Remarks by Representative Michener Of Michigan 66 Mr. MICHENER. Mr. Speaker, as a 'way up yonder" northern Republican, I arise to pay my tribute of honor, love, and respect to the life and character of that outstanding, virile, tolerant "'way down south" Democrat, the late Representative THOMAS S. MCMILLAN. One of the compensating rewards coming with service in the House is the splendid spirit of fellowship and association. With many of us the political center aisle is imaginary except when strict party measures are being considered. TOM MCMILLAN's friends were limited only by his acquaintances. He was a genuine southern gentleman. Regardless of the size of the group, he was always the life of the party. Few men are blessed with such a personality. Whether up on the baseball diamond, in the cloakroom, in the committee room, or in the forum of debate, our late friend always acquitted himself well. His logic in debate was always strengthened by the fact that everyone had the feeling that he would like to help TOM MCMILLAN. The Charleston (S. C.) district was the beneficiary always. Few men could iron out an occasional sectional dispute more gracefully, more satisfactorily, and more patriotically than could TOM MCMILLAN. In his going we who knew him best have lost a true and trusted friend and the country has lost a statesman of the worth-while kind. Proceedings in the House MONDAY, October 2, 1939. The Chaplain, Rev. James Shera Montgomery, D. D., offered the following prayer: Our Father in Heaven, we wait at the altar of prayer for Him who makes our task His own. In the yearnings of our hearts may we lay aside every earthly burden. Deliver us from coldness of heart and wandering mind and bless us with peace and calm unknown to worldly cares. Send us the voice of Thine unuttered speech which memories mock the present day. As we wait, O Lord, two brothers and sincere servants of the State respond not to the call of their names; the loss and the sorrow oppress us. We beseech Thee to let the cloud be Thy shadow and the wind on our sea wafted by Thy wings. Enable us to realize, blessed Lord, that the haze on our horizon whispers the secret of a new life. When the darkness deepens, when other helpers fail and comforts flee, O encircle the cloud with Thy rainbow, and may tears be transformed into jewels to adorn the crown of immortal glory. Be Thou the angel of peace and consolation in the broken family circles. In the dear Redeemer's name. Amen. Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, in the absence of the dean of the delegation from my State, it becomes my sad and painful privilege to announce the sudden death of our colleague, the Honorable THOMAS S. MCMILLAN, at his home in Charleston, S. C., last Friday. If time permitted, I should like to take this opportunity to pay appropriate tribute to the life and character of this worthy colleague. It is sufficient to say at this time that Mr. MCMILLAN and I came to Congress, representing adjoining districts, in 1925. We soon developed a most cordial and a very close and abiding friendship. I soon learned to admire the many great virtues found in the life of this able and most congenial South Carolinian. He endeared himself to the Members of Congress, I believe, as much as any Member here. This is not a mere complimentary phrase nor is it a colored or exaggerated tribute. Everybody here knew TOM MCMILLAN, as he was affectionately known. We all knew and admired him for his frankness, his fairness, his congenial disposition, his devotion to duty, and his earnest desire to be of service to his people and his country. Mr. Speaker, at a later date I shall ask an opportunity to pay a more extended and appropriate tribute to the life and character of my personal friend and colleague, the Honorable THOMAS S. MCMILLAN. I now send to the desk a resolution and ask for its immediate consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will report the resolution. The Clerk read (H. Res. 310) as follows: Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Hon. THOMAS S. MCMILLAN, & Representative from the State of South Carolina. Resolved, That a committee of four Members of the House with such Members of the Senate as may be joined be appointed to attend the funeral. Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions of these resolutions and that the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of the contingent fund of the House. Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. Mr. RANKIN. Mr. Speaker, I desire to be heard on the resolution. Mr. Speaker, the Mississippi delegation desires to join the Members from South Carolina in expressing our profound sorrow at the passing of the Honorable THOMAS S. MCMILLAN, a worthy and distinguished son of South Carolina, an able and patriotic representative of the American people. |