Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1921-09-21
Address at Funeral of Governor A,
e. Rica.

THE muffled drums sad roll has beat
A soldiers last tattoo"
Numerous are the people of the
State of Minnesota, and particularly
Of Kandiyohi County, who today are
conscious of a feeling of personal
loss in the death of Governor Rice.
The passing of man suggests prim-
ari!y two Questions:. What manner of
man was he, and what did he accom-
plish? Men are remembered, if at all,
for what they were and for what they
did.
Governor Rice will be remembered,
first, for what he was. He was a man
in the full and true Significance of
that word. He was stanch and true
friend. Many were they who, in the
pioneer days, went to him in their
hour of adversitys with despair writ
ten upon their countenance and came
away aided, with renewed hope and
courage to again take up the battle
for existence. He was a wise cOun-
sellor. Many were they who sought
his advice in personal and business
affairs and found him always the pru-
dent. safe and dependable guide. He
was a true American, typical of the
best in that which we designate Am
,ericanism, devoted to the constitu-
ton, flag and institutions of his coun-
try. His entire life bore witness to
this devotion.
He will he remembered, secondly,
for what he did His life is so rich
in achievements that time will not
permit the detailed enumeration
thereof. Neither is this necessary.
Suffice to say that he was a faithful
servant in war and in peace, unfal-
tering in his devotion to duty, true to
his trust, whether in public or private
life.
am labOring under no presumption
that any word of mine can lessen the
poignant grief of those who were near
and dear to him or the feeling of per-
sonal loss on the part of his friends
and associates. Neither can anything
I'VE may say here add to the luster of
his achievements Time will heal
the wounds and fill the void Others
will take his place in public and pri-
vate life But time must never be per-
mitted to efface the memory of what
he was and of what he did for his
country, state and community. The
memory of his life must ever remain
an example to the youth of this COM
munity Of devotion to duty, of faith
fulness in service and of strength OF
character, and an inspiration to live
the best lives and render the best ser
vice of which they are capable.
Those of us who knew Governor
Rice intimately, know that to him
sham, hypocricy and idle fattery were
detestable. and that he loved SINGER.
ity and truth. With this in mind
I,1r,o &>osl~ ,>%~ l~1,x ~
my fellow citizens, to the memory OF
our departed friend.
lMr. Milton NJ. Williams, of Little
Falls. then spoke on behalf of the
Board of Regents expressing the APP
probation of his colleagues for .the
services to the State Of the departed
and rendering their sympathy to tn;
bereaved. =
The. ,cortege then formed for thu
procession to the: Gem tery. The sur
vivorss OF the Col. Heg Post No. IL;
G. A. R., were the pail bearers; A
the Rice maus0leum at FafrvieW GENE
terry the Masonic burial ritual wal
carried out. Taps were, blown ant
was answered by q bugler in the dis
lance. "A large crowd of people cam,
in the rain in their cars to attend thu
last solemn rites q : - - u
The unfavorable weather; and con
ditions. of the roads prevented man,
people from a distance to attend VIII,
had planned to do so, All. parts OF til,
county were represented however b.
old pioneer. citizens who would no
be prevented from paying their tri
butte of respect to the departed. Am
ong those in attendance from a dist
auce were: Messrs. NJ. N. Williams g
+ NO i ~ q