Class _£l_Jq &-**____
65thCongress1 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ^No™
jd Session i l
l ;•■
HENRY T. HELGESEN
( Late a Representative from North Dakota )
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES
DELIVERED IN THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE UNITED STATES
SIXTY-FIFTH CONGRESS
Proceedings in the House Proceedings in the Senate
March 10, 1918 April 11, 1917
PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING
!
WASHINGTON
1919
Elm
R7 of 3.
FEB li I92Q
TABLE OF CONTEXTS
Proceedings in the House °
Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 5,8
Memorial addresses by —
Mr. George M. Young, of North Dakota 11
Mr. John M. Baer, of North Dakota 15
Mr. Gilbert Haugen, of Iowa 20
Mr. Charles 0. Lobeck, of Nebraska 22
Mr. Charles H. Dillon, of South Dakota 25
Mr. Ernest I.undeen, of Minnesota 28
Mr. Patrick D. Norton, of North Dakota 33
Proceedings in the Senate 41
[3]
HON. HENRY T HELGESEN
DEATH OF HON. HENRY T. HELGESEN
Proceedings in the House of Representatives
Wednesday, April 11, 1917.
The House met at 12 o'clock noon.
The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the
following prayer:
We come to Thee, O God our Father, with glad and
thankful hearts that we are involved in a plan which can
not fail of its ultimate purpose because of Thine infinite
wisdom, power, and goodness. Yet history, observation,
and experience teach emphatically that we may retard
its progress as individuals, as a Nation, a race, by oppos-
ing the will of its Projector. Teach us, O God our Father,
how to work together with Thee for the end which all
true men long for, hope for, pray for, that Thy will may
be done in us.
We have been touched by the going of a Member of this
House, which leaves a void in our hearts. Comfort his
colleagues, friends, and family by the blessed promises
of the immortality of the soul, and help us to look for-
ward with faith and confidence to the fulfilling of Thy
plans in the larger life beyond the grave. And all praise
be Thine through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mr. Norton. Mr. Speaker, it becomes my sad duty to
announce the death of the Hon. Henry T. Heegesen, a Rep-
resentative from the Slate of North Dakota, who died in
the city of Washington on yesterday afternoon. Mr. Hel-
gesen's career was a most distinguished and honorable
[5]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
one. For the last six years he was one of the most highly
respected Members of this body, and for more than 30
years he has been a leader in the civic and political activi-
ties of North Dakota.
I shall ask, Mr. Speaker, at some future time that a day
be set apart when Members of this House may be afforded
an opportunity to pay suitable tribute to his worth and
character. At this time I send to the Clerk's desk a reso-
lution, for which I ask present consideration.
The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the
resolution.
The Clerk read as follows:
House resolution 46
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Hon. Henry T. Helgesen, a Representative from
the State of North Dakota.
Resolved, That a committee of 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 ex-
penses 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 question was taken, and the resolution was unani-
mously agreed to.
The Speaker pro tempore. The Chair, by unanimous
consent, announces the appointment of the following
committee.
The Clerk read as follows:
Mr. Young of North Dakota, Mr. Norton of North Dakota, Mr.
Haugen of Iowa, Mr. Dillon of South Dakota, Mr. Johnson of South
Dakota, Mr. Gandy of South Dakota, Mr. Nicholls of South Carolina,
Mr. Clark of Florida, Mr. Kincheloe of Kentucky, and Mr. Booher
of Missouri.
[6]
Proceedings in the House
Mr. Norton. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following reso-
lution.
The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the
resolution.
The Clerk read as follows :
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House do now
adjourn.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 12 o'clock
and 24 minutes p. m.) the House, under its previous order,
adjourned to meet at 11 o'clock a. m. on Friday, April 13,
1917.
Friday. April 13, 1917.
A message from the Senate, by Mr. Waldorf, its enroll-
ing clerk, announced that the Senate had passed the
following resolutions:
Resolved, That the Senate has heard with deep sensibility the
announcement of the death of the Hon. Henry T. Helgesen, late
a Representative from the State of North Dakota.
Resolved, That a committee of 10 Senators be appointed by the
Vice President, to join the committee 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 the Senate do now
adjourn.
And that in compliance with the foregoing resolutions
tlie Vice President had appointed, under the second reso-
lution, as the committee on the part of the Senate, Mr.
C.ronna, Mr. McCumber, Mr. Kenyon, Mr. La Follette, Mr.
Jones of New Mexico, Mr. Husting, Mr. Cummins, Mr.
Broussard, Mi-. Smith of South Carolina, and Mr. Fernald.
Wednesday, March 6, 1018.
Mr. Baer. Mr. Speaker, I desire to ask unanimous con-
sent that Sunday, March 24, 1918, be set aside for addresses
m
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
on the life, character, and puhlic services of Henry T.
Helgesen, late Representative in Congress from the first
district of North Dakota.
The Speaker pro tempore. The gentleman from North
Dakota [Mr. Baer] asks unanimous consent that Sunday,
March 24, 1918, be set aside for eulogies upon the life,
character, and public services of the late Henry T.
Helgesen, a Representative from North Dakota. Is there
objection?
There was no objection.
Thursday, March 7, 1918.
Mr. Baer. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
the memorial exercises for the late Representative
Helgesen, of North Dakota, be held on the 10th of March
next at 12 o'clock instead of on the 24th of March.
The Speaker. The gentleman from North Dakota asks
unanimous consent to change the date for the memorial
services for the late Representative Helgesen from the
24th to the 10th of March. Is there objection?
There was no objection.
Sunday, March 10, 1918.
The House met at 12 o'clock noon and was called to
order by Mr. Norton as Speaker pro tempore.
The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered
the following prayer:
Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, so near and yet so
seemingly far;
Speak to him Thou, for he hears, and spirit with spirit can meet;
Closer is he than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet.
In pursuance to a long-established custom of the Con-
gress of the United States, we assemble here to-day in
memory of a Member who served with fidelity, interest,
[8]
Proceedings in the House
and ability his district, his State, and Nation for many
years on the floor of this House. His work done, Thou
hast called him to the larger life and to a larger service.
Death always comes with a shock. It is one of the pro-
found mysteries which our limited knowledge can not
solve.
The mind that thought, willed, and obeyed; the heart
that loved and poured its affections out to whom it was
sent; the eyes through which the soul looked; the hand
that clasped with warmth the friends and loved ones are
stilled; and we look with awe and reverence upon the
prostrate form.
The angel of faith comes to our relief.
Hope says, be still, sad heart, and cease repining,
For behind the clouds is the sun still shining.
So we trust and rest our grief in Thee, for love is im-
mortal, and, though long delayed, it shall at last be satis-
fied. This comforts us and all who mourn for the de-
parted; that we may look forward to a brighter day in a
brighter realm, where our loved ones shall dwell for-
ever in our presence; in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will read the spe-
cial order for to-day.
The Clerk read as follows:
On motion of Mr. Baer, by unanimous consent,
Ordered, That Sunday, March 10, 1918, be set apart for addresses
upon the life, character, and public services of Hon. Henry T.
Helgesen, late a Representative from the State of North Dakota.
Mr. Baer. Mr. Speaker. I ask that the following reso-
lutions be reported.
The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the
resolutions.
[9]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
The Clerk read as follows :
House resolution 268
Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended, that
opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of Hon.
Henry T. Helgesen, late a Member of this House from the State
of North Dakota.
Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory of
the deceased, and in recognition of his distinguished public career,
the House, at the conclusion of these exercises, stand adjourned.
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 pro tempore. The question is on agreeing
to the resolutions.
The resolutions were unanimously agreed to.
[10]
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES
Address of Mr. Young, of North Dakota
Mr. Speaker: Henry T. Helgesen, late a Member of
Congress from the first district of North Dakota, whose
memory we have met to honor to-day, was born near
Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa. After having been
educated in the public schools, normal institute, and busi-
ness college of Decorah, he entered the mercantile busi-
ness there. He moved to Milton, then in the Territory of
Dakota, in 1887. He at once became an active and per-
manent figure in the business and political life of the
Territory. He served two terms as commissioner of agri-
culture and labor, retiring from that office in 1892.
He was at all times a staunch friend of education. He
stood for higher standards for the public and high schools
as well as the institutions of higher learning. In this con-
nection he served as a member of the board of university
regents for 10 years.
A man of sterling honesty and integrity as well as a
close student of history and political economy, Mr. Hel-
gesen was an idealist in politics. In this respect he was
typical of the idealism characteristic of his race. He was
one of the first men in North Dakota to appreciate the
need for a reform in the political methods then in vogue.
He stood for clean primaries, clean conventions, and,
above all, for placing the reins of power in the hands of
:n]
Memorial Addresses : Representative Helgesen
the people. He fought for the restoration of genuine
representative government in North Dakota. To that end
he was active in the organization of the Scandinavian
League. That league was for a number of years a pow-
erful factor for clean politics. Later he became interested
in the movement known as Progressive Republicanism.
Living at a long distance from my home, I had not until
then become personally acquainted with him, though he
was a well-known figure in the State. From that time I
was intimately associated with him in political matters.
In 1908 we were the candidates of the Progressive fac-
tion for the two positions of Representative in Congress,
our State not having been divided into congressional dis-
tricts at that time. While we were both defeated, the
long and vigorous speaking campaign which we engaged
in was thought by many to have been in large part the
cause of the election of one-half of our ticket, it being
our habit to talk for the principles underlying our cause
rather than in aid of our candidacies.
Two years later, having received the highest vote among
those defeated at the former election, I was invited at two
different State meetings of Progressive Republicans to
become a candidate for Congress as a running mate for
Mr. Helgesen, the support of Progressive Republicans
being assured to both of us. Representative Gronna
having become a candidate for the Senate, there was a
vacancy in the House, and it was believed that one Pro-
gressive Republican could be elected. As our State had
not yet been divided into congressional districts, I would
have in a sense been a candidate against Mr. Helgesen,
as it was improbable that we could both be elected.
Mr. Hanna was serving his first term and, according to
custom, was thought to be sure of a second term. I re-
fused to be a candidate. This circumstance is mentioned
somewhat in detail as evidence of my great respect and
[12]
Address of Mr. Young, of North Dakota
love for our departed friend. I am proud to have thus
had the opportunity in a rather tangible way to show my
admiration and esteem of his many excellent qualities.
He was nominated and elected along with Mr. Hanna.
Within a few months the North Dakota Legislature di-
vided the State into congressional districts. So the way
was opened for me to come here, where I joined Mr. Hel-
gesen in the Sixty-third Congress.
My seryice with him here will always be a pleasant
memory. We were closely associated. I am proud to
have had his confidence. I valued his advice, and he
seemed to regard mine as worth while. The day before he
went to the hospital, never to return, he called at my
office and we spent almost three hours discussing some
pending legislation.
I admired Mr. Helgesen because of his splendid cour-
age. Having reached a decision as to what would be the
right course, he would stand fast, stand firm, and stand
alone, if need be. It was this trait of character which
endeared him to the people of his State and commanded
the respect and love of his colleagues in the House. He
had the spirit of William Lloyd Garrison when he said:
I will not excuse, I will not equivocate, I will not retreat an
inch, I will be heard.
To be first in advocating a good and, perhaps, unpopu-
lar cause is to be lonely, but to be thus lonely is to be
noble. It was this nobility of soul which characterized
Henry T. Helgesen.
Underlying all his business dealings and public acts
was a sublime faith in the religion of Jesus Christ. Pro-
gressive and advanced in his thought in all other respects,
he was old-fashioned in his religious ideas. Perhaps
that accounts for his rugged honesty. He lived his re-
[13]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
ligion. When the lime came he was ready to go, and, I
fancy, passed on in the spirit of one of the hymns he
loved :
0 love, that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul on thee;
1 give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
O light, that followed all my way, •
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray
That in thy sunshine's blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.
0 joy, that seekest me through pain,
I can not close my heart to thee;
1 trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain
That morn shall tearless be.
0 love, that lifted up thy head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
1 lay in dust life's glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.
[14]
Address of Mr. Baer, of North Dakota
Mr. Speaker: The United States is rightly termed the
melting pot of the world. From every clime and nation
men and women seek our hroad land to find their right-
ful place " in the sun " and eventually to hecome a part
of our citizenry. Of all the peoples who thus come to
our shores none more fully embody the elements of good
citizenship than do the Norwegians. Intelligent, thrifty,
and hard-working, they quickly and readily adapt them-
selves to the new land which they have sought from afar.
No " hyphenated Americans " they, hut an integral part
of our body politic. That community or State may call
itself fortunate which numbers among its people a goodly
proportion of citizens of Norwegian birth or ancestry.
It was the good fortune of the late Congressman Henry
T. Helgesen to be the direct descendant of such stock.
It was also his good fortune to be born poor. I do not
mean in grinding, abject poverty, but in those circum-
stances and conditions that teach lessons of frugality and
inculcate habits of thrift and industry.
His birthplace was a farm in Decorah, Winneshiek
County, Iowa. He received his education in the public
schools and normal and business colleges of that town.
There he spent his youth and early manhood. After
leaving school Mr. Helgesen engaged in mercantile pur-
suits and quickly became one of the prominent young
business men of Decorah. Great was the regret of his
fellow townspeople when, in 1881, the pioneer spirit of
his ancestors stirring within him, Mr. Helgesen, with his
young wife and babies, removed to the then Territory
of Dakota. He was one of the first settlers in Milton, of
which town he remained a citizen until bis death.
[15]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
It was not my privilege to enjoy the personal acquaint-
ance of Mr. Helgesen, but, as his successor in represent-
ing the first district of North Dakota in Congress, I have
learned much of his nobility of character and the high
esteem in which he was held by the people of his adopted
State. A letter written to him a short time before his
death by a North Dakota man well expressed this esteem.
The writer opened his letter with these words: " Dear
and beloved by all your constituents Mr. Helgesen."
The words " a prophet is not without honor save in
his own country" could never be truthfully spoken of
Mr. Helgesen, for in his home town of Milton the love
and respect manifested by the people who knew him
best — his friends and neighbors — is deeply touching. He
was their Congressman, but he was more — he was their
trusted friend and neighbor. He was " Heniy " to them,
and tears still dim the eyes of many as they recount the
kind words and deeds of him whom they loved. His life
was one of service in the best sense of the word.
You who knew Congressman Helgesen well know that
his splendid physique, vigorous strength, and command-
ing personality were the outward indication of a keen
intellect, an analytical mind, and invincible courage.
The most kind-hearted of men, he could be combative
and aggressive for what he believed to be right. He was
essentially a man of the people and a friend of the poor.
He loved liberty, hated oppression, and detested hy-
pocrisy. His friendship was true. It could be depended
upon. He never betrayed a trust. He was honest in
thought, in word, and in deed.
Mr. Helgesen's public and political career commenced
long before his election to Congress. When the Territory
of Dakota was divided he was the first commissioner of
agriculture and labor in the new State of North Dakota,
[16]
Address of Mr. Baer, of North Dakota
and held that office for two terms. For 10 years he was
a member of the board of regents of the University of
North Dakota. He placed a high value on education and
took a great interest in the welfare of young people.
When he became an employer of men it was his delight
to engage a struggling young man anxious for an educa-
tion and by every means in his power help such an one
to attain the goal of his ambition. Many a prosperous
young man in Iowa and North Dakota owes his start in
life to the helping hand extended by Congressman Helge-
sen. So unostentatiously were his kindly deeds per-
formed, however, that but few other than the recipients
had knowledge of them.
In private and in public life Mr. Helgesen was hearty
and sincere. He was outspoken with the candor of truth.
His home in Washington was headquarters for any of
his constituents who visited the Capital City, and warm-
hearted hospitality was always extended to the folks
from " back home." In his office or at his home his
friends were always welcome, but he had no time nor
inclination for intercourse with those who had proven
themselves insincere. He was a leader in the fight for
cleaner politics in North Dakota, and never in the many
vicissitudes of commercial, private, or political life was
his good name tarnished or his honor stained. His rule
of conduct was the golden rule, and his slogan was "A
square deal for all."
A plain, practical man, Mr. Helgesen yet possessed a
strain of sentiment of which only his close friends were
aware. A beautiful picture, a touching poem, and fine
music were deeply appreciated by him. Among his per-
sonal papers were always to be found clippings of short
poems and bits of literature which had appealed to him
and were treasured for their charm of pathos or senti-
ment.
116939°— 19 2 [17]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
His personal tastes were intellectual. He was a man of
wide and varied study and numbered among his friends
writers and scientists of world renown. His scientific
work and research in geography and current history were
extensive, and his contributions to the literature of
geographical exploration have attracted the attention and
won the highest commendation and indorsement of men
of learning and science.
Four times in succession was Mr. Helgesen elected to
represent the people of North Dakota in Congress, once
as Congressman at Large and three times as Representa-
tive from the first district. During his term of service he
was an honored and useful Member of this House, and
his active work on the Agricultural Committee will long
be remembered by his constituents and colleagues alike.
Rlessed with a keen mind and sound common sense, he
fought gallantly for any measure which seemed to him
to be for the best advantage of his constituents and the
people of the Nation at large.
Having spent his boyhood days on a farm, and repre-
senting a constituency largely composed of farmers, Mr.
Helgesen was ever alert to the agricultural interests of
the country. His speech in the House in 1911 on reci-
procity with Canada is still quoted as embodying the
soundest arguments advanced on that question from the
farmer's point of view. He was an ardent advocate of
woman suffrage and was ever ready to speak a good
word for that worthy cause.
In regard to our foreign policies, Congressman Hel-
gesen felt deeply, thought clearly, and acted with the
courage of his convictions. Always independent of
slavish precedents, he did not hesitate to cast his vote
with a hopeless minority when he felt that minority to be
right. As an opponent he was a fair and generous fighter.
He always fought in the open. He never stabbed an
[18]
Address of Mr. Baer, of North Dakota
antagonist in the back or shot from ambush. He never
faltered in a fight, even though he foresaw the loss of the
battle. To him —
It was not the loss of the hattle that counts,
But how did you fight, and why?
Mr. Helgesen was a loving husband and a kind and
affectionate father. He left to his children the priceless
legacy of unsullied honor and an untarnished name;
and when he was overtaken in the strength and prime of
manhood by that silent adversary to whom sooner or
later we must all surrender his last thoughts and words
were for the welfare and happiness of his loved ones.
In the opening days of the Sixty-fifth Congress his earthly
remains were carried to his boyhood home for their long
rest, and from far and near men and women came to do
him honor and to mourn his loss. Eulogies were deliv-
ered at his funeral by men of learning and eloquence, but
of them all none could surpass the tribute paid by the
plain words of hundreds of his fellow citizens that
" Henry Helgesen was one of the straightest, squarest
men the State had ever known."
He was a friend of truth, of soul sincere,
In action faithful and in honor clear;
Who broke no promises, served no private ends,
Sought no title, and forsook no friends.
[19]
Address of Mr. Haugen, of Iowa
Mr. Speaker : It was my pleasure to know Mr. Helgesen
intimately during his stay here in Washington, to serve
with him on committees where our duties Drought us in
frequent and friendly contact. I observed closely his
faithful and efficient work here in the House, especially
on the Committee on Agriculture. Of Mr. Helgesen it
can truthfully be said that he was a noble example of
manhod, kindly and lovingly disposed, greatly admired,
commanding the respect and admiration of all who knew
him. He was not only a man of high type of character,
sterling qualities, and talent, but he was sociable, courte-
ous, obliging, and loyal to his friends and his country.
He was endowed with lofty ideals, and always pursued
his duty with fidelity, industry, and rectitude of purpose.
His guiding star was honesty and sincerity, always shun-
ning deceit and cunning practice. Though modest and
unassuming, Mr. Helgesen was a man of action, a man
of firm determination to do justice and right to all. To
the bottom of his heart he deplored deceit and oppres-
sion. He was a forcible, logical, and convincing speaker,
a man of integrity, sound judgment, possessed of a broad
mind and firm convictions. As a result he honorably
and gloriously succeeded in fulfilling the duties incum-
bent upon him. Knowing Mr. Helgesen, it was impossi-
ble not to become attached to him and to be inspired with
the fullest confidence and respect for his grand character.
Mr. Helgesen was born in my district, in Winneshiek
County. On the hill overlooking the beautiful city of
Decorah and the splendid surrounding scenery rest his
remains. In that vicinity he spent his boyhood days, at
school and on the farm, up to the time he moved, then a
young man, to the State of North Dakota, where he soon
[20]
Address of Mr. Hacgen, of Iowa
became one of its foremost citizens, taking an active part
in politics, farming, and business. From boyhood bis life
was pure and stainless. He rose from the humble walks
of life to the high position which he held in this House.
His record, both private and public, is an open book with-
out a stain of immorality, deception, fraud, or corrup-
tion. I am sure that I voice the sentiment of every Mem-
ber of this House, his constituents, and all who knew him
when I say that in Mr. Helgesen we had a splendid type
of manhood, founded upon integrity and virtue; that his
loyalty to principles, his devotion to truth, his industry,
his conscientious and efficient work merited the esteem,
confidence, and respect in which he was held by his large
circle of devoted friends and admirers acquired during
his career here.
In his Christian home he was a devoted and kind hus-
band, an affectionate father, a friendly and obliging
neighbor. His death caused deep bereavement, sincere
and profound regret to all. He died in the full maturity
of his mental vigor, at a time when his life, character,
example, mature judgment, and wisdom was of the great-
est value to his country.
[21]
Address of Mr. Lobeck, of Nebraska
Mr. Speaker: I came here to-day more to listen than
to speak ; for I wished to hear the story of the earlier days
of our beloved colleague, his helpfulness to mankind, and
the tributes of affection to the memory of our departed
friend.
One of the first men that I met in Congress and became
acquainted with was Congressman Helgesen. Immedi-
ately there arose between us that friendship and love
that man should have for man and that will never be
forgotten. There was something about him that appealed
to me as a man of great thought and business ability and
as one who inspired confidence in everyone that he met.
Possibly one of the reasons for my getting acquainted
with him closely was that I knew of the nationality from
which his people came. I have known the Scandinavian
people from my boyhood days, and no better people ever
came to the West for the purpose of developing that great
country. As early as the forties, in the last century, the
Norwegians came to Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and later
to Minnesota, and then farther west, and no people have
done more to develop that part of our glorious heritage
than the Scandinavians.
They came with empty hands. Most of them were poor,
but they had a faith in themselves and in God. They
turned the virgin soil to the sun; they plowed, sowed, and
reaped; they built homes, humble in the beginning, but
which became in later years the very best in our country.
They did their part in building towns and cities. They
went into the lumber camps of the North and felled the
forests, and did as much as any other people to develop
[22]
Address of Mr. Lobeck, of Nebraska
that portion of our land. They entered into business life,
into every line of activity that the American people en-
gage in, and they have been successful. I believe that one
of the reasons why the Scandinavian people of this coun-
try have become true Americans is that they brought
the Bible and the hymn book with them. They feared
God and no one else. They commenced their services
praising the Almighty God, the Father of us all, and lis-
tened to the teachings of the Master in humble homes;
but as soon as possible they erected churches for divine
worship. And they not only erected churches but schools
and colleges, that their children might attend and learn
the ways of true Americanism and have that advantage
which would make them equally successful with other
peoples in the world.
From that kind of stock Congressman Helgesen came.
I listened to the remarks of my colleagues here as to his
early days on the farm, then as a young merchant, and
then as a pioneer in North Dakota. I have seen and
know of that same experience in the lives of many of
them, and I do not wonder that when Congressman Helge-
sen became a Member of this House that he knew the
needs of the people of the West, that he knew the needs
of the people of this country, and that he at once became
an active and useful Member of this House. It is to be
regretted that he should have had to pass away in the
prime of his manhood and usefulness.
The Scandinavians of this country have been a loyal
people. Mr. Helgesen could not have been otherwise,
because in the community where he was raised there
were no more patriotic people than the people of De-
corah, Iowa. When the call came in his boyhood days
from President Lincoln that this Nation must be pre-
served no class of people responded more freely than his
people.
[23]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
It is told of a neighbor of his that he had six boys that
went into the service for the preservation of this Union
who had the longest record of service of any family in
1861-1865. When the youngest boy, whom I have known
well in later years, came and asked his mother — he was
only 16 — " Can I enlist? " she said, " Five of my boys are
gone; you should stay at home." But the sturdy old father
rose up in his chair and said, "Any boy that I have got,
large enough to carry a gun for our flag and my adopted
country, shall have full freedom to go." Those six boys
gave 24 years of service in the preservation of our Union.
Henry T. Helgesen was but a little boy at that time, but
the spirit of the neighborhood at that time must have
created in him a patriotic spirit of devotion to our flag
and devotion to everything that the Stars and Stripes
stand for that could never be forgotten, and therefore I
do not wonder that as a boy, as a youth, as a young man,
and as he grew older in years he wanted to do the best
for his country, his neighbors, and be helpful to mankind.
It is that class of men in this country, that class of citi-
zens, that help make this country the best Nation and
the best people on earth. We can ill afford to lose men
like Henry T. Helgesen. It will take strong men to fill
his place. But we can look back with pleasure upon our
association with him, those of us who served with him,
and we can tell to those who come after us and to our
neighbors that there was no more faithful man to his
people, to his country, and to our flag than Henry T. Hel-
gesen, of North Dakota.
[24]
Address of Mr. Dillon, of South Dakota
Mr. Speaker : Henry T. Helgesen, pioneer, farmer, mer-
chant, public servant, has broken the congressional circle
and passed over to the valley of the great beyond. We
pause a moment to render a slight tribute to the memory
of a personal friend.
Mr. Helgesen was born near the city of Decorah, Iowa,
educated in the high schools, a graduate of the little
college that honors that city. He soon left for the North-
west, the Territory of Dakota, now North Dakota, where
he founded his home as a pioneer. When the State
entered the Union in 1889 he was elected io the office
of commissioner of labor and agriculture; he was re-
elected to the same position, in which he gave distinct
honor and service to his State.
He was elected to the Sixty-second, the Sixty-third, the
Sixty-fourth, and the Sixty-fifth Congresses, but before
the session of the Sixty-fifth Congress convened he was
confined to his bed in a hospital in the city of Washington.
But his interest in the legislation then pending before
Congress was intense. His mind dwelt constantly on the
great problems that were then pending.
Soon after I came to the Sixty-third Congress I had
the pleasure of forming an intimate acquaintance with
Mr. Helgesen. There was probably not a Member in
all that body that I became so closely associated with in
counsel and in the discussion of matters that were then
pending in Congress. , I found him strong in conviction,
sincere in purpose, loyal to his ideals; an unceasing
worker, untiring in his efforts to please the people who
sent him here.
[25]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
He was known as a Progressive. When that great
movement struck the Northwest he was a leader of those
who sought to bring hack the legislative department of
the Government to the constitutional rights of the people.
He was one who believed that the legislative department
of the Government should be brought close to the people,
and when he found his party in the wrong he refused to
follow them in the wrong. When he found them in the
right he gladly followed them and gave his counsel and
advice.
It was that sterling character of intense loyalty and
honesty that formed his opinions on every public ques-
tion. The loyalty of service was high in his character.
We often read of the physician who visits in the hos-
pital the sick with a contagious disease and refuses to
leave the bedside, notwithstanding the contagious disease,
the one thought being of public service. We read of the
engineer who remains upon his engine, moving swiftly
along the great railroad, with impending danger, and
refuses to leave his engine, knowing that those under his
charge rely upon him; when he could jump to a place
of safety, he prefers to go down in death into the coming
wreck; like the pilot upon the vessel, refusing to leave
his place of trusteeship until every passenger has reached
a place of safety.
It was such a purpose that was ever uppermost in (he
mind of Henry T. Helgesen and led him in his public
service in this House.
I was one of the number who journeyed on the funeral
train to that beautiful little city of Decorah, in the district
now represented by the gentleman from Iowa [Mr.
Haugen], and when our train reached there the whole
city was in mourning. The little children filled the streets.
From every part of the county came old friends to honor
and revere his memory. I could see many of them weep-
[26]
Address of Mr. Dillon, or South Dakota
ing as the funeral procession went up the street of that
little city. It was a testimonial that long will live in my
memory. They laid him to rest in the little cemetery
that overlooks the city, amid a wilderness of roses.
Let us, like him, seek the love of little children, the
good will of men and women, that our lives may he an
inspiration and our memory a henediction.
[27]
Address of Mr. Lundeen, of Minnesota
Mr. Speaker : In the prime of life he left us. Yesterday
he stood among us full of vigor and inspiring in his very
presence. To-night he sleeps beneath the stars.
And perhaps it is best thus in the midst of the battle of
life, while strongly defending those principles he held
nearest his heart, to go down to death and be no more.
He leaves a vacant chair, and aching hearts will always
recall him as he was. I can see him now striding down
the Halls of Congress, tall, strong, and powerful. His
quick glance and rapid words arrested and held attention.
He was a leader among men, and none knew him but
respected the Congressman from the first district of the
great State of North Dakota.
My acquaintance with Congressman Henry T. Helgesen
was brief, but will be long remembered. As a citizen of
Minnesota, I knew him well by reputation. He was be-
loved by his people, and his popularity was not confined
to the boundaries of the district which he represented in
Congress. Throughout the State of North Dakota and
the entire Northwest he was known as a man of honor
and integrity — a man of tremendous faith in the average
man.
Mr. Helgesen was a Progressive Republican, but he was
never at any time a blind follower of any man or of any
party. He served in this House under a Republican
administration and under a Democratic administration.
Four times elected to Congress by the Republican Party,
he was sometimes criticized by members of that party
for occasionally voting in favor of Democratic measures.
A stanch believer in Republican principles, he was suffi-
ciently broad-minded to be untrammeled by party ties,
[28]
Address of Mr. Lundeen, of Minnesota
and his vote was cast for what he believed to be the best
interests of the country.
Those who knew Mr. Helgesen know that he was a man
of strong convictions. In his political life he was not
given to snap judgments. He weighed each question as
it arose carefully and judicially. His decision made, he
was firm and unswerving in its advocacy. No criticism
or ridicule, no hectic clamor or political opposition, could
move him from his place.
In those stirring days of the Sixty-fourth Congress, when
the prospect of impending war was discussed on every
hand, Congressman Helgesen was firm in his contention
for a continued and impartial neutrality on the part of
the United States. Those of you who have served here
for many years know that it is no easy matter for a
man in Congress to be one of the small minority opposed
to measures which have the overwhelming support of the
reigning administration. Yet Mr. Helgesen did not hesi-
tate to place himself in such minority. At a time when
we were drifting nearer and nearer war Mr. Helgesen
introduced in this House a resolution demanding a refer-
endum of the people of the United States on the question
whether or not war should be declared. This resolu-
tion— the last one ever introduced by Mr. Helgesen — was
read into the Congressional Record by him, and in its
support he said:
Mr. Chairman, believing that the people of this Nation have the
right to be consulted and to determine for themselves whether or
not they want to become a party to the wholesale slaughter now
going on in Europe and offer their sons as a sacrifice to the
modern barbarous and inhuman engines of destruction used by
both sides in that conflict, I am introducing the following reso-
lution.
If the element which insists that war is the only way by which
we can honorably settle our differences with the belligerents in
Europe finally succeeds in involving us in that terrible conflict, no
[29]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
father, no mother, and no American boy who will be sacrificed in
the trenches in Europe will ever be able to truthfully say that I
have not done my utmost to save them from such a fate, or that I
have not tried to give the people of the Nation an opportunity to
determine for themselves whether or not they believe that war is
the only honorable means by which we can deal with the situation
now confronting us.
Those remarks were typical of the man. The life, lib-
erty, and happiness of the people of the United States was
first in his thoughts. His big heart beat warmly for his
fellow men. He was no pacifist by nature, as none know
better than his colleagues who served with him in this
House. Believing, as President Wilson said in his address
to the Congress on February 26, 1917, that " the American
people do not want an armed force put into action," Mr.
Helgesen exerted all of his influence to preserve an im-
partial and absolute neutrality.
The last speech made on the floor of the House by Mr.
Helgesen was a speech against the arming of American
merchant ships, and when the vote was taken a little later
on the question of armed neutrality — which was consid-
ered a practical declaration of war — Mr. Helgesen made-
one of a little group of 14 men who, fearlessly, in the face
of overwhelming opposition and at the risk of permanently
antagonizing the administration, voted against that meas-
ure. And from every part of his district, his State, and
the United States a flood of letters and telegrams poured
into his office, expressing the heartfelt thanks and appre-
ciation of American citizens from every walk of life for
his courage and fearlessness in making a determined
effort to save this country from the horrors of war.
Congressman Helgesen never forgot that he was a
servant of the people, holding office by their will. His
pride in the people who thus honored him was great, and
his earnest desire to serve his constituents, regardless of
politics, was well known. In that desire lay much of his
[30]
Address of Mr. Lundeen, of Minnesota
political strength. No complaint was too small for him
to investigate, no appeal so humble as to be neglected.
The welfare and wishes of his constituents were the guid-
ing light of his official action, and that light was never
dimmed by any willful act of his.
Always interested in the welfare of the rising genera-
tion, Mr. Helgesen was a strong advocate of vocational
education, the principles of which he put into practical
operation in the education of his own family.
Mr. Helgesen was deeply interested in geographical
and historical research, and his work along those lines
will be long remembered. It was due to his efforts that
the official United States maps of the Arctic regions were
corrected to conform to the latest and most authentic re-
ports, and his writings on Arctic exploration won for him
an international reputation. Some of the results of his
investigations were incorporated in a speech delivered
by him on the floor of the House on January 13, 1916.
In referring to this speech the noted historian and geogra-
pher, Edwin Swift Balch, of Philadelphia, wrote to Mr.
Helgesen :
It is as fine a piece of historical geography as was ever penned,
and it will live in geographical annals.
Dr. Herman Schoenfeld, Ph. D., LL. D., professor at
Georgetown University, also wrote Mr. Helgesen in re-
gard to the same speech :
You have rendered the greatest possible service to the sacred
cause of truth and science, and your name will therefore be en-
graved with golden letters in the records of truth in polar dis-
covery.
Dr. Chase Salmon Osborn, LL. D., author, explorer, and
ex-governor of Michigan, considered by many as the most
widely traveled man of this generation, wrote on March
20, 1910:
You have conferred a favor upon the people of the entire Nation.
As one of them, permit me to thank you.
[31]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
Middlcton Smith, explorer, author, and member of the
Point Barrow International Polar Expedition, summed
up his opinion in these words:
As a historical document your speech will live forever and a
day.
The greatest living American authority on Arctic ex-
ploration, Maj. Gen. A. W. Greely, leader of the Lady
Franklin Bay Arctic Expedition, commended Mr. Helge-
sen's work in geographical research in a letter written
under date of March 5, 1917, from which I quote:
Your investigation displays a legal mind of keen perception, and
your unselfish labor must have been great. * * I feel that you
have thus rendered a service both to the truth of history and to
the cause of science.
In the death of Congressman Helgesen his family lost
a kind and loving husband and father, his State a con-
scientious and able Representative, and the Nation an
upright and fearless statesman.
He grew in power and independence and his district
grew with him. The old first will continue for many a
decade to send strong and independent men to Congress.
Had he lived through the Sixty-fifth Congress he would
have continued to hold a leading place in the councils
of the Nation. Fearless, powerful, untiring, he is badly
missed to-day.
Mr. Speaker, death is the great tragedy of life, but, sir,
the life of Congressman Helgesen reminds us of the
service we can render and the influence we may leave be-
hind us.
The end of the road is a door to God.
Mr. Young of North Dakota took the chair.
[32]
Address of Mr. Norton, of North Dakota
Mr. Speaker:
The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power,
All that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave,
Await alike the inevitable hour.
The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
I come here to-day to pay my tribute of love to the
memory of him who was my colleague and my friend.
With those who knew and loved him for his gentle and
sterling character I come to breathe for a moment the
sweet fragrance of flowers his life left behind and to lay
upon the sacred altar of his fame my words of admira-
tion and esteem.
I can not hope to be able to pay just tribute in words to
the memory of North Dakota's brilliant and much-beloved
citizen whose untimely death we so much lament. The
magnificent accomplishments of his life, his rise from
humble surroundings to the position of a recognized
leader in the greatest legislative body in the world, are
the highest tributes and the most enduring monuments
to his memory.
Mr. Heloesen was of Norwegian descent. He came of
that hardy pioneer stock which in the middle of the last
century crossed the seas in quest of new homes and set-
tled on the untamed but fertile farming lands of the North-
west and which has done so much in the last 50 years to
make that section of the country the richest and most
productive part of the Nation. He was born, reared, and
educated in Winneshiek County, one of the loveliest por-
tions of Iowa, and spent the days of his mature manhood
in upbuilding the great Commonwealth of North Dakota.
116939°— 19 3 [33]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
By his career he added new honor to the race from which
he sprang, to the State where he was born, and the State
he represented here so well and so honorably.
It was my good fortune to have been closely acquainted
with Mr. Helgesen for a period of nearly 20 years. The
opportunity came to me to know him as he actually was.
It was given me to realize the real man and to appreciate
the worth and beauty of his character and life. His was
a rare spirit, such as is given to few on this earth, to
illumine the pathway as he went by the depth of his logic,
by the soundness of his wisdom, by the breadth of his
experience, and the strength and courage of his heroic
nature. The pomp, the power, and the pride of official
position never changed his simple faith. No man can
go far astray whose love of family and kindred and
friends was so great and such a guiding element in his
daily personal and public life as it was with my lamented
colleague.
For 30 years he was closely identified with the progress
and development of North Dakota. Coming to Dakota
Territory from Iowa when he was 30 years of age, he soon
made the influence of his learning, experience, and sturdy
character felt in the rapidly growing then agricultural
frontier of the West. Two years later, when North
Dakota was admitted to statehood in 1889, he was hon-
ored by being elected the State's first commissioner of
agriculture and labor and was reelected to succeed him-
self, serving in this position for four years. Later he
served as a member of the board of trustees of the State
University for three terms. His sound advice and counsel
did much to lay a broad and firm foundation for the
magnificent development and success which that institu-
tion has had during the past two decades.
Mr. Helgesen possessed in a very large measure the
strong and sterling characteristics of the Norwegian race
[34]
Address of Mr. Norton, of North Dakota
from which he was descended. His appearance and man-
ner were kind and pleasing. They were that of a leader
of men. They commanded the respect and confidence of
all his friends and acquaintances. He was a man at once
a lover of fairness and of freedom. He was among the
early leaders of the progressive spirit in the Republican
Party in North Dakota. From the railroad and reac-
tionary interests which for many years held sway in the
State he met bitter opposition. With the spirit of deter-
mination and persistence of the Vikings of old he fought
his way to the top and overcame all opposition. He lived
to see the principles of State government for which he
contended succeed. He lived to see the ideas and ideals
of truly representative government, which he advocated
in the State for many years when his followers were few,
become overwhelmingly popular.
Always liberal and open-minded, he refused to sur-
render his principles or compromise his convictions. It
was his sturdy character in public life that won and
held the confidence of the public.
During the six years he served in the House of Repre-
sentatives he won the highest respect and the fullest
confidence of all his associates. Mr. Helgesen was a
forceful speaker and at all times a thorough, careful, and
discriminating student of national affairs. He was one
of the best and most widely informed men on the very
important Committee on Agriculture, and Members of
the House always depended upon him for wise guidance
on all questions of legislation affecting the agricultural
interests of the country. Had not his career been cut
short by the grim reaper, Death, his industry, his intelli-
gence, and his broad experience would have won for
him a permanent place among the strongest and most
influential leaders in Congress.
He came from the masses of the people, from whence
has ever come the truly great. He was always loyal and
[35]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
true to the masses. He learned from the teaching of his
pioneer parents and from the hard hattles of life which
he fought the full meaning of the immortal plowman's
words :
The honest man, tho e'er so poor,
Is king of men for a' that.
He learned in life's battle that as loyal, as noble, and as
great a heart can beat within the homespun shirt of the
toiler in mine or field or factory as pulsates beneath the
royal purple of any prince; and that is why men who
knew him will ever love his memory and mourn the death
of this light-haired, blue-eyed, golden-hearted knight of
the people who lived and died without fear and without
reproach.
Mr. Helgesen was in very poor health many months
before his death. It had been most difficult for him to
remain at his work. The legislative problems which the
great war brought upon the country added to his labors,
but he was not one to shirk responsibilities. He was a
close student of war problems since the beginning of the
European war and had the interest of this Nation and its
people at all times close to his heart. He felt it his duty
to remain at his post, at whatever personal sacrifice it
might cost him, to give counsel to his people and to his
Government in days when the civilization of centuries
seemed threatened with destruction. Faithful to his ideal,
my colleague yielded up his noble and useful life. It is
to be greatly regretted that he should have been taken
away at the time his country was about to place all the
power and resources of its free people on the side of the
contest for world-wide democracy and freedom and for
the everlasting obliteration from the civilized world of
monarchy, militarism, and serfdom. His ripe experience
and his rich counsel would have been of inestimable value
[36]
Address of Mr. Norton, of North Dakota
to this Congress, but he is gone. Why he was taken from
us at such a time we know not.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footstep in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Still, he did not die in vain.
Mr. Speaker, the lives of each one of us are guideposls
to others along the pathways of life. Mr. Helgesen's
whole life exemplified what may be accomplished by un-
swerving honesty and a heroic determination to make a
success of whatever we undertake. The most inspiring
examples which have descended to us from the pages of
history, sacred as well as profane, are those of the early
Christian martyrs and the more modern political and reli-
gious reformers who have surrendered their lives upon
the altar of sacrifice, the quiet but determined heroes who
have suffered martyrdom for principles and convictions
they held dear, who have died uncomplainingly at their
posts of duty, as my colleague did. I saw and spoke to
him shortly before he was taken away. While he seemed
to realize that death was near, his mind was busy with
thoughts of State, and his inquiries of me were about the
work of the Congress, the progress of the world war, and
the thoughts, feelings, and welfare of the people of our
own Nation. His departing recalls to me the beautiful
lines which have been written on " Death and Duty: "
Dead at his post of duty!
What finer eulogy? All the boast
Of pomp and glory seems but idle breath,
I'cside tile calm quiet of death.
Where death and duty meet
Is found solution most complete
Of all life's problems! It's enough —
Dead and at bis post!
[37]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
But such men as he are not dead; they live in the hearts
of their countrymen. The verdict of history will be that
he was notable in those characters which go to make up
the best and strongest characters the world has known.
He was devoted to his country, faithful to his trust, sin-
cere in all his relations with his fellow men, and suddenly
taken from us in the prime of his faculties and the pleni-
tude of his usefulness. Death has bereft us of his pres-
ence. Death can not bereave his family, his friends, or
his country of the high service he rendered nor of the
tender memories his manly personality inspired.
While North Dakota's soil would have been proud to
have guarded his mortal remains, it was fitting that,
after life's duties nobly done, he should have been taken
home to the green hillsides of beautiful Winneshiek
County, Iowa, where he first saw the light of day. We
laid him to rest near the home of his boyhood, where he
first met, loved, and won the good wife with whom God
so blessed his life and of whom he was so justly proud.
He sleeps where hardy Norsemen and their descendants
have made with their toil and their intelligence a para-
dise out of once wild prairie lands. He sleeps near the
shadows of famed Luther College, an institution of learn-
ing which I know he admired greatly. He sleeps the last
long sleep, as he wished to sleep it, on a wonderfully beau-
tiful hillside overlooking the quiet but charming little
city of Decorah, where it can be truly said health, happi-
ness, and contentment cheer all who labor there.
With hearts full of sorrow we can truly say of him the
best that can be said of any man — the world is better be-
cause he lived in it.
Mr. Norton resumed the chair.
Mr. Young of North Dakota. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani-
mous consent that all Members shall have five days within
[38]
Proceedings in the House
which to extend their remarks upon the life, character,
and public services of the late Henry T. Helegsen.
The Speaker pro tempore. The gentleman from North
Dakota [Mr. Young] asks unanimous consent that all
Members have five days in which to extend their remarks
upon the life, character, and public services of the late
Henry T. Helgesen. Is there objection? [After a pause.]
The Chair hears none.
Under the special order for the day the House now
stands adjourned until 12 o'clock noon to-morrow.
Accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 10 minutes p. m.) the
House adjourned until to-morrow, Monday, March 11,
1918, at 12 o'clock noon.
[39]
Proceedings in the Senate
Wednesday, April 11, 1917.
A message from the House of Representatives, by E. T.
Taylor, jr., one of its clerks, communicated to the Senate
the intelligence of the death of Hon. Henry T. Helgesen,
late a Representative from the State of North Dakota,
and transmitted resolutions of the House thereon.
The Presiding Officer. The Chair lays before the Sen-
ate 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,
April 11, 1917.
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Hon. Henry T. Helgesen, a Representative from
the State of North Dakota.
Resolved, That a committee of 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 ex-
penses 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 the House do now
adjourn.
Mr. McCumber. Mr. President, I offer the following res-
olutions and ask that they be read.
[41]
Memorial Addresses: Representative Helgesen
The resolutions were read, considered by unanimous
consent, and unanimously agreed to, as follows:
Resolved, That the Senate has heard with deep sensibility the
announcement of the death of the Hon. Henry T. Helgesen, late
a Representative from the State of North Dakota.
Resolved, That a committee of 11 Senators be appointed by the
Vice President, to join the committee 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.
The Vice President appointed, under the second reso-
lution, as the committee on the part of the Senate : Mr.
Gronna, Mr. McCumber, Mr. Kenyon, Mr. La Follette,
Mr. Jones of New Mexico, Mr. Husting, Mr. Cummins, Mr.
Broussard, Mr. Smith of South Carolina, and Mr. Fernald.
Mr. McCumber. Mr. President, as a further mark of re-
spect to the deceased Representative I move that the
Senate adjourn.
The motion was unanimously agreed to and (at 6 o'clock
and 20 minutes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until to-mor-
row, Thursday, April 12, 1917, at 12 o'clock meridian.
message from the house
Tuesday, March 12, 1918.
A message from the House of Representatives, by G. F.
Turner, one of its clerks, transmitted to the Senate resolu-
tions on the life and public services of Hon. Henry T.
Helgesen, late a Representative from the State of North
Dakota.
[42]
L6Ja'2l