Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-06
IN THE HOUSE
The Late Representative Forrest
Goodwin.

mo I1Se Representative Forrest
Goodwin.
Mr.. Peters. Mr., Speaker. I ask unan-
imous consent that those who speak on
the life. character. and public services
OF the late Mr.. Goodwin be permitted
to revise and extend their remarks in
the Record, and that the same privilege
be granted TO all Members
The Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Bart
fetD. Is there objection?
There was no objection.
Mr.. Peters. Mr.. Speaker, l offer the
following resolution. which send to the
desk.
The Clerk read as follows:
House Resolution 74l.
Resolved. That the business of the
House be now suspended in order that
opportunity may be given for tributes to
the memory of Hon. Forrest Goodwin,
late a Member of this House from the
State Of Maine.
Resolved, That as a particular mark
Of respect to the memory of the deceased
and in recognition Of his distinguished
public career the House at the conclu-
sion of these exercises stand adjourned.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate
these resolutions to the Senate.
Resolved, That the Clerk send a copy
Of these resolutions to the widow OF
the deceased
The Speaker pro tempore The question
is on agreeing to the resolution.
The resolution was agreed TO.
Mr.. Peters of Maine.
M
heavy with years, having lived long
and complete life, is called to his reward
it ia an occasion of solemnity--because
death is always solemn-but not neces-
sarily Of sorrow and regret. When i
nan fuil Of strength and power OF use
fulness, az the zenith of his capacity,
equipped with 4 varied and well-digested
experience. of matured judgment force
ful, sane, eloquent. high minded. able,
and ambitious, is suddenly removed
from his sphere Of earthly activity his
friends and associates are shocked and
grieved and organized. society is hurt
When Forrest Goodwin died, shortly
after he had taken his seat in this Con-
gress wave of sorrow swept over his
State He was indeed a favorite son.
that OF any matured man in Maine. He
had completely equipped himself for,
and had right to expect a long, honor
able, and brilliant career in Congress.
He had obtained an education through
his own efforts. Graduating with honor
from Colby in 1887, after preliminary
schooling in the High school Of his native
town Of Skowhegan and in Bloomfield
Academy, he entered upon the study of
the law, pursuing his studies first in the
office of Walton & Walton, of Skowhe-
gan, and later in the Boston University
Law School,, where he successfully COM
pleted three years course in one.
During his school and college life he
developed extraordinary proficiency in
athletics, especially in baseball, and was
a prominent and formidable figure on his
college nine, greatly contributing to its
success in contests with other colleges.
He was a sturdy son of Maine, of great
energy. force, and capacity for effort,
both physical and mental. He entered
upon the practice of the law in his ma
tive town with brilliant prospects, which
were realized in his subsequent career.
Soon after his admission to the bar de
laid aside his legal work for time and
came to Washington as parliamentarian
to Speaker Reed.
1t is interesting in this connection to
note that he was recomne ended for this
position by the Hon. Asher c. Kinds,
now representing Mr.. Reeds district in
this body Mr., Goodwin, at that time
entering on manhood, was unknown TO
Mr. Reed, but he soon acquired his es-
TEEN and confidence, and by careful
work and attention to the details of the
position he amply justified his recon-
mendation by the man whom the minor
ity leader OF this House has rightly
called the greatest parliamentarian in
the United States. to the man who ac-
CURED his greatest fame and worldwide
reputation in the Speakers chair. With
out question. the knowledge and exper-
fence gained by Mr.. Goodwin while
working with Mr.. Reed in Washington
were Of great value in after years when
ne became a member Of legislative bod
les, and especially when, in 1905, he be-
came president of the Maine Senate.
Mr. Goodwin had a characteristic pos
sessed by all great men, OF assim!lating
information and using experiences Past
question all the experiences in the life
OF a man are useful to him, but strong
alert minds make better use of them
than others. Whether at early schools.
in the classroom at college, on the base
ball field, at the law school, by the
Speakers side in Washington, or through
early hard knocks in the practice Of the
law, Mr. Goodwin was continually laying
up stores of knowledge and fitting him
self, consciously or otherwise. for a
commanding position in life's battle.
He early acquired the habit of success.
My acquaintance with him began in coli
lege days, and he was even then a DOM
mating figure. much respected and ad-
mired by his mates, and by the students
OF other institutions, taking honors that
came modestly and not pulled up by
achievement On graduation it was as
natural that he should be class orator
as that Holman Day, of the same class,
should be class poet. The impetus Of
early success never left him.
After two years service in Washington
with Speaker Reed Mr.. Goodwin returned
to his native town and engaged in the
active practice Of the law. The lawyers
of Maine are not specialists. They have
TO take such business as comes, and the
successful country lawyer has the op-
portunity of developing along diversity
OF lines The right type Of country law
yer is an important and valuable factor