The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-03-24
s. s. Cox.
Correspondence of the Scholarie, NJ Y, Repu6lca,
WAsuINaToN Mach vo,e

Correspondence " Tie CCNOtu!16, ~. In heDHOtfcUn
WASHINGTON, March 6, 1876.
Ed. REPUBLICAN,: When Samuel s.
Cox rises to speak, the house is ali atten-
ton. If. perchance, the debate has been
dull and uninteresting. the sound of his
voice arouses the inattentive aud puts
them upon the qua Uiue for something
lively. He never fails to amuse, AID in
his humor there is so much of method and
argument that it generally carries with it
conviction. 1t has been said by his
enemies that his efforts are superficial;
that he only desires to create a laugh;
that he is wanting in logic; and what he
says has no force and creates no lasting inn
preston. This is great mistake, for no
man in congress is listened to with more
attention, or whose speeches are read with
more avidity than those Of S. S. Cox.
No man is more active in debate, and
none whose words flow easier or whose
thoughts are expressed in clearer lam
guage. He deals in satire, of the humor-
Gus kind, and is the most aggressive man
in the house, charging home upon Repub-
lcans their shortcomings and inconsistent
cies, seemingly having in mind the past
records of them all. and never fails when
pressing his victim to the wall 10 bring
down the house by some apt and humor
Gus comparison. His mind is crammed
with classic lore, and he discourses as
learneGly and easily of the worthless of an
cient history as of the rascalities and wick
edness of the whisky rings, and other
modern iniquities. He is scholar in
every sense of the word, and one cannot
listen to him without being Impressed
| ,uxth h:c cahaiarl, =.
doubtful if there is member Of the house
of greater erudition, sharper and quicker
at repartees, and Of more consummate
tact. 1ndulging in flights Of fancy, he
delights in carrying his listeners to some
ethereal height, and then by happy
hit brings them back amid roars OF
laughter His descent from the sublime
to the ridiculous is marvellous. for he does
not mar the former by the latter as many
speakers do. Of course, his direct
illusions call for the severe rejoinder; bu,
he is ever ready. and receives them as
though clothed with a coat of mail. Never
at loss for word. he is seldom if ever
placed hors du combat, even though as
sailed by score of enemies. And YET
with all bis aggressiveness, and with wha,
might seem to some vindictiveness, there
is no show of bitterness or anger 1t is
apparent that, no matter how fierce the
debate, at its conclusion he is willing tC
shake hands across the wordy chasm. His
speech upon the diplomatic and consular
appropriation bill-especially that part re
ferriDg to j. Meredith Read, the minister
to Greece and his celebrated dispatches
was model OF satire, and was perfect
boquet of fun, keeping the house in roal
of laughter during its delivery. The vic
tins Of his shaft strive to belittle him, anC
the Republican papers are prone to speal
lightly of his speeches, but this very fac
is evidence of his power. If poem Oh
any other work is parodied or handled
seriously by the critic, depend upon it tina
poem or work possesses merit.
Socially, Mr. Cox is one of the mos
genial and approachable men, ever ready
to do kind act; true and firm friend
and willing to be friendly with all. Hi
recent occupation of the speakers chai
during the absence of Mr.. Kerr, proves
him to be an able presiding officer, per
every way competent to fill the position o
speaker. To this he will sometime come
if not to greater honors. His name ha
been used as possible candidate for tn
vice presidency, should western man b
nominated to head the ticket, and but
few days ago his name was presented il
the New Ycrk San by some of his admir-
ers as candidate for president 1t mus
be admitted that he is man OF brains
and his long public seryice-his connection
with governmental affairs thaving serve,
in the leading committees OF the house 70
years., gives him experience aud know
edge possessed by but few. and eutitl
him to high honor. Who would not b
willing to change the present incumbent Q
i the White House for Samuel S. Cox?