Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-12-11

grasp and his firmness and strength o.
character, which enabled him to enforc,
the ruling that he made. Matters moved
smoothly in the Fifty fourth Congress
and Mr. Reed was not required to utiliz,
those personal characteristics that CAV,
him fame as the speaker of the tifty-lirs
Congress.
Almost Immediately Mr.. Reeds deter
mined attitude against the obstruction of
public business by partisan methods re-
suited in an issue between him and his
political opponents, which attained wide
| notoriety, and, ii is believed, will largely
influence legislation in the future. Pend
ing the report OF committee appointed
| to draft new rules for the House, a con-
| tested election case brought up in the
House January 49,. 1890, afforded the
speaker an opportunity to decide the
validity of the principle that a member
| of Congress who Is personally present
may, in order to prevent a quorum. re-
fuse TO vote, and, therefore, be counted
absent. Mr.. Reeds insistence upon noting
| the presence of sufficient members and
| declaring that Il quorum was present, not
| withstanding the refusal to vote, accord
| ing to his construction of the Constitu-
| ton, gave rise to fierce opposition. and
stormy and exciting debate ensued
The rulings of the speaker were sus-
tanned in every instance. and the question
| was finally set at rest by the adoption
February II, 1890, OF the new rules recog-
nizing the validity of MIR. Reeds posi-
| ton.
Among other reforms covered by tho
new rules and advocated by Mr. Reed. the
minority gave most serious challenge to
that which provided that the spcnlie.
might refuse to entertain motions that
were evidently merely dilatory.
In controlling the House during Mr.
Reeds terms d. speaker he always dis
played executive ability of high order.
His power was not acquired by the deliv-
cry OF set speechos-but three of which,
| lasting more than twenty minutes are said
to be on record-but consist I'd in his brief
clear showing of an argument in de-
bate pointed often with wit and sarcasm.
AMBIBTlON TO BE PRESIDENT.
Mr.. Reed was recognized Us a fit candi-
date for the highest political honor as
early as 1854 although at that date he
suffered the alienation of some political
friends, growing out of Office spoils in his
district. Ills well known anta.onism To-
the political methods of Mr.. Blaine WIS
another factor tending to diminish his
vote in a close congressional district Ir-
deed, his relations with the Maine "boes'
aCce ntuated his personal and political in
dependence in a striking manner. 1t was
said that at one time there were inhar-
monious conditions between him and tho
Maine senators. Hale and Frye. growing
out of official patronage in the Portland
district.
Preceding, and for a year of his second
incumbcncy of the speakership. during
which time he was widely discussed as a
probable candidate for1the next ensuing
presidency. Mr.. Reeds old characteris-
tics of combativeness, sarcasm and hurnor
Ia hald in l.;
holding the House well in hand, and Civ
ing his strong official and personal innu-
ehce to speedy and economical legislation
he skilfully avoided causes OF party and
personal dIscordance and won very gen
cral approval among the leaders of all
parties.
In 1sgS Reeds special offence. which
crystallized opposition to him among the
leaders of his own party on the floor. was
his determined opposition to Hawaiian
annexation. and his stubborn resistance 10
the overwhelming demands of the repuh-
lican majority in the House. In favor ~
this proposition. 1t is understood that tie
action of Senator Lodge in seeking to at
tach the annexation proposition to the
revenue bill was taken at the instigation
of the President. and for the purpose of
bringing this matter up in such shape a.
to compel the speaker to permit its coU-
slderation by the House. Reeds oDposi-
-
party did much to undermine his popular
itY, and while his great ability was recog-
n!Z' ii, the men of his own party were be
& inning to feel that his leadership was no
longer safe and if elevated to II position
Of greater power might become unbear-
able. III other words, II Reed could be 50
as speaker, and so regardless of
the wishes and judgment of his own party
in his capacity us speaker, what would he
he as President? His powerful will on
more than one occasion rendered good
service to his party; but it could never he
To- the Interest OF any party to have the
pledges of its party platform dencd, and
the sentiment of the country ignored be
cause TO do 50 might magnify the import.
ance and crafty the vanity Of one man. /
The speaker, as an ti-eXpansionist, q
little later eViuced his independence OF
party and want Of harmony with the Nc
kinney administration.
When. IN the spring of 1890 Speaker /
Reed refused to recognize Gen. Joseph |
Wheeler on the floor of the House Of |
Representatives, ii was charged that h.
did no deiGu to consult the wishes of /
the House. The answer to this is that /
the House had refused to express it's
judgment upon the subject. All thu |
the speaker knew was that General |
Wheeler himself had RETAINED from acting |
as = momtcr ~ 10 the last day OF the /
session, presumably upon the ground that /.
the point had not been decided. The only /.
decision that had been made at this later /
time WIS that MADE in the judiciary com /
inlttee to tho effect that General Vince lor |
could not be member OF the House and !
AN ofrccr OF the army at the same time.
In april. 1894. it was announced, but not |
publicly affirmed or denied by Mr.. Reed |
hat he had decided to leave political life |
at least and to practice his |
profession Of law in New York city. y