making an argument. When occasion presents itself, he is capable of
rising to heights of eloquence equalled by few who sit in the National
Capitol. The following passage is from a brief speech occasioned by the
presentation to the United States, April 22, 1880, of Thomas Jefferson's
writing desk on which was written the original draft of the Declaration
of Independence. Mr. Crapo offered a joint resolution of acceptance and
in closing his eloquent remarks said:--

What memories crowd upon us with the mention of these names.
Washington, the soldier, whose sword was drawn for the independence of
his country; Franklin, the philosopher, the benefactor of his race, who
with simple maxims pointed out the road to wealth and who disarmed the
lightning and the thunderbolt; Jefferson, the accomplished and
enthusiastic scholar, whose marvelous genius and masterly pen gave form
to that immortal paper which proclaimed liberty to all mankind. These
are names never to be forgotten. These men were the founders of the
Republic. Their name and fame are secure, and in the centuries which are
to follow will be treasured by a grateful and loving people among their
choicest possessions. Mr. Speaker, the nation gladly accepts and will
sacredly keep this invaluable relic. The article itself may be
inconsiderable, but with this simple desk we associate a grand
achievement. Upon it was written the great charter of civil liberty,
the Declaration of American Independence. We pay to the heroic hand
who signed that wager of battle the honors which are paid to the
heroes of the battlefield. It was not valor alone which secured to us
self-government. The leaders in the revolt against the tyranny and the
established institutions of the old world had courage of opinion and
were full of mature wisdom and incorruptible patriotism. The men who
signed the paper pledging their lives, their fortunes and their sacred
honor in support of the Declaration, and who made their fearless appeal