The Dickinson press., 1897-07-10
WASHINGTON LETTER.
'osns1s.snan johnson Holds th. asoora
For ew1ft speech - How Colonial
Aawss 1lads Hts Money.
Especial correspondsnce.l

For swift speech How Oolonsl
HaWes 1ads Hts Money.
Especial Correspondence.l
II congress Il deliberate in action, 1t
cannot be said to be slow of speech.
Fred 8. Irland, one Of the expert ste-
nographers Of the house, said some very
interesting things recently on this point
'It has been said in the newspaper" I"
he remarked, "that Representative Lew.
is Of Warrington talks at the rate of
300 words minute He does not No
man could speak in the house at that
speed and be reported. doubt whether
he could be understood. I mean, Of
course, such words as occur in debatea
OF course In taking routine testimony,
where frequently recurring phrases,
such as What is your name?' and
Where do you liver are expressed by
brief arbitrary signs, a stenographer
can writeas fast as man can think. It
is very different matter when q con-
gresman talks. He uses words Of
many syllables.
''What is the fastest record in the
house?''
Representative johnson of Indiana
once talked for an hour and half,
when discussing contested election
case, at an average rate Of 22O words
minute. That is rapid work. If MN
talks $50 words a minute, he is very
swift. I have noticed one thing add
ed Mr.. Irland. ''The fast takers slow
up after being in the house little
while. The vastness of the air space
they have to fill with their voices grad
ually makes its impression upon them. I"
Pie and Politios.
A recent visitor at the capital was
Colonel Pat Hawes of Nebraska. He is
great political worker and man Of
varied career. He was we'll remember
ed by members Of the house cf repre-
sentatives because Of his efforts to get
into congress 30 years ago. It was in
the Forty fourth congress that Colonel
Hawes applied for admission, on the
ground that Nebraska had become enti-
tied to larger representation than the
state then had, owing to increased pop.
ulation since the preceding census The
house. however, never recognized the
claim Of the colonel, but through &C.
quaintance with the doorkeepers he en-
joyed the privileges Of the floor for the
whole session.
Finally, realizing that he was not to
get the fame and salary Of q representa-
tive at large from the ''cyclone cellar
state, Colonel Hawes made application
for permission to set up pie stand on
the courthouse steps in New York city.
Here the would be statesman carried
on aourishing business in pie, as the
privilege at that time was said to be
worth as much as the salary of member
of congress. After few years in the
pie business Colonel Hawes returned to
Nebraska, and ever since has been more
or less prominent in politics.
The Change In Senator Plat.
A great change has taken place in the
appearance of Senator Platt Of Connect
icut. This has come about since his re-
cent marriage.
He used to be quite independent in
the matter Of dress. Trousers might be
baggy, coat might fit badly, necktie
might be awry-it was all the same to
Platt Now all is changed. Platt is re-
juvenated, new editioned. He trips
lightly to the capitol with smiling face,
when heretofore he was the walking
epitome Of grewsome indigestion. His
hair is cut and barbered with daily
care, his shoes are always shining, and
on his hat no flick Of dust is allowed to
rest.
A group Of congressman were discuss
ing the subject Of newspaper attacks
upon public men. ]. Ham Lewis of
Washington, was member Of the party.
Several Of the representatives related
their personal experiences, when Mr..
Lewis, with great solemnity, remarked:
1.-THE newspapers find an eternal
source Of joy in my whiskers. It annoys
me. They try to make me appear ridic-
ulous. I have been wondering how I
could prevent any further allusions to
my whiskers .4
"Out them of or NOW them down."
coolly suggested the man who sat next
to Lewis, and the laugh was on the con.
gresham from Washington. 4.
Visiting the "areat Father"
Several Usage Indians from Oklaho-
ma are in Washington on business with
the Great Father. Accompanied by
their interpreter, they have been to the
White House and had an interview
with Secretary Porter. It is understood
that, besides looking after their money
interests with the government, the Indi-
ans will use their influence in behalf Of
q candidate for assistant Indian COM
missioner. They favor home rule and
have selected candidate who they say
has long been resident Of the territory
and will care for their interests. They
are reticent about the name of the man
they want appointed and decline to give
Il out until after after they have con-
ferred with the president. In the dste.
cation are two chiefs Of much famfn
Oklahoma-Big Heart and Black Bear.
Both are men Of magnificent physique
and great dignity Of manner.
A Country Full Of Fools.
It has become apparent to everybody
that Senator Hanna Is opposed to what
he calls "this agitation about Cuba, /" for
bis efforts to prevent vote in the sem
ate on the belligerency resolution are
still remembered. Not long ago, how
ever, he was expressing his opinion in
very emphatic terms to fellow senator.
There isn't the least bit of interest in
the question in Ohio" asserted Mr..
Hanna, land I do not think the ooun-
Try is half as much concerned as some
Of the agitators here would have us be-
lieve."
; "Well, Hanna" said his colleague,
II will bet you $500 that your state
I convention declares for Cuba"
: every likely" slowly assented Mr..
Hanna, "beoause some fool will get up
with resolution which nobody will
care to oppose. =