It will be remembered that when Gen. Robertson assumed the duties of this office it was no idle thing to be the Adjutant General of the State of Michigan. The terrors of a civil war were upon us, and Michigan was girding on her sword to take part in the struggle, and, in consequence, the work and duties of the office were vastly multiplied. But through faithfulness in the discharge of every duty, and faithfulness in looking after every detail, the brave old general maintained the honor and dignity of Michigan among . the sisterhood of States, and it is largely due to him that the fame of Michigan's soldiers has gone down to history with a lustre and glory undimmed. Again the lesson of honesty and integrity is emphatically taught in the life of Gen. Robertson. He considered it worth far more to him to be known by his countrymen as an honest man, in every position he was called to fill, than by intrigue to attain a higher position. And it seems to me that in this age of bickerings and strife, we ought to call a halt and seriously contemplate this grand lesson, for after all the record of an honest life shines forth as a brilliant star amid the fog and smoke of deception and intrigue, and sooner or latter is sure to win and command the respect of all right thinking men. And I hope that the young men of this generation, who are now taking the places of their fathers and assuming the duties of guiding the old ship of state across the stormy waters of the future, will receive into their hearts and minds these lessons taught us in the noble life so recently ended. The possibilities that are before our young men are emphasized in the life of Gen. Robertson. His earnest attention to the duties that came to hand every day, the honest discharge of every responsibility as it presented itself, were but the parts of a grand whole-the parts that went to make up the fullness of his grand life. And this fact in itself is a standing rebuke to those who seek by one bound to pass from obscurity to fame; for ability, talent, and genius go for naught without hard work. It is work, and work alone, that accomplishes what he accomplished during the years of his grand life. Now these possibilities are before the young men of this age, and we can but hope that these lessons will impress themselves upon them, and that they will remember that the royal road to fame and honor is to be traveled step by step; and now as we to-day mourn the departure of Gen. Robertson, let us thank God that the world and our State has been blessed by such a grand, noble, and useful life as was his; and may we be enabled to copy his virtues, and become better men and citizens of this great republic. Eloquent and fitting remarks were also made by Senators Giddings and Palmer; the remarks being extemporaneous, copy for the same could not be furnished. President pro tem. Monroe, from his place in the chair, called attention to the fact that General Robertson had been a man whose actions "spoke louder than words;" that while the first five or six years of his twenty-six years' of service to the State had been intensely active in recruiting, equipping and sending men to the front, while the rebellion lasted, the years' service have been spent in the quiet of office work, and his records are models of completeness, accuracy, and neatness. The works to which attention is specially called are: His "History of Michigan during the Rebellion," as found in the Red Book of Michigan, a most valuable contribution; "The flags of Michigan," which is a gem of a compilation, treating of the seal and flag of the United States, the seal and flag of Michigan, the many flags of the different Michigan regiments, and extracts from the presentation speeches, brief statements of the regiments, when mustered in and when mustered out and when they returned to the State, also some 800 occasions when Michigan men defended the fllag, giving places and dates; "The Roll of Honor," which has been mentioned in the biographical sketch, resolutions and remarks of members, was his gift-offering to the memory of the 357 officers and 14,446 privates who died in defence of the flag a work of immense value, costing hours and days of indefatigable and painstaking labor to gather and compile. Of his first edition of "Michigan in the War," only 1,500 were published, which were distributed as public documents. In 1881, at his urgent request, the Legislature ordered the publication of a second edition of 30,000, to be distributed to all honorably discharged soldiers, sailors, and marines. The value of the second edition was greatly enhanced by the addition of a brief history of the war of 1812-13, the Black Hawk war, the Toledo war, and the Mexican war. His brief "Military History of Michigan as a Territory and a State," was among the most important and valuable papers delivered at the late semicentennial celebration of the admission of the State into the Union. The many extracts of poetry, and the frequent complimentary mention of the services and sacrifices of the noble women of Michigan in the late civil war, show that the stern soldier had a tender and sympathetic side. The love of his childhood, Scottish home, is also shown by frequent allusions to his native land. Attention is also called to the full "alphabetical indexes," recently completed under his supervision, making a great saving in referring to any one. of the 90,000 enlisted men. In closing Mr. Monroe said: "Adjutant General Jno. Robertson was a sturdy, bold, and liberty-loving Scotchman, who came to us from over the He honored his adopted State in his life and works; hence it is meet and proper that we should pause to-day and honor his memory." sea. The question being on the adoption of the resolutions reported by the committee, The resolutions were then adopted by an unanimous rising vote. On motion of Senator J. W. Babcock, It was ordered that the several addresses in support of the resolution be spread at large on the journal. On motion of Senator J. W. Babcock, The joint convention then, as a further mark of respect to the eminent deceased, adjourned. LEWIS M. MILLER, Secretary of the Senate, The Senate having retired, The House was called to order by the Speaker. Roll called: quorum present. The Speaker announced that the Senate and House had met in joint convention and had adopted resolutions in memory of the late Brigadier General John Robertson, and that the proceedings of the joint convention will appear in the journal of this date. Mr. Damon moved that 1,000 extra copies of the Journal of this date be printed for the use of the House, Which motion prevailed. Mr. Webber moved that the House take a recess until 7:30 this evening, Which motion did not prevail. On motion of Mr. Oviatt, The House adjourned. In Memory OF Gen. John Robertson Of Detroit, Born January 2, 1814, In Portsoy, Banffshire, Scotland. Adjutant General of Michigan continuously Died March 19, 1887. Commemoration Service in Joint Convention, Lansing, Wednesday, March 23, 1887. The House met pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by the Speaker. Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Franklin. Roll called: quorum present. Absent without leave: Messrs. Cross, Douglass, Goodrich and T. H. Williams. On motion of Mr. Watts, Leave of absence was granted to Mr. T. H. Williams indefinitely on account of sickness. On motion of Mr. Simpson, Leave of absence was granted to Messrs. Cross, Douglass and Goodrich indefinitely on account of duties connected with the House. PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS. No. 626. By Mr. Perkins: Petition of Horace Todd and 200 others, relative to the alteration of the boundary line of St. Ignace city. Referred to the committee on municipal corporations. No. 627. By Mr. Rumsey: Petition of citizens of Lansing relative to the tenure of Catholic church property. On demand of Mr. Rumsey, The petition was read at length, and spread at large on the journal, as follows: We, the undersigned citizens of Lansing, ask your honorable body not to interfere unduly with the tenure of Catholic church property. Referred to the committee on religious and benevolent societies. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES. By the committee on ways and means: The committee on ways and means, to whom was referred A bill to provide for the purchase of additional land for the use of the State public school, Respectfully report that they have had the same under consideration, and have directed me to report the same back to the House, without amendment, and recommend that it do pass, and ask to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject. M. E. RUMSEY, Chairman. Report accepted and committee discharged. The bill was ordered printed, referred to the committee of the whole and placed on the general order. By the committee on public lands: The committee on public lands, to whom was referred House bill No. 31, entitled "A bill to carry into effect sec. 12 of article 15 of the constitution, relative to the holding of real estate by corporations," Respectfully report that they have had the same under consideration, and |