The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-12-15

made run for it, First Of all, he must
see Speaker Reed. Everybody asks &c
see Mr.. Reed. | should not be surprised
if in a couple Of years Reed was the most
famous man Of his party. Already hC
is the most talked about person in the
capital. 1t is not likely he will ever be
president. for somehow he is not the
sort of man that gets start toward th'
presidential chair. If it be true. as some
people say it is, that only neutral guam
titles are able TO achieve the presidency
Reed will not stand much of a show.
H6 is anything but neutral quantity.
He is the essence Of positivism. His
temperament is as positive as the current
of a thousand volts which goes out from
a DYNAMO on a great electric circuit. lie
is not exactly a tyrant. but he certainly
has shown that he knows who Is speaker,
and that he does not intend 10 have any
BODY else forgetting it for one moment.
Nv friend was so much interested III
Reed that | could scarcely induce him
to take q look at any one else. We were
fortunate i'm getting a view OF the big
man at his very best and in having youI
special artist on the spot TO catch the
pose and fix the characteristics. Reed
i'm the chair is quite Us positive rs he used
to be Oh the floor, and one fancies that
ne half wishes himself back in his old
seat, leading the fight for his side. He
states his decisions Oh points of order IL
tone that is almost argumentative, and
then he appears to regret that he has no
opportunity to talk back right saucily at
somebody who has disputed his correct
ness.
Reed is very alert. Nothing seems 70
escape him, and in his responses to the ap-
peals of members for information, in his
decisions and control of the business OF
the house, lac Is as quick and ready rs he
ever was on the floor. Ny friend pointed
out to me, however, that while Reed l.
counted one Of the readiest men with his
tongue in public life, and his remark
ably good. strong English, almost Shake
spearean in its luminosity, is considered
one Of the marvels Of eXtemporaneous
speaking, that in reality he is one Of the
most deliberate and studious Of takers.
lie speaks with such a drawl and twist
of the tongue that in uttering each word
he gains short time, an almost minutes
finally short time, but one of immense
advanta.e. in which TO revolve in his
brain the thought itself and the manner
Of expressing H..
In this way he is able TO give clearness
and precision to his language, and to in
vent those clear cut phrases which sing
and cut their way through the air like a
whip rapidly swished in "a strong mans
hand. His voice is admirably suited to it
present uses. He has 40 difficulty what
ever in making himself heard TO tine re-
hottest part of the hall. His tones are
not quite a. vehement as they were when
he stood on the floor, leader Of his
party, and they are little more oieagi-
nous. But they rasp and twang and
crunch and pervade much as of yoie.
Notwithstanding his sharp tongue and
ais terrible sarcasm, Reed is a kindly,
,ompanionablc man. He has as keen a
sense Of humor as anybody know, and
an be casi,, provoked into hearty laugh
er. lie smilesand laughs III the chair, in
striking contrast To his predecessor, who
was more solemn than Judge on the
,ench, and whose pale, thin face was
1evcr known TO hc illumined by smile
while at bis post at the head of the
aousc. Reed is fond Of games and OF a
ew friends. lie plays whist and hearts
occasionally in his rooms at the Shore
nam, but he never drinks, smokes MOI
news. He plays billiards, and when
ngaged at this pastimc is always surf
If large audience. The crowds assem-.
Die not to witness his game, which i
very ordinary. but to hear the remarks
9hich lac makes upon the strokes Of his
competitor and himself.
Having looked at Reed till he was sal
sfed. my friend asked TO be shown Nc
Kinley, Cannon. Burrows, Carlisle. Mills.
dolman and other celebrities. | vii.
give what he said IF each of these men,
Judging them simply by appearances.
Tor me knew not one of them personally.
Mckinley" said lie, sis a man l would
trust with my wife, my life or my for
tune. But if had him for an opponent
IN a political contest. Id keep watch Of
him He is quiet and suave, but sly"
When | told my friend that Mckinley
was the leader OF the house, having taken
Reeds place. he said the man would
make success OF IL. not uy his mastery
activity Oh the floor, not by his wit OF
SARCASM, but with his easy generalship,
his calm. clear headed manipulation of
his forces, his alertness, the confidence
placed in him by his followers. OF Joe
Cannon he remarked: "Iie reminds me
of nc;ghbor used to have up in Mas
sachusetts. This neighbor had spells.
One season he was pious, prayerful and
an ornament to the Office of deacon; next
season Inc was owner Of trotting horse,
a gamccock. a follower of the races,
lover Of good times. That is the kind of
a man | imagine Joe Cannon 10 be-"
Burrows" said my friend, still giving
his "frst sight impressions, lis a man
who will always have plenty of friends,
and who may DO depended upon to use
them"
OF Carlisle he said: There is the ideal
face for statesman, but Ill wager he is
one OF the poorest politicians in the
world"
Mills impressed this observer ~ man
who had altogether too much stubborn.
ness and lack Of adaptability to DO a
prime leader Of men, though be possessed |
great force of character and ability.
Holman" said he, lis splendid old |
fellow, have no doubt, but he reminds |
me OF a schoolmaster Of fifty years ago
"A conscientious. hard working chap. |
who spert his old life preventing his