pressions behind and nothing but real and true service to the Congress, to Missouri, to the Nation, and the teeming millions that make up the Nation. I was proud to be a student of his school. I was proud to serve with him here. I was proud to have known him. I was proud to have known of his clean, honorable career. I am proud to utter this word concerning his life and character. "We may all mourn his passing. [29] Address of Mr. Clark, of Missouri Mr. Speaker: In this Congress the Missouri delegation in House and Senate has suffered an unusual percentage of losses. Senator Stone, Dr. Meeker, and William P. Borland were all called to their last accounts. Senator Stone was 68 years old, Meeker was in the very prime of his life, and Borland had not passed his meridian. Sena- tor Stone had nearly lived out the psalmist's allotment of threescore years and ten. There was not a more robust man in the House than Dr. Meeker. Borland was not very much behind him in that regard; a little older, not so heavy, but a man of remarkably good health. If I had been called on to pick out 25 men in the House who in all human probability would be living a quarter of a century hence, I would have picked both Meeker and Borland. Mr. Borland was a good-looking man, a pleasant man, a good debater, a tiptop stump speaker, an incorrigible optimist. He was a lawyer of high standing, author of three or four law books, dean of a law school, and had served in Congress 10 years. He represented one of the finest congressional districts in America. I do not believe that there is a finer body of land under the sun than Jack- son County, Mo., of which Kansas City — young, robust, growing, ambitious — is the metropolis. If a circle were drawn with a radius of 400 miles with Kansas City as the center, there would be more good land within that circle than any circle of the same size on the habitable globe. Borland was intensely proud of his district, as he had a right to be. He served the people thereof faithfully and well. He was also a popular lecturer. I do not know it [30] Address of Mr. Clark, of Missouri for a fact, but I believe part of his trip to Europe, on which he died, was not only intended for the purpose of getting first-hand information about our soldiers over there but also to collect material for a lecture about things con- nected therewith. He waged some notable battles while in Congress. Sometimes he won and sometimes he lost, as happens to most Members who take an active part in the proceed- ings. He was always on the side of the people. We were all much grieved, because of our friendship for him, to hear of his untimely death while still in the very prime of his splendid powers, and we were also greatly shocked because when he left his native country he was the very picture of health and seemed destined for a long life. I have often wondered why some people useful to their kind and their country are cut off in the prime of life, or even before they reach their meridian, while others live to great old age. When one of our friends departs we involuntarily re- peat the question that Job propounded thousands of years ago, " If a man die, shall he live again? " It is one of the most interesting questions about which man ever reasoned. I have no sort of doubt that the question was old when Job propounded it. I undertook once to run back to its source the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. It extends back to the very twilight of recorded history, and the chances are it was debated and talked about and hoped for before history began, and it will still be dis- cussed and talked about and hoped for by the very latest of our descendants. It is a great pity that Lazarus was not interviewed when he came to life. He undoubtedly could have thrown a flood of light on the much-debated subject. [31] Memorial Addresses: Representative Borland The ancients reasoned about it as clearly and compre- hensively as we do. A great many people think that Christ originated the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, but it has been the doctrine of the human race, it seems, from the beginning. Socrates reasoned it out that when he saw the wicked flourish in this world and the good in unfortunate circumstances, that there must be a here- after where these wrongs would be righted. When he was forced to drink the fatal hemlock, he said to his judges, " I go; you remain. "Which is the happier fate? " To my mind the doctrine of the resurrection, which runs like a thread of gold through all the New Testament Scriptures, is of most consoling character. In the human heart there is an unceasing yearning to meet again and greet again those to whom we were nearly connected in this life. The sweetest words that ever fell on human ears were those of Christ : " I am the resurrection and the life," and it has sustained men and women in all the difficulties and cruelties of this world. Among other characteristics, Mr. Borland was very active in his religious duties. His actions were correct, his language was chaste, and in this respect he was a model citizen. Defeat came to him as it comes to most everybody else in the long run, but he was so young, so vigorous, so well equipped, that I have no sort of doubt that if he had lived and had chosen to return to public life that his vacation would have been short. In the House we valued him highly while living, and we mourn him sincerely in his grave. Everything seems out of joint. Nature seems to have made a sad botch of the world. It has been customary to rail at religion for the great catastrophe which in late years has come upon half of the world. They find fault and pick flaws, and many sorely tried and despairing souls have felt constrained to curse [32] Address of Mr. Clark, of Missouri God and die. Yet over all the wreck of matter and crash of worlds we may still say, " The Lord God omnipotent reigneth." Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Yet hope will dream And faith will trust That somehow, somewhere, meet we must. Great religious revivals follow great wars frequently, and the signs of the times indicate that a universal revival is now impending. 49775—22 3 [33] Address of Mr. Hamlin, of New Jersey Mr. Speaker: The news of the death of our colleague, William P. Borland, came as a distinct shock to every one of us. It serves to remind us again of the fact that " in the midst of life there is death." At best, he has only preceded us a little while. Life is a great mystery. We can not understand why one so splendidly equipped to serve his fellows should be cut down in the very prime of life and others less fitted to fight life's battles are allowed to remain. We can only say " The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord." I believe that about 14 of our colleagues have answered the final summons during this present Congress. This should remind us of what Job said: " Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble, he cometh forth like a flower and is cut down." * * * «* jjig bounds are appointed and he can not pass." Another has spoken of the uncertainty of life in these words, " Go to now, ye that say, to-day, or to-morrow we will go into such a city and continue there a year, and buy and sell and get gain; whereas, ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little while and then vanisheth away." The religion of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only one that has answered the centuries-old question : " If a man die, shall he live again?" Job's faith in God enabled him to really answer his own question. He says : " There is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease, though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof [34] Address of Mr. Hamlin, of New Jersey die in the ground; yet, through the scent of water, it will bud and bring forth boughs like a plant." Clearly proph- esying the resurrection of thousands of years afterwards, Paul, descanting upon the same vital question, said : " But some man will say, how are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die; and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or some other grain, but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased Him and to every seed his own body." * * * "There are also celestial bodies and bodies terrestrial; but the glory of the celestial is one and the glory of the terrestrial is another." * * * " It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorrup- tion. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body." We, therefore, must believe in a future existence, and, by the same token, must believe in this life we must prepare for this future existence. I have no doubt but that this was the simple faith of our departed friend. May we all have an abiding faith in the efficacy of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, so that when we come to "pass over" we may know that we shall live again. [35] Address of Mr. Byrns, of Tennessee Mr. Speaker: Again the flag upon the Capitol has hung at half-mast and the hearts of the Members of the House have been made sad by the news of the death of one of their colleagues. Again the unrelenting hand of death has beckoned to one of our Members, and he has left us for that bourne from which no traveler ever returns. The death of Hon. William P. Borland forcibly reminds us that in the midst of life we are in death. It was but a very few weeks ago that in the best of health and spirits and with the promise of a long and useful life before him, he departed for Europe in order to personally visit the western battle front in France and to investigate condi- tions, particularly with reference to the boys from his own city and section who had given their lives in behalf of their country. Within two weeks after he landed in Europe he became ill, and the House was inexpressibly shocked and grieved to learn that he had passed away on February 20, 1919, near Goblenz, Germany. Mr. Borland and I entered Congress together in 1909 and two years later were both chosen to serve on the Com- mittee on Appropriations. Since that time we were closely associated in the work of the committee and a cordial friendship existed between us. I had occasion, therefore, possibly as much as any Member of the House, to observe the industry, courage, and intelligence which marked his whole career as a member of the committee and of Congress. There is no committee in the House which requires a greater degree of industry on the part of its membership than the Committee on Appropriations. The appropria- tions carried are so varied and cover such a wide range of subjects that one must have industry and diligently devote [36] Address of Mr. Byrns, of Tennessee himself to the study of the various subjects presented and have the courage to say " No " if he hopes to make himself a useful member of the committee. Mr. Borland pos- sessed both of these qualifications to a very high degree. He never failed to do his duty, and the knowledge which he had acquired by close investigation and application was always most helpful to the committee and to the House in consideration of appropriation bills. His courage was of a very high order. He never de- serted a principle in order to build up his personal politi- cal fortunes. He acted always from the highest motives and with regard to what he believed to be the best interest of the country. If he erred at times— and there are none of us who have not— then it was an error honestly made. He never voted for or against an appropriation because of any possible effect his vote might have upon his own political future. In addition to his work upon the com- mittee he found time to devote to the study of all the important legislation that has come before Congress, and the Congressional Record gives evidence of the careful and intelligent consideration he had given to most of the important matters which have come before Congress dur- ing his term of ofiice. He served his country faithfully and efficiently, and has left behind him an enviable record for close application and attention to duty and an earnest devotion to his country and the people who had honored him and whom he served with signal fidelity and ability. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Borland was greatly admired and re- spected by the members of the Committee on Appropria- tions, with whom he had served for eight years, and as an evidence of their affectionate regard and high estimate of his ability and value as a legislator I desire to make a part of my remarks the resolutions which were adopted by the committee at its first meeting after news was received of his death. These resolutions are as follows : [37] Memorial Addresses: Representative Borland The committee has heard with the most profound sorrow of the death of the Hon. William P. Borland, of the State of Missouri, which occurred near Coblenz, Germany, on February 20, 1919. Mr. Borland first entered Congress on March 4, 1909, and two years later was chosen a member of the Committee on Appropria- tions, upon which he served until his death with signal ability, unimpeachable integrity, unquestioned fidelity, tireless energy, and a genuine devotion to duty, which was characteristic of his entire career in Congress. Possibly the greatest service rendered by Mr. Borland as a member of the committee, and also as a Member of Congress, was as chairman of the subcommittee on fortifications in the prepara- tion of the fortification bill for the fiscal year 1919, carrying more than $8,000,000,000 in appropriations and authorizations made necessary by the war. He worked unceasingly and tirelessly to familiarize himself with the many technical details of that bill, and the hearings which were conducted as a preliminary to its preparation evidenced his hard work, his unceasing efforts, and his intelligent and thorough grasp of all the facts necessary for its proper preparation. In all of his public service he was actuated by the highest and purest motives and by the earnest desire to faithfully serve the country and those who had chosen him to represent them in the Halls of Congress. In January, 1919, he went to Europe for the purpose of making an inspection tour of the battle lines on the western front and to investigate conditions as regards American soldiers and hospitals. While on this tour of inspection he was stricken with bronchial penumonia and died far from home and native land: Therefore be it Resolved by the committee, That the death of Mr. Borland is a distinct personal loss to his colleagues on the committee, and that the committee has lost one of its most useful members, the Con- gress a capable, careful, and eflScient legislator, and the country a faithful and devoted public servant. Be it further Resolved, That we tender to his widow and family our most sincere sympathy on account of their great loss. And that this memorial be spread upon the journal and a copy furnished by the clerk of the committee to his bereaved widow. [38] Address of Mr. Dyer, of Missouri Mr. Speaker : I desire to add a word to what has already been so well said concerning the life and public service of my late colleague, the Hon. William P. Borland. He was a faithful and efficient Member of this House for a number of years. He possessed great ability and was an indefatigable worker. While I did not agree with him in all positions he has taken upon public questions, I recog- nize his honesty and uprightness of purpose. I mourn with my other colleagues and with the people of my great State in the loss that has come to us in his recent death. To his widow and loved ones I extend my sincere sym- pathy. The death of our colleague is but another evi- dence of the fact that — All that tread the globe are but a handful of The tribes that slumber in its bosom. In the passing of this splendid representative of the people it should cause us all to endeavor the greater to do our full part in giving to the people of the United States the best service that is possible while we are yet here. As has been so well said : Show us the truth and the pathway of duty, Help us to lift up our standard sublime Until earth is restored to its order and beauty, Lost in the shadowless morning of time. Teach us to sow the seed of many a noble deed, Make us determined, undaunted, and strong, Armed with the sword of right, dauntless amid the fight, Help us to level the bulwarks of wrong. [39] Address of Mr. Igoe, of Missouri Mr. Speaker : Mr. Borland was the third member of the Missouri delegation in the House and Senate in this Con- gress to pass away. When I received word that he was dead it seemed that there must be some mistake, because but a few weeks ago he was here in our midst busily engaged in the work that he loved so well and enjoying, apparently, the best of health. He had decided to go to France to see for himself the battle fields upon which our victorious armies had fought, to study at first hand the condition of our forces, and to become better acquainted with the great problems that have followed the ending of this the greatest war of all time. His illness while so engaged was unknown to us, and consequently the news that he was dead came as a great surprise to all of his colleagues in the House. As a Representative in Congress for 10 j^ears he had taken a prominent part in framing the important legisla- tion enacted during that period, and there were few men here who had a more comprehensive knowledge of the activities of the Government. As a member of the Appro- priations Committee he had rendered splendid service in studying the needs of the various departments, and with the other members of that great committee had labored industriously, especially during the war, in providing properly for carrying on the necessary work of these de- partments. The members of that committee are not fre- quently given credit for their valuable service to the coun- try, and yet there is no more important committee in the House. Upon their work depends largely the success of the departments, and in their hands rests largely the economical administration of these same departments. [40] Address of Mr. Igoe, of Missouri The members of that committee have a difficult and labori- ous task, and Mr. Borland brought to his work ability and industry unexcelled. His service here was marked by an active participation in the proceedings of the House, and he was unusually well informed upon public questions. In his State he was well known as a public speaker, and in his city took an active part in municipal affairs. Mr. Speaker, no Member of this House was more devoted to his work, and the record he made here will always be a monument to his industry, energy, and ability. Tuesday, March 4, 1919. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Young, one of its clerks, announced that the Vice President, in pursuance of the resolution of the Senate of February 25, 1919, had appointed Mr. Reed, of Missouri; Mr. Spencer, of Missouri; Mr. Gore, of Oklahoma; Mr. Hitchcock, of Nebraska; Mr. Kenyon, of Iowa; Mr. Thomas, of Colorado; Mr. Sherman, of Illinois; Mr. Curtis, of Kansas; Mr. Kirby, of Arkansas; and Mr. Nugent, of Idaho, as the committee on the part of the Senate to attend the funeral of the Hon. William P. Borland, late a Representative from the State of Missouri. 49775—22 4 [41] PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE Tuesday, February 25, 1919. Mr. Reed. Mr. President, after consultation with the Senator in charge of the bill, as he has no objection to the resolution being offered at this time, I am going to ask unanimous consent to claim the indulgence of the Senate. First, I ask that the resolutions of the House of Repre- sentatives be laid before the Senate. The Presiding Officer (Mr. Robinson in the chair). The Chair lays before the Senate resolutions from the House of Representatives, which will be read. The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows : In the House of Representatives, February 22, 1919. Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. William P. Borland, a Representative from the State of Missouri. Resolved, That a committee of 20 Members of the House, with such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the funeral. Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions of these resolutions, and that the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of the contingent fund of the House. Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. Mr. Reed. Mr. President, I offer the following resolutions and ask for their adoption. [43] LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 704 917 fi Memorial Addresses: Representative Borland The resolutions (S. Res. 468) were read, considered by unanimous consent, and unanimously agreed to, as fol- lows: Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announcement of the death of Hon. William P. Borland, late a Representative from the State of Missouri. Resolved, That a committee of 10 Senators be appointed by the Vice President, to join such committee as may be appointed on the part of the House of Representatives, to attend the funeral of the deceased. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these reso- lutions to the House of Representatives. Mr. Reed. Mr. President, I move, out of respect for the memory of the late Representative Borland, that the Senate do now adjourn. The motion was unanimously agreed to; and (at 7 o'clock and 5 minutes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until to-morrow, Wednesday, February 26, 1919, at 12 o'clock meridian. 9 [44] \ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 704 917 A pHS^