HON. THOMAS J. FOSTER-IN MEMORIAM
Mr. BELL called up the special order, being his resolution concerning the death of ex-Senator Foster, offered Friday afternoon. After the resolution was read he said: My purpose in offering the resolution which has just been read is to place in a substantial manner upon the records of this Senate a tribute to the worth and character of my deceased colleague, Hon. Thomas J. Foster. it is not my purpose at this time to offer any extended eulogium upon the character or services of the deceased, but to pay my simple tribute of respect and esteem as a colleague and as a friend. Senator Foster was personally known to many members of the Senate, as he served with the min a preceding one, and I know they will agree with me that it is proper that such action as is proposed by this resolution should be taken on this occasion. Senator Foster died in early manhood. He had not the advantages of early education, nor the advantages that wealth brings. He was emphatically a self-made man. Born upon a farm, reared in comparative poverty, without the advantages to which I have referred, by his own energy, industry and ability, he attained a position which was an honorable one, indeed-a standing and influence in the community and in the State of which his family and friends may well fell proud. His character was such an one as finds opportunity for development and growth only under and surrounded by the benign influence of our free institutions and republican form of government. Under no other circum page: 64[View Page 64]stances would persons, whatever their abilities, with such surroundings, be enabled to obtain such a position. and to leave an impress of his character and life upon the persons and time in which he lived. * * * * Mr. B concluded by saving: It is not necessary I should refer to the tragic manner of his death. It is sufficient to say that mysterious thing, the mind. whose constitution none of us can comprehend or understand, had become so affected by the ravages of disease as that its possessor was no longer responsible for his acts. In his death Indiana has lost a noble citizen, the community where he resided one of its best members, and every word in this resolution which is praise, as far as it concerns his character and services, can be truthfully sid I know not what more I could say on this occasion.
Mr. SPANN, lest it be said there came from their side of the Chamber on this occasion no expression of respect, said a few words. He became acquainted with Senator Foster at the last session, who bad his likes and dislikes, was a man of large heart, generous, impulsive, a man of ability, and no man is equal in not yielding when in the right, but ready to acknowledge error when in the wrong. He was his own worst enemy; let us throw the mantle of charity over his faults and strive to shun them.
The resolution was adopted by a rising vote.
On motion by Mr. BUNDY, the Secretary was directed to send a copy of the resolutions to the family of ex-Senator Foster.
As a further mark of respect the Senate adjourned:
