Memorial Addresses Remarks by Representative Mansfield Of Texas Mr. MANSFIELD. Mr. Speaker, the sudden death of Hon. CLAY STONE BRIGGS, on April 29, 1933, was a profound shock not only to his family but to many thousands of people of Texas who knew him so well and so favorably, and who were the chief beneficiaries of the splendid public services he had rendered. He Judge BRIGGS was born in Galveston, and this beautiful island city was his home until the time of his death. was brought up there under the most refining influences, and it was there that he received his early education and training that so eminently qualified him for the public positions he afterward filled with honor and distinction. First attending the public schools, he then entered the Ball High School, from which he was graduated in 1894. He attended the University of Texas in the academic department, going from there to Harvard for a session. In 1899 he graduated from the law department of Yale, with the degree of LL.B. After returning from Yale Judge BRIGGS practiced law in Galveston for several years, and represented Galveston County in the thirtieth legislature, becoming identified with several of the most important laws enacted at that time. In 1909 he was appointed by the Governor of Texas as judge of the tenth judicial district, to which position he was reelected for three consecutive terms, resigning in January 1919 after his election to the Sixty-sixth Congress. In Congress Judge BRIGGS was assigned to membership on the Committee on Merchant Marine, Radio, and Fisheries, taking an active interest in promoting and building up our merchant fleet, which is of such vital interest to the welfare of our Nation and particularly to that of his native State of Texas, whose foreign trade holds a very high rank among the States. His public record, like his private life, is without stain or blemish. In my service in Congress I have never been associated with anyone who was more devoted to duty and to the interests of the country and of his constituency. He has left behind him a splendid record of achievement, as well as a host of sorrowing friends. Remarks by Representative Thompson Of Texas Mr. THOMPSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the sudden and untimely passing of one of my closest and truest friends was such a shock that I am still, after all these months, at a loss to find words to adequately describe and express my deep sorrow. CLAY STONE BRIGGS was truly a friend of the people of the Seventh Congressional District of Texas, and he remained loyal to all from the very day he first entered public life as a member of the Texas Legislature until God chose to call him on that beautiful spring morning of April 29, 1933. He had no warning, but we all know that he was not afraid to go. His whole life was devoted to comforting those about him and the people of his district. He gave his own welfare little thought. He was reticent and modest when his own well-being was involved; but when he was looking after the interest of one of his people, whether a man or woman of influence or a poverty-stricken farmer or laborer, he fought hard and effectively to protect the rights of his constituents. His memory will forever linger in the hearts of the good people of Galveston and of east Texas who were so fortunate in having him represent them for many years, for all of us know that we could have chosen no man better equipped than this great humanitarian to serve us. Soon after I landed in Galveston as a marine during the World War, I attended service at Grace Church. I met Judge BRIGGS there, and we immediately became warm friends. We cooperated in many problems, and many times I was amazed at his ability to take hold of a difficult matter, which often appeared hopeless, and after months of almost superhuman effort succeed. Mind you, he never gave a thought to anything material for himself. Late in the afternoon of the day before he passed on, he succeeded in obtaining a river-and-harbor project which meant a great deal to the people and commerce of his district. That was his last official act. Little did he know that when he would leave the Capitol that night, he would never see it again or his colleagues with whom he had served for so many years and whom he loved so dearly. It seemed that his heart may have been burdened with sorrow, but he was every inch a gentleman; and if he had any misgivings, he carried them to his grave. No nobler man ever lived on the face of the earth, and I know that God has rewarded him. I want to incorporate in my address memorial resolutions adopted by the House of Representatives and Senate of the State of Texas soon after those two bodies learned of the passing of Judge BRIGGS: Senate Resolution No. 99 Whereas news has been received of the sudden death of the Honorable CLAY STONE BRIGGS, Congressman of the Seventh Congressional District of Texas; and Whereas Judge BRIGGS has long been a public servant as a Member of the House of Representatives, as district judge of his native city, and as Congressman for the Seventh Congressional District; and Whereas he distinguished himself in his profession-law—having graduated from the law department of Yale University, and having practiced his profession in his native city of Galveston successfully and served a number of years as judge of the tenth judicial district; and Whereas Judge BRIGGS was honored, respected, and loved by all of his constituents in the Seventh Congressional District in particular and by the whole State of Texas in general for his unselfish patriotism and loyal service in the National Congress; and Whereas his death is not only a great loss to his wife and children but is a great loss to the State and Nation: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate of Texas, That we hereby express our deep regret at the untimely passing of this great statesman and [36] |