FAIR AND UNSELFISH Congressman MAPES was always alert to the needs of his time. He clung to the best in our American tradition but was always forward-looking and open-minded. His judgment was unusually accurate and his opinions commanded the respect of both his associates and his opponents. He had a mind which quickly discerned the true from the false and a nature which instantly threw the whole fiber of his being back of that which was true. This was because his conclusions were based on a fair and unselfish consideration of the facts at hand, for unselfishness was the key to his useful life. Selfishness dims the vision and warps judgment of men. It is therefore refreshing and inspiring to find in public life men as unselfish, as fair-minded, as noble of purpose, and as keen in judgment as was the Honorable CARL MAPES. He saw the best in his fellow men. He believed in the dignity of the individual and the possibilities of every human being. He carried the idea of brotherhood into all the relationships of life and he made no exceptions. His presence dignified any occasion and his approval put the stamp of value on any project. A life and a character such as his must be built on a strong foundation. Little has been said in a public way about two great cornerstones in the foundation of his life. His home and his church formed the steel framework and the reinforced concrete for this stalwart life. Upon these was built his life of noble service to his country. Seldom was there a Sabbath when he was in his home city that he could not be found in his pew at church. LOYALTY A FINE EXAMPLE There are some people who sit in the congregation from Sunday to Sunday who are quiet and unobstrusive, but who bring to the minister and to those who worship with them an inspiration that heightens the service and strengthens the spirit of worship. Mr. MAPES had this quality to a marked degree. He was thoughtful, cooperative, buoyant, idealistic, and a man of deep faith. His loyalty to his church was a silent but powerful example to the thousands of young men and women who wished to be like him. It is an opportunity by way of example that is too often omitted by many busy men in public and business life. His cooperation with his church and his expressions of appreciation were not perfunctory; they were discerning and helpful. On retiring from the service a week ago last Sunday (his last Sabbath in Grand Rapids) he made one of his most appreciative, discerning, and helpful comments. In his home he was, indeed, a loving husband and a wise father. He loved his family and his home. Loving comradeship existed there. He never forgot the kind, helpful, little courtesies that make life sweet and happy. His home was the beginning source of his inspiration and the place where his plans for larger service were made. We measure life not by years alone but by how much one has lived. He has lived much and well. It would be tragic if a life like this could be cut off with the passing of the physical body. However, I am thoroughly convinced that whatever may become of the physical body, you cannot take away the real self-the spirit. The disciples felt this way about Jesus. Whatever had become of His body they knew that He still lived in them. And CARL MAPES still lives in the lives of men and women who have been made nobler and given a truer conception of life because they knew him. Death is not the end, but just a turn in the road of life. It frees us from the shackles of the physical body that we might grow and be that which we yearn to be at our best. While Mr. MAPES had a stalwart body, it was not strong enough to express his full spirit at its best, and somehow now we feel that he is free to attain unto his highest ideals without the limitations of the physical. So while we are sad and lonely today because of the passing of our friend into that larger life, we do not grieve as those without hope. It is a time of triumph and victory. He lived an unusually full and useful life. He died in harness, serving his country. The greatest tribute that we can pay to him and the finest expression of sympathy that we can give to his loved ones is to rededicate our lives to the ideals, the love of country, and the noble principles for which he lived. "He has fought a good fight. He has finished his course. He has kept the faith." Sudden and shocking as was the death of CARL E. MAPES, it came nevertheless as a fitting mantle for his life of strenuous service. He died far from the home and family he loved so much in the midst of actual service to his country. He was prepared to approach his grave— Like one that wraps the drapery of his couch Remarks by Representative Hoffman Of Michigan Mr. HOFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, words are inadequate to express the sense of loss which we feel as we go about our daily tasks and realize that the helpful and sustaining presence of our friend and colleague, CARL E. MAPES, is no longer with us. Kindly and considerate in his attitude toward all of us; helpful and instructive as a colleague; ever loyal and patriotic, not only to his district and his State, but to the Nation, he left behind memories which renew our faith in the thought that consideration for those one meets, faithful, quiet, but energetic service to our country and its needs, are well worth while and win for one who so devotes his life a high and lasting place in the memory of his friends and in the history of his Government. Remarks by Representative Dondero Of Michigan Mr. DONDERO. Mr. Speaker, on December 12, 1939, the Great Architect of the Universe removed from our midst a wise man, a noble and lovable friend, and a revered colleague, Hon. CARL E. MAPES, of Grand Rapids, Mich. When I was first elected to Congress in 1932, prominent men and women in my congressional district, as a parting word of advice, counseled me to lend an attentive ear and hold a receptive mind to the sound judgment, wise leadership, and acknowledged statesmanship of CARL E. MAPES. He was one of Michigan's great and best-known men. To him I went often as a son to an exalted father to drink from his cup of caution and moderation. He always found time to bestow upon others the wisdom of his experienced mind. He was a national figure, and the Nation, as well as his State of Michigan, lost a loyal and stanch defender of the American system of government. When he went down, like a lordly pine against the sky, he left a vacant place in the councils of the Nation that will not soon be filled. Endowed with great ability, he was faithful to his trust and always at his post of duty. He was a man of whom no one could say evil. Possessed of sterling character, exemplary habits, and a quiet, unassuming genial nature, he stood like a giant among men, young and old, as an influence for the higher and nobler things of life. He was a conscientious student, a hard worker, and was careful and painstaking in the consideration of legislation. The welfare of his country came first and his political welfare last in the discharge of his duties as a legislator and a man. He searched for the truth and merit of each proposal. His patience with everyone was a virtue. His love of good humor made him beloved and respected by all. He left this world as he had lived-sustained by an unfaltering trust. He was a devout Christian gentleman. He left behind the heritage of a spotless name. No greater legacy can be bequeathed to anyone. His district lost a faithful servant when he crossed the great divide, his State a stalwart son, his country a sublime patriot. His splendid example and his untarnished manhood will live with the years. The memory of CARL E. MAPES will remain with me while life lasts, for to me he was an example and an inspiration. He has answered the last roll call. All who breath will share his destiny. His State and Nation were made better by his life and deeds. My colleagues, if we follow the example set for us by our noble friend who has gone, he will not have lived in vain. |