The age-herald., 1898-01-09
Men Who Are Born Congressman.

Men Who Are Born Congressman.
 Nor is this an isolated case. Col. Henry Watterson expressed the most extreme repugnance to congress, although his father had been a congressman. He had no desire to return to the house. Russell Sage found Wall street far more attractive than congress. John H. Starin regarded his term in congress as waste of time. Horace Greeley sletters to Charles A. Dana show that he did not enjoy his ey nerience in Washington. On the othey hand, there are men who appear to be fascinated by the life of a repres entative in congress. Sunset Cox was a born congressman His burdens, though really heavier, seemed to grow lighter as the years rolled by. He was importuned morning, noon and night oftentnes by those who had no claim upon his attention yet he never lost his vivacity and good nature. He fairly reveled in for ensio contests, and did the work of half dozen men in committee. As presid- ing officer he was unexceled. The life was certainly a fascinating one to hnl-so fas- cinating that he lout hts life in carrying out it's responsibilitio Nor was Cox alone. Rarely has there been a more affecting scene in the house than on the night be- fore the retirement of Judge PaysoYi of Illinois. He had served many years and was chairman of the committee on public lands. Able, brilliant, and accomplished there was no more popular man on the floor. In the heat of debate a careless word con
 
 heart. In language pathetic and eloquent he reviewed his career in congress, chal- lenging the inspection of every motive and defying criticism. His associates of both parties were gathered around him. Among them were the veteran Holman, of In- diana; Joseph G. Cannon, of Illinois; Gen Charles D. Hooker, of Mississippi: Rich ard P. Bland and William H. Hatch. of Missouri, and a score of other veterans now dead and gone MT. Paysons words were touching that and each mans heart beat quicker as the judge took loving farewell of his asso- ciates. His words convinced everybody that congressional life had peculiar charm for him, but that he returned to the people uncomplainingly, and manfully resumed his place in the ranks.
 Charmed by Congressional Life.
 Nor are orators alone charmed by con- gressional life. Here on the floor is Gen John H. Ketcham, of New York, trte and active after twenty-six years of service-a man who has never addressed the chair except to ask unanimous consent for the consideration of some bill in which a con stituent was interested. The life seems to have magical attraction for him. Never is he more happy than when accompanying some of his old soldiers to Mount Vernon or setting up a cold lunch for fire companies on visit to Washington from his district Philadelphia has had several congress- men. both talkative and silent who ap- parently have been charmed with the house. William D. Kelley and Samuel J. Randall although prominent in discussions, were not better known than Charles O'Neil and his surviving associate Gen. Alfred O. Har- mer Kelley, ONeil, and Harmes were in succession fathers of the house. Kelly and O'Nefl were enamored of the honor but Gen. farmer, whenever it is alluded to- says that "it is large and unruly fam iIy."
 This congressional life seems to have a peculiar fascination for members from the south, yet few die in the harness. In some cases, however it wears away with terms of service. Judge Turner, of Georgia, and Judge Culberson, of Texas, two of the ablest representatives, retired of their own free will from the last congress. The legis- lative process to them had lost its charm Avenues for promotion were closed home associations had regained their attraction There are evidently blandishments in the life for the members from Maine. The delegation remained unchanged for fourteen years; then death opened the door for the accomplished Burleigh. There is a fascin- ation in the office for the speaker, although it has been said that he hankers after a law practice in New York city. Reeds Rules-A Manual of Parliamentary Prac- tice" speak for themselves and his gran deur as speaker is certainly calculated not to wed him from parliamentary life.
 Washington's Many Attra ,tions.
 To orators and fluent speakers, saying nothing of those who enjoy the gaze and applause of the people, congressional ca- reer has manifold attractions; but to the naturally reserved or quiet man it's allure ments are not so apparent, The secret of his fascination is mostly due to the mag netism of his associations. He likes Wash ington life, and his wife is charmed with it's society. Then it's climate, especially in