Year: 1869

tion and wisdom. He is gone to that
bourne whence no traveller returns, and
when we shall at last be called to our
final account, may we leave this vale of
tears leaving so many friends and no
enemies behind us.


Sir, in the midst of life we are in death.
1t was but as yesterday that our friend
was among us in the bloom of manly
beauty, and now he is laid in the cold,
cold grave, and we shall see him no more
until we meet him in that house not made
by hands; in that place where the wicked
cease from troubling and the weary are
at rest.


1t is on such occasions as this that we
ought to look back upon the days that are
behind us in order to ascertain whether
we have done or said aught that we now
regret, so that We may meet our fellow
man with kindness and moderation dur
ing life's fretful career.


How often have we expressed that in
the heat of debate which we now would
like forever to eradicate from recorded
time, and cast it to the sea of oblivion,
SO that the dark waters might come upon
it forever, so that it might be hid to
. eternity from mankind.


As for myself, if at any time in the
heat of discussion, have said or done
aught that has left sting behind in the
bosom or any gentleman here, l ask him
now to pardon such i'll considered ex-
preston, and ascribe it to our poor and
imperfect human nature.


Of our departed friend it may well be
said: B" His life was gentle, and the
elements SO mixed in him that nature
might stand up and proclaim to all the
world, THIS WAS A MAN."


Hon. HI. j. Behmer.


Mr.. HILL, of Defiance, said:


Mr.. SPEAKER-The melancholy duty
which devolves upon the House of Rep
resentatives this afternoon, requires me
to add my humble tribute to the memo
ry of him whose unexpected decease we
are now called upon to mourn, because,
sir, Mr.. Behmer was from the yet unde-
veveloped but rapidly growing North
west, from which [ come. l confess
some degree of embarrassment in at
tempting to eulogize the high character
and the manly virtues of our departed
friend, after the eloquent and touching
remarks Of those who have preceded
me. But, coming from the same section,
representing, as we have, in times past,
the same interests, and being connected,
as we have been, in Legislative and po-
litical association, feel that I am called
upon to express the warm regard and
heartfelt appreciation and esteem which
I always had for him. I first became
acquainted with Mr.. Behmer in the year
1856, and long before l became a resi-
dent of the district which now repre-
sent in part upon this floor. During the
past four years have known him more
Intimately. For thirty-three years he
was resident of Putnam county
Nearly ever since he became a citizen
of that section of the State he had been
identified with the local interests of the
people. 8


: He grew with their growth, and contrib
uted to their prosperity. by his industry
his stern integrity, his enterprising char
acter, and his far seeing sagacity. Fol
the past thirty years he had been CON
tinually and repeatedly entrusted by his
fellow citizens with important public
trusts. He held the Office of justice Of
the peace for almost a quarter of cen
tury, was commissioner of his county
and three times elected to represent bis
district in the State Legislature. He
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and was defeated only because his party
was in the minority in the district. II
the fulfllment of all these various pub
lie trusts he discharged his duties will
singular and answering fidelity. Sir
what words can I use expressive ofsuch
character as his to those who who knew
him. To others it would be considered
as studied phrase and accustomed pan
egyric. Among the leading traits of hi
character, he was distinguished for hi
strong common sense and unalterabl
frmness of purpose. He was a maj
who never formed hasty conclusions
but when once formed no earthly powe
could change his course. He first en-
quired what was right, and having salts
fed himself, pursued his way regardless
of difficulties and obstacles. He was no
sensitive to public opinion, however i'm
portaut and exciting might be theinterest
which controlled it. His great mora
courage and indomitable will endowe
{ him with lofty contempt for wild an
fanatical theories.


"The man of firm and noble soul,


No factIous clamor can cJntrol.


Born in Germany, though emigratin
to his adopted country in the years of earl
f manhood, he was a true Representative
f and noble specimen of that numerou
class of our countrymen by whose en-
t ergy, frugal habits and enterprising ez
3 ample our great West is being develope
; and her fertile fields made to blossom a


the rose. And here, Mr.. Speaker, ma


properly remark, Mr.. Behmer's life wa
! a marked and illustrious example of th
! benefcent results of our unrivalled inst
:. tutions. What native born America


was truer in his devotion to his country


veal? Who honored with more profoun
. reverence the principles of our matchle.
S Constitution, and who labored with moi
v ardent zeal for the perpetuity of thos
pflnclples' Olr' Tue lraniers vi tnls Uo'
q ernment need no stronger testimonial
:, the wisdom and patriotism whit
o inspired the formation of republic III
S der the protecting folds of whose flag
= nurturpd that laudable ambition in bot
S native and adopted citizens to love an
e revere it. We love and respect our Go
d ernment above all other peoples and nj
), tions, because it is the work of our ow
e hands. We all respect our own worl
/, though time may teach our children th


their fathers were fallible. And who


infallible? When we know that tv
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