Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-02-21
THE SPEAKERS LETTER.
TChicago Tribune.l


erection and sound judgment. He writes
TO constituent: You have accepted
the lies sent out by the press which is
being manipulated in the interest OF
free trade with Cuba
The press is not disseminating lies. 1t
is standing by the president and the
secretary of war. 1t has spread far anG
wide the opinions of the president and
the secretary and of many distinguished
senators of the United States regarding
trade with Cuba. The non concurrence
of the speaker in these opinions has
disagreeably surprised a number of his
constituents. Hence his untimely eX-
hibition of bad temper.
Speaker Henderson can not prove his
accusations against the press-accusa-
tons which are not so much leveled at
II az they are at the administration and
at senators of both parties who are in
hearty sympathy with an enlightened
Cuban policy. The speakers state
ments would be extraordinary even If
they applied to the press alone. They
show that ne thinks Unexpectedly and
writes as he thinks. He does not ap-
crate statement ii is so desirable every
man in public life and especially the
speaker of the house of representatives
should possess.
It is apparent from this infelicitous
letter of Mr.. Henderson to n disturbed
constituent that the speaker is not able
to admit that there can be an honest
difference of opinion concerning Cuba
If he We're fair enough to make this ad-
mission he would not assume that the
men whose Cuban sentiments he OPP
poses are interested in promoting free
trade" or breaking down the protective
policy of the republican party, or
Strengthening the farming interests of
the country" or are preaching any new
and incendiary doctrine. There is in all
this imputing of bad motives sad lack
of courtesy and dignity
The speaker has lost his bearings. He
is going altogether too fast and too far.
He has rough tongue and his public
utterances gre not so carefully meas
ured as they should be. especially when
he falls foul of the people who do not
agree with him. He seems to be one
of the unfortunate men who can not
stand prosperity and whom too high ell
ovation makes dizzy. If the speaker
We're to come down n step or two from
his pedestal he would be a better man.
less absorbed in his own thought, and
more interested in the general welfare.
The speaker of the house of repre-
sentatives is not the recognized leader
of the republican party. He is not the
man to whom it looks for instruction or
from whom it meekly accepts admoni-
ton or reproof. He is little more
than an humble member of the party,
and modesty and decorum should bid
him keep his place in the ranks and not
lay claim to leadership he is so unfit
for.
A leader must have discretion A man
is reckless to the point of desperation
who brings this general charge against
the press of disseminating lies" be-
cause 1t gives currency to opinions
which do not suit him. 1t may be con-
coded that the press has no particular
affection for Speaker Henderson He
seems to be aware of this. 1t does not
follow that the press is wrong as to him
or the Cuban question or that the
speaker Is right.
The speaker has fallen out with most
of the correspondents in Washington.
lie is extren ely unpopular in Washing
ton. He is extremely unpopular with
certain elements in his own party.
whose good viii he might we'll afford TO
have. Wise men in public life cultivate
good will. The apparent policy of the
speaker has been to repel many who
would Willingly support him If he gave
them fair chance to do 1t.