[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 PRINCIPAL CHIEF ROBERT FULTON BATTISE OF THE ALABAMA COUSHATTA NATION

                                 ______


                          HON. CHARLES WILSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 1994

  Mr. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, last night the members of the Alabama-
Coushatta Nation suffered a sad loss.
  The death of Principal Chief Robert Fulton Battise marks the end of 
nearly 60 years of inspired and compassionate leadership and the end of 
an era for the Alabama Coushatta Tribe in Polk County, TX. Health care, 
education, industry and a pride of heritage for his people are some of 
the landmarks Chief Battise blazed as he traveled on this long, 
challenging path. His passing leaves a vast emptiness in the hearts of 
all who knew him.
  In his memory and his honor, I ask that the following message to the 
Alabama Coushatta Nation be printed in the Congressional Record, as a 
final and permanent blaze on the trail of Chief Battise's life.
     Members of the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribes.
     Re: In Memoriam of Principal Chief Robert Fulton Battise.
       Dear Friends: What is left to say about a man who has 
     served his people for over 58 years and has earned the 
     respect and admiration of people everywhere?
       There is more; much more. Please permit me to share a few 
     thoughts with you about Chief Kina:
       A man who walked in step with God along life's trail since 
     the beginning of his journey.
       A man who wore the mantle of nobility with grace and 
     dignity.
       A man of compassion who wiped away the tears of sorrow from 
     those who wept with the cloth of humility.
       A man in tune with nature and the universe; keeping his 
     heart pure and his soul restored; his touch gentle.
       A man of honor whose words revealed the depths and beauty 
     of his being.
       In Chief Battise's case, words cannot adequately portray 
     The Man. We salute and pay our respects to a man whose life 
     was one of imparted wisdom. We salute and pay our respect to 
     a man whose heart was filled with peace and joy and whose 
     footsteps were always directed toward the light. We salute 
     and pay our respects to a man who loved and honored the 
     little children.
       On this solemn occasion of bidding farewell to our noble 
     friend, Robert Fulton Battise, it is only fitting, and 
     proper, that we offer thanks to God for sharing with us the 
     life of this great man. If you listen closely, surely you 
     will hear the echoes of, ``Well Done Thy Good and Faithful 
     Servant * * *''

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