The bar of the county seat of his native county was full of bright, able lawyers, who had by their learning and eloquence attained high rank in the Commonwealth, but he bravely determined to try his fortunes as a lawyer among the people with whom he was reared. He speedily acquired practice, won the regard of his brother lawyers and the respect of the bench. Indeed, so favorably was he received and so popular did he become, that before he had been three years at the bar he was made the judge of the rich, populous, and cultured county of Clark, having been elected in 1890 to that office for the constitutional term of four years. It was a deserved tribute to his popularity, his learning, and ability. So well did he discharge the duties of his office that his popularity increased, his reputation spread, he became known throughout the section of Kentucky where he resided, and after but two years of service on the bench-only half of his time-he was selected by the Democratic party of the sixteen counties of the Tenth Congressional district as its candidate for a seat in this body, and this nomination was followed by his election in November, 1892. The condition of the country compelled the convening of this Congress in extraordinary session in August, 1893, and, in obedience to the proclamation of the President, Mr. LISLE appeared with his colleagues in this Chamber to enter upon the active discharge of his duty as a Representative of the people. He was one of the youngest of those sent here by the people. He was but a boy compared with the vast majority of those who, standing in front of the Speaker, took upon themselves the solemn obligation of membership.

Mr. Speaker, it is well worthy the ambition of any man to aspire to a place in this legislative body, where his voice and vote may be potential in shaping the destiny of the greatest Republic of the world. It is the highest honor the people of a district can confer on one of its citizens. To attain it is the ambition of many. It is a high and honorable station. It is an evidence of the regard of the people—their testimony to the standing and the ability of the recipient. To reach this position was long the ambition of Mr. LISLE. As he stood in front of the Speaker's desk he had a right to feel proud. His ambition was gratified; by his own exertions, by the force of his intellect, through his own merits, he had won this high distinction.

Doubtless he had hoped, all through the struggles of the past, that she who had linked her fate with his, who had been by his side since his early manhood, who had shared his sorrows and divided his joys, his beloved wife, might be a spectator of the scene in which he was then taking part. She had stood by his side when shouts of "victory" rent the air and he was the triumphant victor in "the battle of the ballots;" but relentless Death had snatched her from his side, and the proud hour of triumph was saddened by the thought that she, his beloved one, could not be a witness of his entrance on this floor as a Representative of the people who had so honored him.

We who knew MARCUS LISLE well saw how changed he was after this terrible blow. He never recovered his happy, buoyant spirits, but thereafter passed saddened days, and soon followed her into the world beyond.

Alas! MARCUS LISLE never after his entrance into this body had strength enough to take an active part in its proceedings. He had little opportunity to mingle with his

associates on this floor; but those who met him learned to love him for his many noble traits of character, and had not disease and death come to him his talents and ability would have made themselves known and felt, and his career would have added to his fame and redounded to the benefit of his country; but it was ordered otherwise.

He gave his honors to the world again,
His blessed part to Heaven, and slept

In peace.

ADDRESS OF MR. PENCE.

Mr. SPEAKER: I regret that I have no prepared words to offer on this occasion. I could not, however, resist the kind invitation of my friend, Governor McCreary of Kentucky, extended to me a few moments ago, that I should take part in these ceremonies.

I had not known MARCUS C. LISLE until the day he took the oath of office at the opening session of the Fifty-third Congress. That was our first meeting. Within a few days we had become well acquainted with each other. Certain domestic ties soon brought us close together. I am not a Kentuckian, but am so related to Kentuckians that all of them have seemed to be kindly disposed toward me.

Our age was nearly the same, and a natural fellowship soon sprang up between us. A more generous spirit I am sure I have never had the pleasure of meeting. From the beginning it was evident that he lacked the strength and the vigor that come with health; and he became a kind of' counsellor among the younger members of this body. He, like all of the House, was grateful for the consideration shown us.

Day after day, in the committee room, or perchance here in this Hall, a few of us would gather together and talk on subjects under discussion, and urge, inasmuch as the older members of the House had shown so courteous and kindly a disposition to those who were new here, that he should enter the lists; but with native modesty he would always answer to the effect that he hardly felt confidence. enough to yet obtrude his opinions on the House.

Such

conversations, however, never ended without his giving us kindly suggestions and advancing propositions of which some of the rest could subsequently make use.

So it came to pass, Mr. Speaker, that frequently in the early discussions of the Fifty-third Congress ideas were uttered here upon this floor that had been prompted by Mr. LISLE in private conversations; and if the truth could be known, many of the things which have attracted to some extent the attention of the House and of the country, and have received,, perhaps, much approval, really should have been accredited to him.

I have said, a more generous spirit I never met. That is true. There was nothing of selfishness in his character. He seemed to take pride in the advancement that others were receiving.

Someone (I think it was James Whitcomb Riley) wrote a poem in which he used these words:

I know some men who lay and wait,

And get up soon and stay up late

To catch some feller they can hate

For going with a faster gait.

None of that spirit existed in the character of our late friend, Mr. LISLE.

He was a good friend and a kindly

adviser; a man of a genial and lovable character.

To his friends and to his native State his death is a most substantial loss; but when the summons came he answered it without a murmur, and followed his dear ones to the other land.

Mr. Speaker, our State did not know him, but our people knew of his kindly character and of his good will to our section, and in their behalf I join in the expression of sincere regret at his untimely death.