The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-02-03

|
Ia 1885 Mr. KAuFmAs settled in Natchitoches.
louisiana in the practice Of his profession. and OBJ
tanned fair share of business, although surround
ed by able and older members OF the bar. Indeed,
few men had naturally more OF the elements which
insure success in any pursuit to which he might
have directed his attention.
That brilliant event, the battle Of San Jacinto.
turned westward the attention of the young and
the adventurous TO the star that had just arisen
above the political horizon In the spring OF 1887
Mr.. KAUFMAN emigrated TO Nacogdoches, IN the
republic of Texas. In 1898 he had already so lar
won the confidence OF the people among whom he
had established his home, that he WAS elected a
member of the Texan Congress He was twice re-
elected, and twice chosen Speaker OF the House-an
office which he discharged with much ability. In
decd, few men in this House understood better the
rules Of its proceedings, and the general parla
mentary law.
In 1913, having removed to Sabine county, he
was elected 10 the Senate, and from the Committee
Foreign Relations, IN lSii, presented a report
in favor Of annexation, characterized by much force
and strength of argument. He took an active and
Jealous part in favor Of that measure, and conri-
buted much to its contamination. He was imbued
with the general spirit that pcryaded the public
mind in Texas-a longing after "fathcrland, and
the hope Of enrolment beneath the stars and STRIPES
which always will be the highest glory OF any true
hearted American. He feels proud consciousness
that wherever they float, American cannon shall
protect American liberty
Neither the service OF my colleague TO Texas
confined TO her Legislative councils During three
paigns against the enemies Of his adopted country,
and bore wound conspicuously upon his person
the living record OF his gallant conduct.
After the adjournment of the Texan Congress in
1915, MIR. KAUFMAN was appointed charge to this
Government; but that office having been super
seeded by the final act of annexation, ne elected
one of the first members to this House from the
State of Texas, in which position he had ever since
been continued
DAVID o. KAuFMAs possessed intellect Of q
high order, which had been well cultivated. He
was patient and laborious-always presented his
subject in strong point Of view, with clcarnesa
and precision. He gathered up the learning of his
topic, without which be able to COM
mand success. No Representative was more zeal
Gus in the discharge OF his official duties No
member labored more, IN season and out OF season,
to perform his whole trust, and discharge the hum
| blest business conided to his care. 1t was this
fidelity that rendered him perfectly invincble in
| his district
Ofthe social qualities of my colleague all will bear
| testimony. He amiable and kind in his inter-
| course all occasions. He was an obliging, good
neighbor, always ready to assist the INDECENT and
! TO aid the young and meritorious. He de-
voted husband and affectionatc parent What the
| bereavement and loss of his relatives must be
der this most affecting dspensation, shall not at
tempt to portray Grief is too sacred for the mea-
| sured language of syn pathy coincidence.
MIR. Speaker, when tho aged man, who seems to
have finished his mission, 10 gathered to his ia
thers, we feel melancholy regret; yet there is a
consciousness that, after having finished the objects
| the final debt of nature, which must all satisfy.
But when who, like my colleague, full ofvigor,
in the meridian Of life and with brilliant prosp ecs.
! ia thus summoned without warning to another
existence the regret cannot be otherwise than pro-
l. found II is duty to submit without q nurmur
the nscrutabie will of Providence; yet it cannot
! but appear to ehort-sig htedness that some
! thing has been left unfinished and incomplete.
This sudden demise ought to admonish how
feeble lie the hold Of the strongest upon life, and
how urgent the necessity Of always being prepared
! for the great event to man.
| Dlr. II. concluded by Offering the following reso-
iutions
Resoipsd, That this House has heard with deep
emotion the annunciat,on Of the death Of the Hon.
DAVID ). kAUFMAs, a.member OF this House from
| the State OF Texas
Resoirsd, That this House tenders the relatives
Of the deceased the expression of its sympathy on
this affecting event; and. "a testimony of respect
Tor the memory of the deceased, the members and
officers of the House will 60 into mourning, by
wearing Grape on the left arm for thirty days.
| Rssolutd, That the members and officers of the
| House will attend tho funeral OF the Hon. DAVID
). KAUFMAN, deceased, from the Hall Of the House
of Representatives, Monday next, at IL
! o'cloc k, IN.
Resolved, That committee be appointed for
experimenting the funeral of the deceased.
Resoired, That, a further mark Of respect for
the memory OF the deceased, this House do now ad-
journ.
Mr. MORSE rose and said:
In secondng the resolutions that have Just been
read, hope that shall be pardoned if add one
word TO the eloquent notice which has been taken
of his decease by his colleague. There reasons
| why the portion of Louisiana which / have the
honor TO represent upon this floor, should mingle
her voice with that of the Representative of her SIS
| ter State.
MIR. KAuFMAH was for some time an inhabitant
Of the town Of Natchtoches, in the district repre-
sent, and at this day his is there recolec ted
with kindness and consideration Besides his
having once been a constituent of mine, a large
section Of country, seven miles broad, by nearly
! one hundred miles long, was taken from the dis
trict represent, and added to the eastern district
| of Texas.
Sir, know that these, my old constituents.
would not pardon me if did not now represent
/ their feelings in expressing their sincere regret
for and admiration of the character of their dis
| tinguished Representative.
| Sir, when few years ago bad the honor ofpre-
scnting Mr.. KAUFMAN as the first member elect
from the State of Texas, the district then repre-
sented was the most remote district in the United
States. Sir, since that time empire has arisen
upon the Pacihc-an empire has been added to this
Government, and is now represented in this House
and in the Senate of the United States. The re-
Election ia calculated to elevate and raise the feel
Jugs of the American pride; but there is something
in the scene presented. too, that reminds of the
| fraty ofall human efforts.
! Not twenty four hours since he was here in our
midst, engaged in the active duties Of legislation
there member Of this body with bright
or prospect for long and useful career. Mr..
KAUFMAN was among the Youngest most robust,
and noble looking men in this body.
There is no more trite truer sentiment than
how frail the tenure is by which hold our lives
and the recent melancholy event ia only another
evidence of the certainty Of death; and he Is the
only true philosopher who, believing the truth Of
the poet, is always prepared
IL it be now, Tia not 10 come;
I IL 1t be not 10 come, ii will be now
II 1t be not now, yet il will come
The readiness is all"
Mr.. McLANAHAN said
Mr.. SPEAKER: ] feel that il would not be oil
together inappropriate for me, on this soemn occa-
sion, to offer my tribute OF respect 70 the memory
Of the dead.
Mr.. KAUFMAN was native Of Cumberland
county, in the State Of Pennsylvania county
which have the honor 20 represent on this floor.
Although never enjoyed the pleasure OF per
ronai acquaintance with HIM until met him here,
| felt that knew him by reputation which won
the admiration Of every Pennsylvania. The an
nouncemen of his sudden death will cast the gloom
of sorrow over large circle Of attached relatives
and friends at the home OF bic boyhood, while il
/ will burst open the deep fountains of grief in the
bosom of those united by the tendcres ties of