With our resources of timber, and
iron and copper, and every material entering into the construction of
our vessels, we can build ships at short notice in our private
shipyards, even if we cannot in our navy yards, but efficient and hardy
sailors come only from the training and experience of years of toil and
danger upon the sea."
This brief extract illustrates Mr. Crapo's logical, direct method of
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.
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