The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-04-19
Tmentp=Seoenth Congress.
SECOND SESSION.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
MONDAY, April l6, 1912.

lows:
| rise Mr.. Speaker, to perform most painful and
melancholy duty Death, that OF late has been so bu
sy in these Halls has taken to his cold embrace ano-
| Their OF our most cherished members. My honored
| and esteemed friend and colleague, JOSEPH Law
RENEE is no more he expired at his lodging IN TINS
city, yesterday morning, after severe, and somewhat
protracted suffering, to which he submitted with
calmness and resignation worthy of the man and the
| Christian.
The deceased, Mr.. Speaker, was born IN Adams
county, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but,
in early infancy, taken by his parents to the coun
ty of Washington, in the western part Of the State
which ever afterwards continued TO be his place oil
residence He soon gave promise of that excellence
for which, through life, he remarkable, and al
an early age called to take active part IN the
councils of his native State For many years re-
esentatiye of her legislative body, he was noted Tor
his application to business, and his knowledge oil MS
duties The estimate placed upon him by his fellow
members is attested by the fact that for four success
sve sessions he chosen Speaker of the House oil
Representatives from which dignifed position he was
transferred by his constituents to seat in Congress
He entered this body in 1926 and served during the
10Th and 21th Congresses.
After the lapse Of some time, he again became
member of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, and
served in that capacity until elected by his fellow
members to the responsible station OF State Treasurer
and, finally, in the exciting political canvass OF
l640 he was returned member OF the present Con-
grcss.
In the various important stations held by MIR Law
RENEE, although plain farmer, he achieved high
reputation for strength of intellect, and that capacity
for public affairs which constitutes the true practical
statesman. As parliamentary debater, he former
y bore conspicuous part in most OF the great ques-
tions which have engaged the attention of the coun'
try and prominent as an advocate OF those
measures deemed vital to their prosperity by the peo'
pie of his own section of the Union.
More than one gentleman on this floor has served
with my lamented friend in the public councils, and
can bear testimony to his merits and services as
faithful public agent To them can appeal for the
truth Of the remark, that few men deserved
larger share Of the esteem and confidence bestowed
upon him, Fixed in his political principles stead
fast Of purpose and unwaverng in the course of po-
Icy which he deemed Just and patriotic he was only
anxious to do his duty, without seeking to trample
upon the rights of Others or to give offence to such
as differed from him in sentiment. Hence, in some
what long and chequered public career, and amidst
the stormy passions of fierce party strife, he set an
example of tolerance and forbearance, which, whilst
it was the offspring Of benevolence, won for him the
kind regard even of his opponents.
But Mr.. Speaker, whatever may have been his
merits as public man, it was in his social and do
nestle relations that the virtues Of the deceased shone
most brightly.
As husband parent, neighbor, and friend he was
keeny alive to all the responsibilities which devolved
upon him, and we may look in vain around us for
better model Impressed, from childhood, with the
truths of divine revelation, he at very early PERIOD
Joined in communion with the Presbyterian church,
in the faith of which he had been educated and to
which, through life, he adhered; showing to his
neighbors the example Of devout and transformations
worshpper and to the world the union of all those
sublime qualities which adorn the gentleman and the
sincere Christian
The occasion, sir, is fraught with solemn in
struction Though long in the public service, Mr.
Lawrence could not have been considered old
man. He was just entering on his 55th year. and,
within few weeks, was seen here, upon this floor,
active in his duties and in the apparent possession OF
all that health and physical energy which were the
fruits Of naturally strong constitution, fortified by
life Of temperance and virtue, when he was summon
ed to his home to attend the couch of dying and
diving daughter Before he had recovered from
the shock with which so terrible calamity had
whemed him. he felt it his duty in this eventful crisis,
to be here, and he accordingly hurried back to his
post; but alas the seeds of the malady which had
robbed him of his children had taken deep root in his
a.. offar nc atal,,
Frustrated him.
The faithful colleagues who minisered 10 the wants
Of this good man. during his days of mortal agony and
at last smoothed with their friendly hands his dying
pillow can testify to the calm courage and confding
hope with which he yielded up his pure spirit to the
care of his merciiul Saviour. The religion which
sustained him in his hour of trial. can alone give con-
ISOLATION to those cherished objects Of his affection to
whom this bereavement must be most appalling.
am admonished to forbear, and will therefore con-
clude by Offering in pursuance of the request of my
honored colleagues, the following resolutions
Reselred That this House has heard with deep
emotion thu IN n notation of the death OF Hon. Jo
sEpu LAWRENCE, member from the State of Penusyl
vania.
Resoired That this House tenders to the relatives
of the deceased the Expression of its sympathy this
affecting event; and, testimony of respect for the
memory of the deceased, the members and officers of
the House will 90 into mourning by wearing Grape on
the left arm for thirty days.
Resolped, That the members and officers Of the
House will attend the funeral of the Hon. JOSEPH
| LAWRENCE, deceased tomorrow at IL O'clock meri-
dian.
| Resolped That committee be appointed TO take
order for experimenting the furneIal Of the de-
ceased.
The resolutions having been agreed TO, Mr. IRWIN
submitted the following;
| Oraered, That message be sent to the Senate, to
notify that body Of the death of JOSEPH LAWRENCE
late one of the atiyes from the State of Penn.
syvania; that his funeral will take place, from the
hall of this House, Tomorrow at II o'clock, meridian