Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-08-24
Congressman Nelson

The passing of Senator Fernald
while not altogether unexpected by
those of US who knew something of
his previous physical condition, vet
comes as distinct shock to all, and
brings grief and sorry to the entire
State of Maine and to thousands of
others, IN Washington and elsewhere,
who had learned to love and respect
MIN Tor his many sterling qualities
or heart and mind. For more than 80
years Senator Fernald has been one of
the most prominent figures in the leg
lslative, political and commercial af-
fairs Of this State and nation His
record as a jealous and incorruptible
servant Of the people Is one of which
his family, his State and his country
may well be proud. Maine in the past
has been blessed with many men Of
| great intellect and genius and of ma.
ttonal reputation, but the death Of
none has brought more universal sor-
row and sadness than the loss of this
plain, simple man who loved his State.
whose people were dear to his heart,
whose glorious annals were his per-
sonal pride. No man knew the needs
| of Maine better than he or gave more
generously of his services in her up
building.
AS an associate of Senator Fernald's
| found him a man in the real, un-
measured sense of that term--a low
ing husband and father: friend,
loyal staunch and true: a statesman,
democratic, approachable. sympathet-
ic. animated by high sense of public
duty, sincere in his effort and desire to
serve his constituents and his country.
Senator Fernald was a strong, rug
ged character-honest. fearless, patri-
otic-possessed of an inexhausibIe
fund of commonsense and humor-al-
ways cheerful, always sunny, always
optimistic. He loved his work, a song
Jest. an hour with his friends. His
personal magnetism was such that he
drew and held all men. Senator Fer
maid was not a camp follower in the
battle of life. but leader, risen from
the ranks through merit-one who had
given and received valiant blows, who
had fought many good fight. and
with ever scar. honor at eyentide"
He was not an idle dreamer of politi-
cal vagarieS, not soft-handed, sharp
tongued critic of the deeds of Others
but man who shirked no response
bility, assumed all the obligations Of
manhood and of citizenship, did the
worlds work in the strength Of his
two good hands and the sweat of his
brow-reared family, won COM
petence, served in the legislative halls
Of his State, acted with ability and
distinction as governor of Maine, and
finally graced the halls of Congress is
a United States senator.
In Washington, his long service,
wide acquaintance. and many friends
made him invaluable. His office door
was open In sympathy and understand
ing to every Maine man and woman,
and the trouble and the interests of
the least of these were his troubles
and his interests. His was a life of
glad service. Ill-health could not
dampen his enthusiasm or retard his
efforts for his people. He gave all
that was in him, and passed on. His
life IS an inspiration to the youth of
Maine; his memory. aebenediction to
his friends.
Statesman, yet friend to truth. Of
soul sincere,
In action faithful and in honor clear.
Who broke no promise, served no pri-
vate end,
Who gained no title and who lost no
friend"