Evening star., 1900-03-31

rom a photograph hy Miss Frances Bpn1fufu
Johnston.
fore the war with Spain this Craftsmanship
might have been called gen. eel posi-
ton. just as the chairrnanship of appropria-
lions was powerful the craftsmanship Of
pensions 'laborious,' the chairmanship of
judiciary "dgnit1ed,'' and so on. But now
adays the military craftsmanship is one of
great Importance. and Chairman Hull had
power, labor and dignity showered upon
him because of events following thu battle
ship Names misfortune. He has been
chairman of the committee since the Fifty
fourth Congress.
Expert i'm Military Matters.
AS an expert military affairs, Hull is
now pointed out in the same way that
Payne is tariff expert" or as Uncle
joe Cannon is referred TO as an author
ity on appropriations During the war
legislation of 1898 Hull was one of the best
friends the administration had in the Capt
tol building. His mission was to cooperate
with the War Department, and he did
without causing excitement or friction. He
was cool. deliberate and wise. He had
helpful suggestions to make to the War
Department officials When plans were
formed he put them into execution in the
House. He worked hard on the bill for the
army and it was bitter disappointment to
him that the increase was not for 100 1000
regulars instead of 5000 regulars and 3d.
0Uu volunteers.
An Indefatipabie Worker.
As a representative, Hull is tireless. He
is always at it; in fact, he wastes labor oc-
casionally because scme Of il does not show
and brings no fruit or reward except salts
faction to him. He has both determination
and perseverance. A Congress or two back
he had a bill granting pension of S72
month to n Des Mcines veteran of the civil
war. After he had argued for 1t before the
committee l. was reported favprabiy, but
with the amount cut down TO $50 II came
up in its turn at of the Friday night
sessions devoted to pensions. He wac on
hand, as was his Iowa colleague, Lacey.
who had written the report. Hull made
long statement, explaining the merits Of the
bill. Lacey also spoke in favor of it, Some
one called FOR the reading of the report
This took time and indicated that all would
not he smooth sailing. Hun made another
statement in his graceful manner. Then
the reading of the minority report vas de-
manded. This was arother bad omen. A
speech was made against the bin and then
Hull had to make another appeal He
seemed to satisfy the objectors and the vote
was next in order
He Never Gives Tn.
As the roll call proceeded it could be OBJ
served that two We're voting for the bill to
every one against it. All was happiness for
Hull. 'Thirty-two ayes to fourteen noes"
announced the chairman. and he was about
to add, land the bin is laid aside with a
favorable recommendation" when out rang
the words, No quorum" A quorum could
not be mustered, and the next thing the
House did was to adjourn. This would have
discouraged good many men, but Hull
brought that bill up on another occasion
end it was passed Still the opposition was
not satisfied, and still later Hull succeeded
in having the House reconsider its action
and recall the bill from the Senate. Than,
IN of l,,a,-f
self, Hull got the kill up again and secured
Its passage. 1t Went through the Senate
received the Presidents signature. and The
Des Moines veteran drew mis- pension. There
had been lot of opposition to that BILL but
there was no opposition to Hull.
Hull's devotion to details and his love of
work give value to his service repre-
sentative. He does lots Of work in commit
tee and would rather dictate letters than
eat Less than ffty-nine years of age and
enjoying fine health. he is good for years
yet And, with much army legislation to
come, no matter what develops in the pres
ent war, he ought to grow.