Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-04-28
ADAMSON LEADER
OF DEMOCRATS
IN CONGRESS
CHAMP CLARK, THE MIssoURIAN,
rs AUTHORITY FOR THE STATE
MENT-eooD STORY BY THE
GEORGIA CONGRESSMAN. .

WASHINGTON, Apri. 26-Champ. Clark,
the noted Missouri congressman and lee
turer, has discovered that the Democrats
in congress have two leaders instead of
one as popularity supposed. The general
impression has been that Hon. James d.
Richardson, of Tennessee, by reason'of his
long service and keen ability, is recognized
as the leader in all matters where the
Democrats are expected 10 act in unison
for the purpose Of opposing their enemy,
the Republicans. But IL transpires that
Georgia has a representative who shares
the honor with her sister state and that
representative is Hon. w. c. Adamson,
of the Carrollton district.
Clark and Adamson have seats IN con-
gress very nearly together, and ii is but
natural therefore that the Missourian
should be the discoverer Of the second
Democratic leader. They are close friends
and each has a profound admiration for.
the talents and ability of the other Mr.
Clark's esteem for the Georgian is found
ed on the notable work the Carrollton
representative accomplished this term as
a member of the Interstate and foreign
commerce committee. Mr.. Adamson's
esteem for the Missourian comes likewise
from the splendid achievements Clark has
won during this and previous sessions.
But an this is aside from the story of
the new leader. Here is Clarks analysis
.cf the situation: r-rf -sst II ~tutft ~
1T is a we'll known fact" he says.
that Democrats resemble Collins famous
ram In being men OF their. own heads. In
a large measure Il Is every fellow for
himself. even IL not the devil for the
hindmost. StiIl. there is one man, Hon.
James ID. Richardson, OF Tennessee who
Is always spoken OF as the Democratic
leader Of the house because he has been
twice the nominee for speaker. There is
another leader, however, who has never
G. Adamson. of Georgia, universally call
ed Charley by his friends, and all who
know him are his friends. His name
stands first on the house roll Of Demo-
Gratis. AS the house is usually in an up-
roar, and as members have a multiplicity
Of things TO do, II frequently happens that
many members have no idea what the
roll call is about until they inquire. Adam
son. who Is always at his post, saves them
the trouble Of inquiring on all political
questions for he keeps posted as to what
Is going on. and he is known to be as
faithful as the needle TO the pole in polit-
zeal matters. Consequently. when his
clear tenor sounds aye or no. everybody
knows how the vast majority of Demo-
Gratis VIII vote. Adamson is our Demo-
cratic bellwetner, to use a common west
ern phrase. H. is a capable man, a gen.
ial southern gentleman who wears his
heart upon his sleeve. He is an able de-
Dater. KNOWS what ne wants TO say and
says 1t without decentralization. He is pop
ular on both sides Of the house, but the
fact that ne stands the first Democrat on
the roll forces him TO be unusually vigil
liant. It's post Of honor, but a hard
berth to ILL.,"
Congressman Adamson, of Georgia. lives
at the Hotel Xarnm when he is in Wash
ington, and there, too, lives Congressman
Lloyd, Of Missouri. who tells this story at
the expense Of his colleague:
IF there's a congressman who loves
children, IL is Adamson. and while at the
Varnum he spends much Of his time play
ing with the youngsters. with whom he is
general favorite. One morning, Just as
Adamson was starting for the capitol, a
five-year-old girl walked up to him and
asked him TO let her ride on his back.
The child's mother objected saying, Why.
Mabel, you shouldn't make a horse Of the
gentleman.
oh, mamma answered the child. he
isn't a gentleman; he's a congressman
The child's remark appealed to Mr..
Adamson with peculiar force, and the de-
sired ride was freely given"