Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-09-24
ESTABLISHED 1925
Monday. September "a, 1906.
Death Of Congressman Hit.

Congress has lost one or It's oldest and |
most prominent members and the |
country faithful public servant in the |
death of Congressman Robert 4. Hit
Of Illinois. He had served the House of |
Representatives since 1881, but had a |
long career of public work before that. |
Mr.. Hit was ~ years of age on January |
G: he had mis- schooling at Rock River
seminary and De Paw university, and
becoming reporter on the Chicago
Tribune he was sent to make steno-
graphic notes Of the Lincoln-DouglaS
debate in the contest for the United
States senatorshp. His shorthand did
the great service Of bringing Abraham
J.incoln's abilities into national recog
milton. Hit was official reporter of
Illinois in 1880; he reported the Holt
Davis commission at st. Louis, for
while worked for Secretary Stanton.
accompanied an Indian treaty commits
sion, prepared the reports of the Wade
expedition to Santo Domingo, and also
the Kuklux investigation. President
Grant appointed him in 1874 secretary
Of legation at Paris, and President
Hayes continued him in that position.
Returning to Washington in 1881 he
was made assistant secretary of state.
The next year he was elected from the
9tli Illirois district representative in
Congress, ard so remained until 1903.
when he was elected from the new 18th
district President Mckinley appointed
him on the special commission to es-
tablish the government Of Hawaii in its
annexation to the United States. MIR.
Hit was a rarely able and faithful con-
gresham. He was made by Speaker
Reed chairman of the committee on
foreign affairs, and his knowledge of
European politics and diplomacy made
him invaluable as an adviser OF the
pr.Sidcnt. He possessed mind of Su-
perior and impartial balance. and MS
Judgment was greatly respected. But
hc never was, in personal character, a
Politician He might have been Unit
Cd States senator from Illinois had ne
turned his hand over to gain the nomi-
nation, but he contented himself with
his record. and was not promoted TO the
Senate, while his repeated reflections
10 the House were gained without any
campaigning on his part, simply by the
auprcciation and confidence of his con-
stitucnts. The New York Evening Post
says of him
.Nr Hit WAS one of the most pppu-
lar men in Congress, his friendships IN
GLIDING men Of all parties, and because
Of hr, wide experience he was always
h.tra.d to with attention lie con-
stautly urged the Improvement OF the
consular and diplomatic service, was
,unos,d 10 the anti-ChinoSc leGiSla ton
which in his opinion, violated tr'a'ieS'
advocated reciprocity with the Soutt
American countries. and opposed 'h'
present administrations attitude VIII
respect to Hawaiian affairs. In 1886 IL
nr,v,nt,d the haSty adoption of u war
liz, resolution against Mexico IN IN
Cutting case. and in March. 1882, So
cured the adoption of resolution pro
>idirg for commercial union with can
a,ia In person Mr.. Hit was medium
sized. with wiry, supple figure, a hri
law. keen gray eyes. and eXpahslV
t,rehead-a picture of alertncSs an
Ni-or In debate he was eNtI'h'l
ready. and when aroused his word
flowed in a torrent.