Remarks by Representative Hansen

Of Washington

Mr. Speaker, our Nation has suffered a grievous loss in the death of Chairman CLARENCE CANNON, and I want at this time to express my deep sorrow at his passing and to associate myself particularly with the remarks of the distinguished gentleman from Texas, Chairman MAHON.

Chairman CANNON'S outstanding ability, his intimate grasp of governmental affairs, and his intellectual brilliance and integrity mark him as a man who will long be remembered with affection by this Nation.

It was my privilege to serve as a member on Chairman CANNON'S Appropriations Committee. Thinking back over the 2 years I served with him, there are certain things I shall never forget his courtesy, gentlemanliness, thoughtfulness, and his outspoken support for those programs in which he believed. When I came to the Committee on Appropriations as the first Democratic woman and the second woman in the entire history of the committee, his attitude was always fair. Chairman CANNON'S constant and continuing concern was for the welfare of democracy. His intense devotion to our free institutions was apparent always.

Among Chairman CANNON's many fine qualities was his deep love of family and his devotion to his wife and daughters. At this time, to his lovely and gracious wife and to his daughters and to their families, I extend my deepest sympathy.

Remarks by Representative Steed

Of Oklahoma

Mr. Speaker, my colleague, my chairman, my warm friend, my fraternal brother, and one of my favorite great Americans, has gone to his last reward. We mourn.

The passing of CLARENCE CANNON is a loss felt not only by the House of Representatives but by our entire country. In a long, full lifetime of service he became an institution as he devoted himself constantly to making the Committee on Appropriations the effective guardian of the public funds.

It is seldom that one has an opportunity to work with a truly great legislative leader, a man who faithfully represents his constituents and moreover demonstrates unique talents in a special field affecting the entire Nation. Speaker Rayburn was one such man. CLARENCE CANNON was another. It has been a rewarding experience indeed to be able to work with both of them.

Mr. CANNON's record of achievement, extending over 40 years in the House, is there for all to see. As an individual I have found him one of the most warm and faithful of friends, one whom I will proudly remember.

I am sure his family and loved ones take great comfort in the knowledge that he truly won a niche in the halls of history and that his name will live down through the years for the great part he played in making democracy work.

All our lives are richer for having been privileged to walk part of our pathway through life by his side.

Remarks by Representative Denton
Of Indiana

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Appropriations Commitee I can perhaps feel a little deeper the loss of our great chairman, CLARENCE CANNON, than some who were not fortunate enough to have shared such a close relationship with the man. I feel highly honored to have had the pleasure of serving on the Appropriations Committee under such a fine man. He administered the affairs of the committee with a firm, judicial hand.

It has often been pointed out that CLARENCE CANNON had a splendidly rich background, well suiting him to his position as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

As a young man, he was a professor of history at Stephens College in Missouri. One of my daughters graduated from that school, and Mr. CANNON often mentioned to me that he had been a professor there.

CLARENCE CANNON came to Washington in 1911 as a secretary to former Speaker of the House Champ Clark. He soon became the House Parliamentarian and has left his knowledge behind in several books of rules for the operation of the House. He was first elected to Congress in 1922 and led a full and active life until the time of his death.

Mr. CANNON, when I first came to Washington, told me that he had known my father when my father served in Congress in 1917 and 1918. I remember Mr. CANNON suggested that I try for a seat on his committee, which I did.

As chairman of the Appropriations Committee, CLARENCE CANNON had a detailed knowledge of all phases of our Government. When a bill was being marked up, or during a conference, I often marveled at his knowledge of the fiscal affairs of our Government, and of the particular bill under study, even though he had been unable to attend the hearings of the bill because of his many other duties.

CLARENCE CANNON was a great advocate of public power, and I expect he was more interested in agriculture than any other one subject. He was a great believer in economy in government, and while we hear of many people who are supposed to be economy advocates, CLARENCE CANNON probably saved the taxpayers of this country more money than any man who ever served in Congress. The figure would run into the billions of dollars.

He hated any form of waste, extravagance, or inefficiency. But, notwithstanding his strong views on economy, he had, I think, a very liberal philosophy. After a bill was marked up, or after a conference, it was always interesting to hear him tell of his early experiences in Congress.

While he was a stern chairman who ran a taut ship, he took an almost paternal interest in all the members of his committee. He recognized that we had problems and attempted to help us with them.

The Nation has lost a great public servant in the passing of CLARENCE CANNON. We on the Appropriations Committee who were close to him will probably miss him more than other people.

Our sympathy goes out to his wife and family in their bereavement. I feel, however, that they should take great pride and pleasure in the fact that CLARENCE CANNON lived such a full and useful life and was such a conscientious public servant.

Remarks by Representative Morgan
Of Pennsylvania

Mr. Speaker, it was with a deep sense of loss and shock that we learned of the sudden passing of our beloved and esteemed colleague, CLARENCE CANNON. CLARENCE CANNON celebrated his 85th birthday last month. His long life has been dedicated to selfless public service. He was the first parliamentarian of the House of Representatives to serve under both Democratic and Republican administrations. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in the 68th Congress, and served in all succeeding Congresses. CLARENCE CANNON has served in this House with great distinction in a number of capacities, the latest of which was as chairman of the Appropriations Committee, a post he first assumed in 1941.

During Chairman CANNON's long career he won fame for his rare ability as a legislator and as one of the world's outstanding authorities on parliamentary law. Who among us would be willing to do without that most valuable reference we keep on our desks under the title "Cannon's Procedure." "Cannon's Precedents of the House of Representatives” is among the standard reference works of this great legislative body.

We in the House of Representatives have been fortunate and honored to serve with this great man, who has been called from us. He has been a shining example of the continuing development of political sagacity and legislative wisdom, and his passing leaves a void in this body which will long be felt.

I am proud to have been one of his numerous friends and I take this occasion to extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his widow and other members of his family.