The Saint Paul globe., 1897-06-06

1t is the dav for the opening OF the
tariff debate. Here is Gov. Dingley,
with his battered silk hat, walking in
his precise manner, saluting whoever
accosts him. Here comes McMillin,
playing with his watch chain and talk
ing volubly with constituent. Next
comes Serene Payne, broad-shouldered
and jolly, joking with sturdy James
Sherman, of Utica. Col. Elliott, Of
South Carolina, passes with a military
air, recalling the work of his battery
at Antietam Mr.. Dolliver, of Iowa, is
in the procession, dark-haired and full
eyed, walking at the side of an orator
from his own state, full as brilliant as
himself, Robert G. Cousins. Behind
them moves one of the speakers ablest
Neutenants on the floor, John Dalzell,
Of Pennsylvania. He is about half the
size of Serene Payne, but has mind
as active and alert as his body.
Nor are the Populists lost in the
procession. Jerry Simpson and his
spectacles are in the stream of states
men. John c. Bell, of Colorado, tall
and brawny, is at his side Behind
them comes Milford w. Howard, Of
Alabama, breezy as a Southern pine,
and fully as straight.
Nor is the Southern Democrat un-
represented. Claude Swanson, of Vir-
glnia, marches through the rotunda
like an old-time cavalier. William A.
Jones, sturdy and staunch, is near him,
with the same determined air that
made him figure in the Chicago con-
Vention. Gen. Meyer, of Louisville, is
in the throng, and DR.. Strait, of South
81 Co.
attracts the attention of visitors.
The stream pours through the main
entrance to the senate chamber. All
the sofas in the rear of the desks are
quickly filled. The galleries are crowd
ed. 1t is field day, in sooth All
seem eager for the fray The Demo-
cratic representatives naturally group
themselves in the Democratic side of
the chamber, while the Republicans go
to the right. Each representative greets
the senator representing the state from
which he comes Every courtesy is
shown, for the representatives are al
ways welcomed to the floor, except
when the doors are closed in executive
session.
The floor of the senate is a favorite
lounging place for members of the
house. The new members are espec-
tally delighted with it. AS no COM
mittees have yet been appointed in the
house, they are at sea as to its methods
and usages. The senate being thor
oughly organized, they watch it's pro-
ceedingS with much interest. It's i'm
perturbable gravity impresses them
There are none of the turbu-
lent scenes which mark the ac-
ton of the house, whether Or
ganized or disorganiZed. The rou
= n
Interesting, but occasionally fires Of
patriotism burst into flame, and dis
cuSSiOnS ensue replete with elOQuence
and argument. There are senators who
are heard with breathless interest
Senator German, of MARYLAND is one
of these. He is the recognized Demo-
cratic leader. Cool and impasslonate
he states his propositions with pre-
cision and clearnesS, and never wastes
words. He has his match on the Re-
publican side of the chamber in Will
liam B. Allison, of Iowa. Each is eX-
great weight. Allison is the recogniz-
ed leader of the Republicans.
1 have stated that German is cool
and impassiOnate, but at times, like
finely tempered steel in friction, he be-
comes heated. Allison's temperature
however, is always the same 1t does
not vary one degree in a whole term Of
service. There is no trace of eXcile-
ment in his manner, and he carries
less heat than a plaSter-of-Paris bust.
Then the new members Of the house
who frequent the chamber are occas-
ionally greeted with magnificent dis
plays of oratory. There are very few
speakers on this continent who equal
Roger @. Mills, of Texas, in brilliancy
of diction and clearness Of enunciation
He speaks rapidly, but every sentence
is polished and finished. He warns up
with the earnestness of his convictions,
and in q ringing voice prOclaimS them
to all the world, regardless of conse-
Quences.
Far different is Senator Hoar. of
Massachusetts. In face and figure he
recalls Horace Greely. His voice at
times has a high treble, as had that of
the great editor and philosopher. but it
Is attractive rather than repellant. Met
aphorically speaking, he handles an op-
ponent with gloves made from the
skins Of mountain kids. and vet at
times stray needle may be found in
one OF those gloves. He has been so
long in the senate that he seems to the
manner born. Never does he loose his
dignity, and never does he loose an
opportunity to assert it. He seems to
live in a little world of his own. vet
not hedged with thorns. Everything
within appears bright and attractive.
ana the senator apparently takes de-
ight In welcoming his friends within
The junior senator from Massacb,,
setts is also worthy Of the study of the
visiting representatives Those from
the South regard him with awe and
curiosity as he was the author of the
Force bill, the defeat of which was due
TO Senator German. Mr.. Lodge is a
model speaker. His thoughts are ap-
parently carefully conned and present
cd IN pleasing attire. His voice is
good, and his manner excellent. AL
though comparatively young man, he
is the representative of Massachusetts
IN the disposal Of the patronage al
lotted to the state by the administra-
ton.
And there are other attractions for
the visitors from the house. Senator
Quay, cool and thoughtful occupies a
'front.' seat. He seems to pay little at
tention to the business Of the senate
Nbut let any matter come up involving
the interests Of the keystone state and
he IS on his feet in g. moment. He
talks well, and long, when necessary,
No man can WELD a parliamentary
cleaver with greater ability.
Missouri has a choice tid-bit in store
Tor novices in legislation. He is q
chunky little gentleman, with sharp,
blue eyes and a tongue as keen as a
Damascene blade. He is George G..
Vest, Of Kansas City. When thorough
ly aroused he becomes meteoric, and
the display is more magnificent than
a shower of falling stars John J. In
gals is said to have been a master of
exquisite sarcasm; If so, however.
George G. Vest was his teacher. A
new member might travel over to the
senate chamber for two months with