Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1899-02-24
ELOQUENT and FEELING ADDRESSES
State Officers and rlembers of the
Assembly United in Paying Re-
spect to His Memory.

best thought and effort, and under ply
steal suffering, which we, endowed with
health and strength can not appreciate,
he performed with fidelity the trusts inn
posed in his keeping. Fear he never
knew. Once convinced Of the right
course, he pursued it with a courage in.
domitable.
Making what we all knew was a hope
less fight against disease, his supreme
courage sustained. him, and to the last
he never faltcred. The everlasting hills
were not more firmly fixed than was he
when. his convictions were established.
Supreme above all was his uniform
courtesy. Careful, to a fault, Of the
rights, and tolerant of the opinions of
others, he patiently heard all, scrupu-
lousy regarded all merits. carefully
weighed all claims and made decisions
after mature consideration. His mental
processes were quick and no n waited
long for his answer. He was possessed
of infinite tact, which coupled with his
courtesy gave him limitless power in
dealing with men and affairs. 1 have
often heard men unfold to him their
plans and projects, seeking his co-opcra-
tion or approval. When all was heard
his mind had grasped the salient point,
detected the weak spots, and found the
errors. His determination was final. If
%unfavorable, I recall his positive tone
and bearing as the words came, mo, sir.
I can't do that, because"--and in clear,
lucid terms his reasons were frankly
given. have seen men leave his pres
ence with pet projects destroyed. and in
stead of disappointment have heard
them express thanks for a favor received.
Few are the lei who can deny requests
in such a manner as to create the i'm
preston of granting a favor. His was a
nature not stilted, padded and inflated
to large proportions, to be stood on a
pedestal and viewed from a distance. It
was real, solid, and substantial: it could
be touched, felt and examined closely
and the nearer the touch and view the
sounder and larger it appeared. The
people can corne close to such Il man.
No artificial barrier separated Governor
Briggs from those about him. Those
nearest recognized best his greatness.
He is absent from II midst today, yet
he lives with us who knew him. AS time
goes on the impress Of his character will
uIoulu Jul IllOUSuto anu 1lScS. we
deeply mourn his loss. Yet we find sol
virtues, follow his example and shape
that the world may be benefited as we
transmit to others the good he gave to
us. So may this splendid state of ours
which he served, and it's people who
loved him with an affection rarely ac-
corded "a man in public life, receive at
our hands the increased benediction OF a
noble life.
hon. OSEPH HARE.
Mr.. Joseph Hare Of Burleigh county
was next recognized by the chair. He
said:
Mr.. President and Members of tho
Joint Assembly: Its befitting for some
one in the adjoining county to the one
of which the late Governor Briggs was Il
resident to say something on this occa-
sion. My remarks will be impromptu,
not knowing that 1 would be called on
to say anything until I arrived at the
capitol today. l knew our distinguished
friend, personally, not as governor of this
state so much as a citizen of the state
and a citizen of Morton county. While
Morton county claimed him as one of
their citizens we of Burleigh county
knew him almost as we'll and reckoned
him as a citizen of this county. Frank
Briggs was a man the same to the lowest
as he was to the highest citizen of the
state. He was a nan whom anyone
could approach. He was a man whom
to see and become acquainted with, O. to
shake his hand, was to inspire confidence
in him. As [ knew him-We often met
in a social gathering-Frank Briggs was
like the tallest forest tree that stood. He
had a knack Of bringing mems hearts
and souls to him. He was one of the
truest men I ever knew. He never
seemed to want to appear to be above
other men; no place you would put him
would elevate him in his own estimation.
L met him many times after he was gov
ernor of the state and it was the same as
it was in his capacity as a citizen-he
would reach out and take my hand and
say-"good morning Joe"-and I would
respond-"how are you Frank" He
did not care about Being called COVER
nor. He cared nothing for the fact that
he was governor but he did think a
great deal of that name-Frank Briggs.
He wanted to be known in his individual
capacity and if I ever was acquainted
with a man who I be. ieved was one of
Gods noblemen. born a true, honest gem
tleman, it was Frank A. Briggs. When
the people of this state put the helm of
the ship of state in his hands, it was in a
safe place.
HON.. L. B. HANNA
Senator Hanna spoke as follows:
Nj. President: We have met here to-
day to pay u respects to the memory
OF our late governor, the Honorable