The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-02-22
LEGISLATIVE GOSSIP.

Thursday was a good day to study differ
emit phases OF oratory in the house. The
debate on the eight hour bill brought out
the best speakers and the best efforts. 1t
offered opportunities for both argument and
oratory, and certainly no representative
with a desire to talk overlooked the chances.
The subject was Of the greatest moment.
the gallery was packed with appreciative
listeners and no limit of debate was fixed.
Il was confined for the most part to clean
cut arguments and cold facts. though a few
flowers Of rhetoric were plucked by the
more ambitious speakers. The eloquence
which came in brief flashes WAS purely OK
temporaneous. The prepared speeches ap-
parently had the least effect.
IN
Mr.. Toole's speech against the bill was
the most striking Of the forensic displays.
1t was the unstudied effort of one thorough
" familiar with the details of his subject.
Mr.. Toole had worked for years in mines in
diferent sections Of the country. He knew
the sufferings and sympathies, the joys and
the pains of the men who delve into the
ground, for he had been one of
them. There were others o N the foor with
the same knowledge but with less ability, or
rather adaptability, for the occasion.
After discussing the actual situation of the
miners he brapched off into the most con-
vincing argument of the day when he re-
ferred to the bill as a strike at the rights OF
personal liberty. His words we're simple
but we'll chosen and logically put together.
The speech would have attracted no grea!
nAkoxin, uith0nf tho oarnoCt and p0nvinC-
ing manner of the speaker. Every sentences
carried conviction. Mr.. Toole lacks the
arts and graces that make the flnesse Of
FURNISHED o~ratory. His voice is somewhat
husky and he has not the orators presence
In place of these he has an easy flow OF
language and a style marked. as have said
bv% earnestness and honesty of purpose. A
o. gentleman said to me at the conclusion
of his speech, there is something il
MI. TooIe's style that you do not find will
other representatives"
nhn
The representatives. opposed to the meas
IRE seemed afraid to discuss it until Mr.
Penrose opened with d series of temporal,
and we'll considered arguments. Then tn
debate warmed up and never ceased in in
tef6bJ Until INC Sotc "ao bdAcu. DuIiUl
the day Mr.. Holte,'s maiden speech wa
made. It was near the close of the debat
when he arose and spoke on the history O
wages of miners in the west. When MI
Hotter came to Colorado thirty years ag
miners we're paid S1.5O a day for workin
UNDERGROUND. Mr.. Hotter made no attempt
at oratorical flights, but, business man tina
he ia stated his arguments in a plain bust
ness like manner.
m
The measure did not suffer in the hand
NJ its friends. Peter Breen's deep an
meiodious voice rolled out words that cam
from his heart. He had also worked nigh
and dav at the bottom of = shaft and kne'
whereof he spoke. He told how mine own
ara had broken faith with the
man how the dividends had accum
mated without betterment OF the miner
condition and how they proposed to get re
dress. he WAS full of his subject and
! discugsed il with great effect. ii
Hyseu POSSESSES III a measure the faculty {
bringing the audience into sympathy wit
bis views. His voice with its pleasing touc
of the old brogue grows in sound as he bt
comes enthusiastic. 1t IL much lii
. IN. vocal attribute of my friend Colon,
Nolan. Like Mr.. Toole. the representati,
from Jefferson never lacks for a word. L
/ does not talk often. and in the ordinal
every day work of the house states his poll