BIOGRAPHICAL 31 



same time interesting to voters. He discussed public questions 

 with candor and fairness, but with an earnestness that com- 

 manded respect for sincerity and positiveness of convictions. 



Lafayette Young, in the Des Moines Capital, has given 

 a fine summary of Major Lacey's leading qualities, from 

 which the following extracts are given: 



It was a wonderfully active, purposeful, and achieving life 

 which closed at Oskaloosa yesterday. Indolence was entirely 

 foreign to John F. Lacey's nature. In the three score and ten 

 years which came to him those who knew the man will readily 

 testify that he had no idle hours. Work was one of the dom- 

 inating passions of his life and it was always notable the ease 

 with which he could glide from a long tenure of office holding 

 to the active practice of his profession. Some men go to "Wash- 

 ington, serve a few terms in Congress, and return to find their 

 law practice has passed into other hands. We believe this was 

 less noticeable in the career of Major Lacey than that of any 

 other Iowan identified with public life. He was so thorough in 

 everything he undertook that he was constantly equipped and 

 his services were always in demand. 



He early displayed the abilities which single out men for 

 public service and he lived to a day when he was recognized as 

 one of the most constructive statesmen at Washington. Ap- 

 pointed to committees having in charge important affairs affect- 

 ing the public domain he became an ardent student of the public 

 lands question, Indian affairs, forestry, and conservation, and 

 the most of our present laws pertaining to these issues bear the 

 imprint of his painstaking work. He was a great lover of birds 

 and the Audubon societies were highly appreciative of his sup- 

 port of legislation for their protection. Major Lacey was a Re- 

 publican of the old school. He knew just what he believed. 

 He knew how his conclusions had been reached, and he could de- 

 fend himself whenever the occasion required. He was never 

 rattled in a congressional debate and he loved the antagonism 

 of a law suit. He was ready to face the spirit of contest any- 

 where. 



But now this gallant old soldier has fallen in the ranks. He 

 had breathed the atmosphere of his law office and pressed the 



