The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-04-02

ing the Dlngley tariff law. As a mem
Der of congress he introduced as an
amendment to the military appropria-
ton bill a provision for abolishing the
canteen in the United States army,
and thus planted the seed of a senti-
ment which grew until it became a law
upon our statute books.
During the campaign Of 1895 he
made many addresses in favor of the
gold standard, and his presentation of
the subject had much to do with lin
ing up his own state in favor OF that
policy Although for nearly nine years
he held no public position, he never
theless took a leading part in every
political campaign in his state.
Favored Tariff Bill.
His previous experience in tariff
legislation was a valuable asset and
had its influence upon his actions and
votes in the last congress, where, after
securing what he considered the best
bill that could be passed. he supported
by his vote on all occasions the report
Of the committee on finance, and gave
his hearty adherence to the present
administration.
Thus his public career has been ever
one of high ideals and unfiinching
fidelity to principle. But Mr.. Presi-
dent, doubt very much IL the public
career of any man, however great, is
ever so potent nits influence for good
ever so potent in it's influence for good
life well and honorably lived. Life is
made up, not of great sacrifices or
duties, but of little things in which
smiles. kindness and small obligations
given habitually are what preserve the
heart and secure comfort"
The political life OF President Nc
Kinley is one that challenges the ad-
miration of every citizen OF the land.
His fortitude. his wisdom, his zeal
and his patience give special luster to
his political actions. But after all
that element of this character which
will live longest and sink deepest i'm
to the hearts of the American people
is the grandeur of his private life, it's
fidelity, it's sympathy and tenderness,
and the serenity of it's close, when for
gotten were the duties of state. and
his whole life work found expression
in his last words, Nearer My God to
Thee"
President Lincoln faced a might1er
by greater and more complex political
problems than have ever been faced by
any other American oficial. He met
them all with a wisdom and skill, and
with courage and faith unsurpassed
and unequalled in the worlds long
history. But that which will make
the life of Abraham Lincoln immortal,
not only in the history of his own
country but throughout all countries.
are bis homely virtues. his great
heart. his sympathy and tenderness,
his mercy and forgiveness.
The Armament of the worlds his
tory Is already studded with stars Of
the first magnitude, each with a bril-
Iiancy rejecting it's own special vir-
tues; each with it's ray touching into
activity some noble emotion or ana
bition; each portraying our ideal of
the soldier, the statesman, the phil
anthropist, the poet, the scientist, the
inventor, or the great or good OF all
ages Their numbers are sufficient
to I'LL the world with inspiration and
engender laudable ambition In every
heart susceptible to their influences.
But the influence of a mighty name
of some past age is slight when COM
pared with that of the living presence,
the comradeship of the great and wise
and good of our own day. Each dis
tant star may be sun that warns
a hundred worlds; but 1t is the fire OF
our own hearths whose glow must
| ever warm into being those nobler
impulses that shall give strength and
character to each succeeding genera
! ton.
To have made the life of one family
a joy and comfort, to have raised a
family of boys and girls upon whose
character he has left The impress OF
his own integrity, courage and honor
and lofty urposeS--qualities that die
not with the man but are transmitted
through generation after generation
surely this Is the apex of all true
greatness.
Hone Life Ideal.
Measured by that standard, the
private life of Senator Johnson
eclipses even the fair record of his
public services. His home life was
ideal. He was husband. father, in
structor and companion. Those who
knew him well tell me that no matter
how dark the clouds might gather
around him he brought nothing but
sunshine into his own home surround.
ings. His heart was ever kind and
generous. neither rudeness nor un.
graciousness ever found q place In his
nature.
Conscious of the luprightness of his
motives, his mind was ever serenit,
itself In political defeat or private
misfortune he was ever in a happy
frame of mind Bright and quick IL
repartee, his wit was that which IoveC
| to play not wound He had few
enemies because he would be no mans
/ enemy. He forgave without the ask.
ling. His heart was big enough K
house the world In its good will, blu
in 1t was no room to harbor the mem.
rnory of a wrong.
Az an advocate Of principle hi.
| addresses were always clear and log.
/ icaI He talked to the people ant
with them. In all his debates IA
one ever heard word Of bitterness
against an opponent
Senator johnson was member D
the Methodist Episcopal church, no
m idle. but Al active, living naenbel