The age-herald., 1898-12-18
CUMMINGS LAUDS
 HIS COLLEAGUES
New Yorker Praises Four of His
 Associates-Payne,
STEELE, BABCOCK AND KING
Able Members of the House Who May Hold Seats in the United States Senate After the Fourth
 of March Next.

Washington. December 17.-(Special.)- Standing in the gallery of the house at noon today and looking down upon the ar ray of desks, the visitor sees the lower branch of congress at work in all its glory Among the host of statesmen there are vet erans who have achieved national reputa- tion in many a political struggle on the floor. Year in and year out have they faith fully performed their duties, and seen as- sociates with far less ability and experi- ence mount to the offices of governor and United States senator. Here are men who have battled at the side of Samuel J. Ran dall and William D. Kelley for years and who have never been even mentioned for these distinguished honors. They are old party war horses who never finch in the front of war and who die In harness with out advancement Joseph D. Savers and Benton McMillin are honorable exceptions, yet the rule is the other way. But there are still candidates for United States sen- ator in the house as well as those for gov ernor. New Yorks greatest senator, Ros- COG Conkling, owes his elevation to his ser- vices in the house. Frank Hiscock and Reuben D. Fenton also gravitated from the house to the senate.
 The state today has a congressman fully as well equipped in experience, ability and service as was Roscoe Conkling or any of his compeers. This man is Serene E. Payne. He is the dean of the New York delegation. In personal appearance and in action he would make as fine figure in the United States senate as Roscoe himself. Of manly proportions, dignified presence, graceful or atory and eminent social qualities, he would reflect as much if not more credit upon the state than Chauncey Depew, Elihu Root, or any of the contestants named for the office. Conkling's favorite weapon was the napier, but Payne Is better with the broadsword. Serene never drips with yitri- ollie sarcasm but makes his points with the utmost good humor, and they are always appreciated on both sides of the house. Indeed, when prompt and decisive action is required, Payne is the favorite lieutenant of the speaker. He fails not in an emer- gency, and he maneuvers skillfully and without exciting revengeful feeling in his adversaries. He has improved wonder fully with his term of service, and today is as able and well equipped man as New York has had on the floor for the past fifty years. If the possession of such qualifica- 'tions and active party service on the floor is stepping-stone to senatorial prefer ment, Payne ought to reach the senate hands down. His friends, while claiming no pledges from party leaders, are hopeful that circumstances may place him in the position so we'll earned.
 AL however. depends upon the character Of the struggle between Root and Depew. As compromise candidate Payne is unex- ceptional. He has no money to speak of, but in every other way Is thoroughly equipped. Aside from this, his selection would probably excite less animosities and personal jealousies than that of any other man. Payne's speeches are telling, and de- livered with great effect. Never did they