The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-04-19

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
SECOND SESSION.
MONDAY, April Is, 1912.

/ Mr.. w w. IRWIN addressed the House as fol-
lows
| rise, Mr.. Speaker, to perform most painful and
melancholy duty Death, that OF late has been SO ou-
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 THIS
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 born in Adams
county, in the Commonwealth of Pennsy lvania, 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 OF
residence He soon gave promise Of that excellence
for which, through life, he was remarkable and al
an early age was called to take active part in the
| councils of his native State For many years re-
esentative of her legislative body he was noted ior
his application to business, and his knowledge OF MS
duties The estimate placed upon him by his fellow
members is atested by the fact that for four success
sve sessions he was chosen Speaker of the House OF
Representatives from which dignfed position ne was
transferred by his constituents seat in Congress
He entered this body in 1885, and served during the
10Th and Goth 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
1910, he was returned member of the present Con-
gress.
ant ha1d nv Mr.
| 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 was prominent 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 amented friend in the public councils, and
can bear testimony to his merits and services as
| faithful public agent To them oon appeal for the
| truth of the remark, that few men ever deserved
larger share of the esteem and confidence bestowed
upon him. Fixed in his political principles, stead
fast of purpose and unwavering in the course of po-
Icy which he deemed just and patriotic, he was only
/
upon the rights of others, 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
keenly alive to all the responsibilities which devolved
upon him, and 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 one fraught with solemn in
struction Though long in the public service, MIR.
Lawrence could not have been considered an 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 constitutions fortified by
life of temperance and virtue when he was summon
ed to his home to attend the couch of dying and
dying daughter. Before he had recovered from
the shock with which terrible calamity had over
whemed him, he felt it his duty, in this evenfu crisis
to be here, and he accordingly hurried back to his
tba of cd uh I'D
robbed him of his children had taken deep root in his
own system, and soon after his return, completely
Frustrated him.
The faithful colleagues who ministered TO 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 coniding
hope with which he yielded up his pure spirit to the
care of his mercitu 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
p.soyred That this House has heard with deep
no,;on tina anpunciation of the death OF Hon. Jo-
sEpu LAWRENCE a member from the State Of Pennsyl-
vapia.
Pesolred That this House tenders to the relatives
IF the deceased the expression of its sympathy this
affecting event. and as 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 a committee be appointed to take
order for experimenting the funeral of the de-
ceased.
The resolutions having been agreed TO- Mr. IRWIN
submitted the following:
Oroered That message be sent to the Senate, to