Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-05-20
LEGISLATIVE GUERRILLAS
A PUBLIC NECESSITY
AMOS CUMMINGS ON CONGRESS.

Maine desire n
say anything?
The truth is that they we're both op-
posed to the Lewis resolution. Bailey
held that its passage would shift the
responsibility for the existing situation
from the Speaker to the majority of the
House. DinSley probably held the same
opinion. and wanted the responsibility
shifted.
In his guerilla warfare Mr.. Lewis
was slashing at both sides of the House.
Inc resolution was amended so as to
olrect the Speaker to Immediately ap-
point the committees, and on this
amendment Lewis got the yeas and
nays. 1t was defeated by seventy-five
majority. Bailey was right All the
Republicans voted against 1t and many
democrats. including Mr.. Bailey HIM
self. From that time Lewis carried on
an incessant guerilla raid. Charette
was not more active in the Vendean
war nor Mosby more ubiquitous in our
civil war. In the most of his forays
Lewis was assisted by Jerry Simpson
Ii was the greatest guerilla warfare
ever waged in our legislative annals.
To look at the placid, sacerdotal face
OF Judge Ii. II. Powers. of Vermont.
no one would class him with legislative
guerillas. When Watchdog Holman
was serving his last term in the House.
eNpectedly swooped down upon the I'M
wary Indianian. Tho watchdog was
barking at the proposition to pay mem
bers of the House mileage for the extra
session. AS usual. he was very pug
nacious, and the whole pack of ccono-
mists turned in behind him. He was
making quite an impression. when
Judge Powers, attired in full guerrilla
costume. swept down upon him.
DO | understand" said ne "that tho
gentleman from Indiana is opposed to
granting mileage for the three sessions
Of this Congress?"
Holman twirled his eyeglasses with
increased velocity before replying The
attack came from such an unexpected
quarter that for a time he was non
cluscd.
Il favor standing by the law" he
finally replied; sit provides for mileage
at the rate Of 20 cents per mile each
way for each regular session of Con-
Eress."
Il suppose my friend did not hesitate
to take three mileages himself in the
IHifty-third Congress?" aueried Judge
This question plainly ncttlcd the
watchdog.
rs that a matter that concerns you
my friend?" he asked.
Certainly 'mperturbably answered
the Vermont Judge.
The Watchdog took n fresh chew of
tobacco and again began to twirl his
glasses.
oh" said he with nervous sarcasm
you may go and inquire of my fam
lily in reference to my domestic at
fairs"
The House twlttered. hut there was
no smile on the face of Judge Powers.
Its muscles retained their rigidity. In
cold. calculating words, he replied:
THE trouble is, your family is not
here, and YOU are"
Holman shifted his glasses to his left
hand. "Oh. my friend" he responded,
you are too solicitious-entirely too
solicitious-yes, too solcitious."
II only wanted to know if the gentle
man had accepted the three mlleages,"
Powers persisted. with profound gravity.
WELL" snapped the watchdog. you
have announced your purpose to take
the money. if it is appropriated. and
that is sufficient"
And think you are going to take it,
too" said Powers.
And I suppose the gentleman would
take even more than the three mile
ages. perhaps. If Congress forced them
upon him." Holman rctorted
BY this time half the members of the
House were grouped around the guer-
rilla and his victim. All were amused
and awaited further developments with
intense interest. Henry II. johnson re-
manned in his seat, eagerly listening.
What does the gentleman from In
diana say" he repeatedly shouted over
the heads of his Republican colleagues.
The gentleman from Indiana makes
no answer TO impertlnent questions"
Holman replied, as his time expired.
The House was in ccstasies. The YER
mont guerrilla had not only destroyed
the effect of Holman's speech, but had
driven him back to cover.
Legislative gurrrfttIy III The House
are to-day as active as ever One of
the most persistent is John +. Fitzeer-
add of Massachusetts. All his raids
seem to be made with n view Of bene-
hting the important city of Boston. He
attacks every appropriation bill with
the iireceness of n payNim in an effort
TO secure benefit for his constituents.
Nor does he rest content with this. He
carries his onslaught into committee
rooms. and. falling there, battles ener-
getically in the House for what ho
wants. Ever circling on the outskirts
OF legislation, he dashes right and left
Isl his forays. to the surprise and CON
sternation of all having charge of an
preparation bills. His fights over the
naval ana postofiice appropriations were
pci Sls te!it ana unceaSlnS. Fitzgerald is
the Cathelineau of Legislative gucrrillas
IN the House in more ways than one
Tor he lights for orthodoxy i'm denomi-
national matters as fiercely as he fights
Tor the Hub.
The warfare of the guerrillas in the
house Is continuous. One of the most
DARING Edwin Reed Ridgely, of Kan
sas. His steed is ever on the gallon
ana his sword flashes in the sun in
many skirmish. There is also a
Marion among them in the person OF
rroI. W. Jasper Talbert, of Parksville