HON. W. DAVIS.
The reputation of such men as our late la mented Governor Williams is a matter of just pride to the State of Indiana-it is, indeed a legacy to the whole country. I live in an represent a constituency the extreme northern portion of the State, yet I may say that the estimation in which the memory of James D. Williams is held in Laporte County, on the shores of Lake Michigan, is not lest than that which is accorded here at the State Capital. Could the wishes of thousands prevail, the good would be immortal. Such men as James D. Williams would never die if those who knew him best could set the time for his departure. Blessings brighten as they take their flight. Now, while we did realize during the lifetime of Governor Williams that he was a good and useful man, honest, conscientious and capable, we can not but feel that a still higher estimate should be placed upon his worth now that he is gone from amongst us.
He belonged to that class of persons who, by a native force of character, natural sagacity and plain, old-fashioned common sense, which, with the balance of principle, enabled him to rise above adverse circumstances, compensated for defects, triumphed over obstacles, and made him one of the most prominent and useful men in the State of Indiana. We have here in his career the spectacle presented of a younger Hoosier, deprived of early advantages, uncouth in his personal appearance, winning his way to financial success, and doing honor to the Legislative branch of our State Government for many years, till finally the people said: Come up higher; you have been faithful to the trusts reposed in you; take now the highest position Indiana can give you. And now throughout his term of office as Governor we find the same simple habits, destitute of variety or ostentation, his office open to all, his ear as easy gained as when a private citizen, never criticised severely except for what was thought by some to be a too free use of the pardoning power-too much executive clemency; in this respect it may truly be said that even his failings leaned to virtue's side. Now, on occasion of this kind, it is creditable to human nature that animosities are forgotten. Former differences of opinion and policy cut no figure on these occasions, for few natures are so depraved as to fail to do justice even to an enemy when he has passed away. James D. Williams had, so far as I know, no enemies when living, and certainly none now when dead. The practical consideration is that his example should be of lasting and substantial benefit to those that remain. Those responsibilities now rest upon other shoulders, and I can wish nothing better to him who succeeds to the same high position held by the departed, than that he may so wisely administer the Executive Department of the State of Indiana that at the close of his official term of office he may be entitled to the same grateful remembrance now accorded to the departed.
And then, pursuant the terms of the last resolution reported by the Committee, out of respect to the memory of the late Governor Williams--
The House adjourned till Monday, at 2o'clock p. m.
