Page:Memorial-addresses-on-the-life-and-character-of-michael-hahn-of-louisiana-1886.djvu/20

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LIFE AND CHARACTER OF MICHAEL HAHN.

In disposition Governor Hahn was warm-hearted and genial, and his courteous demeanor toward all with whom he came in contact drew around him a large circle of devoted friends.

In positions of trust he was inflexible in the performance of his duty; in his social relations he bore the character of an estimable, generous, kindly, and true man.

His popularity in the immediate community in which he lived was unexampled; his people loved him. A number of citizens in the village of Hahnville draped their houses in black when the announcement of his death was made.

The bar of the district over which he had presided as judge adopted the following tribute to his memory on March 22—a few days after his death:

Resolved, That in the death of the late Michael Hahn the country at large, the State of Louisiana, and especially the district represented by him in Congress have suffered a loss deeply to be deplored and difficult to be repaired.

Resolved further. That as a gentleman he was without reproach, as a politician he was incorruptible, as a judge he was learned, just, and patient, and as a citizen he was accessible to all, courteous without subserviency, stern without asperity, enterprising without extravagance, appreciated and beloved by high and low as trustworthy and energetic, and a man of high power and remarkable intellect, without false pride.

Mr. Speaker, a good man has gone from among us in the noontide of his usefulness as a member of this House; one who, whether on the bench, in the executive office, or in the State or National legislature, was recognized by his contemporaries as just, honest, and capable. And such will be the judgment of posterity.

Peace to his ashes!



Address of Mr. O'Donnell, of Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, it is a mournful pleasure to have been invited to pay a tribute to the memory of one who deserved so well of his associates. My acquaintance with Governor Hahn began soon after the opening