Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-03
SENATE FAREWELL
SURPRISES DAWES
Retiring Vice President Is
Given Silver Tray Amid
Applause.
BY FRANCIS M. STEPHENSON,
Associated Press Stan Writer.

ASSOCIATED FreSS SIAN writer.
The Senate held surprise farewell
party yesterday for Vice President
Charles G; Dawes, who tomorrow
veteran of its own fold.
Pausing in the busy closing hours
the Senate gathered almost its whole
membership to the floor by a pre-.
arranged signal in midafternoon. heard
tributes to Mr.. Dawes and then as Q
token of its esteem presented him with
large silver tray.
Twice the membership arose and ap-
plauded heartily as Senator Robinson
of the Democrats and Senator Moses OF
the Republican side spoke warm eulo-
gies and farewells. Obviously moved by
the surprise display of affection by his
colleagues. Mr.. Dawes wouldn't trust
himself to respond. He had the clerk
read his thanks as he bashfully sank
back In his presiding seat.
Later, as darkness gathered about the
Capitol dome, Charles Curtis his work
done, quietly slipped of the yoke OF
Republican leadership he has carried SO
earnestly for long years and quit the
Senate.
Today he rests and tomorrow noon
he ascends to the Vice Presidency.
Ends "a Years Service.
1t was the end Of "a years of serv-
ice in the House and Senate for the
Kansan and he retired happy-the goal
he had set for himself for his conclud-
ing session accomplished. Elected last
November, Curtis carried on In the
Senate to guide it through its clos
ing and difficult short session When
he ended his services last night, the
legislative program which he had plan
ned had been to all purposes enacted.
Tomorrow Mr.. Curtis will deliver the
coming Vice President after he takes
the oath Of office. just prior to the in
auguration of the President on the
Capitol steps. It also is understood that
Mr.. Dawes will have farewell message
then.
The surprise farewell in the Senate
yesterday afternoon started while Mr..
Dawes sat unexpectedly in the chair.
Senator Moses suggested the absence Of
a quorum. The membership responded
to the signal unitedly. Senator Watson
Of Indiana moved a 30-minute recess.
Just at this time, Carl Loeff1er, one
OF the Senate clerks, carried the large
silver tray into the chamber and rested
it on chair at the front of the
chamber
Senator Robinson of Arkansas, the
Democratic leader, arose.
1T must be pleasing to you in this
hour" Robinson said, addressing Mr..
Dawes. Ito be assured by one opposed
to the political party with which you
are afiiliated, that only unlimited con-
fidence in your impartiality has made
this noble triumph possible. No mere
intelligence, however great, infiu-
enced by partisan or personal favorit-
ism could produce such conclusive evil
dence of respect and good will. Fair
ness and promptness have marked your
conduct. Firmness and justice have
characterized your decisions.
"As a present proof and future re-
minder Of the sentiment so imperfectly
expressed In these remarks, the men,
bers of the Senate-every one of them
have cheerfully contributed to gift
which is both beautiful and useful. We
present to you a silver tray, selected
with special thought Of Mrs. Dawes,
whose charm and modesty have won
the love OF every one in oficial life in
Washington as well as thousands in
other spheres"
Senator Moses Speaks.
The members arose and applauded for
several minutes. Then Senator Moses
of New Hampshire, the President pro
tempore, spoke from the other side Of
the chamber.
'Mr. President" said Senator Moses,
"the period of parting which is insep-
arabic from public life comes here to us
again, and with it brings feeling of
sadness which We do not attempt TO
disguise.
There Is, to be sure, some sense OF
satisfaction as we reflect upon the
friendships engendered by association
here, upon the tasks, in which we have
been permitted to share, and upon the
accomplishments which we have pro-
duced for the good of our country.
I'VE wish you to have from us q
symbol of the affection and esteem with
which we regard you and shall con-
tinue to regard you. We ask you,
therefore to take with you this gift.
the glad offering Of all the members of
the Senate Let it be to you a re-
minder of those associations which the
thought Of the years, we trust, may
make more tender and strong and with
it we ask you to take our warmest and
constant wishes for length Of years, In
finity Of happiness, and renewed oppor-
tunities for public service such as you
have always rendered, and In which
the fine and endearing qualities which
have so cemented our friendships here
shall be signal element in all the
years which remain to you"
At the conclusion of Senator Moses
speech, Vice President Dawes handed
the following note TO John Crockett,
veteran reaoing clerk Of the Senate
standing before him. Crockett read;
Il had intended to reply personally
but I find that I cannot trust myself
to do it.
MY dear friends you have done a
very generous and kindly act. You havS
done me q great honor. I thank you
from the bottom of my heart"
The following inscription was on the
tray;
ITO Charles Gates Dawes. Vice Presi-
dent of the United States, with the
affectionate esteem of his associates in
the Senate of the United States, March
4, 1929"
On the back of the tray will be
inscribed the names Of all members OF
the Senate in facsimile Of :heir
signatures
ANGEL OF FRANCE WEEDS