The record-union., 1898-10-16
REPARTEE IN CONGRESS.

sAUCY TALK IN THE SENATE
AND THE HOUSE.
Bits of Wit Banded in Impromptu
Debate Often More Memorable
Than Scholarly Orations.
Many a tilt in Congress has become
historic, and many a philippic in the
Capitol stands prominent in Congress
sional "reminiscences. AT least once
a day in some part of the United
States John Randolph's characterize
ton of John Quincy Adams and Henry
Clay is reported Nor is Randolph's 3
encounter with the Rhode Island shoe
maker who became a United States
Senator forgotten 1t was equaled,
however, in modern days by William
M. Springer's encounter with Tom
Reed, and the paSsage-at-a be-
tween General Spinola and Elijah Ad-
ans Morse Mr. Springer was ad-
dressing the House upon some question
of public policy. In fluent language
he outlined his ideas, filling in the in
terstices with copious quotations and
riveting them with Illinois logic. AS
he concluded, the great man from
Maine threw open the lid of his desk
and disclosed an old copy Of the Con
gressional Record Turning over its
leaves he brought to light a choice
intellectual morsel. He read the ex-
tract to the House, with broad Yam
kee pronunciation. 1t was COM
plete refutation of the argument Of
the member from Illinois. The read
ing ended, Mr.. Reed threw the Con
gressional Record into his desk and
closed the lid. Then, turning to Mr..
Springer, he remarked in clear tone
of voice: Such was the language OF
the gentleman from Illinois in the For
ty-fourth Congress-" He made no
comment, but took his seat, the House
regarding the Illinois member with
some astonishment
Mr.. Springer arose somewhat ner-
vOusly. In hurried words he began his
reply. He said that this was an age
Of progress-progress in art, science
and politics. Aside from this, condi-
tions change. The surrounding cir
cumstances in the Forty-fourth Con-
gress We're different. Beyond all this,
mems opinions change. Sir Robert Peel,
when advocating the Corn laws, was by
no means the Sir Robert Peel Of twenty
years before.
Wise men were always governed by
their convictions, regardless of former
opinions. He (Mr. Springer) was no
exception to the general rule. In the
language of an eminent American
statesman, "he would rather be right
than be President"
Yes" replied Mr.. Reed, drawing out
| the words, "but you'll never be either"
The House was convulsed with laugh
ter 1t was q hit so palpable that it
was some minutes before the members
could be brought to order.
The tilt between General Spinola and
Elijah Adams Morse was equally as
entertaining. The General always wore
an enormous standing collar. 1t was so
large that it is said that, Tim Campbell
approached him one day and tapped
the collar with the ferrule of his cane,
apologetically asking,27 rs General
Spinola within2" Mr.. Morse was max
ing a sort of prohibition speech against
the sale of intoxicating liquors in army
canteens General Spinola had inter
rupted him several times, and in re-
ply the Massachusetts statesman final
ly twitted him upon. the size of his COL
lar. 1t stung the General to the quick.
Taking the floor some minutes after
ward, he called attention to Morse's
language. My collar" said he, ''un-
n n
sets, is Immediately clean, and if it
was twice as high as it is, and was
placed around the neck of the gentle
man from Massachusetts,, it would not
serve to hide his ears"
The General was a political curio He
had striking face and a martial air.
In the Fifty-first Congress he threw the
House into convulsions by pointing to
the painting representing a scene at
the siege of Yorktown and gravely ac-
cused Speaker Reed Of counting the
Hessians therein to make up a quorum
There has been many tilt since the
holiday recess of more or less interest
One between William p Hepburn of
Iowa, and Champ Clark of Missouri,
was extremely amusing. 1t occurred
during an effort to divide the time for
debate on the civil service bill Mr..
Hepburn assumed that the time would
be divided between those who favored
the repeal Of the measure and those
who were opposed to any modification.
He said that the gentleman on the
other side, referring to the Democratic
side, were in favor of the destruction
of the present system. There was a
large number Of gentlemen who sim
ply wanted it modified. That made
three sides in the House.
Here Champ Clark broke into the
ring. Il would like to know" said
he, "how you come to the conclusion
that everybody on this side is in favor
of the repeal of the whole business?"
Simply because that would be
wrong" Mr. Hepburn responded: There
was general laughter. Champ himself
Joined in, while Hepburns party friends
applauded to the echo.
Not long afterward Mr. Pearson of
North Carolina, was discussing the
question. He was denouncing the Civ
il Service Commission when Mr.. Swan
son of Virginia, asked him to yield for
question. Pearson protested, and
Swanson persisted, saying: Il am with
you in this matter, but want to ask
you a question"
In reply Mr.. Pearson said: II know
my friend is all right, but let me reach
my verb with a few adjectives, and
will listen to him"
This settled Mr. Swanson. He sat
down with a smile, and Pearson con-
tinued his argument. A moment after
ward another persistent questioner,
Mr.. Kerr of Ohio. appeared. Turning
to him. the North Carolinian said: