Evening star., 1896-10-24

tracted national promir ence by the part
winch he took in some stirring election
cases, when he was chairman of the House
committee on elections. He afterward rapid
ly forged to the front as ore of the lead
ers on the democratic side and placed him
self during the exciting times of the Fifty
nrst Congress In line for promotion to the
head of his party in the House He was
declared the choice of the democrats for
speaker In the Fifty-second Congress after
a spirited contest with Roger Q. Mills of
Iexas. Mr.. Crisp'S tenure of the office
which was conferred upon him vindicated
the selection and established his reputa-
ton. not only as an able and a skillful
parllamentarian. but as one OF the fairest
and most non-partisan Speakers who ever
presided over the House.
In person Mr. Crisp was of very genial
disposition but not lacking. for all that.
IN uignity. He was approachable, but
couid be very firm in the position which
his judgment prompted him to take upon
any matter. Mr.. Crisp had excellent con-
troll OF his temper and was not easily
moved to irritabllty, quality which stood
MIN IN good stead al many exciting periods
during his tenure of Office when partisan
strife was at white heat in the House and
the Speakers chair was the storm center.
He was gracious to new members and
peciaily to young men establishing their
legislative careers, and to whom the favor
of the Speaker was an important matter
and of weighty consideration to the leg
lsiat on they were promoting. He did not
withhold his graciousness in this respect
from his political epp5ne nts. and thus 1t
happens that some 'ecf ?Mr. Crisp's warm
est personal admifsrs:sare found in the
ranks of the republican members.
Slated for the Senate.
Mr. Crisp declined denomination last sum-
mer. 1t being well understood that he would
go to the Senate. III fact, he would have
been in the Senate long before had he not
in spirit Of patriot tism1 1and devotion to his
party's interests sacrificed his ambition for
the time being. 1t was In April. 1894 when
Senator Celquitt die2, That Mr.. Crisp was
offered the appointment by Governor North
ern to fill the urexpiFed term with the al
most absolute eertafnty" that hee would be
elected by the next session Of the legislature
for full term ~ - -
But at that time the democratic party in
the House was in sore need of Mr. Crisps
services. The Wilson taffff t!H was pending
in Congress, and the party was badly divid-
ed upon it. 1t was agreed hpon every, hand
that Mr.. Crsp's services Is Speaker were
absolutely necessary, and tif;t It would be a
calamity to his party-if he should turn his
post over to another and accept the high
honor held. out to him. by the governor MI
Crisp's decision was quickly made. In a
characteristic. letter he declined the honor
and remained at his post through the try
ing months that followed. sS-
His friends in Georgia then determined
that he should not suffer through the de-
cision that he made. They began canvass
for him, with the result that at the time OF
his death he had large majority instruct
ed for him in the legislature. His untimeiy
end naturally raises the question of who
will be Senator. There are q number of
candidates, prominent among them being
Governor Atkinson. 1t is the opinion of
many that he is in the lead. for the reason
that 1t was his influence which was thrown
unreservediy to Mr. Crisp, and 1t Is said
that he is the only man who has not fought
him. Ex-senator Walsh is also candidate
but Is being opposed II is said. by the large
Protestant influence of the state Mr.
Fleming Du Bignon and ex-Secretary Hoke
Smith are also mentioned as probable can
didates.
The accompanying cut represents Mr..
Crisp standing on portico of the Capitol,
with Mr. Cannon and Mr.. Catchings by his
side. 1t was made. from photograph
taken during his speakershp.