Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-16
Especial Cor. virginian-Pilot.)

of Congress. The TANKS of few of
the new members may be gored by the
sharp spur of ambition; yet all are
ungling with curiosity. The newcom-
ers gaze upon the veterans with in
auisitive eyes. as though measuring
their national reputation by their per-
sonal appearance. and the veterans
stare critically at the new recruits
awaiting their development in commit
tee and their appearance on the field
oil discussion with unconventional in
terest All the veterans have been
thoroughly tested, and have settled
themselves into their allotted places
cemented therein by term of service
and legislative experience. The raw
recruit frequently regards them with
awe and awaits his trial with curios-
ity born of anxiety. No one can escape
the test, however great the reputation
ne may have achieved elsewhere.
silent and deliberate Is the examina-
tion. but as strict in its way as any at
either Annapolis or West Point. Ply
steal appearance counts for nothing
An expansive brow, an expressive face
and majestic figure may indicate
bodily health, but show an empty, If
not an intumescent head. Genius at
times delights in hiding itself in
shriveled physique, the face diversified
with abnormal features and illumi-
iilCcQ with eyes on a SQuint.
Representative David Highbaugh
Smith, OF Hodginsville, Ky, possesses
an intellect by no means commensu-
rate with his size. He appears to have
been modelled after Alexander H.
Stpeheps. of Georgia, though hardly
as good looking. Not long ago he was
introduced to n constituent in Leba-
non. The inhabitants were indulging
In a political barbecue. and the con-
stituent had come in on horseback
looking for meat, burgoo soup and
democratic pabulum. When introduced
TO his Congressman, the bony Corn
cracker stared at him in utter aston
1shment. well, I'll be swizzled!" he
exclaimed. "By the livin' gingers, I'll
never vote for another candidate sight
unseen!" That afternoon, however he
heard Mr.. Smith on the stump, and be-
came so enthused that he whooped like
Davy Crockett and hurled his hat in
the air In sheer ecstacy by gum!"
he shouted. as David descended from
the platform. "Ill vote for you, Davy,
as long as you live; you're sizzler-a
regular blue grasser. and no mistaken
And lie hit the nail on the head for in
Kentucky Dave Smith is regarded as
one of the most effective stump speak
ers since the days of Tom Marshall.
When new member ventures into
The arena of debate the veterans pres
ent quit work and listen 1t may he
for n moment or for an hour All de-
ponds upon the neophyte. If he has
the intellectual sand he Is made; If
not, he will talk to empty benches ever
after quaint opening may attract
attention. but the speech must be we'll
seasoned with argument and bristling
with facts before 1t will pass muster.
IT is quick test, terse and decisive
The veterans are not to be caught with
words alone. They must hear the true
imprint of statesman or the tyro Is
gone.
such are some of the ingredients of
Legislative life in the opening sessions
of Congress. Far different is 1t in the
short or final sessions. They open in
the month succeeding the Congress
ional elections. This year the canvass
was cnlivened by the great contest for
the Presidency. 1t Is hardly pleasant
to tramp over n battlefield with the
killed and wounded lying around YOU
Cncanny scenes confront you. AT the
opening of the short session of Con-
srcss both houses remind you of a
battlefield. The killed, of course, ut
ter no cries and the wounded keep n
stiff upper lip but their agony at times
Is terrible. Those who fancy their
wounds are mortal usually make more
noise in the short session than they
did in the long one. They do not talk
50 much about the people, and contine
themselves 20 futile but savage as
saults upon the enemy. AS the people
did not stand by them in the great bat
tie they apparently see no reason why
ihey should stand by the people. Those
severely but not mortality wounded
grid up their loins lay in a fresh stock
OF ammunition and supplies, and pre-
pare for the new contest two wears
hence. All exhibiting a ferocious dis
position are mercilessly tainted by
the eNuiiant veterans. AT times ven
to:
IerinG victims coo as gently as doves
The present Congress is no exception
to the general rule. CHANGING over the
House and Senate you see the killed
and wounded in every corner The
percentage of mortality is greater in
the Senate. There are several illus
trious victims. The most renowned is
probably Edward o. Wolcott, of Colo
RADIO. His ability is unquestioned, and
he is undoubtedly the most brilliant
orator in that body. yvolcott bids
adieu to his associates after service
of twelve years. He is Il wonderful
CLEANER in the grain field of opportu-
mites. and if he cares for political
prominence will quietly bide his time,
confident of ultimate success. He
ought to be n fixture in the Senate.
for he is really the connecting link be-
tween freezing dignity and unalloyed
SNSNeJ' WIN DOllOM1nle he
PAGES down the avenues of political
life arm-in-arm with Hoar, the Puri-
tan, the Devil-may-care Ben Tillman.
The best story illustrative of Wolcott's
readiness is already on it's travels In
the rural press, He was advertised to
speak in a Southern town. On his ar
rival at the opera house he found the
galleries filled with negroes. while the
parquet was packed with chivalry. AL
though cautioned against giving vent