Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1902-12-12
Some storlen Of TOM Reed.


one Of his sharp replies in debate was
made to Congressman Springer, of 1lli-
nois. Mr.. Springer was persistent in
discussion. While discussing some propo-
sitlon before the House he observed Mr..
Reed standing in an aisle listening to
him in apparent establishment. When
the Illinois representative had resumed
his seat the man from Maine threw open
the lid of his desk at his side. He drew
therefrom an old volume of THE Con-
gressional Record" and read complete
reply to Mr.. Springer's argument. He
threw down the book saying:
II quote from a speech made by the
honorable gentleman from Illinois in the
NltNth Congress"
It was home thrust The House
roared and Mr.. Springer for a moment
was thoroughly disconnected. He Sc
cured the floor. however, and with ingen
uity began to frame a reply. The pres
ent was an age of progress. he declared.
Men had advanced artistcally and polit-
cally. What would have been orthodox
in politics fifty years ago might not be so
now Aside from this. men were likely to
change their opinions More than one
American statesman had found himself
mistaken in the course Of time and
changed his views.
81 honor them for IT," Mr.. Springer
said IAN honest man always expresses
his honest conviction 1t is this that
| makes him the noblest work OF God As
for me, in the language of an eminent
American statesman ] would rather be
right than be President. "
''Ya-as." drawled Mr.. Reed with n
quaint twinkle in his eve. well your
never be either"
The reply brought down the House and
destroyed the effect OF Springer's speech
An important party measure was about
| to be voted on by the 51st Congress. and
| the Republicans needed every vote
Come at once" Speaker Reed tele-
| Rraphed to Congressman Lansing Of the
| Watertown (N.Y0 district 'Impos-
| sible," the congressman wired back
washout on line" Reeds reply to this
was promptly wired, and was as follows:
Never mind little thing like that; buy
| another shirt and come on"
Mr. Choate's appointment as embassa-
| dor To England recalls story current
| in Washington several years ago Sena-
| tor Wolcott Mr. Reed and Mr.. Choate
We're spending coy evening together
at Senator Wolcotts home II have
never smoked cigar. I have never
played game of poker and have never
| attended horse race In my life" said Mr.
| Choate in the course of the converse ton
Senator Wolcott looked pathetically al
| the speaker or the House Il wish
could say that" he remarked you
can" said MIR. Reed "Choate did"
| The speech which opened Mr.. Reeds
way To fame as a man was short. II
was delivered not long after he began his
career In Congress. He had not up &c
that time taken much part in debate, but
one day, while he was making a some
what labored argument. an older mem
her tried to break him up by putting a
question TO him suddenly and demand
ing an immediate answer. Reed CAV,
the answer readily. Then he paused
turned toward the speakers desk anC
drawled out. And now. having EN-.
balmed that fly in the liquid amber o
my remarks. ! will go on again" Tn,
House roared The galleries took It up
The newspaper correspondents sent 1t fly
ing all over the country. and. to his owl
surprise more than any ones else. Rec,
found himself n man OF note from tina
hour