Remarks by Representative Woodruff

Of Michigan

Mr. WOODRUFF. Mr. Speaker, in these parlous times, when the fate of a nation and the future of a people, shrouded in the still impenetrable mysteries confronting a troubled world, there was perhaps no Member of the House of Representatives whom the country could more ill afford to lose than the Honorable JOSEPH L. HOOPER, of Battle Creek, in the Third Congressional District of Michigan.

Representative HOOPER was one of the high types of legislator with a fine philosophy and sincere desire to do his duty according to his conscience and ability, coupled with indefatigable energy, which made him wellnigh irreplaceable as a servant and a representative of his people in this body. Not only did his work on the Banking and Currency and Insular Affairs Committees of the House of Representatives reflect these high ideals, that fundamental philosophy and integrity of purpose which characterized Representative HOOPER'S life and acts, but his sincerity and energy in studying and analyzing the fundamentals of the problems which confronted his country and his people, in seeking to find solutions and remedies therefor, made his influence felt far beyond the range of the immediate activities to which he had been attending as a minority Member of this body.

As a man and a friend, he was as sincere and loyal as he was in his legislative capacity, and he came to the hour of his passing under conditions afforded few men in this life. If JOSEPH L. HOOPER could have arranged the way of his departure from this earthly scene, undoubtedly he would have preferred to have it come as it did, in the midst of his labors for his country and his people, and in the midst of his activities in the Capitol.

The circumstances of Representative HOOPER's passing are perhaps too well known to require recitation here. Suffice it to say that apparently in 1 hour he was in the full glow of health and in the optimistic spirit which always characterized him in his dealings with his fellow man; and in another hour, while in his office alone at his labors, he had come to the great adventure and had passed beyond the mortal phase.

It is a source of great consolation to his friends to know that his passing was without pain, apparently, and without struggle; a simple laying down of his earthly tasks and a taking on, perhaps, of new duties in another phase.

At all events, his was a joyous life, because he was conscious of giving the best of which he was capable to the service of his people and his country. His faith in his Nation and his Government was profound. His untiring energy and sound philosophy made life for him a period of achievement in the service of others. When the moment of departure came, he was still in the midst of his activities in this service to his people; and he must have passed on with a deep sense of having done his best while among men and with eager anticipation of whatever might lie beyond the portals of death.

More than this, no man may ask. And this much to few men is vouchsafed.

There is no partisanship in death. The Grim Reaper,, inexorable, relentless, mows down without discrimination the most useful plants in the garden of humankind.

And so, in the full flower of his usefulness, JOSEPH LAWRENCE HOOPER was taken from us. Member of Congress for the past 8 years, he was stricken in his office on February 22, Washington's Birthday, after having delivered a scholarly and stirring address on the floor of the House.

JOE HOOPER devoted the last 8 years of his life to a high public service. He was honest, he was honorable, and he was conscientious. And more than that, he was a true friend, a consoler in grief, and a wise counselor in trouble. As a new Member of Congress, and of the opposite political faith, I confided in Mr. HOOPER, and I acknowledge my indebtedness to him for his sympathetic understanding and friendly advice.

Friend and comrade, JOE HOOPER has been taken from us. I would feel remiss in my obligation of friendship if I did not. in these few simple words commemorate his passing.

It is one of the inexplicable twists of destiny that the useful should be taken, while so many of the unfit live on, and on, and on. But we cannot quarrel with destiny. The tragic fact persists; JOE HOOPER is gone.

Everyone who knew him is better for having known him. The world is better from his having lived in it. His memory we cherish. It is imperishable.

To those nearest and dearest to him we extend our heartfelt sympathy. Words are futile things. But on his tombstone might well be graven, in all sincerity, these words: "Down this way a gentleman, à patriot, and a statesman has gone."

Remarks by Representative Wigglesworth

Of Massachusetts

Mr. WIGGLESWORTH. Mr. Speaker, the tribute in the House to the memory of Hon. JOSEPH L. HOOPER by colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the morning after his sudden and untimely death emphasized clearly the place which he had won in the minds and hearts of his associates.

He had served his State and Nation with ability and distinction during five successive terms of Congress.

He had proved himself to be a good lawyer, a good debater, a good parliamentarian, and a good presiding officer. He had demonstrated sanity and courage. He had shown unfailing consideration for the views of others.

No one who knew him well could fail to sense his sincerity or his devotion to principle in the service of his country. Quick to accord credit to others, he would probably have been surprised at the extent of his influence in the House. We shall miss him.