The morning news., 1889-02-04
COURTESY IN DEBATE.
GENILEMANLYS STATESMEN IN THE
HOUSE OF REP EPREsENTATIVES
An Antagonistic Atmosphere Where
Taunts and Sarcasm Abound-Nam-
ing a Few Representatives Who
Have Made Themselves Conspicuous
How They Did 1t.

How They Did 1t.
(Copwi0ht, 1890
WASHINGTON. Feb. 2.-More charming
associate than those in the House Of Repre-
sentatives are rarely found IN politics; yet
there is little real courtesy in debate
Acerbity and not comfy apparently tenn
pers discussion. Retorts more cutting than
pleasant are frequently heard Vitriol is
used where sweet oil would be far more
effective. The leader Of the republicans in
tle House sets bad example for his lieu
tenants, and they follow it, Among the
democrats, Benton McMilltn, Sunset Cox,
and even the smiling Roger Q. Mills,
usually soak their sorrows in the lye of sar-
casm. The retort courteous is extremely
rare. The present House, however, has not
yet reached the level OF the Senate in de-
bate. The word "liar" mas been pronounced,
but no member has called co-worker "a
dirty dog" A tilt between William E.
Mason OF Chicago, and John E. Allen Of
Tupelo, ran the quicksilver in the ther-
mometer Of pOliteness to a high figure
few months ago, but not to the degree
Fahrenheit reached in the Ingalls, Voorhees
controversy There are few representa-
tives who rise far above the plane of per-
soualities.
The most affable in discussion Of the re-
pub'icans is probably the Hon. julius
Caesar Burrows Of kalamazoo. His face,
his manner and his bearing recall the blue
skies of Italy. He looks the true gem
tleman. and his speech does not belle his
looks.
Upon the democratic side the palm may
be awarded to Gen. Charles E. Hooker of
Jackson, Miss. The general represents the
true spirit of southern chivalay. He is a
native of South Carolina, and about 90
years old. His father owned magnificent
plantation near Jackson. The family man
sion still stands in the outskirts of the city.
1t was and is a nest # old fashioned south
ern hospitality. Col. William L. Brown of
the New York DaiLH:Ne,Os, delights in rem
lniscences of the c .arming old place. He
wandered down to Mississippi from YOungs-
town, O., before the war He taught school
in jackson, and repeatedly enjoyed the
good cheer of the Hookers. The general
was then a young man, fresh from Cam
bridge Law school, and filled with poiti-
cal ardor. They stumped the adjoining
counties together. and won many forensic
triumph.
In 1850 the general was elected district
attorney. His political course, however,
began with a term of service in the Mis-
sissippi Legislature. He resigned his seat to
enter the confederate army. AT VickSburg
he lost his right arm. Soon afterwards he
was made colonel of cavalry, and as
signed to duty ol the military court at
tached to Gen. Polk's command At the close
of the war he was twice elected attorney
general of Mississippi. After serving nearly
four years, in common with other civil
Office of the state, he was removed by the
military authorities. II 1875 ne was elected
to congress. He served four terms, and
then dropped olt of the House until his re-
appearance two years ago.
The general is tall and commanding. He
has blue eyes, and wears his hair after the
style of Andrew jackson. HisgracjOus less
of manAer s'enhanced by his courtesy in
debate. Not an uuIind nor an cOu'tly
word has lie u tered in hi1 ten years Of SER
vice. NOspeaker enjoys more respectful
attention. He always addresses the House
cr tempore, and his Arguments are clean
AMI compact. At times he uses apt Latin
quotations. He thoroughly understands
the point at issue. and his speec les are
warmed by the inteasi y of his convic,iols.
He shows n annoyance when Interrupted,
and never becomes irrltated. He preserves
his mental equipoise apparently without
effort and answerS all Inquiries with un-
swerving suavity. His graceful bearing
and courteous manners win toe admiration
of even his most bitter opp)nen He is a
there were more like him in the House, He
wears black frocl coat closely buttoned,
with the empty sleeve pinned to his breast.
He writes with his left hand with remark
able ease and caleritv.
A most courteous man among the repub-
licans is ex-Cfov. John D. Long of Massa-
chussetts. He is an elegant and classical
orator. His speech placing George F. Ed
mnnds in nOminatiol for the Presidency at
q ft,1 &c n al Of Do l1gh
position. 1t was delivered at l 80 o'clock in
the morning, and tnus failed to secure the
newspaper attention it merited. Gov.
Long has Boston manners and q Boston
pronunciation. His voice is as clear as his
argumeutative faculty, and both are uneX
celled in the House. The governor has
broad forohead, bright blue eyes and clear
complexion. He dresses il exquisite taste.
Indeed he is as neat in attire as i'll speech.
He never loses his temper, and seems en-
tirely bent upon co vIncing those who
disagree with him by the force OF argument
alone. He as served three terms i'll con
gress, and retires because he cannot afford
to remain here longer. He is a native of
Maine, SO years old. He graduated at
Harvard in 1851 After thai he taught
school for tV years. Then he studieI law
at Harvard. he entered political lite as a
member OF the Massachusetts, legislature.
He was there four yeas, serving the last
three years as speaker of the House. In
1879 he was lieutenant governor Of the
state. For three successive years he
was elected governor. Since then he has
been III congress. He has a pract cal
knowledge of parliamentary law, aud no
man commands more attention in discus
sion.
A model of courtesy is the Hon. William
p. G BrscAinridge OF Kentucky. His hair
and beard are the cooc OF frosted silver
In debate mis- face has a roseate flush, and
his blue eyes emit the light Of intellect.
His words are we'll chosen, his argumen.
clearly outlined, aud his gestures refined and
graceful. His voice, at hrst husky gradu-
ally becomes as clear as the notes of a bell
A mas .erpicce Of eloque.cs was his speech
upon the presen alton TO congress the por-
traits of Nathaniel p. Banks. Robert I.
Winthrop and Joseph B. Narnum by the
Massachusetts Legislature. IL recalled the
days Of Henry Clav. The House and the
galleries were spell-hound. Mr.. Breckil-
ridge is 81 years old He is the son of a
wei, known Presbyterian divine, aud a
graduate OF q Kentucky college. His
political career is confined to two terms
iQ congres.. but he has been reelected,
and is undoubtedly destined to higher
honors.
Another member eminsntly courteous in
discussion is ex.Gov. Nelson Dlngley, Jr.. Of
Maine. He has nigh forehead, ebon
eyes, and ali aqlIline nose. HIS hair and
beard are black, and he looks more Ike a
member Of the French Corps LegslauF
than like an American congressman. Il S