The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1902-12-11
In Memory of Mr.. Reed.

The House OF Representatives on Mon
day paid remarkable tribute to the
memory of ex-Speaker Thomas B. Reed.
His death had created a deep impression
and there was uniform desire among
the members that the House should sig
nally mark its respect for his memory.
For the House to take such action as
was desired on the death of former
member it had three presidents in its
history, namely occasions of Benton,
Blaine and Alexander Stevens, when the
House adopted resolutions and adjourned
out of respect for their memories. 1t
WAS decided to follow their precedents.
The chaplain, at the opening of the
session made feeling reference to the
death of the ex-Speaker. No business
was transacted beyond the formal read
ing of two messages from the President
and an arrangement to postpone the
special order for the day-the Londoo
dock charge bill.
Mr.. Sherman On. Y then arose amid
silence and after a few appropriate re.
marks offered the following resolution,
which was adopted without debate:
Resolved, That the following minute
be spread upon the record of the House
of Representatives
Hon. Thomas Bracket Reed died Ia
Washington, Dec. Z, 1902. For % years
he had been member of this House
for six years its Speaker. His service
terminated with the Fifty. fifth Congress.
Within this chamber, the scene of his
LIES great activities was laid. Here he
rendered services to his country which
placed him in the front ranks of Ameri-
can craftsmanship. Here he exhibited
characteristics which compelled respect
and won admiration. Forceful ability,
intrinsic worth, strength of character,
brought him popular fame and congress
sional leadership. In him depth and
breadth of intellect, with full and we'll
rounded development had produced a
giant who lowered above his fellows
and impressed them with his power and
wisdom.
"A distinguished statesman; lofty
patriot; cultured scholar and incisive
writer; an unique crater; an unmatched
debater, master Of logic, wit, satire,
the most famous of the worlds paria-
mentariaus; the great and representa-
tive citizen of the American republic
has gone into history.
"Resolved That in honor OF the dis
tinguished dead, the House now adjourn"
The funeral service OF Hon. Thomas
3. Reed was held in Portland, Tuesday
afternoon. For man so distinguished
in the annals 0f his country, the services
in the First Parish Unitarian church,
were remarkably simple. A few strains
Of the organ, a score of comforting pas
sages from scripture, a feIVent prayer, a
brief but eloquent eulogy, and the bene-
dictiOn.
Representatives of the Maine Loyal
legion, several Grand Army Posts and
many prominent citiz,ns Of Maine were
in attendance, also Gov. John F. Hill,
Adjutant General A. b. Farnham, In-
spector General Frank l.. Hoyt, Col.
Frederick Hale, Col. Thomas H. Ander-
son, Col Francis Keith and Nh jor Holman
F. Day, Gov. W. Murray Crane of Mass
achusetts, his private secretary, John b.
Smith, Collector George II. Lyman, ex-
Mayor Edwin U. Curtis of Boston, Gen.
Eben s. Draper, Col. Albert Clarke,
John Hopewell, K. B. Haskell, Augustus
b. Sampson, Lewis B. Goodan, w. X.
Dana, Lyman NJ. Cousins, Forrest Good
win and Congressman All4n, Liitlefield
and Burleigh.