Qass. Book. <^/ 6Sth Congress 3d Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Document No. 185S JOHN H. CAPSTICK ( Late a Representative from New Jersey ) MEMORIAL ADDRESSES DELIVERED IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES SIXTY-FIFTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION ! 'i I 7 ' I ') I S ■ Proceedings in the House May 19, 1918 Proceedings in the Senate March 18. 1918 PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING /^o _^i/\ ■z.S WASHINGTON 1919 ■• /. n, oi' ;.„ !Ai 28 1920 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page. Proceedings in the House 5 Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 5, 8 Memorial addresses by — Mr. Richard Wayne Parker, of New Jersey 11 Mr. Charles 0. Lobeck, of Nebraska 15 Mr. Isaac Bacharach, of New Jersey 17 Mr. Michael F. Phelan, of Massachusetts 22 Mr. John J. Eagan, of New Jersey 25 Mr. William J. Browning, of New Jersey 28 Mr. William W. Venable, of Mississippi 31 Mr. Edmund Piatt, of New York 33 Mr. Elijah C. Hutchinson, of New Jersey 36 Mr. Otis Wingo, of Arkansas 39 Mr. Edward W. Gray, of New Jersey 42 Mr. Lemuel P. Padgett, of Tennessee 44 Mr. Frederick R. Lehlbach, of New Jersey 48 Mr. Frank P. Woods, of Iowa 51 Mr. Dow H. Drukker, of New Jersey 53 Mr. John R. Ramsey, of New Jersey 56 Mr. Simeon D. Fess, of Ohio 58 Mr. J. Hampton Moore, of Pennsylvania 61 Mr. Everis A. Hayes, of California 63 Proceedings in the Senate 67 [3] ^^^^ HON. JOHN H_CAPSTICK OF HON. }C Pboc>;euin<..s M( esagc 1 !.sti)ig tify and replenish the earth viilh all 0\r touched by the death of » DEATH OF HON. JOHN H. CAPSTICK Proceedings in the House of Representatives Monday, March 18, 1918. The House met at 11 o'clock a. ni. The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Coudcn, D. D., offered the following prayer: Our Father in heaven, we find ourselves submerged in almost impenetrable darkness, which covers the earth as the waters cover the sea; and we most fervently pray that it may presage the dawning of a new day, which shall flood the earth with light, warmth, and beauty; bring to men a clearer vision of the larger life, correct mistakes, right all wrongs, banish war, and establish a lasting peace; fructify and replenish the earth with all good; and unite all men and nations in the bonds of brotherly love: "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain." Our Father, our hearts are touched by the death of a Member of this House who has been taken from the con- fines of the now to the larger reward in the new life. Comfort us, especially those to whom he was nearest and dearest, by the precious promises of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Mr. Browning. Mr. Speaker, it is my painful duty to announce to this House the death of my colleague, the Hon. John H. Capstick, late a Representative from the fifth district of the State of New Jersey. Mr. Capstick [5] Memorial Addresses: Representative Capstick died yesterday morning at his home, Montville, X. J., shortly after 10 o'clock. I shall not attempt at this time to say anything regarding his good qualities or eulogize him in any way, but I shall at a future date ask that a day be set aside on which to pay tribute to his character and valuable public services. I send to the Clerk's desk the following resolutions: The Speaker. The Clerk will report the resolution. The Clerk read as follows : Resolved, That tlie House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. John H. Capstick, late a Representative from the State of New Jersey. Resolved, That a committee of 16 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 unanimously agreed to. The Speaker. The Clerk will announce the committee. Tlie Clerk read as follows: Messrs. Eagan, Glass, Hayes, Parker of New Jersey, Phelan, Woods of Iowa, Scully, Browning, Hamill, Drukker, Bacharach, Hutchinson, Ramsey, Gray of New Jersey, Lehlbach, and Lin- thicum. The Speaker. The Clerk will report the additional reso- lution. Tlie Clerk read as follows: Resolved, That as a further mark of respect this House do now adjourn. The resolution was agreed to. t6] ' Proceedings in the House Tuesday, March 19, 1918. The Speaker. The Chair wants to make an announce- ment before he forgets it. The gentleman from Cali- fornia [Mr. Haj'es] can not go on the Capstick funeral partj', on account of public business, and the Chair ap- points Mr. Swift, of New York, in his place. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Waldorf, its en- rolling clerk, announced that the Senate had passed the following resolutions: Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announcement of the death of Hon. John H. Capstick, late a Rep- resentative from the State of New Jersey. Resolved, That a committee of eight Senators be appointed by the Vice President to join a committee appointed by the House of Representatives to take order for superintending 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 Representative the Senate do now adjourn. And that in compliance with the foregoing resolution the Vice President had appointed the senior Senator from New Jersey [Mr. Frelinghuysen], the junior Senator from New Jersey [Mr. Baird], the Senator from West Virginia [Mr. Sutherland], the Senator from Indiana [Mr. New], the Senator from Idaho [Mr. Nugent], the Senator from Tennessee [Mr. McKellar], the Senator from Arizona [Mr. Ashurst], and the Senator from Georgia [Mr. Hardwick] as the committee on the part of the Senate. Tuesday, April 30, 1918. Mr. Browning. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House set aside Sunday, May 19, for addresses on the life, character, and public services of my late col- league, John H. Capstick, late a Representative from New Jersey. [7] MiiMoaiAL Addresses : Hi:i'iiesi:ntative Capstick The Speaker. The genlleinan from New Jersey asks unanimous consent that Sunday, May 19, he set apart for memorial services to his kite colleague, Mr. Capstick. Is there objection? There was no objection. Friday, May 17. 1918. The Speaker. The Chair appoints Mr. Browning to pre- side next Sunday at the memorial services for the late Representative Capstick. Sunday, May 19. 1918. The House met at 12 o'clock noon and was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore [Mr. Browning]. The Chaplain, Rev. Hcnrj' N. Couden, D. D., offered the following prayer : Our God and our Father, whose name is sacred to the heart of every true man; and who is the inspiration of every noble deed which reflects itself on the pages of his- tory, sacred and profane, in song and story, in monuments of bronze and granite, we thank Thee for that quality of soul in man which recognizes in his fellows willing and faithful service to his fellow men. We are here to-day to record on the j^ages of history the life, character, and public sers'ice of such a man. May those who knew him best speak in terms of elo- quence of his deeds — a man of great parts, successful in his business ventures, true to his convictions, he served his State and Nation with fidelity and j)alriotic zeal and leaves behind him a record worthy of emulation, a trusted friend, a devoted husband, a loving father. We mourn his going and our sympathies go out to his colleagues, friends, and those to whom he was nearest and dearest by the ties of kinship. Comfort them, we be- seech Thee, in the blessed thought that he lives to a nobler [8] PuOCIiEDINGS IN THE HoUSE life, and has gone to prepare a place for those whom he loved, and that in Thine own good time he shall receive them in a realm where sorrows never come and love lives on forever. Hear us and strengthen us to do Thy will and prepare us for the change which in the dispensation of Thy provi- dence waits upon us all, in the name of Him whose spirit lives in the hearts of men, to inspire, uphold, and sustain, now and evermore. Amen. The Clerk read as follows: On motion of Mr. Browning, by unanimous consent. Ordered, That Sunday, May 19, 1918, be set aside for addresses on tlie life, character, and public services of Hon. John H. Cap- stick, late a Representative from the State of New Jersey. Mr. Parker of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, several Mem- bers of the House who expected to speak to-day are unavoidably absent. I ask unanimous consent that any Members, those who speak or those who do not, who desire so to do, may extend by printing in the Record their remarks on the life, character, and public services of our late friend. The Speaker pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from New Jersey? [After a pause.] The Chair hears none. Mr. Parker of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I desire to offer the resolution which I send to the Clerk's desk. The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the resolutions. The Clerk read as follows: House resolution 352 Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended that opportunity may be given for tribute to the memory of Hon. John H. Capstick, late a Member of this House from the State of New Jersey. [9] Memorial Addkesses: Representative Cai-stick Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, and in recognition of his distinguished puhlic career, the House, at the conclusion of these exercises, shall stand adjourned. Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate. Resolved, That the Clerk transmit a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased. The question was taken and the resolutions were unanimously agreed to. [10] MEMORIAL ADDRESSES Address of Mr. Parker, of New Jersey Mr. Speaker : John H. Capstick was born September 2, 1856, at Lawrence, Mass. It seems to me that that town and its historj' were an inspiration to the boy. It was one of the mill towns on the Merrimac River. I knew it well only a few years afterwards when I went to school at Andover, Mass. It was created by those merchant princes and public benefactors, the brothers Amos and Abbott Lawrence, who put their mills there and had ended their long, useful, and patriotic lives only a year or two before our friend was born. Their memory is still green in New England and throughout the United States for business ability, acti\itj', and energj'^ in production and in fostering public improvement, for their public benefactions, for their beneficence, and their devotion to duty and faithful service in public ofTice; and that memory must have been an inspiration to that little boy in the town of Lawrence. Mills have always been the support of that town. The cotton factories of the brothers Lawrence were followed shortly by other factories, such as woolen and paper mills and the manufacture of steam engines. The water power had been developed and was the foundation for the mills. Our friend's father, John Capstick, an Englishman by birth, was one of those who gave prosperity to the town. He was a practical chemist in dyes and colors for textile fabrics, a most useful and complicated profession, whose need we are only now learning with reference to dye- stuffs and the fact that they have been made recently abroad rather than here. The boy was brought up and [11] Mkmorial Ai)1)hi;ssi:s : Hki'RKSkntative Capstick spt'iit liis lilc' in liiis skilled profession. While he was still a schoolboy only 12 years old Ihe family moved to Provi- dence, R. I., where he found himself in a broader atmos- phere, not only one of mills but of the university and the Stale government, and where he attended the Morej' and Gofl" College, a technical higher school of that day. He was even then an ardent American, and became a member of Rhode Island's crack First Light Infantry. In 1883, when he was 27 years old, the father and sons moved to Montville, N. J., a few miles east of Boonton, where they established their own dye works under the name of John Capstick & Sons. The works were successful, the town is their town, and the ground around was almost altogether owned by the firm. Our friend built his home, where he lived and died, on the hill above the dye woi'ks. Those works a few years ago were burned and torn down. But his life occupation had already grown out of the works. He had become vice president of the Morristown Trust Co. In 1905 he was made a member of the State sewerage commission, a most important work in our thickly settled State. In 1908 he became a member of the State board of health, and his associates immediately chose him as their president. He remained in these duties until he was elected to Congress as a Republican in 191 1. He was again elected in 1916. We expected a long service of him, but his health failed. He never thoroughly recov- ered, and he died on March 17, 1918, at the early age of 62. His work here shows that he loved what he had to do as a Member. He was full of patriotic energy. In May, 1016. when we enlarged the Regular Army after the service on the border, he printed a speech saying that the bill should have been stronger; that an army is an essential factor of safety and protection in emergency; that sparks from the flames of Europe have been car- [12] Address of Mr. Parker, of New Jersey ricd in our direction; "several times critical conditions have arisen; to-morrow may demand that we face others; history shows that the powers that have lived the longest have heen the strongest in security and protection; arma- ment is provocative of war only when it has heen pro- cured for aggression, and the fact that we have unlim- ited resources is only an invitation to attack, a greater invitation to attack, unless we utilize wealth and oppor- tunities as means of security and protection, but in order to increase and not diminish our influence in promoting peace; and the cost of preparedness now would be noth- ing compared with the cost of repelling a foreign invasion." I would have liked to read all tliis speech, but I have selected his own words from parts of it. He offered in that Congress a resolution that soldiers' mail should he carried free. In the speech he printed on the subject he urged that such a measure would be an incentive to soldiers to write oftcncr, as well as encour- agement to the folks at home to write to their boys, to whom letters from home mean so much. He printed a speech on the merchant marine, another on the proper and kindly transportation of cattle, and another with his resolution — I doubt whether it was in- troduced except by that speech — to provide every soldier who went to the border with a service honor flag that he might leave at home as a memento. All his speeches show his great heart. In the Sixty-fourth Congress he was a member of the Committee on Claims. It was a very hard-working com- mittee, and he did, at least, his share. I have gone over 35 careful reports which he wrote and filed himself dur- ing his short service. They are, of course, on business matters and not generally interesting to us all, but it is the kind of work that makes Congress a useful body. [13] Memokial Addkesses: Representatu-e Capstick He was most regular in attendance, devoted to his work, and showed sound judgment and care in the preparation of these reports. In the Sixty-fiflli Congress he was assigned to the Com- mittee on Banking and Currency, but he was too ill to take the active part which he certainly would if health had remained. We all know how devoted he was to home and to its duties and to its privileges. His wife was Ella F. Blake, of Boston. He was altogether a good citizen and neigh- bor. He was respected and loved by all who knew him. His geniality and generosity were always marked. Among other things, he loved music. He played the violin and the piano. Even on his deathbed his violin was by his side. He even remodeled his house and added a large music room and a beautiful organ, at the time that his wife and himself were left alone after the death of their only daughter and when he wished to take his dear wife's thoughts away from constant grief. His funeral was attended by men from all over our State of New Jersey, as well as from New York and Massa- chusetts. We were all sincere mourners at his grave. His memory will live with those who knew him as an honorable, true, and brave man who loved his country. Perhaps we could use the words: Write me as one who loves his fellow men. [14] Address of Mr. Lobeck, of Nebraska Mr. Speaker : After hearing the story of Mr. Capstick's life told by the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Parker] I regret that I did not know him more intimately. I did not have the honor and privilege to meet him often. My acquaintance with him was not of an intimate nature. During this Congress we were assigned to the Committee on Banking and Currency, but illness pre- vented the Congressman to attend, which I am sure it would have pleased him to do. I am certain that with his wide business experience, could he have been able to at- tend the committee meetings, his advice would have been very valuable. In reading the life story of the Congressman I read the same story that the average American, boy and man, must go through to secure the confidence of the community in which he resides. He must have the confidence of his business associates that he meets with in daily life to se- cure the eminence that Mr. Capstick attained. The high esteem and regard in which he was held by those who knew him best could not have been attained except by his careful attention to the business he was engaged in and his ideas of commercial honesty. I read that he was successful in his business; that in whatever he did he was most painstaking and industrious and gave the occupa- tion he was engaged in his most careful attention. I do not wonder that he was successful in commercial life. He was highly honored by the governor of his State, and by his fidelity to the trust placed in him was further appreciated and greater honors were bestowed on him; and his associates on the State board of health for the [15] Memohiai. Ai)I)iu;ssi;.s : Hi:i'KESiiNTATivi-: (Iai'stick State of New Jersey elected him to the presidency of the board, showing their appreciation of his services. No wonder his neighbors and his home people decided to send him to broader fields of action. They elected him to represent them in Congress. They knew and trusted him and had faith in his fidelity to his people, to his State, and to the flag of our countrj'. No doubt Mr. Capstick put the same energy in his work in Congress that made him so successful in business. Probably he overdid — there is so much to do at the Capi- tol — for a Member of Congress can be busy every moment, especially if interested in the work that comes to him. We shall miss Mr. Capstick. No man of his character and business abilities would pass unnoticed in the House of Representatives. Ability is recognized and asserts its way among the membership. It is a great honor to be a Member of the Congress of the United States, to possess the confidence of the home people, and I am sure he had that confidence. We know not why men are called away from life when it seems they have just arrived at the period of great use- fulness and helpfulness to mankind. Humanity can but demonstrate the fact of what has happened. We can not explain. In our associations with Members from everj' portion of our country we make personal friendships never to be forgotten. Since my coming to Congress many Members have passed away and are no more ; but their hearty wel- come, their friendly greetings, and their friendship will never be forgotten as long as memory lasts. Loving hands have laid away Mr. Capstick. Those that knew him best, that were his intimate associates, remember him as a good friend and neighbor, and they will miss him in their daily life, they will be belter for having known him; for, as I read the story of his achievements, I am sure his ' life was worth the living. [16] Address of Mr. Bacharach, of New Jersey Mr. Speaker: Once again the inevitable hand of death has been laid upon a Member of this House; and, in ac- cordance with its beautiful and time-honored custom, we are assembled here this afternoon to pay public tribute to the life, character, and public service of a departed colleague who has answered the summons of his Master and has rendered an account of his stewardship. On this occasion we are gathered here to pay tribute to the memorj' of one of New Jerse3''s adopted sons and distinguished citizens, John H. Capstick. late Representa- tive of the fifth congressional district, who died at his home in Montville, Morris County, on Sunday, March 17, 1918. Mr. Capstick was born in Lawrence, Mass., where he dwelt with his parents until the age of 12, when his fam- ily moved to Rhode Island. It was there that he received his early education in the public and private schools of Providence. His father, John Capstick, was a chemist of consider- able ability and a practical business man, who specialized in the coloring and printing of textile fabrics. With his family he migrated to the State of New Jersey in 1883, where he erected a factory at Montville and established the business of printing and dyeing, under the firm name of John Capstick & Sons, consisting of himself and his two sons, John H. and Thomas. By hard work and the application of good sound busi- ness principles success followed their undertaking, and in a few years the name and reputation of Capstick & Sons was well and favorably known throughout the field of textile commercialism. 116910°— 19 2 [17] Memorial Addresses : Representative Capstick Following the death of his father, John H. Capstick succeeded to the head of the business, which was con- tinued without change in name. The high order of busi- ness ability which he had inherited from his father and which he had developed by close attention to the minutest details of the work well equipped him for the duties which devolved upon him. Possessed of a strong and vigorous make-up, both men- tally and phj'sically, he put into his new responsibilities those energies which characterize the virile man of busi- ness. Under the impetus which his leadership gave to the business, increased success attended the enterprise with great rapidity, and not only did it bring wealth to the owners but it soon became the leading industry' of the little village, bringing much happiness and contentment to the community. It was more than a business to him; it was a living institution, with possibilities of growth and usefulness which awakened his enthusiasm and inspired in him almost filial regard. No labors were too exacting that would contribute to its growth and prestige, for he knew that its expansion and prosperity meant more to the hun- dreds of men and women in its employ than it did to him. His tremendous power for work and his ability to do big things was an inspiration to those associated with him to do their best for the mutual success and prosperity of all. By the application of methods of efficiency and the loyalty of those associated with him he developed a very excellent organization, and in the latter years of his life he was able to intrust the operation of the factory to subordinates and to give some of his time and ability to the welfare of his community, his State, and the Nation. He took an active part In all local civic affairs. In 1906 he was elected as a member of the board of direc- tors of the Morristown Trust Co., one of the largest and [18] Address of Mr. Bacharach, of New Jersey strongest financial institutions in north Jersey; in 1911 he was elected as one of its vice presidents, which office he held at the time of his death. I append herewith a copy of the resolution adopted by the board of directors of that institution upon the death of their colleague: Whereas tlie board of directors of the Morristown Trust Co., of Morristown, N. J., has learned with profound regret of the death on March 17, 1918, of their associate, Hon. John H. Capstick, of Montville, N. J.; and Whereas Mr. Capstick has served continuously as a member of the board from April 14, 1906, and as vice president since January 14, 1911 : Therefore be it Resolved, That the board of directors of the Morristown Trust Co. hereby expresses deep sorrow at the loss of their associate whose interest in the work of the company has been unremitting, whose character has been so admirable, and whose personality so congenial to the fellow members of this board; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the family of Mr. Capstick. Granville M. White, Henry F. Taylor, WiLLARD W. Cutler, Committee. It was not my good fortune to know Mr. Capstick intimately prior to our coming to Washington. We both entered as Members of the same Congress. In the days that followed a close intimacy developed between us which cemented a friendship that I shall ever cherish. To my mind, John H. Capstick was a man of remark- ably well-balanced judgment. Although conservative in his views, he was receptive to new ideas. I can readily appreciate him as a man who all through life was pos- sessed of unusual powers of concentration and resolu- tion, those attributes which go to make up a strong, unswerving character. His was a personality which literally grew on one. Large in stature and possessing a countenance clear cut [191 Memorial Addhkssks : Rephesentativ'E Capstick and well proportioned, his mannerisms at first suggested the austere; but uj)on becoming better acquainted with him one would find that, while reserved in manner, he was a warm, devoted, and faithful friend and an earnest, public-spirited American citizen. He was a man who had great depth of sentiment tor the persons and things near- est his heart, and preferred the quiet surroundings of a beautiful home life to the gaj'er life of society. Ill health prevented Mr. Cap.stick from taking his seat in the Hall of this House when the Sixty-fifth Congress was called into extraordinary session by the President for the purpose of declaring that a state of war existed between the United States and the Imperial German Gov- ernment; nor was he permitted to take up his duties at any time during the regular session. This was a matter which caused him very great con- cern and much mental anguish, for he knew how impor- tant it was for him to be at his post of duty during the trying times through which our country was passing. Had he been able to be present he would have cast his vote in favor of a declaration of war and by his every act he would have supported the Government of the United States for the prosecution of the war until a just and last- ing peace should be consummated. No one can ever question the loyalty and patriotism of John H. Capstick, for he was an American of the highest type in all that the name "American " implies. His rugged constitution and his indomitable will power gave him many recurrent hopes that he would one day be able to again take his place in Congress. He put up a fight for health and life characteristic of the man, but the body was not able to longer withstand the onslaughts of disease, and early in the month of March he was com- pelled to again take to his bed, from which he did not arise. [20] Address of Mr. Bacharacii, of New Jersey There, in the constant association of a loving wife and amid the surroundings of the home which he so dearly cherished, his soul took flight from the body. The esteem and regard in which he was held by his friends, both rich and poor, was most feelingly and eloquently expressed by their attendance at his funeral and by the many beau- tiful floral tributes which surrounded him in death. The services were held in the home, and the simple but solemn ritual of the Episcopal Church was in harmony with the modesty of the man for whom it was recited. He was laid to rest not far distant from his home. There, amid the scenes of his greatest activities in life, on a beautiful day in early spring, as the sun slowly but radiantly sank from view behind the hills of Morris, which he so dearly loved, the mortal body of John H. Capstick was laid away in its final sleep. He has gone, but his memory shall ever linger, for in the death of Mr. Capstick the Nation has lost a valuable servant, the State of New Jersey a distinguished citizen, and I a lovable and true friend. [21] Address of Mr. Phelan, of Massachusetts Mr. Speaker : As I arise to add a few simple words of tribute to the memory of our late colleague, John H. Cap- stick, I am reminded of our first meeting. We became acquainted almost immediately after he had taken his oath of office as a Member of the Sixty-fourth Congress. We had conversed but a few moments when he informed me that he was born and had spent his early school days in the city of Lawrence, which is located in the congres- sional district which I represent. It was not until in subsequent conversations he had made frequent references to that city and those early days that I fully realized that he had especially sought me out because I did represent the city of his birth. The fond regard with which he so often referred to that city, and the tender allusions he made to his father and to his inother in speaking of those early days manifested to me two of his most prominent characteristics, his intense loyalty and his deeply affectionate nature. The peculiar tie which had drawn us together served to unite us in a constantly warmer and fuller friendship. I was moved", therefore, by a sentiment of distinct per- sonal grief when death removed him from our midst. As our friendship had developed, I had become more and more attracted by his genial good-fellowship, his whole-heartedness, and his humanly sympathetic spirit; I had come to be more and more impressed with his sound judgment, his persevering industrj', his solidity, and his stability. I could understand why these virtues had gained him distinctive success in the fields of commerce. I could perceive why these same qualities could not fail, [22] Address of Mr. Phel.\n, of Massachusetts once he had entered upon a public career, to enable him to be of genuine service in public life. That this service witliin his own State was of a high order is evidenced by his election to the Congress of the United States. Upon the worth of his service here I shall presume to make only brief comment. It is difficult for us to measure the value of any one of our Members in the highly important and responsible work in which we are engrossed. At times, indeed, we become discouraged at what appears to be the lack of opportunity for an individual to be an influential factor in the legislation which we are enacting. The individual seems to be overwhelmed by the mere force of numbers, if nothing more. As we contemplate and reflect, however, we can better perceive the full op- portunity offered the individual Member through dili- gent application to make worthy and effective contribu- tion to the great legislative structure which we are build- ing. He can exercise a distinctive influence on the floor, where bills and resolutions are introduced, discussed, and passed, or in the committee room, where measures are framed. Indeed, entirely outside these two places he can exer- cise a forceful influence wherever he has intercourse with his colleagues. In our views, in our attitudes on public questions, we are in some degree constantly chang- ing, developing, and maturing. We are constantly af- fected by the views of our colleagues. We look to them for advice, suggestion, information, and support outside as well as inside this Chamber or the committee room. As the individual Member is affected, so the entire mem- bership is affected, and thereby the course of legislation in some measure influenced by the intellectual power and integrity of each individual Member of this body. A man of the constructive ability and plain honesty of purpose of John H. Capstick was, therefore, bound to [23] Memorial Addkesses: Representative Capstick be an effective force in the legislative acconiplishnienl of this body. He had demonstrated his constructive capacity in the upbuilding of a highly successful business enter- prise. With his broad and extensive business training, with his capacity for accomplishment, he came to this House prepared by special qualifications to engage in construc- tive work. In the comparatively brief period of his serv- ice he had already given ample demonstration of his powers. We who know the essential need of men of his type in the great constructive work upon us and ahead of us can best appreciate the loss which his death has en- tailed. Of John H. Capstick we shall ever cherish the fondest recollections. The charm of his personality will always linger in our memories. His resolute devotion to public duty will stimulate us in the vast task ahead of us. [24] Address of Mr. Eagan, of New Jersey Mr. Speaker: The heavy hand of death has been laid upon the New Jersey membership in Congress four times since I became a Member of this great body five years ago — Representative Lewis J. Martin died in 1913, Representative Robert Gunn Bremner in 1914, and Senator William Hughes and Representative John H. Capstick in 1918. By a strange coincidence, Senator Hughes and Repre- sentatives Martin, Bremner, and Capstick lived within a short distance of one another in New Jersey and repre- sented adjoining congressional districts. Following the time-honored and beautiful custom of Congress, we have gathered here to-day to pay our tribute of love and respect to the memory of our departed colleague and friend, John H. Capstick. It was not my good fortune to know Mr. Capstick inti- mately. I was not acquainted with him before his elec- tion to membership in this House, though, of course, I had known of his distinguished service on the State sewerage commission and on the State board of health and the commercial and banking activities in which he was engaged. In the very short time in which it was my privilege to know him I learned to love John Capstick for his unassuming manner, his genial good nature, to respect him for his unfailing good sense, for his application to his work in this House, and for his thorough American- ism. I am sure that had he been spared for long service in Congress he would have achieved a position of distinc- tion on the committees and on the floor of this House. [25] Memohial AoDuiissiis : Ri:i'iu:skntative Capstick Born and educated in New England, he removed in 1883 to Montville, N. J., where, with his father and brother, he established the print works of John Capstick & Sons, of which he ultimately became the head. In February', 1913, the entire plant of the Capstick Co. was destroyed by fire. Summoned from his bed in the early hours of the morning, Mr. Capstick rushed to the scene of the conflagration without taking precautions to safeguard his health. Throughout the night he labored in the cold and rain with those gallant citizens of the community who had responded to the alarm, but their elTorts were without avail. Years of hard work and effort were reduced to ashes in a few hours. The destruction of the plant brought to a close the long and honored business career of his firm. While he felt the loss of the plant keenly on personal and sentimental grounds, he regretted much more keenly the loss to the little community in which he lived by the destruction of its chief industry. The fire was a severe shock to his nervous system, and doubtless his death five years later is directly traceable to the exposure which he suffered in his efforts to check it. Early in life Mr. Capstick, believing that the interests of his country were best safeguarded under the principles expounded by Alexander Hamilton, joined the Repub- lican Party. He was always a stanch supporter of its principles and a strong believer in party organization. Before coming to Congress Mr. Capstick twice held ap- pointive office under the government of the State of New Jersey. In 190") he was appointed by Gov. Stokes as a member of the State sewerage commission, and three years later Gov. Fort appointed him as a member of the State board of health. Upon the organization of the board he was chosen as its president, which position he held until 1914. [26] Address of Mr. Eagan, of New Jersey During his regime he insisted upon the vigorous en- forcement of the health laws, and much new legislation was enacted, which placed New Jersey among the fore- most States of the Union in the matter of public health. In 1914 he resigned from the State board of health to accept the nomination for Congress. He was elected to the Sixty-fourth Congress and in 1916 was reelected to the Sixty-fifth Congress. A devoted husband and father, his untimely death has removed from our midst an able, hard-working, conscien- tious colleague and friend. Mr. Parker of New Jersey assumed the chair as Speaker pro tempore. [27] Address of Mk. Browning, ok Nkw Jersey Mr. Speaker: I had never met John H. Capstick per- sonally until after his election to the Sixty-fourth Con- gress, but in the first clasp of his hand I realized that I was greeting a man whose friendship I would value as long as I shall live. There was a light in his eyes, a kind- liness in his manner, and a tone in his voice which drew me to him as to a lifelong and intimate friend. In our service here I sought him often and we had talks on many subjects. His opinions were always expressed in unmistakable language and with a directness calling for few words. John H. Capstick was an American business man. He laid no claim to statesmanship. Yet, if his health had not failed and he could have been spared for longer service in this House, the qualities wliich made him a successful business man would have left their impress upon legis- lation. Appropriately he was assigned to membership on the great Banking and Currency Committee. This was his natural field of action, for he had been schooled by experience in the complexites of banking, having been a banker in New Jersey, where his judgment and good sense earned him the respect of his associates in business enterprises of wide scope. When this can be said of a man it is predicated upon a character molded by honest and upright dealings. After the war cloud had come upon us Mr. Capstick wrote me a number of times from his sick chamber, de- ploring the fact that he was unable to be in his place here; and while to each of his letters I replied that he must be patient and defer his return until the complete recovery of his health, I, too, wished tliat it might be [28] Address of Mr. Browning, of New Jersey otherwise ordered, for I felt that we had need of men of his keenness of vision, breadth of mind, and practical business methods to sit at committee tables in the prepa- ration of legislation and in the House to consider and vote upon the great measures necessarj' to strengthen the arm of the Nation for the performance of the task that had fallen to us. Mr. Speaker, New Jersey, like the rest of our sisterhood of States, has profited by the incoming from time to time of men descended from that dependable and sturdy peo- ple who settled on the bleak New England coast There Mr. Capstick was born and spent the early years of his life. At the age of 27 years he came to Montville, N. J., where he, with his father and brother, established a business which prospered. Later he succeeded to its entire owner- ship and accumulated sufficient to justify his retirement while still in the prime of life. His keen insight, his just appraisement of men, and his own innate sense of square and fair dealing — a rare combination of attributes, but prerequisites in anj' legitimate field of industrial enter- prise — resulted in what may be described in one word, " success." His j-ears of patient toil, and of foresight, and directness, measured by a high standard of personal rectitude, brought him to the due reward of material suc- cess. But the laying up of treasure upon earth was not alone the aim of this man. He so lived amid the changes and chances of this mortal life that he might not lose the tilings eternal. He did not barter away his " inheritance incorruptible " for the temporal and evanescent things of this life. He served the State of New Jersey for six years as presi- dent of the board of health. He engaged actively in all civic matters, to the advantage of his community. He was identified with every local charitable movement. In countless waj'S he rendered himself not only a foremost [29] Memorial Addresses: REPRESENTATn-E Capstick citizen but a public benefactor as well. In the hearts of his people the memory of this generous, kindly, and con- siderate man will long be cherished. Mr. Speaker, the life of John H. Capstick typifies the life of many splendid American business men. Our suc- cess as an American Nation rests upon the foundation built upon the lives of such men. But it has become a sort of fashion in this country in late j'ears to decry and denounce what is sneeringly called " big business." Little if any differentiation has been made by critics between the successful business man of good character and the comparatively few who use their wits in commercial life that they may defraud their fellows. In what may be termed a crusade against business and business men the honest have beeq made to pay the penalty along with the guilty. The life of John H. Capstick gives the lie completely to the accusation often heard that success and lionesty can not go hand in hand. This great war in which we are engaged will, I believe, help to correct many false impressions regarding American business life. Business men, upon whom in a crisis of this kind the Republic must depend largely for its source of material strength, have demonstrated patriotism, not by lip service but by sub- stantial contributions to their country's need, and a self- sacriQcing spirit that might well be emulated by their less sagacious and less successful compatriots. The passing of my colleague is keenly felt as a personal loss to me and to those who knew him best. But he has left a good name and has inherited the reward of the just. [30] Address of Mr. Venable, of Mississippi Mr. Speaker: I did not have the privilege of intimate acquaintanceship with Mr. Capstick, but I have heard the splendid eulogies pronounced upon his character and abilities by those who did know him, and I esteem it a privilege as a Member of this House to bear my own testimony to the worthiness of his character and the value of his work. It is upon times such as these, when we are brought face to face with the inevitable fate of all mankind, that we are caused to pause and countless questions arise in our minds. Men in all ages and in all times have been seeking what they call the highest good, each one asking himself the riddle of life and seeking to find the answer. Some have looked upon man as but a high order of brute creation, to live his brief span of years, to eat, to sleep, to work, and finally to die like the ox, to be assimilated only to the material elements that go to make up the world. Others believe that life is but a process of training; that death is but the door which will eventually swing open to permit the soul to pass into larger realms of life and activity and usefulness. One's idea of death and the feel- ings of those who are near and dear to the man who is dead must necessarily be largely influenced by the con- ception which we have of what death means. If it be the blotting out of all that exists of humanity, if it be the period to the sentence of human life, if it be that when death comes obliteration overtakes the man, then death is, indeed, a source of sorrow; indeed, a great calamity. If, on the other hand, death be but a great adventure, a step forward in the progression of the soul; if it be, as [31] Mkmoiuai. Ai)UHt;ssi;s : Hei'resentatim-: Capstick we believe, but the passageway through wliich the soul must pass to enter into a realm of greater life and light, of greater love and work, then, indeed, according to our belief, while we may feel the natural longings for one wlio has gone, still we must at the same time rejoice that this soul has taken this advancing step in human progress. From the testimonies which have been borne by the gentlemen who knew Mr. Capstick intimately and well, we have every assurance to believe that, having lived worthily here, having developed the powers with which he was endowed, having spent his life usefully, having put his talents out at interest, as he passed through the gates ajar he heard the blessed voices say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Mr. Browning resumed the chair as Speaker pro tem- pore. [32] Address of Mr. Platt, of New York Mr. Speaker: I have been called upon to-day to speak as one of Mr. Capstick's committee colleagues. My recol- lection of him, however, is mostly as a Member of the Sixty-fourth Congress, in attendance at sessions of the House. He was not then a member of the Committee on Banking and Currency, but of the Committee on Claims and the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of Commerce. Of his excellent work as a member of the Committee on Claims you have already heard from his colleague, Hon. Richard WajTie Parker. New Jersey, although one of the great financial and industrial States, had no member of the Banking and Currency Committee in that Congress from cither party, and when the present Congress was organized Mr. Capstick, who had given much of his time as a resident of New Jersey to banking and financial matters, was selected to represent his State on that great committee. I may say here that I think it somewhat unfortunate that he was not placed upon that committee in the preVious Congress, so that we could have had the benefit, when the Federal farm-loan act was under consideration, of liis business and financial experience and sound judgment. Time has shown, I think, that some mistakes were made in that act which his experience and counsel might perhaps have helped to avoid. 1 may say also that there was a special reason for assigning Mr. Capstick to the Committee on Banking and Currency. His district was the district formerly repre- sented for a long time by Hon. Charles N. Fowler, who in Republican days was the chairman of that committee nB940°— 19 3 [33] Mk.mouiai. Addulsses: UEPKESiiNXATivt: Capstick and author of niucli of the financial IcgishUion of tlie day, as well as of bills for the reform of the banking system of the countiy, which were widely kno^vn but were never enacted into law. Probably in the fifth New Jersey district the Committee on Banking and Currency was better known, through Mr. Fowlei-'s activities, than any other committee of the House of Representatives, and it was natural Jhat Mr. Capstick, whose training amply fitted him for the position, should have desired to become a member of that committee and should have been assigned to it. In the present Congress Mr. Capstick scarcely had a chance to serve. He was taken ill before the special war session. The committee of which he was then a member reported and was successful in passing some of the most important legislation of its historj', legislation without which the financing of the gigantic struggle in which our country is engaged could not have been successfully ac- complished. As to some of this legislation we, his col- leagues, knew that we had his support and approval. Doubtless all of it would have had his approval if he had not been too ill to consult. We missed him, for there were times when the argument was close and when the counsel of a practical business mhn of his large experi- ence would have made the path of sound finance easier. We frequently inquired of his New Jersey colleagues as to his condition and what the prospects were of his speedy return to dutj', and were disheartened when we seldom received encouraging reports, though the malady, so baffling to his physicians, seemed at times on the point of being mastered. Mr. Capstick was a man whom we all respected and admired, a man not only of good, sound business judg- ment, but a man of refinement, fond of such of the finer things of life as good music. He was not an old man; [34] Address of Mr. Platt, of New York and the fact that he was called away fi-om liis service here during this critical year of war at the age of 62, just when his service would have been most useful to his country and to the people of his State and district, just when he himself would have felt that his service could have been of the highest usefulness, is a matter of the greatest regret to us all. [35] Address of Mr. Hutchinson, of New Jersey Mr. Speaker: By the death of John H. Capstick this House has lost a valuable Member, New Jersey a loyal citizen, and the Republican Party a stanch supporter. People of a democracy seldom make a mistake in choos- ing inen for public office, and in the selection of John H. Capstick the fifth district of New Jersey used excep- tional foresight and jildgment. He was a man of strong convictions and well educated, possessing qualifications characteristic of his ancestry, which could be traced back to that band of Pilgrims that settled on the New England coast and laid the foundation for the Nation which it was afterwards his privilege to serve. During his entire life he displayed habits of industry and frugality and won for himself the confidence of all who knew him. His keen insight in the commercial and financial field, as well as his ever-increasing interest in matters pertaining to the civic and national welfare, marked him as a man of affairs, and his judgment was frequently sought and always freely given, for John H. Capstick was the type of man that never tired of doing good. He was born in the city of Lawrence, Mass., September 2, 1856, moving to Providence, R. I., at the age of 12 years, where he completed bis education and gained the busi- ness experience that shaped his future career. He followed the business of his father, who by profes- sion was a chemist and colorist, and after moving to Mont- ville, N. J., in 1883, he established the firm of John Cap- [36] Address of Mr. Hutchinson, of New Jersey stick & Sons, textile manufacturers, where by hard work, honest and straightforward business methods he became successful both commercially and financially and always regarded his success as an increased responsibility for greater usefulness to mankind. He retired from the textile business but remained active in the banking institution with which he was connected and was largely instrumental in making the Morristown Trust Co. one of the leading banking houses in the East. A man of culture and refinement, a lover of music and the things that make life beautiful, he preferred to leave the allurement of public office to others and spend his time in the companionship of his devoted wife and to- gether enjoy the fruit of their labor. But his ability hav- ing been recognized, the call was insistent, and he was pressed into the service of Iiis State, and he served New Jersey faithfully and well as president of the State board of health for six years and as a member of the State sewerage commission for two years. It was only natural when the time came for the people of the fifth congressional district to choose their Repre- sentative that they should select such a man, and the confidence reposed in John H. Capstick was never be- trayed. He came to the Sixty-fourth Congress with a rich ex- perience acquired by years of diligent study in the busi- ness world, fully conversant with the needs of the Nation, and by untiring devotion to his duty demonstrated such ability as to mark him one of the most dependable, ener- getic, and useful of the newer Members. His constituency appreciated the value of his service and renewed the honor by a threefold confidence, but the hand of disease was laid heavily on their favorite son and he was forbidden the opportunity of having a part in solving the great problems of war. [37] Memokiai. Addkessks: Rei'Hesentative Cai'stick During the long period of his suffering he followed the trend of national affairs with an eagerness found only in real men, and his last appearance in this House, made against the wishes of those who loved him host, was the supreme sacrifice he made in the service of his country. John H. Capstick was a man among men, true to his trust, a faithful husband and staunch friend, ready and waiting for the call that summoned him to his reward. [38] Address of Mr. Wingo, of Arkansas Mr. Speaker: I do not know of any higher tribute that could be paid to anyone when he comes to the end of life than to have so lived that he has gained the confidence and respect of all men with whom he has associated, re- gardless of political views. No man could have achieved the success that our departed colleague achieved, no one could have been so universally respected by his associates and those who knew him intimately, without being a man of unquestioned integrity' and high character. As you read the storj- of his life and the success that he achieved in a business way you are impressed with the fact that the greatest factor of success is the personal element, the confidence and respect which one earns from those who depend more upon the character of men than any obliga- tion or security they can give. It was not my good fortune to know our departed col- league as intimately as some of those who have spoken here to-day. Dealing, as our Committee on Banking and Currency docs, with great questions, it is a matter of genuine regret that during this Congress his ill health prevented him from giving us the benefit of his experience and the wisdom that comes from that experience in the consideration of our legislative program. The life and character of John Capstick and the high esteem in which he was held by his colleagues in this House and the fact that, regardless of any sectional relationship or partj' affiliation, he had the respect of Members on both sides of the aisle is but typical of the spirit and illustrative of the character of the House of Representatives. This House is truly a representative body, representative of the greatest, the freest, the most practical yet the most [39] Mi:.M()itiAi, AuiJiii' ssES : Pvi;i'1u:.si;n tatim. Cai'stick liberal democracy in the world. Character and ability, industry and devotion to dutj-, honesty of purpose and love of country are the things that determine one's stand- ing in this body — these are the only coins that pass cur- rent here. Mr. Speaker, it is true in this House, as it is in every other walk of life, that frequently men are stricken down right at the point when they have reached the maturity of their powers and high tide of their efliciency. We do not quarrel with the Divine purpose — our finite minds can not question the wisdom of the infinite — but in spite of our dutiful acceptance and submission to the Divine will we regret that men like Capstick should, at the hour when they have reached the fullest capacity and right at the time when, by reason of the standing they have earned and the respect which their character, their integrity, their ability, and their experience have won, they can be of greatest service to the community and the Nation, they are stricken by ill health and pass away. It maj' be, Mr. Speaker, as I grow older I notice these things more and more, but 1 have been more impressed with this fact during the last two sessions of Congress than ever before. We have lost men of simple yet forceful character, like Capstick, that the Nation could ill afford to lose in this trj'ing time, because if there ever was a time in the history of this Nation that we needed men of experience in this body it is now. His experience as a Member of this body had just reached that point where he could be of real practical service to the Nation. His ability and character would have given him an influence in shaping legislation that we are now enacting and which we must enact of even greater impor- tance in the future. We all know as a practical proposi- tion that, however distinguished a man's ability and how- ever great his experience and character may be in other walks of life, it takes that experience and knowledge [-10] Address of Mr. Wingo, of Arkansas that conies from active service in this House to equip a man for real service in this body. I have not under- taken to speak at length of the hfe and character of Mr. Capstick. These have been fully covered by those who knew him intimately and were qualified to speak as they have done to-day. I simply content myself with saying that from what I knew of the man, from the genuine ex- pressions of regret that have fallen from the lips of his col- leagues to-day, the obviously sincere tribute which tliey have paid to him, lead us all to the conclusion that it is a matter of genuine regret not simply to those of you who come from the Commonwealth of New Jersey, not simply to those of you who belong to the same political party to which he belonged, not simply to his business associates, but it is a matter of regret to the entire Nation that men like Capstick fall right at the time when he could have been of greatest service to his country and to his fellow men. [41] Address of Mr. Gray, of New Jersey Mr. Speaker: What is the greatest thing a man can do? There can be as many different answers to this question as there are different human desires, philosophies, and creeds. As the world goes to-day, we might expect that a ma- jority of men would answer that the greatest thing a man can do is to get wealth. They know that the degree of a man's success is popularly measured by the amount of money he possesses. A much smaller number would answer that fame is more desirable than wealth and is a worthier acquisition. Perhaps the two are not unrelated. How many seek money for its own sake and how many because with it they can purchase prominence? However, real fame has a more intellectual basis than this, such as unusual ac- complishment in art, science, morals, or religion. Wealth and fame are probablj^ the two objects most commonly sought by men, yet a man may attain both to an extraordinary degree and not be a great man. In fact, a man may be great in many respects and not be a great man. He may be a great banker or a great philanthropist or a great statesman or a great general or a great preacher and not be a great man. A great man is a broad man. He is to be measured not alone by what he has accom- plished but by what he is; and what he is is what his mind is, what his soul is. It is truth that makes men free, and a man is great ac- cording to his soul capacity for truth. He is a great man when, stripped of prejudice and bias and superstition and fear, he looks all things squarely in the face and seeks in all things to know and do the truth. [42] Address of Mr. Gray, of New Jersey I did not know John H. Capstick very well, but what I knew of him I knew well. He had acquired wealth and fame to a degree that lifted him above the mass of his fellow men; yet I do not know that he consciously strived for either wealth or fame. He was of the type of men who find joy in mere achievement. He was a successful man, but it would be incorrect to say that he was a great man. At the same time he approached greatness, as the meaning of the word has here been suggested, by pos- sessing an innate love of truth and a detestation of sham and pretense and hypocrisy. All of us who were asso- ciated with him in the House knew that nothing marred his serenity so much as listening to a speech he was satis- fled was not sincere. Also was his heart always set on voting right, according to what he considered to be his duty; and when he found his feelings divided on a ques- tion or his judgment uncertain it caused him grave worry and concern. No Member of the House of Representa- tives felt more keenly the responsibility of his member- ship in the " War Congress " than did Mr. Capstick. Thus do I pay him my brief tribute. Simple though it be, it is not insignificant. Through his own effort and industrj' he acquired wealth, position, and influence, which he tried conscientiously to use for the betterment of his countrj' and his fellow beings. While the soul finds enfranchisement in truth, to few, indeed, is the freedman's full title given. Hence, that man has well achieved of whom it can rightly be said, as it can of John H. Cap.stick, that his sincere desire was to give back to the world in full measure for that which he had received and that all the ends he aimed at were his countrj''s, his God's, and truth's. [43] Address of Mr. Padgett, of Tennessee Mr. Speaker: Friend after friend departs; Who hath not lost a friend? There is no union here of hearts That finds not here an end. Wc come here fi'oni all parts of the country unknown to each other. We come here, many of us, perhaps all of us, with limitations of a very different life from that we find here. In many instances we have our provincial- isms, we have our neighborhood surroundings, associa- tions, and habits of life and thought. We come here to a larger and broader sphere of action, and the horizon of our vision broadens vcrj' much. Perhaps before we come here we may have very limited conceptions and narrow feelings. Perhaps we may be influenced by very partisan conceptions, but in our associations here the vision of life broadens and we gather a higher and a bet- ter and a broader conception of men and of life and of purpose. As we mix here one with the other in our asso- ciations we are elevating ourselves into a higher concep- tion and better understanding of human character and human life and human pui"i)oses. We broaden ourselves by our associations and our minglings with each other. We may do that bj' our associations in likeness of thought and also in the very contest of opposed thoughts. After we have been here we form our personal attachments. There is one thing of which we are all proud and that is in our personal attachments, in our affection, one for the other; in our esteem and in our admiration there is no middle aisle of division or separation. [44] Adoress of Mr. Padgett, of Tennessee There is no line of demarcation that separates or that limits our admiration and our esteem for that which is honorable, noble, generous, manlike. Hexe it is that we find, as our vision broadens and the horizon extends farther and farther out, that within the boundaries of our own country everywhere are produced men of the high- est order — noble, pure, generous men, patriotic men, men in whose hearts the love of country and of honor and of truth and right and justice is just as strong and as devoted as in everj' other section of the country. And that, I think, is one of the great secrets of the success of the House of Representatives. We bring together men from all portions of the country, and it becomes a great melting pot. The dross gets out and the pure elements of high character, of devotion to principle, of uplift to a higher standard of manhood as here developed permeate the whole countrj' in the influences that go out from the congressional life of this Chamber. But with all our attachments, our admirations, our friendships there comes a time of separation. Some leave us voluntarily, retiring to private life for various reasons; some in the changes in the wheel of fortune at home are defeated for reelection, and every now and then there comes, as it has on this occasion, the hand of death, and the friend is taken away. But, Mr. Speaker, there is one thing that is to us a supreme comfort and consolation. The separation, in whatever form it comes, whether by voluntary retirement of a Member, or defeat in the chang- ing of the wheel of fortune, or by the pallid hand of death, is not a severance of our friendship, and death is not the end of our love, our esteem, and our admiration. Al- though death may come and take away from our midst our colleague and our fellow laborer, blessed is the thought that sUll in our hearts there survive in memory, in cherished memor>% the love and the esteem and the [45] Memorial Addresses: Representative Capstick confidence and the admiration wliicli our i'cllowship and our service and our work here begot in our friendships. Rather, Mr. Speaker, death is only the going before, going before to a larger life, into that life freed from the limitations of the habilaments of flesh, stripped of the bandages, if I may so term it, of the five senses, into that life, broad as the limits of space, as enduring as the eternity of God. It is life, not death, we crave — a larger, fuller, better life — and when we separate here it is not the forgetting, not the oblivion; it is only the thought that our friend has gone before into that larger, better life. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Capstick was what we might call a new Member. In the provinces of God it was not per- mitted him to remain here many years, and yet during his short stay, in his association, limited as it was in time, he commended himself to our esteem, to our confidence, and to our admiration. He made many friends, because his friendship was based upon the solid foundation of real worth. He was a man that was justly and rightly held in high esteem. It is well that, when the curtain falls, those who remain can say that during our association, our work, and our fellowship, " I knew him to be an honorable man; a man of character, of integrity, and of high-mindedncss." And such is the testimony of the life of Mr. Capstick. His private life was successful. I shall not go into that. It has already been enumerated. Rut, Mr. Speaker, the same elements of character, the same foundation prin- ciples of honor and integrity that manifested themselves in his private life and made it successful are the same ele- ments that commended him here to his associates in the work of Congress. We believe, Mr. Speaker — it is our faith — that in that larger life we shall meet and shall have opportunity for [46] Address of Mr. Padgett, of Tennessee larger service and larger usefulness. We can not draw the veil that separates that life from this and see into it with distinctness and clearness; we may say: We know not where His islands lift Their frondecl palms in air; Yet we do know we shall not drift Beyond His love and care. [47] Address of Mr. Lehlhach, of New Jersey Mr. Speaker: John H. Capstick, to whose sterling qualities and public services we bear witness to-day, re- flected to a marked degree the life and views of that sec- tion of New Jcrsej' he represented all too briefly in this House. Though born in Massachusetts and reared in Rhode Island, he removed to Montville, in Morris County, N. J., in his young manhood, and it was there that he spent his active life — wrought, achieved, and developed. True, the military schooling of his boyhood and his service in the Rhode Island Militia had their influence in forming that firmness of character and decisiveness which were' characteristic; but in every essence he typified the rural Jerseyman from the northern section of the State. In Morris County are found no great cities, no vast estates, no crass contrast of extreme wealth and dire poverty. Agriculture, on farms generally owned by those who till them, mingles with the industries of the pros- perous towns carried on by the intelligence and capital of the inhabitants themselves. Economically independent, these people are consequently politically and intellec- tually independent. They are of what we consider the soundest and truest type of American manhood. They reverence American traditions, believe in American in- stitutions; they possess a conservatism that compels them to reject new and strange doctrines repugnant to the fore- going fundamentals; but they are intelligently receptive to progressive ideas which seek the development of these sound principles to meet modern social and economic conditions. In such an atmosphere John II. Capstick spent the years of his manhood. His enci'gy and public spirit led him to [48] Address of Mr. Lehlbach, of New Jersey participate in the public afl'airs of his community, and his sound common sense and wise counsel earned him marked influence throughout the countrj'side. Contented in his devotion to the prosperous industry' he had established and developed and in his home circle, he sought no public office. He was at length prevailed upon to accept without remuneration the office of president of the State board of health of New Jersej', in which for a period of six years he rendered faithful and effective service. With his election to Congress there opened before him opportunity' for a career of great usefulness. It would seem as if his whole life had been shaped to train and develop in him those qualities which make a sound and successful legislator. In the inscrutable wisdom of Providence, his country, however, was not to benefit from his services. The blight- ing touch of disease rested on him before he had fully served here his apprenticeship, without which none can attain a position of influence in this body. Manfully he bore the pain and suffering through the progress of his ill- ness, cheerj', brave, optimistic, until in His own time the merciful Father laid his tortured body to rest and took unto Himself a great soul. John H. Capstick's most marked quality was a rugged and uncompromising honesty. It was of the very essence of his being. He could neither himself dissemble, nor had he patience with equivocation in another. He was sin- cere in his intellectual processes, held decided views, and never hesitated to give expression to them. This at times gave to one coming casually in contact with him an im- pression of brusqueness or harshness. Nothing could have been further from his true nature. Although a strong and forceful personality, he was at heart gentle, considerate, and kind. The loss of a daughter, who had twined herself about his heart, at the very threshold of glorious young woman- 116940°— 19 1 [49] Memokiai. Addklsses: Represi:ntativi: Capstick hood, bowed him with grief, but did not, as it might have done a smaller nature, embitter him. Unmindful of his own agony of soul, he devoted himself with loving gen- tleness to assuaging the sorrow of the one who shared with him the loss. Although a busy man of affairs, he had keen apprecia- tion for the fine arts, and was a critic of no mean discern- ment. He loved music, and understood it as only one may whose vcrj' soul is held in its thrall. In times of turbu- lence and trouble he turned to it for solace and found in its spell rest and peace. In the untimely end of his career the membersliip of this House has lost a loyal friend, his constituency a valuable Representative, the country a faithful servant. Strong and forceful, gentle and considerate, he was in all respects a true man. [50] Address of Mr. Woods, of Iowa Mr. Speaker: When in the splendor of physical man- hood our late colleague, Mr. John H. Capstick, entered the Sixty-fourth Congress he seemed as far removed from the summons of the dread reaper, Death, as any man among us. His active and elTicient service in that session of Congress gave promise of usefulness and achievement far beyond that ordinarily attained. Few men, indeed, had his capacity for labor. During his first session of Congress he spoke on a number of important subjects that showed a thorough understanding and a grasp of the affairs of the Government. He took his work seriously and went into every question presented with the thoroughness of a trained business man. I have often heard him say that the Government was the great- est of all business institutions, and one of its chief func- tions was to so conduct its affairs that every citizen shared equally in its blessings and benefits. How fortunate the countrj' having such men for its citizens. In this world of ours everj' act, every word, every thought tends to change the action of men fifty and a hundred years from now. And though his service in Congress was short, the work of Mr. Capstick will tend toward better govern- ment, more equitable laws more equitably administered for future generations. He went about his work with patient industry — an example we all might well follow as Members of Con- gress in our service for others. The love of a people for their country depends to a considerable extent upon the service of the Government for its citizens. The people are the Government in our countrj'. and in them rests the sovereignty, not because of the Constitution and laws [51] Memorial AnDKiissES : Represent.\ti\-e Capstick but as soinolhiiig inherent and l'iin8] Address of Mr. Fess, of Ohio A man of wealth, he was responsive to the needs of the times, and gave freely of his suhstance to the many move- ments of altruistic character. I instance the fact that in casual conversation with me one day in the Chamber he asked me about my experience while the head of a col- lege in Ohio. Upon my stating that a college president of to-day must be a successful money collector rather than a great scholar or administrator for scholarly mat- ters, he responded not only by assent to my observation, but without my asking it he drew a check on behalf of the college and requested that I use it for the good of some ambitious student who must have assistance to fin- ish his course. Upon further conversation I found he was making a systematic use of his wealth for the good of the world. Mr. Speaker, after all, political fame is little more than a bubble, which can not insure real happiness. We have a thousand proofs of it. Riches, as the world goes, have wings, and they are of the moment. None of these things of themselves abide. The real achievement is in matters of character which are of the substance of successful liv- ing. Wealth is a wonderful convenience but can not be of great and abiding value except as used to increase the personal and public weal. Fame is ephemeral and not worthy the seeking, as it inevitably ends in disappoint- ment and frequently sorrow. The man who is famous to-day may be infamous to-morrow, dependent upon the current of a fickle public opinion that sways with the strongest current. The surest road to the greatest happi- ness is that which leads to the greatest service to mankind. That road may lead through a business career where the accumulations of years are devoted to mankind. It may lead to a professional career whose talent and tact are devoted to the good of the race. The modern slogan of mankind is while making a living learn to live. This de- [59] Memorial Addresses: Representative Capstick mantis a service of public spirit, where energ}-, wealth, and reputation are employed to increase the goodness of the world. For such service membership in this House is an op- portunity. I believe the time is here now when human interest calls for legislation on behalf of our common humanity. In other words, legislation can not be circum- scribed by a mere money consideration. My short ac- quaintance with our colleague convinces me he had the proper angle as a public man, and I desire to pay this brief tribute to his memory. [60] Address of Mr. Moore, of Pennsylvania Mr. Speaker: Our New Jersey colleagues have paid their tributes to the late John H. Capstick, Member from the fifth New Jersey district. They have spoken of him as we are wont to do when those with whom we have fraternized in our respective delegations have passed away. What they have said has been appropriate and sympathetic. But the acquaintanceship which a Member of Congress from any State acquires after a brief experi- ence in Washington widens and broadens until Repre- sentatives of all the States evince an interest in his life and services. Mr. Capstick was elected to the Sixty-fourth Congress in 1914. The war in Europe had already started when he made his appearance at the Capitol. Like every other Member who came in with that Congress, he mingled with his fellow Members as one who realized that great events were about to transpire. It was this feeling of uncer- tainty on the part of all Members of Congress with regard to the future that gave Mr. Capstick ready access to the thoughts and expressions of his colleagues the country over. It was not surprising under these circumstances that one of his amiable qualities should rapidly advance in the friendship and confidence of his associates. I admired Mr. Cai'Stick because of his rugged and prac- tical interest in the new life he assumed. A business man, such as he was, is generally more reticent than the lawyer or professional man in matters of legislation, but our New Jersey colleague came into the congressional life when political and economic conditions were badly mixed and when the advice of a solid man of business was doubly welcome. His hard-headed common sense proved [61] Memorial Addhessks: Representative Capstick of much value to the committees upon which lie was ap- pointed and gave great promise of future usefulness. With him, however, it was as we, unfortunately, have sometimes observed in the case of other new and sub- stantial acquisitions to the House. He was not to be given the opportunity to fully develop his service here. He made a brave beginning. What he did was well and creditably done. Then came his sickness, and it long endured. The electors of the fifth New Jersej- district returned him to the Sixty-fifth or war Congress of the United States, and despite his illness he made a gallant effort to do his full duty. He returned" to Washington on several oc- casions — once accompanied by his physician all the way from the hospital — but so enfeebled as to lead his friends to doubt the wisdom of his journej'. It was his grit and mettle that induced him to come. Though he knew the outcome of his appearance in Washington might be fatal to himself, he still felt that he owed his vote and his at- tendance here to the constituency which had honored him. Of such stuff was our colleague made. I mourn witli my colleagues from New Jersey and other States the loss of John H. Capstick. He was a strong and vigorous American, too soon removed from tliose who loved him and from the path of patriotic duty which he heroically sought to travel. [62] Address of Mr. Hayes, of California Mr. Speaker: John H. Capstick became a Member of this House on March 4, 1915. He brought to his duties a ripe and successful business experience and at once im- pressed his colleagues as a man of strong convictions and fearless character and one well equipped for useful serv- ice here. Mr. Capstick did not disappoint these first impressions, but at once entered with zest into the activi- ties and legislation of this body, and those who came to know him came to appreciate, even in the short time he served here, his splendid qualities of heart and brain. His business experience and ability were verj' valuable to his colleagues and to his country and would have become increasingly so with the experience which years would have brought him had he been spared to us. Reared and educated in New England, he came to New Jersey when 27 years of age, where he became associated with his father in the manufacture of textiles, under the name of John Capstick & Sons. He continued this busi- ness, of which he later became the head, until his death, and in the prosecution of it acquired that experience and developed thfe character and qualities which distinguished his service here. I have a conviction that too few practical business men are sent by the different constituencies of this country to the House. Legislation here is very largelj' a matter of business. A very large proportion of the time of this body is spent in the consideration of revenue bills and appro- priation bills; in providing for the income of the Federal Government and in disbursing this income to maintain its various activities and functions. In fact, the business of the United States, under the control in its first stages of [63] Memorial Adukessls: Riii'UE.sENTATi\-E Capstick the House of Representatives, is the greatest business in the world. It is so vast and embraces so many dif- ferent activities that, no matter how able a Member may be or how long he serves here, he comes to know tlior- oughly but a very small part of the great governmental and business interests with which this House has to deal. A man coming here with a large business experience has a great advantage in taking up his duties over those who prior to coming here have had no such business experi- ence. Such a man has a different viewpoint than has the professional man, for example, and brings to the dis- charge of his duties a knowledge which can be acquired in no other school but the school of business. Because Mr. Capstick had a large knowledge thus acquired, as well as because of the splendid qualities of his character, I regard his death as a distinct loss to this House and to his country. Our late colleague rapidly made friends, and although among us comparatively but a short time he made many friends who will sadly miss him and whose loving thoughts and affection follow him into the great beyond. The human, the social side of the life here makes the service of a Member of Congress much more attractive than it otherwise would be. To all of us association with our colleagues is a great pleasure and delight, and fast friendships are formed here that last to the end of life. When these associations are abruptly terminated by death the pain that comes to the friends of the stricken one is second only to that which wrings the heart when one's family circle is broken by death. To me the last day of each Congress is a day of sadness, because on that day I bid farewell to many near and dear friends upon both sides of the aisle whose service here has finally terminated, whose faces I do not expect again to see, whose sympathetic handclasp I never hope in this life again to feel. [64] Address of Mr. Hayes, of California But I like to feel, as I think of the severing of these ties of love and friendship that come at times to all of us, that somewhere in the great unknown when the physi- cal bonds that limit our habitation to a fixed place have been cast aside we shall find it easier to meet and asso- ciate with those we loved here. In an environment where love and harmony are the ruling influences we may even find a higher and a sweeter pleasure in the society of our old friends and loved ones than we experienced while here. As another has beautifully expressed it: There is a mystic borderland that lies Just past the limits of the workday world, And it is peopled with the friends we met And loved a year, a month, a week, a day. And parted from with aching hearts; yet knew That through the distance we must lose the hold Of hand with hand, and only clasp the threads Of memory. But still so close we feel this land. So sure we are that these same hearts are true, That when in waking dreams there comes a call That sets the threads of memory aglow, We know that just by reaching out the hand In written words of love, or book, or flower. The waiting hand will clasp our own once more Across the silence in the same old way. The Speaker pro tempore. According to tlie resolutions which were adopted, the House now stands adjourned until to-morrow at 12 o'clock. Thereupon (at 1 o'clock and 32 minutes p. m.) the House adjourned until to-morrow, Monday, May 20, 1918, at 12 o'clock noon. 116940°— 19 5 [65] Proceedings in the Senate Monday, March 18, 1918. A message from the House of Representatives, by G. F. Turner, one of its clerks, communicated to the Senate the intelligence of the death of Hon. John H. Capstick, late a Representative from the State of New Jersey, and transmitted resolutions of the House thereon. Mr. Frelinghuysen. I ask the Chair to lay the resolu- tions before the Senate. The Vice President. The Chair lays before the Senate the following resolutions of the House of Representatives, which will be read. The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows: In the House of Representatives of the United States, March 18, 1918. Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. John H. Capstick, late a Representative from the State of New Jersey. Resolved, That a committee of 15 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. Resolved, That as a further mark of respect this House do now adjourn. Mr. Frelinghuysen. Mr. President, I send to the desk the following resolutions and ask for their adoption. [67] Memorial AriORESSES : Representative Capstick The resolutions were read, considered by unanimous consent, and unanimously agreed to, as follows: Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announcement of the death of Hon. John H. Capstick, late a Rep- resentative from the State of New Jersey. Resolved, That a committee of eight Senators be appointed by the Vice President to join a committee appointed by the House of Representatives to take order for superintending the funeral of the deceased. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these reso- lutions to the House of Representatives. The Vice President. Under the second resolution the Chair appoints the senior Senator from New Jersey [Mr. Frclinghuysen], the junior Senator from New Jersey [Mr. Baird], the Senator from West Virginia [Mr. Sutherland], the Senator from Indiana [Mr. New], the Senator from Idaho [Mr. Nugent], the Senator from Tennessee [Mr. McKellar], the Senator from Arizona [Mr. Ashurst], and the Senator from Georgia [Mr. Hardwick] as the commit- tee on the part of the Senate. Mr. Frelinghuysen. Mr. President, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Representative I move that the Senate do now adjourn. The motion was unanimously agreed to; and (at 5 o'clock and 25 minutes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until to-morrow, Tuesday, March 19, 1918, at 12 o'clock meridian. Tuesday, May 21, 1918. message from the house A message from the House of Representatives, by D. K. Hempstead, its enrolling clerk, transmitted to the Senate resolutions on the life and public services of the Hon. John H. Capstick, late a Representative from the State of New Jersey. [68]