Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1899-03-23


Washington, ID. G., Post has the follow
ing to saw concerning the bralnleSt ma"
.ver sent ia congress from the Pacific
slope:
"In a quarter If century it is doubtful
il any man during one term III the mouse
has made a more emphatic and 1T the
same time "A more favorable impression
than Representative James Hamilton
Lewis. of Washington state. He came to
congress two wears ago as II Democrat
and now returns to Seattle to resume
practice of the law and to care Tor his
property interests. On his advent at the
extraordinary session Col. Lewis was re-
garded as huge joke. His elegant
clothes, profuse manner. and abundant
words, even his "sun kissed" Whlskers
we're mentioned a. q topic for laughter.
Since the beginning OF that session he
has measured swords With every debater
of consequence on the republican side,
and has never failed to down his man.
He has even dared to clash with the lead
ers of his own party, and in memorable
caucus fight put Representative Bailey
hors de combat. Col. Lewis prospects
as leader of the minority were at first
considered humotou,iy, but had he been
reelected to the house and continued
there, many men believe he would, by
the power OF his personality, his readiness
| L.. 10, for ,nfI inn IL nj
current affairs, have become the first
man on the democratic side.
"Col. Lewis first speech in the house
was during the extra session, when he
offered resolution to compel the speaker
to appoint committees to expedite legis-
lation. On that he and Leader Bailey
clashed, and the democratic party in the
house split even. In those days Col.
Lewis knew less OF the house and its
members, and since that time he has
wisely curtailed his use of abundant Ian
guage. but has not dulled his wits IN the
presentation OF argument.
"That first speech attracted attention.
His next effort was in fight with Speaker
Reed to compel recognition of the Cuban
belligerents. This fight hinged on parlia-
mentary procedure, and Col. Lewis sur
prised the house by his intimacy with
tactics. He contended that his resolution
was matter of privilege, and cited Mr. |
Reeds own contention in the tifty-second |
congress regarding Hawaii. Mr.. Reed !
was then the leader OF the republican |
minority. Col. Lewis argument was
sufficiently forcble to compel the repub-
leans to raise the point OF no quorum,
which caused an immediate adjournment.
The mex: day he appealed from ruling
of the chair and was beaten.
"At the second session Col. Lewis also
made notable speech on "The Passing
OF Representative Government, in which
he argued against trusts and against the
growth Of judicial favors. In that speech
he spoke of the attempt to have the army
control in civil governmental affairs, and
coined the phrase 'tasselated military
satraps and gilded society sapheads,'
which is now familiar 10 every town and
city in the land.
"Col. Lewis first oratorical duel in the
house was with Representative Quigg, OF
New York. Mr.. Quigg attacked Col.
Lewis speech on trusts, in which the
latter had given list of corporations
contributing to the republican campaign
fund. That was the time when Mr..
Quigg went down under Col. Lewis finale
OF the famous scriptural application
The OK knoweth his master, and the
ass his masters crib
"Not long afterward Col. Lewis had a
lively clash with Representative johnson,
OF Indiana. Mr.. johnson was then in
accord with the president, and attacked
Col. Lewis speech, intending TO make
the latter ridiculous. Mr.. Johnson han
died the subject with infinite tact, but he
found his equal.
If the political death, which some
hope for and others fear answered Col.
Lewis in his poltest tones, should befall |
the president of the United States, those
looking for the cause of the demise will |
find it in the simple elegy, TOO much |
Johnson
"That retort laid low the tactiul John /
son, and another OF Col. Lewis phrases !
went travelling around the country. The /
master stroke was all the more timely as
the play with that title was then being
produced at one OF the LEGAL theaters.
"Col. Lewis speech on Ihe Army Re- !
organization Bill is of more recent date
and was signaIized by clash with that
astute Ohioan, Gen. Grosvenor. Col.
Lewis acquitted himself with the same
skill and held the attention of the house
with the finest example of sarcastic
speech heard during the congress There
is universal regret on both sides OF the
house at Col. Lewis retirement"