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House of Representatives

Memorial Addresses

Remarks by Representative Dworshak

Of Idaho

Mr. DWORSHAK. Mr. Speaker, almost 50 years ago a young lawyer arrived in Boise, to become intimately associated with the development of Idaho, which had entered statehood in 1890. The Gem State, recognizing outstanding ability, sent WILLIAM E. BORAH to the United States Senate in 1907. Thus began a political career without parallel in the current annals of American history, culminating on January 19, 1940, when this illustrious statesman's demise caused profound sorrow throughout the civilized world.

History will record the valor, integrity, and vision which characterized the services of WILLIAM E. BORAH in more than three decades throughout which he championed many proposals vitally affecting our Government, the security of our Nation, and the welfare of our people. As chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, he became an authority on international affairs, thus materially shaping the destinies of this Republic. His intense nationalism inspired his opposition to the League of Nations, and contributed materially to preserving American traditions of nonintervention in the internal affairs of Europe. His devotion to peace and his championship of human rights motivated his antipathy to the Versailles Treaty, about which he made this prophetic statement on September 26, 1921:

We know the Versailles Treaty has in it the seeds of many wars. It hangs like a storm cloud upon the horizon. It is the incarnation of force. It recognizes neither mercy nor repentance and discriminates not at all between the guilty and the innocent, friend or foe. Its one-time defenders are now frank to admit it. It will bring sorrow to the world again. Its basic principle is cruel, unconscionable and remorseless imperialism. Its terms will awaken the reckoning power of retribution.

We know that Europe cannot recover so long as this treaty exists— that economic break-down in Europe, if not the world, awaits its execution, and that millions of men, women, and children, those now living, and those yet unborn, are to be shackled, enslaved, and hungered if it remains the law of Europe.

Senator BORAH's lofty statesmanship did not minimize the human qualities which endeared him to all who were fortunate enough to be acquainted with him. Like Lincoln, he loved the common people, and understood their philosophy of life. His friendliness and solicitude won for him the devotion and love of his fellow men. This was manifested at the funeral services held at Boise, when thousands lined the streets in silent tribute as the cortege passed.

At this critical time when war stalks throughout many lands, and threatens to engulf our own country, the loss of this brilliant American is poignant. It is difficult for anyone to take his place in the Senate and expose the internationalism which endangers our peace and security today. He sensed the menace of imperialism abroad, and constantly stood as a bulwark against the destruction of American ideals. His departure is indeed an irreparable loss, but his indomitable spirit will serve as an inspiration in the trials and battles of the days to come.

With the passing of the years, greater luster will be added to the unselfish career of this distinguished Senator. Like Clay, Webster, and Calhoun, he has won his niche in American history, and his fame will endure throughout the ages.

The State of Idaho is honored and proud to have given WILLIAM E. BORAH the opportunity to serve his country. His earthly remains are entombed in Morris Hill Cemetery in the capital of his adopted State, but his memory is enshrined in the hearts of those whom he represented for 33 years. With reverence and devotion, we join in these memorial services, with this parting tribute to our departed friend and immortal statesman:

O noble soul, O gentle heart,

Hail, and farewell!

Mr. DWORSHAK. Mr. Speaker, under leave to extend my remarks in the Record, I include the following appropriate tribute paid to our deceased illustrious statesman, Senator WILLIAM E. BORAH, by Dean Frank A. Rhea, delivered at the funeral services at the State capitol in Boise, Idaho, on January 25:

TRIBUTE BY DEAN FRANK A. RHEA

One's sense of inadequacy, as well as one's sense of inopportuneness, acts as a deterrent to words. Wisdom would suggest that silence is the highest tribute one can pay to this truly great man whom the whole world mourns today. And yet, and yet, there are certain things which cry out to be said. The simplicity of the man himself, however, will be a restraining influence in the rush of thoughts stirred within us by a contemplation of his life and service to mankind.

It is of his simplicity that I would speak first. The simplicity of dress, for which he was noted, the simplicity of his manner of living, was not a studied simplicity; it was the very essence of Mr. BORAH'S character.

There stands in the hinterland of Idaho a peak which soars above its fellows as the man for whom it was named soared above his fellow men. The peak stands in simple grandeur, its escarpments plain and unadorned, reaching upward into the heavens, the very expression of simplicity and strength. The simplicity of Mr. BORAH was a constant rebuke to the air of sophistication with which the modern world seeks to veil its impoverishment of straightforward thinking. His simplicity was expressed in the clear thinking of the man and in the beautiful diction, in which he knew no equal. The world has much to learn of the beauty and endurance of simplicity.

The next thing of which I would speak is his integrity. Mount Borah stands not merely outlined in simplicity, but it stands firmly against the storms of wind and rain, firmly against the pressure of ice and snow. So did Senator BORAH stand against the winds of popular approval and political expediency. Nor could any pressure from without cause him to swerve from the path he felt to be the path wherein his feet should go. Men differed with Mr. BORAH, differed radically, but when they pronounced him wrong, they knew in their hearts that if he were wrong, he was honestly wrong. In integrity of character, Mr. BORAH stood as firmly as the peak that bears his name.

As we gather here to say our last farewell to him, the doors of our national Valhalla swing gratefully open to receive another of our American immortals. We, in Idaho, feel humbly proud and

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