We all know Mrs. Cannon was the constant guide and adviser of this great American.

He recognized her wisdom and the soundness of her views. But more than that, the closeness of their married life through the years they were married was always an inspiration, and will always be an inspiration, for other married couples to follow.

So we miss CLARENCE CANNON. He was an integral part of the House. As two or three of my colleagues well said, he loved the House of Representatives. That is true. I can understand, because I love this body. He loved this great Chamber, which I consider to be the greatest legislative body in the world, bar none.

The collective judgment of this body is sound. We may have our differences, but everyone here is a dedicated American and a dedicated legislator, and the collective judgment of the House-we may not always agree with it-is sound and for the best interests of our country.

CLARENCE CANNON throughout the years played an important part, an outstanding part, in the determination of the collective judgment of the House of Representatives.

I had an intense feeling of respect and admiration, and a strong feeling of friendship, for him.

My friendships are entirely different from political views. I separate in my mind my friendships from political views or differences on public questions. I admired CLARENCE CANNON very much and entertained for him, as I said, the strongest feeling of friendship possible. I shall miss him very much, as will all my colleagues.

He was a bulwark of strength through the long years he served in this body, rendering honorable and trustworthy service.

So I make these remarks, as my other colleagues did, most regretfully on the passing of a dear friend, a great American, an outstanding colleague. I extend to that sweetheart of his throughout their long married life, Mrs. Cannon, and to her loved ones my profound sympathy in their great loss and sorrow.

Remarks by Representative Albert

Of Oklahoma

Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues from Missouri in paying tribute to our late distinguished colleague, Mr. CANNON. Certainly with his death one of the giant oaks of this generation has fallen. Here, if ever, was a man of uncommon gifts. Whether you knew him a day or a decade, you were struck by his strong and unusual characteristics.

Another great Missourian, Mr. CANNON's most illustrious predecessor, Speaker James B. "Champ" Clark, recognized these qualities when he brought CLARENCE CANNON into his office for a few weeks more than 50 years ago. Mr. CANNON came here then to learn "what made the wheels go round." He remained here until his death a few days ago and certainly himself made "the wheels go round."

The House knows that the late chairman of the Committee on Appropriations had unique talents which fitted him for the important place he occupied for so many years. Mr. CANNON had been a teacher of history, a lawyer, and a member of the legislature of his State. In the House he found stimulus and outlet for his interest in parliamentary procedure, for he was one of the great parliamentarians of all times. He was the first Parliamentarian to serve under both Republican and Democratic Speakers. He was also a distinguished author and scholar, whose works and articles on parliamentary procedure are basic references in the field. Mr. CANNON was a student and a scholar such as is rarely found among men in public service. He was probably the best read man in Congress. He had broad knowledge of both history and literature.

His scholarly gifts notwithstanding, Mr. CANNON was also a practical and effective politician. He was a prominent and powerful figure in political conventions, both State and National, for many years.

The House has long appreciated Mr. Cannon's oratory. He had a style and manner of speech second to none ever displayed in the well of this House. He had a faultless ear for the right word, an elegant wit, a devastating and unarguable logic. His style was so unique that neither letterhead nor signature was necessary to recognize his letters or his writings. Even a note from CLARENCE CANNON was a real treat in expressive writing, perhaps a little after the manner of his fellow Missourian, Mark Twain. Even in impromptu speech his rhetoric and grammar were as flawless as his style was unique.

Mr. Speaker, the country has lost a distinguished legislator whose life was devoted almost exclusively to its service. Many such men have served here and have died here but none more truly cut in patterns of greatness than the chair.. man of the Committee on Appropriations who sentineled the Public Treasury for so many years. Whatever divergence of view he may have had with any Member, his personal dedication and integrity were as a rock and so was the mutual regard he shared with all Members of the Congress.

Mr. Speaker, great aptitudes and accomplishments impress the mind, yet the heart is stirred most by the personality of the man we knew and loved. Mr. CANNON was to me personally a gracious and kindly mentor, a cooperative and helpful friend. He was also a man of unusual flair and color, one of the least pedestrian personalities I have ever known. He was a man to be appreciated and admired, and now a man to be missed.

I extend my deep sympathy to Mrs. Cannon, his helpmate of many years, to his daughters, and to all his family members.

Remarks by Representative Boland

Of Massachusetts

Mr. Speaker, all of us are gathered today to honor and pay tribute to the memory of our esteemed colleague and friend, CLARENCE CANNON.

Well over half a century of CLARENCE CANNON'S life has been devoted to serving the public good. He was born more than 85 years ago—on April 11, 1879—in Elsberry, Mo. Having received his education in his native State with a background in history and law, he was persuaded to come to Washington for a brief period to serve as clerk in the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He continued on in Washington-became Parliamentarian in 1911, which position he held until his election to the 68th Congress to fill the vacancy of Representative Champ Clark. CLARENCE CANNON embarked on his congressional career on March 4, 1923, representing the Ninth Congressional District of Missouri, and was successfully reelected to every Congress since that time. When death suddenly claimed him last week he had become the dean of the House in terms of age and had represented his State for a longer period than any other Missourian.

Advancing years, however, did not affect the energy, vitality, and enthusiasm which he displayed in meeting the heavy demands of his office.

As a parliamentarian, he was unexcelled, and his writings on parliamentary rules and procedures have become standard reference tools in governing procedures of the House of Representatives. His keen ability and knowledge along this line also have been invaluable in the role he has played as parliamentarian at every Democratic National Convention since 1920.

CLARENCE CANNON's major contribution in the House of Representatives undoubtedly was his service on the Appro

priations Committee. He occupied the position of chairman of this powerful committee almost without interruption since 1941. During this entire time he fearlessly and conscientiously fought to eliminate wasteful and unnecessary spending programs and to achieve more economies in Government operations. His untiring efforts undoubtedly contributed much toward keeping our national finances on a sound basis. While more than $1 trillion has been appropriated by Congress for Government operations during his term as chairman of this committee, CLARENCE CANNON may well be given much credit for cuts running into billions of dollars which have been made in executive budget requests. Thus his powerful and forceful influence has acted as a deterrent to wasteful Government spending which only adds to our budgetary deficits and to our large public debt.

During the past 10 years it has been my privilege to serve with CLARENCE CANNON on the Appropriations Committee of the House. During this entire time there has existed a warm and cordial relationship between us. He has always shown only kindness and consideration toward me, and I have counted him as one of my most valued friends.

CLARENCE CANNON was ever mindful of the constituents he represented in a rural district in Missouri. He was a friend of the farmer and sought always to secure legislation which would improve the lot of those living in rural communities. He actively supported parity payments, soil conservation, reclamation and flood control projects, and lending programs which made credit available to farmers at reasonable rates of interest. He also was a strong champion of public power. He was an active member of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution and was ever seeking to maintain the high standards of this fine institution of knowledge. He played an important role in promoting the building of the new Museum of History and Technology.

CLARENCE CANNON's long years of dedication to public service has exerted a tremendous influence in shaping national policies which are benefiting all of our people.