28 MAJOR JOHN F. LACEY 



ponent worthy of their best efforts, the politicians knew him as 

 a man who always stood steadfast by his convictions, and who 

 always fought with clean hands; and the people as a whole 

 knew him as an honorable man, a patriotic citizen, and one of 

 nature's noblemen. 



Council Bluffs Nonpareil : 



Major John F. Lacey was one of the grimmest political fight- 

 ers in Iowa. He gloried in his standpatism. His political be- 

 liefs were convictions of the most sincere character. Lacey de- 

 fended these with the ardor of a crusader. He disliked a trim- 

 mer and never did such things himself. He made political 

 enemies and he retained political enmities. But Lacey was as 

 honest as he was sincere. And he fought his political battles 

 on the square and accepted results with soldierly courage. As a 

 man and citizen he commanded the respect of both political 

 supporters and opponents because both knew that he was 

 prompted by the best of motives. In his death the state loses a 

 splendid citizen and the old flag one of the most heroic defenders. 



The Vinton Eagle : 



Major Lacey was a thorough student. Probably he had no 

 equal in his knowledge of public affairs. He participated in de- 

 bates on all leading questions before Congress. 



Dubuque Times : 



Major Lacey was one of the old school of public men of which 

 few are left. He was a stickler for principles and even those 

 who disagreed with him politically admired his firmness and 

 honesty of purpose. Political enemies he had by the score, but 

 personal enemies none. He was never known to straddle an is- 

 sue, and he stood firm and steadfast in defense of what he be- 

 lieved right. 



Oskaloosa Times (Democratic) : 



Whatever of honor or distinction may have come to Major 

 Lacey, the soldier, lawyer, and politician, was far overshadowed 

 by the record of Major Lacey, the citizen. The writer had 

 known the major for many years, and though we differed from 

 him in politics, there never was an hour in all our acquaintance 



