Remarks by Representative Kirwan

Of Ohio

Mr. Speaker, it was with great shock and sorrow that I learned of the untimely passing of CLARENCE CANNON. He had been my chairman of the Committee on Appropriations for nearly 19 years. His leadership and support since I joined the committee in 1943 were invaluable to me down through the years in considering appropriation requests for the development and protection of our great natural resources. Although he was perhaps better known for his efforts in achieving economy in public expenditures, he always believed strongly in the need to make adequate provision for our forests, our parks, our public lands and minerals, water resource development, and all the programs so vital to the growth and prosperity of our country. Few people realize that just since 1956, when he became chairman of the Subcommittee on Public Works, that $7,600 million has been appropriated to the Corps of Engineers just for flood control, navigation, and multipurpose projects. This represents 46 percent of the total of $16,500 million which has been appropriated for these purposes down through history. So, although he gave no quarter to the project which could not stand the acid, he fully supported those which would benefit the development of our great Nation.

I will always treasure my association with this truly great man. It is rarely that this Nation has the opportunity to be served by a man of his brilliance, industry, courage, and tenacity. And there was the less well known, human side of CLARENCE CANNON, his sense of humor, deep interest in history, love of music and the arts, and, above all, his great love for his wife, family, and God. We have lost a truly great chairman, and my deepest sympathy goes to Mrs. Cannon and the other members of his family in these saddened days.

Remarks by Representative Cahill

Of New Jersey

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in paying deserved tribute to the memory of one of America's great statesmen, CLARENCE CANNON, of Missouri.

As a freshman Member of the House of Representatives in 1958, I met Mr. CANNON, and during the three terms that I have been privileged to serve in the House my respect for him has grown with each new experience. I have found him at all times to be understanding of the problems of my particular district and anxious in every way to be helpful to the people who live there.

Mr. CANNON was a devoted public servant in the true sense of the word. During his long and memorable service in the House of Representatives, he has carved himself a place among the immortals.

I express to Mrs. Cannon my sincere sympathy in her bereavement.

Remarks by Representative Dent

Of Pennsylvania

Mr. Speaker, to all men command is a different undertaking and, it is said, the commander is the loneliest of men. And so apparently was the legislative life and leadership of our late colleague, CLARENCE CANNON, who was chairman of the Appropriations Committee longer than any man in the history of the U.S. Congress. He assumed a task and responsibility that could be taken lightly by no man, particularly not by a man endowed with the strength of moral convictions and sense of public responsibility that our late colleague possessed.

Though known to all as a dedicated and loyal son of the Democratic Party, CLARENCE CANNON knew no partisan lines or allegiances in his efforts to curtail and eliminate those expenditures he felt to be inefficient and unwise. Although always aware of the increase in Government expenditures that accompanied the growth of the Nation Representative CANNON remained alert to the ever-present need of economy in government. Perhaps ironically, he chaired the committee that appropriated over a trillion dollars under his leadership. But this reflects neither the reduction nor elimination of projects and expenditures that saved billions for the tax paying public. This was Representative CANNON in his dedicated exercise of responsibility.

Few could have borne this responsibility of chairing one of the most important committees in Congress and achieved the sense of purpose and direction that CLARENCE CANNON did for the past quarter of a century. As mortals we at times find ourselves at discord with our fellow men. But those of us who had the privilege of knowing CLARENCE CANNON are compelled to respect and admire the brilliance and courage of convictions of this sagacious man.

Although he has now answered his last rollcall, we are fortunate to have "CANNON'S Precedents," and "CANNON'S Procedure" to give continued direction to this body of which he was so much a part. His parliamentary skills were evident not only to all of us in this body, but also as parliamentarian of every Democratic National Convention since 1920.

CLARENCE CANNON was always acutely aware of the needs of his constituents. In this awareness and in the spirit of scholarship which he admired, he established the Clarence and Ida W. Cannon Foundation that has provided the opportunity for several students of Elsberry, his birthplace, to attend college.

These are but a few of the contributions that CLARENCE CANNON made to the Congress and these United States. It is these contributions that are the true and fitting memorial to his life. We are proud to have shared in these years of his commanding leadership.

Remarks by Representative Lipscomb

Of California

Mr. Speaker, the Congress and the Nation have suffered a grievous loss in the death of the Honorable CLARENCE CANNON, a Member of the House of Representatives for 41 years from the Ninth District of Missouri. He was truly a great public servant.

CLARENCE CANNON will always be remembered for the enviable record he compiled as a guardian of the public funds, a reputation he richly deserved.

He was untiring in his efforts to hold the spending of the taxpayers' money to the most essential purposes. His vigilance in guarding against excessive budget requests is legendary.

Our friend also was perhaps the greatest parliamentarian this body has known in the history of the Republic. His contributions to orderly procedures of the House will forever place all present and future Members deeply in his debt.

I consider it a privilege to have served since 1958 on the House Appropriations Committee under the very able chairmanship of Mr. CANNON. He was ever ready and willing to give me the benefit of his counsel and advice, which I shall always treasure. His passing is a great personal loss to me, as I know it is to many colleagues.

We have lost a truly admired friend and mentor. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Cannon and the other members of his family.