The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-12-29
Experiences of New Members in
National Congress.
First Trial of a Congressman Is
the Final Test.
THE PASSAGE OF BILLS
Not the Orator But the ssMixer''
Who Succeeds.
Washington Gossip by State
Journal Reporter.

Washington. D. c., Dec. 29.-New MEM
bers always have some difficulty in
learning methods of procedure in both
branches Of congress. Mellow and pleas
am are the ingredients OF Legislative life
in the opening sessions The TANKS of a
few Of the new members may be sored
by the sharp spur OF ambition; yet all
are tingling with curiosity. The new
corners gaze upon the veterans with IN
quisitive eyes, as though measuring their
national reputation by their personal ap-
pearance, and the veterans stare criti-
caly at the new recruits, awaiting their
DEVELOPMENT in committee and their ap-
pearance on the field of discussion with
unconventional interest
Al the veterans have been thoroughly
tested, and have settled themselves into
their allotted places, cemented therein
by term of service and legislative exper-
ience- The raw recruit frequently re
CARDS them with awe and awaits his
trial with a curiosity born or anxiety. no
one can escape the test, however great
the reputation he may have achieved
elsewhere. Silent and deliberate is the
examination, but as strict in its way as
any a either Annapolis or West Point
Physical appearance counts for nothing.
Al expansive brow. an expressive face.
and majestic figure may indicate bod
ily health. but show an empty, if not an
intum escent head. They are not gauges
for success. Genius at times delights in
hiding itself in a shriveled physique, tie
face diversified with abnormal features
and illuminated with eyes on a squint.
When a new member ventures into the
arena of debate the veterans present
quiz work and listen. It may be for a
moment or for an hour. All depends up
on the neophyte. If he has the intellect
ual sand, he is made; if not, ne will talk
TO empty benches ever after. A quaint
opening may attract attention, but the
speech must be well seasoned with argu-
hrie fnc n l.1fc Fr,fc
will pass muster. It is a quick test
terse and decisive. The veterans are not
TO be caught with words alone They
must bear the true imprint of a states
man. or the tyro is gone. Such are some
Of the ingredients OF legislative life in
the opening sessions of congress
Tt is not the learned man, the wise
man, or the orator who passes most bills.
The man who succeeds must first have
bill which meets with the approval of a
majority; and ne must ingratiate him
self with his fellow members. by favors
OF otherwise, to such an extent that thew
viii support his bills largely upon tie
ground Of personal friendship. The
member must follow his bill to the SEN
ate committee. and the senator must
Keep IN touch with his bill that goes
over to the house Persistency in this
matter does not insure success always,
but there is no success without it.
The postoffice at Tonganoxie. Leaven-
worth county, was made a presidential
office by the department several months
ago Henry Metz, the present incum-
bent who received his appointment
shortly after the commencement of the
present regime, was reappointed through
the efforts OF Congressman Charles Cur
It's The appointment has been ratified
by the senate.
The bureau of animal industry reports
the loss from blackleg disease il Kansas
cattie the past year as approximated at
$4,000 head, or a cash value of about
$ooO,O0O. The loss was much less in Ok
iahoma and Texas, where vaccination
was freely used as a preventive
The exclusion act will keep the Chi
nese out OF the country, to some extern.
until its expiration in 1902 although fou..
or i've thousand Cinnamon a month are
being struggled over the Canadian line
But there is no exclusion act to prevent
natives of the Philippine Islands from
settling in the states, and if they were
10 take a fancy to residence over here.
they might become a serious addition to
the race question.
Mr.. J. l. Parkinson, formerly of Ola
the= Johnson county. has been appointed
as architectural superintendent of th,s
District of Columbia He held this nosi
tloH under the Harrison administration
out was later removed during Demo-
cratic reign. Prior to his first coming to
washington he was made inspector oe
the construction of government build
lngs at the Chicago Worlds fair, and al
50 served Uncle Sam as superintendent
OF the life-saving stations on Lake
Michigan.
Il the new 1901 postal guide Just is
=. 4 4, 4 = Z