The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1903-03-13
.HENDERSON'S VALED|CTORY.
Nothing More Precious Than This
Government to Fight For,
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THAT FLAG.

Washington, Mar. e.-Speaker Hen
derson was visibly affected as he faced
the packed galleries and the members
of the house for the valedictory. For
half minute he paused to control his
emotions before beginning. Then in
voice that trembled ut first, but grew
gradually stronger, he delivered what
was the most touching human farewell
address ever delivered from the speak.
er's chair.
Speaker Henderson said:
Gentlemen Of the House of Repre-
sentatives: An age spent under this
dome must give opportunity for form
ing many and strong ties. Constituted
as l have been from childhood, friend
ship is an essential element of my life's
food, and whether on the floor or in
the chair 1 have found bountiful
supply in this hall have seen beau
tiful and instructive things on this
floor, sharp, able, feeling debate, and
debate, gentlemen, is the foundation
and sustaining power of American lib
erty. But have seen both sides of
this chamber, as one man, put mil
lion dollars into the hands Of the chief
magistrate and say lead on without
dissenting voice. 1 say that from that
l. L.. ho1; lof thara M
future moment when disintegrasion
could come to this republic And when
l saw the young men from every state
in the union touching elbow to elbow
and rushing into the ranks of war,
there was absolute confirmation of that
belief
81 have no fears for the future of my
country. Let no one be disturbed by
the battles on this floor. AS | said,
they are guarantees Of freedom and
approve of them. At times there may
be scars left, but they are not scars
that leave permanent cripple; they
are scars that leave the soul and man
hood without dangerous wound. For
one, go where 1 may from this hall,
shall carry with me in my heart an
affectionate recollection OF the friends
that have met here, and / do not
know of one enemy.
II am not going to give counsel to
this body further than to say that
there is nothing more precious than
this government for us to fight for.
Preserve that if you love your life. 1t
is more valuable than anything that
can be named. Go on with the rough
and tumble battles Of legislation, but
keep your eye on that flag which God
asks us to die for.
"That gavel in my hand has never
been defied by either side of this cham
Der. 1t is a pleasure to say that. 1t
always has secured obedience in the
recognition when order was demanded.
"Now, gentlemen, if know my feel
ings toward this body of men, l know
that shall carry with me through life
the image of this hour with its general
approval and treatment of me. shall
carry every one Of your faces in my
memory and l shall never cease to feel
an interest in this great body which
stands so near to the happiness of nay
countrymen. And now I bid you good
bye"
Suddenly there blossomed out of the
republican side, as if by magic, forest
of American flags. Waving these aloft
the members sang America" the gal
leries rising en- masse to join in the
chorus. 1t was stirring scene. As
the notes of the hymn died away, the
speaker, who had seemingly forgotten
to make the final announcement, turn
ed as if to leave the chair, when he was
reminded by the clerk at his lie. He
turned and in u clear voice declared
the house adjourned sine die.