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Full text of "... 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 March 10, 1918. Proceedings in the Senate April 11, 1917"

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65thCongress1  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES  ^No™ 

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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 


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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] 


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