a 
 
HON. WILLIAM RICHARDSON 
 
WILLIAM RICHARDSON 
 
 (Late a Representative from Alabama) 
 
 MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 
 
 DELIVERED IN THE 
 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
 
 OF THE UNITED STATES 
 
 SIXTY-THIRD CONGRESS 
 ^> THIRD SESSION | f '4 -'5 
 
 Proceedings in the House Proceedings in the Senate 
 
 January 31, 1915 April 1, 1914 
 
 PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF 
 THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING 
 
 WASHINGTON 
 1915 
 
Bancroft Library 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 
 Page 
 
 Proceedings in the House 5-48 
 
 Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 6,8 
 
 Memorial addresses by 
 
 Mr. Christopher G. Harris, of Alabama 1.1 
 
 Mr. James R. Mann, of Illinois 17 
 
 Mr. William C. Adamson, of Georgia 20 
 
 Mr. Everis A. Hayes, of California 23 
 
 Mr. Richard W. Austin, of Tennessee 25 
 
 Mr. John L. Burnett, of Alabama 29 
 
 Mr. Thetus W. Sims, of Tennessee 32 
 
 Mr. J. Thomas Heflin, of Alabama 35 
 
 Mr. S. Hubert Dent, jr., of Alabama 37 
 
 Mr. Joseph W. Byrns, of Tennessee 39 
 
 Mr. John W. Abercrombie, of Alabama 42 
 
 Mr. Oscar W. Underwood, of Alabama 47 
 
 Proceedings in the Senate 49-50 
 
 Tributes by the 
 
 Committee on Pensions of the House 51 
 
 Governor of Alabama 52 
 
 Board of Commissioners of Huntsville, Ala 54 
 
 Huntsville Bar Association 54 
 
 Huntsville (Ala.) Mercury-Banner 55 
 
 Judge Edward B. Almon, of Tuscumbia, Ala 56 
 
 [3] 
 
DEATH OF HON. WILLIAM RICHARDSON 
 
 PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
 
 TUESDAY, March 31, 19U. 
 
 Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, it is my sad duty to an- 
 nounce to the House the death of my colleague, the Hon. 
 WILLIAM RICHARDSON, of Alabama, who died this after- 
 noon at 3 o'clock at Atlantic City, N. J. 
 
 At another time I shall ask the House to set aside a day 
 upon which to hold services in respect to his memory. I 
 now offer a resolution, which I send to the Clerk's desk. 
 
 The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Alabama [Mr. 
 Underwood] offers a resolution, which the Clerk will 
 report. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows : 
 
 Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of 
 the death of Hon. WILLIAM RICHARDSON, a Representative from the 
 State of Alabama. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of 20 Members of the House, with 
 such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to 
 attend the funeral. 
 
 Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be authorized 
 and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying 
 out the provisions of these resolutions, and that the necessary 
 expense in connection therewith be paid out of the contingent 
 fund of the House. 
 
 Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the 
 Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. 
 
 The SPEAKER. The question is on agreeing to the reso- 
 lution. 
 
 The resolution was unanimously agreed to. 
 
 [5] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 The SPEAKER. The Chair announces the following com- 
 mittee on the part of the House to attend the funeral: 
 Mr. Taylor of Alabama, Mr. Burnett, Mr. Dent, Mr. Black- 
 mon, Mr. Abercrombie, Mr. Adamson, Mr. Johnson of 
 Kentucky, Mr. Carr, Mr. Key of Ohio, Mr. Stedman, Mr. 
 Walsh, Mr. Dupre, Mr. Mann, Mr. Stevens of Minnesota, 
 Mr. Esch, Mr. J. R. Knowland, Mr. Sells, Mr. Greene of 
 Vermont, Mr. Kiess of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Murdock. 
 
 Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I offer a further reso- 
 lution. 
 
 The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Alabama offers 
 another resolution, which the Clerk will report. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows: 
 
 Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House do now 
 adjourn. 
 
 The SPEAKER. The question is on agreeing to the reso- 
 lution. 
 
 The resolution was unanimously agreed to ; accordingly 
 (at 7 o'clock and 35 minutes p. m.) the House adjourned 
 until to-morrow, Wednesday, April 1, 1914, at 12 o'clock 
 noon. 
 
 WEDNESDAY, April 1, 
 The House met at 12 o'clock noon. 
 
 The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the 
 following prayer: 
 
 O Thou infinite, eternal source of life and light and love, 
 we bless Thee for the profound faith which brings us to 
 Thee for consolation in sorrow and grief, for the hope 
 which penetrates the veil and gives us a glimpse of the 
 bright beyond. Questions of great moment pertaining 
 to the now may divide us in honest judgment, but the 
 death of one of our number unites us in sorrow and 
 sympathy. A picturesque, sturdy, noble, patriotic soul 
 has been called from the scenes of this life to the realms 
 
 [6] 
 
PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
 
 of eternity. His work is done, and well done. He leaves 
 behind him a worthy record, which has well fitted him 
 for a place of usefulness in a sphere of activities beyond. 
 We bless Thee for his life, his work, his example. May 
 his memory live in our hearts and inspire us to faithful 
 service. Comfort us, his many friends, and the dear 
 children he leaves behind him, with the blessed hope of 
 the immortality of the soul, where in a brighter realm 
 love will meet love, to dwell together forever; and Thine 
 be the praise, through Him who taught us to put our trust 
 in Thee, our God, and our Father. Amen. 
 
 The Journal of the proceedings of yesterday was read. 
 
 MONDAY, January 4, 1915. 
 
 Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
 for the present consideration of the order which I send 
 to the Clerk's desk. 
 
 The SPEAKER. The gentleman asks unanimous consent 
 for the present consideration of a resolution, which the 
 Clerk will report. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows : 
 
 Resolved, That Sunday, January 31, 1915, be set apart for 
 services upon the life, character, and public services of Hon. 
 Joseph F. Johnston, late a Senator from the State of Alabama, 
 and of the Hon. WILLIAM RICHARDSON, late a Representative from 
 the State of Alabama. 
 
 The SPEAKER. Is there objection? 
 There was no objection. 
 The resolution was agreed to. 
 
 [7] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES : REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 SUNDAY, January 31, 1915. 
 
 The House met at 12 o'clock noon and was called to 
 order by Mr. Underwood, Speaker pro tempore. 
 
 The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the 
 following prayer: 
 
 Infinite and eternal energy, our God and our Father, out 
 of whose heart came life and all its possibilities, the 
 wisdom that illumines, the faith that sustains, the hope 
 that cheers, the love which binds us together into friend- 
 ship and families; we are here to-day because of these 
 indissoluble ties in memory of two souls who have an- 
 swered the summons and passed into the great beyond 
 from whence no traveler returns. To recall their deeds, 
 sing their praises is to put an estimate on their virtues. 
 We thank Thee that the good in man lives to inspire 
 others to the nobler virtues. These men were chosen 
 servants of the people because in them was ability, in- 
 tegrity, honesty, zeal, high ideals, and lofty purposes, and 
 though they have passed on they live in the hearts of their 
 countrymen. May those who knew and loved them best 
 look forward to a reunion in one of the Father's many 
 mansions where the ties of friendship and love will never 
 again be severed. And songs of praises we will ever give 
 to Thee in the name of Him who taught us faith, hope, 
 love. Amen. 
 
 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will read a letter 
 from the Speaker. 
 The Clerk read as follows : 
 
 JANUARY 29, 1915. 
 Hon. SOUTH TRIMBLE, 
 
 Clerk of the House: 
 
 I hereby designate Hon. Oscar W. Underwood, of Alabama, as 
 Speaker pro tempore to preside on Sunday, January 31, 1915. 
 Your friend, 
 
 CHAMP CLARK. 
 
 [8] 
 
PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
 
 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the ap- 
 proval of the Journal of yesterday will be postponed until 
 to-morrow. [After a pause.] The Chair hears none. The 
 Clerk will read the special order. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows : 
 
 On motion of Mr. Underwood, by unanimous consent, 
 Ordered, That Sunday, January 31, 1915, be set apart for 
 
 services upon the lives, character, and public services of Hon. 
 
 Joseph F. Johnston, late a Senator from the State of Alabama, 
 
 and Hon. WILLIAM RICHARDSON, late a Representative from the 
 
 State of Alabama. 
 
 Mr. Blackmon assumed the chair as Speaker pro 
 tempore. 
 
 Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I offer the resolutions 
 which I send to the Clerk's desk. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows : 
 
 Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended 
 that an opportunity may be given for tribute to the memory of the 
 Hon. Joseph F. Johnston, late a Member of the United States 
 Senate from the State of Alabama, and to the memory of the Hon. 
 WILLIAM RICHARDSON, late a Member of the House of Representa- 
 tives from the State of Alabama. 
 
 Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of 
 the deceased and in recognition of their eminent abilities as dis- 
 tinguished public servants, the House at the conclusion of these 
 memorial proceedings shall stand adjourned. 
 
 Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the 
 Senate. 
 
 Resolved, That the Clerk be instructed to send a copy of these 
 resolutions to the families of the deceased. 
 
 Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I move the adoption of 
 the resolutions. 
 
 The question was taken, and the resolutions were unani- 
 mously agreed to. 
 
 [9] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 
 
 ADDRESS OF MR. HARRIS, OF ALABAMA 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER : There are occasions when the inmost feel- 
 ings of the heart may find but poor expression in mere 
 words. Especially is this true in moments of exalted joy 
 or in the hour of personal grief, and it is with the latter 
 emotion that I rise to pay my humble tribute to the 
 memory of one whom I had the privilege of counting as 
 a cherished friend. We were born in adjoining counties 
 in the State of Alabama, and our later lives were spent in 
 cities but 25 miles apart. In our youth the same blue 
 bending skies smiled upon us, our hearts thrilled to the 
 same emotions, our eyes fed on the same delightful scenes, 
 and our ears drank in the same music of the crooning 
 minor strains that softly came from the lips of the simple 
 negroes who picked the snowy harvest of our cotton fields 
 or gathered the golden ears of the ripened corn. When 
 the dark clouds of war burst in their fury over the land we 
 loved we donned the same uniform and fought for the 
 same principles, and when at last the cause we both had 
 bled for was lost we returned to our homes to face the 
 same duties and to solve the same problems. Both of us 
 chose the law as our profession, and, living in the same 
 circuit, practiced in the same courts for many years. So 
 when WILLIAM RICHARDSON died I lost not only my Repre- 
 sentative in the Congress of the United States, but a 
 brother lawyer, a companion in arms, and a lifelong 
 friend. It is therefore with a heavy heart that I approach 
 this duty, a duty which stirs many memories of the past 
 and brings to recollection the personality of one of the 
 
 [11] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES : REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 bravest, truest, noblest sons that Alabama ever gave to 
 the world. 
 
 But few men in this House, and but few living in this 
 day and generation, can realize and understand the tre- 
 mendous difficulties and almost unsurmountable obstacles 
 which confronted a young man of Judge RICHARDSON'S 
 age when the Civil War closed. 
 
 Reared in riches and luxury up until about 18 years of 
 age, when he enlisted in the Confederate Army, with his 
 education only fairly commenced, he emerged from that 
 terrible war to return home to find the beautiful sur- 
 roundings which he left in devastation and ruin, with all 
 species of property swept away except the land, and with- 
 out hope of help from any quarter to face the uninviting 
 future, and you may be sure it took a brave heart and 
 resolute mind for him to overcome such difficulties and 
 build up such a splendid record which he has left to the 
 world. 
 
 WILLIAM RICHARDSON was born in Athens, Ala. His 
 father and mother were natives of Virginia. His mother 
 was the daughter of Capt. Nicholas Davis, also a Vir- 
 ginian by birth, who became a distinguished citizen of 
 Limestone County, Ala., and who was a member of the 
 convention that met in Huntsville to draft the constitution 
 under which Alabama was admitted as a State in 1819. 
 Capt. Davis was a boyhood friend of Henry Clay and a 
 lifelong supporter of that great statesman. On his father's 
 side Judge RICHARDSON was the descendant of a distin- 
 guished family of lawyers and planters. 
 
 As a boy WILLIAM RICHARDSON was educated in the 
 schools of Athens, Ala., and later in Wesleyan University 
 of Florence. When only a little over 16 years of age he 
 enlisted in the Confederate Army as a private, but was 
 soon promoted to a captaincy for conspicuous gallantry. 
 He was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh and was 
 made a prisoner of war, but upon his recovery escaped, 
 
 [12] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. HARRIS, OF ALABAMA 
 
 and after much hardship made his way to Nashville, 
 Tenn. From there he attempted to get through the Union 
 lines to rejoin his command. His companion in this 
 attempt was James Paul, a daring Confederate spy, of 
 whose identity young RICHARDSON was in complete igno- 
 rance. The two were captured by Union soldiers, and 
 incriminating papers being found on the person of Paul, 
 both were taken to Murfreesboro, Tenn., imprisoned, 
 court-martialed, and condemned to be shot. On the very 
 night before the morning set for their execution they were 
 rescued by that wizard of the saddle, Gen. Nathan B. 
 Forrest, who had learned of their capture, and with a 
 force of 1,100 men suddenly attacked the town, forced 
 his way to the prison, released the captives, and escaped 
 with them. 
 
 Capt. RICHARDSON was again seriously wounded, at 
 Chickamauga, where he lay on the battle field for six days 
 and was kept alive during this time by his faithful negro 
 servant. Before his full recovery Gen. Lee had sur- 
 rendered and young RICHARDSON returned to his Alabama 
 home. He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and soon 
 gained an enviable reputation as a brilliant advocate and 
 an eloquent speaker. Entering the field of politics, he was 
 elected a member of the State legislature from his native 
 county in 1874. Soon thereafter he removed to Huntsville, 
 and in 1875 became probate judge of Madison County, 
 which office he held until 1886. In 1890 he became a 
 candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor, 
 and in the convention at Montgomery, although one of the 
 leading candidates, having carried every county in the 
 State north of Birmingham, he withdrew his name in 
 order to harmonize the factional differences of his party. 
 
 From 1886 until he was elected to Congress in 1900 he 
 practiced his profession and was recognized as one of the 
 ablest lawyers in the State. His natural eloquence and 
 analytical mind made him especially effective in jury 
 
 [13] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES : REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 cases, and he was ranked by many of his brother lawyers 
 as one among the leading criminal lawyers in Alabama. 
 
 On the 2d of July, 1900, Judge RICHARDSON was nomi- 
 nated for the short term in Congress to succeed Gen. 
 Wheeler, resigned, and from his election in the following 
 November to the day of his death, March 31, 1914, he 
 served the people of the eighth congressional district of 
 Alabama in this House. That he served his people faith- 
 fully and well is perhaps best attested by the fact that for 
 almost 14 years he had practically no opposition. Seldom 
 is such universal approbation given to a public servant, 
 and perhaps seldom has it been so well deserved. Of his 
 service to the country while a member of this body I 
 need not speak. Almost all of the Members present served 
 with him and know of his ability, his loyalty, his justice, 
 and his absolute freedom from prejudice and narrowness 
 of mind. His services as chairman of the Committee on 
 Pensions gained for him the esteem and approbation of 
 his colleagues, irrespective of party lines. Democrats, 
 Republicans, and Progressives alike admired him for his 
 courage, his ability, his integrity, and his patriotism. 
 Sectional prejudice found no room in his great heart, and 
 the veterans who had worn the blue always found in him 
 a sympathetic companion and a staunch friend. 
 
 Before he had reached manhood's meridian Judge 
 RICHARDSON had the great misfortune to lose his beloved 
 wife, and thenceforth his private life was devoted to the 
 tender care of his five children four daughters and a 
 son. His devotion to his children was beautiful and only 
 equaled by theirs to him. Strong and fearless as a man, 
 as a father he was all tenderness and love, and perhaps 
 the only pride he ever exhibited was that called forth by 
 his children. May the grief which still wrings the hearts 
 of those children be softened by the gentle hand of time 
 to a blessed and hallowed memory to serve as a guide 
 and a benediction to the end of their days. 
 
 [14] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. HARRIS, OF ALABAMA 
 
 Judge RICHARDSON'S service to the district which he so 
 well represented in this House will never be forgotten by 
 his constituents. At a recent meeting of the Tennessee 
 River Improvement Association, held in the city of 
 Decatur, Ala., on the 3d day of December, the following 
 preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted: 
 
 Whereas since the last annual meeting of this association the Hon. 
 WILLIAM RICHARDSON, one of its most influential and active 
 members, has passed into the beyond: Therefore be it 
 Resolved by the delegates assembled in annual meeting of the 
 Tennessee River Improvement Association, That the death of Judge 
 RICHARDSON is a great loss to this association and a deep sorrow 
 to each and all of its members, and that we hereby express our 
 appreciation of his wise counsel and earnest endeavors in behalf 
 of the purposes and object of this association upon the floor of 
 our conventions, before the Rivers and Harbors Committee of the 
 Congress of the United States, and as an influential Member of 
 Congress from the eighth district of Alabama, where his fund of 
 accurate and useful information and his aptness in communicat- 
 ing the same was of untold value in our battle for recognition by 
 Congress of the commercial value of the Tennessee River. 
 
 Resolved further, That in sorrow we miss his presence here 
 to-day. He was a chivalrous, loyal, broad-minded, courtly, and 
 lovable gentleman. 
 
 Resolved finally, That these resolutions be spread on the minutes 
 of this association, and that a copy be sent to members of his 
 family and be published as the secretary of this association may 
 direct. 
 
 Mr. Speaker, the ranks are growing very thin now, the 
 ranks of men with eyes growing dim and hair grown gray, 
 who served in that great fraternal struggle which tried 
 their souls, the ranks of the veterans of the Civil War. I 
 miss them sadly as they fall out, one by one, at the stern 
 command of death. A feeling of loneliness creeps over 
 those of us who still are left, and the thought comes to me 
 that not very many days are left before we, too, must hear 
 the soft, sweet notes of " taps." And yet I know that 
 
 4095 15 2 [15] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 the old veterans are still unafraid. They do not believe 
 with the orator who said that 
 
 Every life, no matter if its every hour is rich with love and 
 every moment jeweled with a joy, will at its close become a 
 tragedy as sad and deep and dark as can be woven of the warp 
 and woof of mystery and death. 
 
 For them death is no tragedy deep and dark, for I know 
 they believe that for him who suffers it is but the opening 
 of a portal to the dawn of a grander, richer, more glorious 
 existence, and that when the final summons comes to each 
 of them in turn he may be sure that his loving comrades 
 who have gone before will meet him with outstretched 
 spirit hands to clasp again the hand of him they loved on 
 earth and bid him welcome as he touches the unknown 
 shore. And so believing, I say in all hope and in all 
 reverence to my companion in arms and friend, good-by, 
 good-by, until we meet again. 
 
 [16] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. MANN, OF ILLINOIS 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER: During my 18 years of service in this 
 House Alabama has had an exceedingly strong represen- 
 tation both upon this floor and upon the floor of the 
 Senate. I shall not recount the names of the distinguished 
 gentlemen who have represented that State here and in 
 the Senate, but I am very sure that during that period of 
 time no other State has had a stronger representation than 
 the State of Alabama, and I doubt very much whether any 
 other State on the average has had the same degree of 
 capacity in its membership in the two bodies as the State 
 of Alabama, and I am glad to say that I think the strength 
 of the representation of the State in the two bodies will 
 continue. We are about to send from this House to the 
 other body one of the strongest men who has ever sat in 
 either body, and I believe the system which they have 
 in that State of returning many of their strong men has 
 been a great benefit to the country, and among the men 
 who have been sent by that State there has been no other 
 one who had a gentler soul, a sweeter disposition, and a 
 more pleasing companionship than Mr. RICHARDSON. I 
 had the honor of serving with him for many years on the 
 Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce during 
 a time when that committee had charge of many im- 
 portant matters of legislation. The Revenue-Cutter 
 Service was reorganized; the Public Health Service was 
 reorganized; the Lighthouse Service was reorganized; 
 the Life-Saving Service was greatly extended; the De- 
 partment of Commerce and Labor was created; the 
 Rureau of Corporations was organized; the powers of 
 the Interstate Commerce Commission were made ade- 
 
 [17] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES : REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 quate; the Panama Canal was provided for and largely 
 constructed, and in all of these matters Mr. RICHARDSON 
 had very great prominence. He was in the minority dur- 
 ing that time, but in that great committee partisan con- 
 siderations do not have very much influence, and the 
 advice and help of Mr. RICHARDSON were constantly sought 
 and always freely given. 
 
 His disposition was of such a character that all who 
 knew him loved him, and those who came most closely 
 in contact with him loved him most. He and I served 
 on several conference committees where the difficulties 
 were many, and it was through his influence and help that 
 many of the good things in the legislation which came 
 from our committee were enacted into law. 
 
 When he died I was a member of the committee ap- 
 pointed by this body to attend the funeral exercises. It is 
 the only time I have left the House on an occasion of that 
 character. It was a source of pride to me to be there when 
 the final obsequies were enacted. I myself do not look 
 with dread upon death. Mr. RICHARDSON had lived a long 
 and useful life. He was entitled to leave us and go to the 
 other world and be at rest. And at these funeral exer- 
 cises one of the most affecting scenes which I have ever 
 witnessed occurred. At practically the close the ex- 
 Confederate veterans, who were there to pay their tribute 
 to their comrade, formed in line and marched around 
 the burial plot old men who had served as comrades of 
 Mr. RICHARDSON in the great struggle. And among these 
 men was a Senator of the United States, Senator Thornton, 
 of Louisiana, a member of the Senate committee, and 
 bringing up the rear of the procession, as one of the men 
 who had taken, at least, a humble part, was an old colored 
 man a procession of old men who had taken part in the 
 war, composed of those who loved him, and paying their 
 last tribute to him, from a distinguished Senator of the 
 
 [18] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. MANN, OF ILLINOIS 
 
 United States to a humble colored laborer. All who knew 
 him loved him, whether of high or low degree. And there 
 can be no more pleasant recollection for those who remain 
 behind than to know that the one who has departed has 
 been revered, respected, and loved by all. 
 
 [19] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. ADAM SON, OF GEORGIA 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER : It is not my purpose to speak of Senator 
 Johnston, although I knew him well and loved him well, 
 personally and officially, for 10 or 15 years, and greatly 
 admired his character and great ability. I was more 
 intimately associated, however, with Judge RICHARDSON, 
 of whom I wish to speak. 
 
 Mr. Speaker, although Judge RICHARDSON was illustrious 
 in the State of Alabama and to a large extent known 
 throughout the Union before he came to Congress, I had 
 never enjoyed the pleasure of his personal acquaintance 
 until he succeeded the late lamented Gen. Wheeler in 
 Congress as the Representative of the eighth district of 
 Alabama. During that term I became acquainted with 
 him and was glad when at the beginning of the next term 
 he became associated with me on the great Committee on 
 Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House. 
 
 His industry, his great talents, and wide learning, with 
 his discriminating legal mind, admirably fitted him for 
 usefulness on that committee. From the beginning he 
 took a leading part in its deliberations, grappling with 
 masterful familiarity the manifold and multifarious ques- 
 tions involving every phase, condition, and instrumen- 
 tality of interstate and foreign commerce. It was his lot 
 to participate in some of the most important legislation 
 that has marked the development of this great country in 
 the last half century, in all of which he did his part and 
 did it well, like a man, a lawyer, a patriot, and a states- 
 man. 
 
 At the beginning of the Sixty-second Congress, when 
 the Democrats organized the House, Judge RICHARDSON 
 was made chairman of the Committee on Pensions, but 
 
 [20] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. ADAMSON, OF GEORGIA 
 
 continued his membership on the Committee on Inter- 
 state and Foreign Commerce until the end of that Con- 
 gress, when a rule was adopted limiting eligibility to 
 membership on one of the large committees. Thereupon, 
 much to the regret of all the members of our committee, 
 he gave up his place with us and continued as chairman 
 of the Committee on Pensions until his death. 
 
 As one of the committee designated by the Speaker to 
 attend the funeral of Judge RICHARDSON I was much 
 gratified to find our estimate of Judge RICHARDSON shared 
 by the people of his home town and district, who mani- 
 fested their affection for him and their grief over his loss 
 by assembling in thousands to pay a last tribute of respect 
 and affection by casting a flower and a tear on his grave. 
 
 He was a good man, a good lawyer, a good friend, an 
 industrious student. He loved his country, and possessed 
 all the elements to make a great Congressman. May it be 
 the good fortune of this Republic to find many others like 
 him to steer the ship of state through perilous storms and 
 breakers to a haven of peace, prosperity, and glory, and 
 perpetuate forever the greatest Republic ever known to 
 man. 
 
 Not only in the piping times of peace did Judge RICH- 
 ARDSON exhibit his exalted character, exemplifying a 
 splendid manhood and capacity to grapple with the great 
 questions of life, but he had illustrated the valor of a 
 warrior and patriot on the tented field. He followed the 
 ill-fated but glorious flag of the Confederacy through four 
 years of hardship and valor, under the leadership of the 
 greatest military heroes who ever led marshaled armies 
 to glory. He was several times wounded, and when he 
 had suffered and fought through the unsuccessful conflict, 
 the cause in which he gloried having gone down before 
 overwhelming numbers and unlimited resources, he laid 
 down his sword in that good faith which characterized 
 his compatriots throughout the South and veritably ended 
 
 [21] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES : REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 the war at Appomattox, although some people on the 
 other side, more familiar with fighting battles with ink 
 and execrations than with sword and bullets, failed to 
 recognize the end of the war. 
 
 Having failed in their efforts to secede and preserve 
 and reestablish the ideal government originally planned 
 by the framers of the Union itself, he and the other leaders 
 and heroes of the South immediately renewed their 
 allegiance to the Union; and from 1865 to the day of his 
 death he labored with unabated energy, patriotism, and 
 devotion, with ability and zeal rarely equaled, to promote 
 the prosperity and happiness of the State of Alabama and 
 the greatness and glory of the Republic of the United 
 States of America. 
 
 [22] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. HAYES, OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER : During our service together in this House 
 I came to know Hon. WILLIAM RICHARDSON, of Alabama, 
 well. He was one of the squarest, ablest, kindliest, and 
 sweetest men I ever knew. In his young manhood he had 
 played his part in the titanic struggle between the States. 
 The marks of two wounds, which he bore in his body, 
 were mute evidence of the fidelity, zeal, and courage with 
 which he served the cause of the Confederacy. Some of 
 the unusual trials and sufferings which he endured dur- 
 ing his four years of service in the army have been re- 
 counted here to-day. A nature less noble and lovable 
 than his would have been embittered by these terrible 
 experiences. But WILLIAM RICHARDSON was incapable of 
 harboring hatred or bitterness or revenge. When the 
 cause for which he had fought was lost, he adjusted 
 himself to the new conditions and did his part in work- 
 ing out the great problems of his country. How well he 
 performed his part after he came to this House most of us 
 who are here can testify. He was incapable of sectional 
 prejudice, and in the discharge of his official duties had 
 an eye single to the welfare of the people of every section 
 of his country. He was modest almost to a fault, but 
 always faithful to every duty, which he discharged with 
 signal ability. 
 
 It is a splendid tribute to the judgment and discrimina- 
 tion of his constituency that they were loyal to him to the 
 end, and returned him to this House term after term with- 
 out serious opposition. He fully merited their confidence. 
 It is a pleasure and a privilege to render this public tribute 
 to his beautiful, lovable, and noble character, and make 
 this feeble acknowledgment of the value to this House 
 and to his country of his public services. 
 
 [23] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 It should be a source of great pride and satisfaction to 
 his friends and dear ones that without respect to party 
 and without exception his colleagues who have served 
 with him in this great historic body will always remem- 
 ber him, not only with respect for his unsullied character 
 and admiration for his abilities, but with the tenderest 
 feeling of affection for him as a man and a friend. 
 
 None knew him but to love him, 
 None named him but to praise. 
 
 [24] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. AUSTIN, OF TENNESSEE 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER: In the death of our late colleague, Judge 
 WILLIAM RICHARDSON, the State of Alabama lost one of its 
 best and most faithful public servants; the Nation an able 
 and patriotic defender; the men who served in the Mexi- 
 can War, the Union and Confederate Armies, and in the 
 Spanish-American War a true and tried friend; and this 
 House a beloved and honored Member. 
 
 I knew Judge RICHARDSON from my early boyhood days, 
 being natives of adjoining counties in Alabama, and while 
 he and my father were not of the same politics and on 
 opposite sides during the Civil War, they were lifelong 
 friends. The district which Judge RICHARDSON served with 
 signal honor and ability for 14 years borders on the south- 
 ern boundary line of Tennessee, no great distance from 
 the district which has favored me with a seat in this body. 
 
 Many of the pioneer settlers of northern Alabama or 
 the Tennessee Valley came from eastern Tennessee, and 
 were of the brave, strong, and industrious Scotch-Irish 
 stock. The great Tennessee River flows through the two 
 districts, uniting our sections by one of nature's great 
 agencies of commerce and development. There are many 
 common ties between our people, and in the passing of 
 Judge RICHARDSON I lost not only a true friend but my 
 constituents one who was ever ready to cooperate with 
 their Representative in promoting and advancing the 
 interests of east Tennessee. 
 
 A short time after my election to Congress in 1908, 
 Judge RICHARDSON, with a strong delegation, visited my 
 district, attending the Tennessee River Improvement As- 
 sociation at Harriman, Tenn. He made a most favorable 
 impression on all who came in contact with him, and I 
 
 [25] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 gratefully remember the kind and generous reference he 
 made to me in his speech on that occasion, and his kind 
 assurance that he would aid me in every possible way 
 when I reached Washington City and entered upon my 
 official duties. Like all of his promises, it was faithfully 
 kept. 
 
 His career in Congress was but a repetition of the 
 course he had followed as a Confederate soldier, as a 
 practicing attorney, as a State lawmaker, as a judge one 
 of conscientious devotion to duty. He was an untiring 
 worker, an unselfish patriot, and an incorruptible states- 
 man; an honorable, manly, brave man, and generous to 
 a fault. The possession of these qualities is the explana- 
 tion of his lasting hold upon the hearts and affections 
 of the splendid people of the eighth district of Alabama. 
 The Republican leader of this House, Mr. Mann, of Illinois, 
 has just mentioned a great number of important, far- 
 reaching constructive pieces of national legislation our 
 late colleague aided in preparing and passing, and for 
 which this and future generations will owe a debt as long 
 as the Republic lives. Of the countless thousands who 
 joined the Confederacy and fought under the Stars and 
 Bars, Judge RICHARDSON was one of the very first to forget 
 and forgive, and I am sure was proud and happy that we 
 were once more a prosperous, reunited, and happy 
 people. He not only lived to see this, but was a strong 
 factor in aiding and bringing it about. 
 
 In this connection I could not possibly present a higher, 
 grander tribute to this man of kind, generous, and 
 chivalrous deeds than to close my imperfect tribute by 
 quoting a speech which he delivered in this House on 
 January 21, 1901, when the bill was under consideration 
 to establish a national soldiers' home near Johnson City, 
 Tenn. a noble, patriotic, speech, for which the people of 
 eastern Tennessee will revere, honor, and love his memory 
 for all time. 
 
 [26] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. AUSTIN, OF TENNESSEE 
 
 Judge RICHARDSON said : 
 
 " Mr. SPEAKER : I am grateful to the distinguished chair- 
 man of the Military Committee [Mr. Hull] for the courtesy 
 extended me. As an ex-Confederate soldier, I am glad to 
 have this opportunity of bearing testimony in this public 
 manner of my high regard, esteem, and respect for the 
 Federal soldiers. It is true that the district in Alabama 
 that I have the honor to represent lies but a short distance 
 from where this home is to be established, and, not only 
 speaking for myself, but for all classes of my people, I 
 say, without hesitancy, that we welcome the establishment 
 of homes in the South for disabled Federal soldiers. Since 
 the close of our great Civil War I have been a sincere 
 and earnest advocate of fair, just, and liberal pensions, 
 as well as national homes for the disabled Union soldiers. 
 It gives me pleasure to support a bill of this kind appro- 
 priating $250,000, and even if you should make the amount 
 $350,000, I would cheerfully do likewise. 
 
 " I believe, Mr. Speaker, that this is the way yea, the 
 best way to reconcile whatever troubles or heartburn- 
 ings there may have been in the South, and especially 
 in the locality where it is proposed to establish this home. 
 There has never been any trouble, Mr. Speaker, between 
 the Federal soldier and the Confederate. The history of 
 the world has never presented a parallel to the welding 
 of the lives and friendships that has taken place in the 
 last 30 years between Federal and Confederate soldiers. 
 The effect of these friendly associations between brave 
 men who had met each other on bloody fields of battle is 
 bearing fruit as our numbers daily are passing away. 
 When His Excellency the President of the United States 
 [Mr. McKinley] made his tour, some two years since, 
 through the South and said the time would soon come 
 when the Government would take care of the graves of 
 the Confederate soldiers, this sentiment was greeted and 
 welcomed by millions of brave and true men in the South. 
 
 [27] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES : REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 We knew that the President was sincere. He spoke it 
 not only as President, but as a brave soldier. I sincerely 
 believe, Mr. Speaker, that the location of this home in east 
 Tennessee, and steps of this kind which are being in- 
 augurated and approved, will yet lead to the consum- 
 mation of the desire which exists in the conservative mind 
 of the North and the South to see a home built which will 
 admit both Federal and Confederate disabled soldiers. 
 Such a home, of course, should be under the rule and 
 government of the Federal homes law. 
 
 " I would welcome that time. One of the first bills, Mr. 
 Speaker, introduced by me in this House was to establish 
 a home of that kind in the vicinity of the beautiful city of 
 Huntsville, Ala., the most attractive section of the Ten- 
 nessee Valley. Such a measure, Mr. Speaker, will do more 
 to allay the passions and prejudices produced by the war 
 than anything else that we can do. The soldiers of the 
 Grand Army of the Republic, the Confederate soldier, 
 Republicans and Democrats, among our people, all speak 
 out for such a home. I am glad that this home proposed 
 by the bill under consideration will be established in that 
 beautiful and historic section of east Tennessee. And 
 for myself let me say, as an ex-Confederate soldier, 
 treasuring the memories, as I reverently do, that are dear 
 to my heart in connection with that wonderful struggle, 
 honoring the brave men who fought on the other side, it 
 gives me an amount of pleasure that I can not express 
 in the few minutes allowed me to-day to cast my vote 
 for this bill. [Loud and long applause.]" 
 
 [28] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. BURNETT, OF ALABAMA 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER: Judge WILLIAM RICHARDSON was a native 
 of Limestone County, Ala. He, like Senators Morgan, 
 Pettus, and Johnston, was an actor in the most terrific 
 drama that was ever played on the American stage. 
 
 In war and in peace he knew no standard but honor 
 and no watchword but duty. He came of a long line of 
 splendid southern ancestors, and every heart throb and 
 pulse beat was for his people and his native State. 
 
 When a young man the call to arms was sounded, and 
 young RICHARDSON unsheathed his sword and never re- 
 turned it to its scabbard until the history of the end of the 
 Confederacy had been written in blood and glory. 
 
 He was severely wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga 
 and carried with him to his death the effects of that awful 
 wound. What he suffered from that shot no one but God 
 and he knew, as he never paraded his troubles before his 
 friends. 
 
 He was captured during the war and, as I now recollect 
 the story, was condemned to be shot as a spy. He was 
 in his cell with a comrade one night awaiting the execu- 
 tion of the death sentence, which was to be carried out 
 next morning at sunrise, when he heard the clattering of 
 hoofs outside, and he said to his comrade, ** That's For- 
 rest's men." Sure enough it was. That wizard of the 
 saddle had heard of the sad plight of these two Con- 
 federates, and he made a raid on the town where they 
 were incarcerated and released them. 
 
 When the titanic struggle was ended Judge RICHARDSON 
 returned to a wrecked and ruined country. A few of his 
 friends joined with those who conspired to complete the 
 financial ruin of our State, and then young RICHARDSON 
 
 [29] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 again threw himself into the breach and helped to drive 
 out those who would fatten on a prostrate foe. 
 
 With the eye of an eagle, he was ever watchful of the 
 interests of Alabama ; with the courage of a lion, he never 
 quailed before her oppressors; with the heart of a 
 maiden, his sympathies were ever with the distressed; and 
 the night was never too dark nor the day too cold for him 
 to go the length of his cable tow to aid a struggling 
 brother. 
 
 His home was in Huntsville, one of the most cultured 
 cities of the South. Among lawyers he always stood at 
 the head of the list; among statesmen he always stood 
 the peer of any. In civic life and in devotion to home 
 and friends he had no superior. 
 
 Before we had emerged from the dark days of recon- 
 struction he was elected by the people of his county as 
 judge of the probate and county courts of Madison County, 
 and held that honored position until 1886. He was elected 
 to fill the unexpired term of the gallant Joe Wheeler in 
 the Fifty-sixth Congress, and had an honorable career 
 in this body until God called him. Much of the most im- 
 portant legislation of the time he was here bears the in- 
 fluence of his mind. His work for Muscle Shoals and the 
 Tennessee River was ardent and indefatigable. If the 
 scheme for water-power development and the opening of 
 that great stream is ever consummated, the people of the 
 Tennessee Valley ought to erect a monument to the name 
 of WILLIAM RICHARDSON. 
 
 In his early married life he lost his wife, and with four 
 beautiful little daughters and a baby boy he started life 
 anew, with a sad and dreary heart. 
 
 His devotion to the memory of that companion and 
 his love for his little ones restrained him from ever mar- 
 rying again. He reared his daughters himself, in his own 
 home, and his devotion to them was perfectly beautiful. 
 
 [30] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. BURNETT, OF ALABAMA 
 
 On account of the proximity of our districts and the fact 
 that we lived at the same hotel in Washington much of 
 the time that he was in Congress I perhaps enjoyed more 
 intimate relations with him than any other Member of the 
 delegation. 
 
 We came into the Fifty-sixth Congress at nearly the 
 same time. As he filled out an unexpired term he entered 
 a few months later than I did. During our long and 
 intimate acquaintance I always found him every inch a 
 man. Devoted to his family, loyal to his district and his 
 people, true to his friends, true to himself, devoted to the 
 memory of the lost cause, his like will not always be 
 found. 
 
 His memory will long be kept green by those who loved 
 and honored him. 
 
 Earth was poorer and heaven was richer when this 
 noble friend was called to God. 
 
 4095 15 3 [31] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. SIMS, OF TENNESSEE 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER: It was my good fortune when I was only 
 about 15 or 16 years of age to live in Waterloo, Ala., in a 
 county in the congressional district which our departed 
 friend, Judge RICHARDSON, represented. The district which 
 he represented was the eighth district of Alabama, and 
 the one that I have the honor to represent is the eighth dis- 
 trict of Tennessee, and in addition to the fact that each 
 is the eighth district in our respective States they are 
 contiguous. One of the counties of my district borders 
 on one of the counties of that district, and from earliest 
 childhood I have known more Alabamians than people 
 from any other State in the Union, and nearly all of them 
 came from the eighth district of that State. Consequently, 
 having lived in Alabama, and having associated with her 
 people intimately, although I never knew Judge RICHARD- 
 SON while I lived in Alabama or before I came to this 
 body, I felt an interest in him, which was brought about 
 largely by the conditions I have just described. 
 
 In addition to that he had two brothers living in Nash- 
 ville, Tenn., prosperous business men, and men who 
 always took a lively and active interest in the political, 
 moral, and general welfare of our State. I knew both of 
 those gentlemen before I met Judge RICHARDSON, and they 
 were no ordinary men. Consequently, Judge RICHARDSON 
 seemed to me very much as a Tennesseean. When he 
 entered this body, being the successor of the distinguished 
 Confederate general, Joseph Wheeler, and having been a 
 Confederate soldier himself, all these things added to the 
 interest I already felt in him. From the time I first knew 
 Judge RICHARDSON to the last time I ever joined him in 
 service in this House and in service upon the Interstate 
 
 [32] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. SIMS, OF TENNESSEE 
 
 and Foreign Commerce Committee, of which we were 
 members for two terms prior to his death, nothing ever 
 occurred that did not add to the good feeling and high 
 opinion which I had of him. And every act of his life 
 after my acquaintanceship with him was such as to make 
 one feel more kindly toward him until it grew into real 
 affection. 
 
 During the latter part of his life, when he would try 
 to discharge his public duties, and when it was evident 
 to everyone he was not able to do so, I often asked him 
 not to go to the committee meetings, because he did not 
 look strong enough, and told him that we would do the 
 work for him, but he was always insistent, and went to 
 his labors when he ought not to have done so. The former 
 distinguished chairman of the Committee on Interstate 
 and Foreign Commerce, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. 
 Mann, and also the present distinguished chairman, the 
 gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Adamson, have paid 
 tribute to his efficient and hard work upon that com- 
 mittee. He was absolutely independent in thought, and 
 in the many hearings that occurred before that committee, 
 when he and I were members, we would often differ, and 
 sharply differ, as to certain propositions and theories and 
 as to what ought or ought not to be in the proposed legis- 
 lation, but always with a courtesy and dignity on his part 
 that left no stings, but made you think all the more of the 
 man and admire all the more his courage to thus so 
 sharply differ with men who loved him and whom he 
 in turn loved. On the floor of this House I have some- 
 times, but not often, differed with him as to what was 
 good legislation and beneficial to our country and as to 
 what was bad as we saw it, but I always knew that he was 
 just as sincere and honest in his views upon the questions 
 which were then being discussed as I claimed to be 
 myself. And although an older man, he was easy to 
 become acquainted with, and the longer you knew him 
 
 [33] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 the more he grew upon you, until it became a positive 
 pleasure to me to associate with him not only in the duties 
 that were common to us but in every way that men and 
 friends can be associated. 
 
 As such associate and companion in legislative labors 
 I feel that I have sustained a great loss, and such no doubt 
 is the feeling of all who were so closely associated with 
 him as to know his true value as a Member of this House. 
 He was one of those men that was so impressive in his 
 genial yet strong personality that he will always remain 
 firmly fixed in the minds of all who were so fortunate as 
 to have known him intimately. Any constituency in any 
 State could well be proud of so able and so good a Repre- 
 sentative in this body, and if the able gentleman who has 
 been chosen to represent the good people of the eighth 
 district of Alabama serves his constituents as well, as ably, 
 and as faithfully as did Judge RICHARDSON, I predict for 
 him a long term of distinguished service in this body. 
 
 .[34] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. HEFLIN, OF ALABAMA 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER: It has long been the custom of both 
 branches of Congress to hold memorial services in honor 
 of the men who died while serving their country as Mem- 
 bers of Congress. It is a splendid custom, and I com- 
 mend its observance to all those who are to come after 
 us. It is fitting that the deceased Member's colleagues 
 should have the privilege of recounting his deeds and 
 commending his virtues, and, Mr. Speaker, we are here 
 to-day to pay to the memory of a once brave and able 
 Member of Congress the tribute of our respect and esteem. 
 
 It is comforting to the brave soldier to know that if he 
 dies in battle far away from home and loved ones that 
 some of his comrades will tell the story of his valor and 
 heroism, and, Mr. Speaker, it is comforting to a Member 
 of Congress to know that when he has answered his last 
 roll call and gone from the forum of congressional debate 
 that his colleagues will say something of his work here 
 and speak of his service to his country. 
 
 Mr. Speaker, the service here is often strenuous, always 
 exacting, and trying at times on both the ability and 
 moral stamina of the Member. It is ours to promote the 
 general welfare to benefit the country by our service 
 and to guard the Constitution so that we may bequeath 
 to posterity, unhampered and unimpaired, the priceless 
 heritage of civil and religious liberty. Here we have to do 
 with the great problems that affect the destiny of our 
 country and the welfare of the human race, for, as Jeffer- 
 son has said, " One single good government is a blessing 
 to mankind." Here men have given the best years of 
 their lives striving earnestly to be of value to their day 
 and generation, and here they have rendered noble serv- 
 ice to their country. 
 
 [35] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 The man whose memory we honor to-day was an able 
 and faithful public servant. He was a splendid repre- 
 sentative of the South " when knighthood was in flower." 
 Judge RICHARDSON, when but a beardless youth, entered 
 the Confederate Army, and no braver soldier ever donned 
 a uniform or drew a battle blade. Believing that the 
 State had the right to secede, that sovereignty resided 
 with the State, and that to the State allegiance was due, 
 he endured the hardships and privations of the Con- 
 federate soldier, and participated in a struggle where the 
 mingled blood of brothers, North and South, cemented 
 the sections in the bonds of an everlasting union. 
 
 He accepted in good faith the arbitrament of the sword, 
 and this faithful follower of the Stars and Bars became 
 the devoted defender of the Stars and Stripes, and here 
 in the Hall of the National Congress he counseled with 
 men of the Union Army and together they worked for 
 the good of the Republic. 
 
 He was a loyal friend, an able and faithful represent- 
 ative of his people, and a splendid type of the American 
 citizen. 
 
 [36] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. DENT, OF ALABAMA 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER : It is always painful to contemplate death, 
 but as death is inevitable it is meet and proper that those 
 of us who linger behind should by some appropriate 
 ceremony pay our respects to the memory of the friends 
 and associates who have preceded us to the grave. It is 
 more than difficult, Mr. Speaker, to do justice to .such an 
 occasion, but it is a privilege which the living have to 
 make the attempt. Nothing that we can say here will add 
 either to the name or to the fame of those whose spirits 
 have winged their flight to the unknown realm above, 
 but we can at least recall their virtues so that those who 
 come after them may profit thereby. 
 
 It is in this spirit that I shall attempt briefly to speak 
 of the life and character of the late Judge WILLIAM RICH- 
 ARDSON. Notwithstanding the fact that considerably more 
 than a score of years separated our lives, I know that 
 there was a bond of friendship between us. Upon practi- 
 cally all political questions Judge RICHARDSON and I were 
 in entire accord, and our personal relations were of the 
 most friendly character. I recall distinctly my first intro- 
 duction to Judge RICHARDSON. It was when he was a 
 candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor 
 of the State of Alabama. I recall his appearance and his 
 manner. I well remember the dignified black suit and the 
 immaculate white shirt a style of dress that he was wont 
 to wear unto the day of his death. I well recall also his 
 pleasing conversation and his most cordial manner. It 
 was years afterwards, however, that we met as colleagues 
 in this body. It was then that I came to know Judge 
 RICHARDSON, and knowing him, to honor, to respect, to 
 admire, aye, to love him. Judge RICHARDSON was a modest 
 
 [37] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 and a courageous gentleman. He possessed that kind of 
 courage which is always associated with modesty the 
 finest type of courage to be found among men. Judge 
 RICHARDSON was a patriot, if by patriotism we mean a 
 fearless, intelligent, and conscientious devotion to what 
 one believes to be to the best interest of his country. His 
 record as a Confederate soldier, as a private citizen, as a 
 Member for many years of this body, speaks for itself, 
 and is above reproach. His remarkable career in the 
 Confederate Army he never capitalized politically, and 
 even in private conversation with his closest friends he 
 was diffident in speaking of it. 
 
 Judge RICHARDSON belonged to the old, chivalrous school 
 of southern gentlemen men who were neither boisterous 
 nor ostentatious, as is often pictured by inimical critics of 
 the South, but men who fearlessly discharge their duty, 
 let the consequences be what they may. He was kept in 
 Congress by a fond constituency until claimed by death. 
 Among others, I attended the funeral in his home city 
 of Huntsville, where his remains were interred. I saw 
 gathered there, from all the ranks of life and from all 
 over the Tennessee Valley, a great concourse of people to 
 pay tribute to his memory. I saw gray-haired, wrinkled, 
 and decrepit Confederate veterans, when his coffin was 
 lowered in the grave, march solemnly around it and drop 
 in it a sprig of green. I saw delicate, refined, and sym- 
 pathetic women cover the new-made grave with all the 
 varieties of flowers that spring puts forth in that sunny 
 clime, and when I turned away with head uncovered and 
 eyes moistened with tears, I said, " Surely, as I firmly 
 believe, if there be a kingdom of the righteous, the soul 
 and the spirit of Judge RICHARDSON is now resting in 
 peace." 
 
 [38] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. BYRNS, OF TENNESSEE 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER: When I entered the Sixty-first Congress, 
 among the first, if not the very first of those who had seen 
 prior service in Congress, to greet and cordially welcome 
 me as a colleague was the Hon. WILLIAM RICHARDSON, of 
 Alabama. From that time until his death he was my good 
 friend, and I profited greatly from his helpful advice and 
 suggestions. The particular interest that he took in me 
 from the outset was no doubt largely influenced by the 
 fact that in my home city there lived two brothers and a 
 sister who were among its most influential and prominent 
 citizens, and who had commended me to him. So deep 
 was my appreciation of his generous friendship and his 
 kindly and helpful advice, so great my admiration for 
 his many noble qualities as a man and as a distinguished 
 Member of this body, that I could not let this opportunity 
 pass without paying a brief, though necessarily inade- 
 quate, tribute to his memory. It is not my purpose to 
 speak of the life of Judge RICHARDSON, or to refer par- 
 ticularly to the great service which he rendered to his 
 State and the Nation. I will leave that to others who 
 served for a longer time with him in Congress. We have 
 just listened to an excellent address by his successor in 
 Congress and his lifelong and intimate friend, Hon. C. C. 
 Harris, who has pictured to us the high sense of duty 
 which prompted every act of Judge RICHARDSON through 
 all the years of his life. 
 
 Indeed, Mr. Speaker, this high sense of honor and duty 
 was the guidepost which directed him at every turn in 
 the pathway of his life. It governed and sustained him, 
 when, as a mere boy during the Civil War, he was cap- 
 tured at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and ordered to be executed 
 
 [39] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES : REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 within a few hours, being saved from such a fate only by 
 the timely and unexpected arrival of that wizard of the 
 saddle, Gen. Bedford Forrest. His neighbors will tell you 
 that this same high principle controlled him during all the 
 subsequent years of his life while he lived among them 
 as an honored friend and neighbor. It was surely so, 
 Mr. Speaker, after he became a Member of this House, 
 where, as one of its most useful, faithful, and influential 
 Members, he devoted so many years of his life in splendid 
 service to his State and the Nation. It was particularly 
 so during the last few months of his life, when dread 
 disease had taken hold of him and death was haunting 
 his footsteps. Feeble though he was, he insisted on attend- 
 ing the sessions of the House and giving personal atten- 
 tion to the needs and wishes of those whom he directly 
 represented. To a man of his high ideals I am quite sure 
 it must have been a consolation that he was permitted to 
 pay the debt which we must all ultimately pay while 
 actively engaged in the service of his country, leaving 
 behind him as a heritage to his family not only a high and 
 honorable name, but also an enviable record of earnest 
 and faithful devotion to duty. And, Mr. Speaker, what 
 better fate could befall any man? We all must face 
 death at some time, and I know of no better end than 
 that which fell to the lot of our distinguished colleague 
 and friend. He died after a long life of usefulness, rich 
 in honors and richer in the love and affection of all who 
 knew him. 
 
 Mr. Speaker, I have never feared death very much. 
 Sooner or later it must come to us all. For the same rea- 
 son I do not believe that the majority of mankind actually 
 fear death. We dread it rather because of the uncertainty 
 and the fear that the record of our lives may not be such 
 as to entitle us to receive the reward of another and an 
 infinitely more happy life. But there can be no such fear 
 as to our deceased colleague. He was called upon to 
 
 [40] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. BYRNS, OF TENNESSEE 
 
 perform much service in this life, and it can be truthfully 
 said that he was faithful to every trust, whether great or 
 small, and we have the promise of the Divine Master that 
 such a man shall be ruler over many things in the great 
 beyond. 
 
 Mr. Speaker, I know of no man who more truly lived 
 up to the injunction of the poet: 
 
 So live that when thy summons comes to join 
 The innumerable caravan which moves 
 To that mysterious realm where each shall take 
 His chamber in the silent halls of death, 
 Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night, 
 Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed 
 By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave 
 Like one that wraps the drapery of his couch 
 About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams. 
 
 [411 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. ABERCROMBIE, OF ALABAMA 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER: This is a solemn hour, and it furnishes 
 occasion for serious reflection. 
 
 Once more we have been reminded of the verity of 
 the biblical decree, " It is appointed unto men once to 
 die." From that divine edict there is no escape. 
 
 Death is the final and common conqueror. With im- 
 perial and impartial tread it enters the gilded palace and 
 the lowly hovel. Its awful presence stills the tongue of 
 criticism, silences the voice of anger, restrains the pen 
 of censure, softens the heart of hatred, and turns our 
 thoughts toward those things the contemplation of which 
 elevates the mind, quickens the conscience, and purifies 
 the soul. 
 
 How strange it is that we think seriously of death only 
 when confronted by death! 
 
 In the death of our friend and colleague, Representa- 
 tive WILLIAM RICHARDSON, his district lost a brilliant and 
 faithful servant, the State of Alabama a loyal and dis- 
 tinguished son, the United States a devoted and useful 
 officer, the cause of liberty a prudent and zealous cham- 
 pion. Throughout a long and active life, given chiefly 
 to the public service, he was ever a shining example of 
 loyalty to purpose, of devotion to country, and of faithful- 
 ness to duty. 
 
 He died in Atlantic City, N. J., on the 31st day of 
 March, 1914, at the age of 74 years 10 months and 23 days. 
 His birthplace was Athens, Ala., and the date of his birth 
 was the 8th day of May, 1839. His health had been failing 
 for some time, and his death was not unexpected by his 
 family and friends. 
 
 [42] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. ABERCROMBIE, OF ALABAMA 
 
 As was true generally of the youth of that time in that 
 new country, his opportunities for the acquisition of an 
 education were limited; but, availing himself industri- 
 ously of the means within his reach, after attending 
 school in his home town, then a mere village, he entered 
 and in due season graduated with highest honors from 
 the Wesleyan University at Florence, Ala., an institution 
 now long nonexistent. The colleges and universities of 
 that time in all parts of the country were far below those 
 of to-day in both admission and graduation requirements. 
 As a matter of fact, the higher institutions of that day were 
 not superior, if, indeed, they were equal to the secondary 
 schools of the present. 
 
 The wonder is that so many who came up under the 
 conditions of that period were able to overcome ap- 
 parently insurmountable obstacles and acquire the educa- 
 tion necessary for success and distinction in all the fields 
 of human endeavor. Representative RICHARDSON belonged 
 to that class of men who succeed regardless of untoward 
 conditions. He possessed the rare powers of concentra- 
 tion and application, and these combined with a strong 
 intellect enabled him to acquire much knowledge. He 
 was a man of great learning. 
 
 Not long after leaving college he enlisted as a private 
 in the Army of the Confederacy, in which he served with 
 great prowess from 1861 to 1865. He was wounded 
 three times, once desperately, and was promoted to the 
 rank of captain on account of conspicuous gallantry on 
 the field of battle. A unique and harrowing experience 
 was his during that sanguinary conflict. While traveling 
 unknowingly with a spy he was arrested by Federal 
 soldiers, and, with the spy, condemned to be executed at 
 sunrise on the following day. Only a timely rescue by 
 Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest saved his life. In the per- 
 formance of duty danger had no terror for him. He was 
 among the bravest of the brave. 
 
 [43] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES : REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 When the war ended he returned to his home and 
 studied law, which was his profession for the remainder 
 of his life, and in which he won signal success. Having 
 served a term in the Legislature of Alabama he removed 
 to Huntsville, which was his home thereafter. He was 
 for many years judge of probate, and his friends still 
 boast that his record was the best ever made in that 
 office. 
 
 He was a candidate for the gubernatorial nomination 
 of his party in 1890 and was defeated by only a small 
 number of votes. Four years later he served as delegate 
 at large to the Democratic national convention. On the 
 3d day of July, 1900, following the resignation during 
 the Fifty-sixth Congress of Gen. Joseph Wheeler, who 
 for many years had represented that district, the eighth 
 Alabama, he was nominated unanimously by his party 
 for both the unexpired and the succeeding term in the 
 House of Representatives, and he served continuously 
 thereafter until the date of his death in the Sixty-third 
 Congress. 
 
 His health began to fail about two years ago, prior to 
 which time he took a prominent part in the proceedings 
 of the House and participated in many of the debates, 
 always with credit to himself. He served on some of the 
 most important committees and at the time of his death 
 was chairman of the Committee on Pensions. In his 
 capacity as a Member of Congress he had to do directly 
 with those who to him had been both foe and victor in 
 time of war, and from the very beginning of his service 
 here he had their confidence and esteem. In no other 
 Government than this glorious Republic could a thing 
 like that have happened. It shows how completely the 
 animosities of the great war have passed away. 
 
 In this connection I am reminded of a bill passed dur- 
 ing this Congress in furtherance of the feeling of amity 
 
 [44] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. ABERCROMBIE, OF ALABAMA 
 
 to which I have referred. How appropriate and how 
 beautiful it was for a Representative from Pennsylvania 
 [Mr. Graham] to introduce, and by unanimous vote in 
 both House and Senate, to secure the passage of a bill 
 having for its object the complete obliteration of sectional 
 prejudice so far as that can be done by law. I refer to 
 the act repealing the statute requiring proof of loyalty to 
 the Union of those who seek reimbursement for damages 
 sustained during the Civil War. The speech made by 
 Mr. Graham when that bill was under consideration in 
 the House was one of the most eloquent and patriotic that 
 was ever delivered in Congress or elsewhere. I wish it 
 could have been heard by every citizen of this great 
 country. 
 
 As a public speaker Representative RICHARDSON dis- 
 played oratorical ability of a high order. In debate he 
 was ready, poised, argumentative, and fair, and on all oc- 
 casions was lucid, instructive, eloquent, and convincing. 
 As an orator he was in demand throughout Alabama, 
 especially on patriotic occasions, and he never failed to 
 measure up to the expectations of his audience. 
 
 But, Mr. Speaker, in view of what others have said, it 
 is unnecessary for me to dwell longer upon the details 
 of the remarkable career of our late friend and colleague. 
 From the date of his entrance into the combat of life his 
 record was one of achievement, and in its every stage 
 discloses a brilliant mind, a determined will, a cultivated 
 conscience, and a generous soul, all of which go to con- 
 stitute a well-rounded character, and are absolutely es- 
 sential for real success. A born leader of men, he was 
 ever accorded preferment by his fellows. His career 
 illustrates the power of a combination of intelligence, 
 character, and application, and will stand as a perennial 
 inspiration to the youth of the land. 
 
 [45] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 A good and great man was lost to the world when 
 WILLIAM RICHARDSON died. True to himself, true to his 
 country, true to his God, he abides with Him 
 
 Who shines in the sun, refreshes in the breeze, 
 Glows in the stars and blossoms in the trees, 
 Lives through all life, extends through all extent, 
 Spreads undivided and operates unspent. 
 
 [46] 
 
ADDRESS OF MR. UNDERWOOD, OF ALABAMA 
 
 Mr. SPEAKER: My affection and respect for the person 
 and character of our friend and colleague WILLIAM 
 RICHARDSON will not permit me to indulge in mere words 
 of praise. He was my friend and comrade for many 
 years. I knew and loved him for his charming person- 
 ality, his high character, and his eminent abilities. He 
 early realized the responsibilities of life as a soldier in the 
 War between the States, and with courage he met every 
 responsibility from that hour to the day of his death. 
 Tried in many and important public and private stations, 
 he was faithful in all. Courteous and kindly in manner, 
 he was determined and persistent in purpose and action. 
 Tolerant and conservative always, he had fixed principles 
 to guide his course through life and positive convictions 
 that he maintained on all public questions. He thought 
 clearly and always expressed himself forcefully. He was 
 a hard worker, a diligent seeker after the truth. Pos- 
 sessed of rare good judgment and great common sense, 
 he was a safe counselor. He made friends through life 
 because people believed in him and trusted him. He 
 carried conviction with what he said because he himself 
 was convinced before he acted. He was a leader of men 
 because his leadership was marked by courage and 
 honesty of purpose. He was respected by all who knew 
 him because he deserved it. He loved his country and 
 was a true American, but he was primarily a son of the 
 Southland, bound in heart and memory to the history and 
 traditions, the honesty and good repute of the old South. 
 He honored his native State of Alabama, and Alabama 
 honored him to the day of his death. Great as is the 
 history of Alabama and her many distinguished sons, 
 
 4095 15 4 [47] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES : REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 there never trod on Alabama soil a more knightly gentle- 
 man than WILLIAM RICHARDSON, and there sleeps not 
 beneath Alabama's sod a more loyal, gentle, and brave 
 son than her late Representative. 
 
 Then, in accordance with the resolution heretofore 
 adopted (at 2 o'clock and 22 minutes p. m.), the House 
 adjourned until to-morrow, Monday, February 1, 1915, at 
 12 o'clock noon. 
 
 [48] 
 
PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE 
 
 WEDNESDAY, April 1, 
 A message from the House of Representatives, by J. C. 
 South, its Chief Clerk, communicated to the Senate the 
 intelligence of the death of Hon. WILLIAM RICHARDSON, 
 late a Representative from the State of Alabama, and 
 transmitted resolutions of the House thereon. 
 
 The Presiding Officer (Mr. Lea of Tennessee) laid 
 before the Senate the following resolutions of the House 
 of Representatives, which were read : 
 
 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 
 
 March 31, 19U. 
 
 Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of 
 the death of Hon. WILLIAM RICHARDSON, a Representative from 
 the State of Alabama. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of 20 Members of the House, with 
 such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to 
 attend the funeral. 
 
 Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be authorized 
 and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying 
 out the provisions of these resolutions, and that the necessary ex- 
 pense in connection therewith be paid out of the contingent fund 
 of the House. 
 
 Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the 
 Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. 
 
 Mr. OVERMAN. Mr. President, I offer the resolutions 
 which I send to the desk, and ask that they may be read. 
 
 The resolutions were read, considered by unanimous 
 consent, and unanimously agreed to, as follows : 
 
 Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the 
 announcement of the death of the Hon. WILLIAM RICHARDSON, late 
 a Representative from the State of Alabama. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of six Senators be appointed by the 
 Presiding Officer, to join the committee appointed on the part of 
 
 [49] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 the House of Representatives, to attend the funeral of the deceased 
 Representative. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these resolutions to 
 the House of Representatives and transmit a copy thereof to the 
 family of the deceased. 
 
 The Presiding Officer appointed under the second reso- 
 lution as the committee on the part of the Senate Mr. 
 Bankhead, Mr. Thornton, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Gronna, Mr. 
 Poindexter, and Mr. Crawford. 
 
 Mr. OVERMAN. Mr. President, I move as a further mark 
 of respect to the memory of the deceased .Representative 
 that the Senate take a recess until to-morrow at 11 o'clock 
 and 50 minutes a. m. 
 
 The motion was unanimously agreed to, and (at 4 
 o'clock and 40 minutes p. m.) the Senate took a recess 
 until to-morrow, Thursday, April 2, 1914, at 11 o'clock 
 and 50 minutes a. m. 
 
 TUESDAY, February 2, 1915. 
 
 A message from the House of Representatives, by J. C. 
 South, its Chief Clerk, announced that the House trans- 
 mitted to the Senate resolutions of the House on the life 
 and public services of Hon. Joseph F. Johnston, late a 
 Senator from the State of Alabama, and also on the life 
 and public services of Hon. WILLIAM RICHARDSON, late a 
 Representative from the State of Alabama. 
 
 [50] 
 
TRIBUTES 
 
 BY THE COMMITTEE ON PENSIONS 
 
 [Resolutions adopted by the Committee on Pensions of the House 
 of Representatives, Apr. 17, 1914.] 
 
 Whereas by Divine Providence our colleague WILLIAM 
 RICHARDSON, a man greatly beloved, entered into the 
 rest that remaineth for the people of God on March 31, 
 1914: 
 
 Resolved, That we, the members of the Committee on 
 Pensions of the House of Representatives, of which com- 
 mittee he was chairman for three years, record our affec- 
 tion for this gentle and considerate public servant. 
 
 For almost half a century he was engaged in affairs of 
 national interest. 
 
 As a soldier of the Confederacy he bore with him to 
 the grave the wounds received while battling for the 
 cause he had espoused. He was one of the survivors of 
 that great conflict who lived to see a country reunited. 
 
 For 15 years the people of Alabama selected him to 
 represent them in the House of Representatives, where 
 he unselfishly gave his strength, his wisdom, and his 
 heart to the interests of his constituents. 
 
 Whether upon the field of battle or in the Halls of 
 Congress he was always a courageous fighter, and for his 
 fairness his opponents loved him. 
 
 Thus as a soldier and a statesman he became schooled 
 in his early years as a man of affairs. This accounts for 
 his wonderful breadth of view and splendid judgment in 
 dealing with the perplexing problems of state. 
 
 [51] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 Resolved, That we extend our sympathy to the bereaved 
 family, not in a formal way, but with heartfelt sincerity. 
 Their grief is ours. Under his guidance we were wisely 
 advised. We deem it a privilege to bear witness to his 
 work and worth. The inspiration of his life will linger 
 long in our hearts. We are thankful that his lot was cast 
 with ours through so many eventful years. 
 
 It is our prayer that God will abundantly bless and care 
 for the family he so dearly loved. 
 
 Ah, God, for a man with heart, head, hands, 
 Like some of the simple great ones gone 
 
 Forever and ever by; 
 One still strong man in a blatant land, 
 
 Whatever they call him, what care I? 
 Aristocrat, autocrat, democrat one 
 Who can rule, and dare not lie. 
 
 EDWARD KEATING, 
 S. KIRKPATRICK, 
 WILLIAM H. MURRAY, 
 SAM R. SELLS, 
 FRANK L. GREENE, 
 Subcommittee of the Committee on Pensions, 
 
 House of Representatives. 
 
 BY THE GOVERNOR OF ALABAMA 
 
 [Proclamation issued by the governor of Alabama, the Hon. 
 Emmet O'Neal, at Montgomery, Ala., Apr. 1, 1914.] 
 
 It becomes my painful duty to make official announce- 
 ment to the people of Alabama of the death of Hon. 
 WILLIAM RICHARDSON, a Member of Congress from the 
 eighth congressional district, which occurred at Atlantic 
 City on Tuesday, March 31. 
 
 Judge WILLIAM RICHARDSON has long been one of the 
 most commanding figures in the political life of the State, 
 an eminent lawyer, a profound student of economic and 
 
 [52] 
 
TRIBUTES 
 
 governmental questions, with all that polish, culture, 
 grace, and charm of manner typical of the old South. 
 
 He never surrendered his honest convictions to the 
 demands of selfish expediency of time-serving opportu- 
 nity, and in every great political contest, from the era of 
 reconstruction to the hour of his death, his leadership was 
 acknowledged and his great abilities recognized. 
 
 Since 1898 he has represented his district in Congress, 
 and no Member of that body ever more completely won 
 or deserved the respect, the confidence, and affection of 
 his constituents. 
 
 He was ever alert to the interests of his people, ever at 
 the post of duty, and he consecrated to their services his 
 great abilities and easily won distinction as one of the 
 strongest and most influential and useful Members that 
 ever represented the State in the Halls of Congress. 
 
 Alabama has been fortunate in the long array of dis- 
 tinguished names that have been written on the rolls of 
 Congress, yet in all that long list no name will shine 
 brighter with purer ray serene than WILLIAM RICHARDSON, 
 of Alabama. 
 
 BRAVE CONFEDERATE SOLDIER. 
 
 A brave Confederate soldier, a splendid type of that 
 great civilization " which commenced with Washington 
 and ended with Lee," Alabama never had a son more 
 loyal or devoted to her interests, or one whose name is 
 more entitled to illustrate the brightest pages of her 
 history. 
 
 In evidence therefore of the State's appreciation of his 
 long and distinguished career, I, Emmet O'Neal, governor 
 of the State of Alabama, do issue this proclamation, and 
 order the State's flag to be placed at half mast on the 
 Capitol and the building to be draped in mourning. I 
 further direct that on the day of the funeral all offices in 
 the Capitol building be closed in respect to his memory. 
 
 [53] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 BY THE HUNTSVILLE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 
 
 [Resolutions adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the City 
 of Huntsville, Ala., Apr. 2, 1914.] 
 
 Whereas Judge RICHARDSON, Congressman from the eighth 
 congressional district of Alabama, departed this life on 
 March 31 ; and 
 
 Whereas the funeral services of this beloved statesman 
 will take place in the city of Huntsville, Ala., on Friday, 
 April 3, at 2 o'clock p. m. : Now, therefore, be it 
 Resolved by the Board of Commissioners of the City of 
 Huntsville, Ala., That as an evidence of the esteem in 
 which this man was held and out of respect to his mem- 
 ory all business houses in the city of Huntsville are re- 
 quested to be closed during the time of said funeral, viz, 
 on Friday, April 3, from the hours of 2 o'clock until 4 
 o'clock p. m. 
 
 R. L. O'NEAL, 
 
 J. D. HUMPHREY, 
 M. H. LANIER, 
 
 Commissioners. 
 
 BY THE HUNTSVILLE BAR ASSOCIATION 
 
 [Resolutions adopted by the Huntsville Bar Association Apr. 
 
 2, 1914.] 
 
 Whereas death has taken from the active walks of life, 
 after a long and distinguished career in public life, 
 our beloved fellow citizen, neighbor, and friend, Hon. 
 WILLIAM RICHARDSON, who for many years was a lead- 
 ing member of the Huntsville bar, and justly recognized 
 as one of the ablest and most eloquent advocates in Ala- 
 bama, for 12 years judge of probate of Madison County, 
 and perhaps the best in the State, and for the past 15 
 years the able Representative of this the eighth con- 
 gressional district in the lower House of Congress, and 
 always and at all times the public-spirited, liberal, 
 
 [54] 
 
TRIBUTES 
 
 honest, and progressive citizen, the true and loyal 
 
 friend, the devoted husband, loving and affectionate 
 
 father: Therefore be it 
 
 Resolved, That we, his neighbors, friends, and brother 
 lawyers, bow in recognition, but with sad and sorrowful 
 hearts to this dispensation of the all-wise and inscrutable 
 Providence; be it further 
 
 Resolved, That the Chair appoint a committee of three 
 for the respective courts of record in Madison County and 
 the United States court to present to said court these reso- 
 lutions and request that the same be spread upon the 
 minutes of the same; be it further 
 
 Resolved, That a copy of the resolutions be furnished 
 the press for publication, and also the family of Judge 
 
 RICHARDSON. 
 
 R. E. SPRAGINS, Chairman, 
 
 BEN P. HUNT, 
 R. E. SMITH, 
 
 Committee. 
 
 BY THE HUNTSVILLE (ALA.) MERCURY-BANNER. 
 [Editorial in the Huntsville Mercury-Banner of Apr. 2, 1914.] 
 
 Huntsville has upon her roll of honor the names of 
 many eminent sons, but it is doubtful if the death of any 
 one was ever more generally regretted and the sorrow of 
 our loss more deeply and keenly felt than in the death of 
 WILLIAM RICHARDSON. The public is familiar with his 
 long official career characterized by eminent ability, 
 capable efficiency, and the most loyal fidelity to every 
 trust. He was a man of unquestioned courage, mental, 
 moral, and physical. Perhaps the dominating element 
 of the man was his strong, native common sense, which 
 gave him almost unerring judgment. He was a positive 
 character. In all of his many political and legal battles 
 he asked no quarter and gave none. 
 
 .[55] 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES: REPRESENTATIVE RICHARDSON 
 
 But it was in the close ties of intimate friendship and 
 the sweet relations of the home where the tender, gentle, 
 affectionate, and patient nature of this strong man showed 
 themselves in all their charm, strength, and beauty. He 
 was a most attractive, interesting, and lovable man in 
 these relations and we speak as one who thus knew him 
 for long years, both in his joys and in his greatest sorrows. 
 He was a most obliging neighbor, a friend loyal and 
 true, and as a husband and father he displayed the best 
 of his great nature. As a citizen he lived on a high plane, 
 and in the 31 years we knew him he never failed to re- 
 spond to any call for the betterment and uplift of his 
 home city and county. In this respect his life record 
 could well be emulated by our every citizen. As a public 
 official it will not be out of place to say he approximated 
 the ideal. He was judge of probate of Madison County 
 when we first knew him, and it is no exaggeration to say 
 he was the best the county ever had. He took great pride 
 in beautifying and caring for the court square. And in 
 no relation of life did his fine nature shine out more 
 nobly than in his watchful, faithful attention to the inter- 
 ests of the widows and orphans when their interests 
 became intrusted to his care in the probate court. 
 
 He has won and richly deserves every respect and 
 honor his people can pay his memory, and in this last 
 tribute they do honor themselves. Peace to his ashes. 
 
 BY HON. EDWARD B. ALMON, OF TUSCUMBIA, ALA. 
 [From the Huntsville (Ala.) Mercury-Banner of Apr. 2, 1914.] 
 
 Judge Edward B. Almon, candidate for Congress, out of 
 respect to the memory of the late Judge WILLIAM RICH- 
 ARDSON, has canceled his speaking engagement at the Elks' 
 Theater here to-night and also his appointments on the 
 day of the funeral. 
 
 [56] 
 
TRIBUTES 
 
 Speaking of Judge RICHARDSON, Judge Almon said : 
 " No man more sincerely mourns the death of Judge 
 RICHARDSON than I do. He was perhaps the most useful 
 man in the eighth congressional district, and, until his 
 health failed a year ago or more, the man most active 
 in the upbuilding of this section. 
 
 " I knew him as a man and as a great and useful public 
 servant, and shall always honor his memory. The State 
 and the Nation have, in his death, sustained a great loss." 
 
 [57]