Omaha daily bee., 1902-12-08
THOMAS p. REED.


will be profoundly regretted by his
cOuntrymen, irrespective Of political afill-
iation. Mr.. Reed was the peer of any
man in public life during his time and
the impress he made upon political
affairs was strong and lasting, assuring
him high place in the history Of Amer
lean craftsmanship.
1t is natural to think of Mr.. Reed as
a great parliamentariah, for in this re-
spect he was not excelled by any Of
the distinguished men who occupied the
chair of speaker of the house Of repre-
sentatives-the foremost parliamentary
position in the world. Distinguished
names in our history are identified with
that office-Henry Clay, James G.
Blaine, Galusha A. Grow, Samuel ].
Randall. among them-but none achieved
greater distinction or performed more
valuable service to the country in the
position than did Thomas b. Reed. The
rules formulated by him and which are
stin in force revolutionized the character
OF the house of representatives as a leg
islative body. Until then an obstructive
minority could not only retard but de-
feat legislation. The will Of the major
fly could be thwarted by relatively
small number and this was often done.
The Reed rules changed this and enabled
the majority to legislate, thereby Civ
Ing the party in power the right to have
its way and expediting the work of
legislation. For this innovation Mr..
Reed was subjected to much aninaC ,er-
sion and characterized as a "czar," but
| he was not a man to be moved or in
| huenced by abuse or, vilificatiOn and
the wisdom of his course in this matter
has been abundantly demonstrated, so
that the rules which bear his name are
certain to be permanent.
| Mr.. Reed was an earnest partisan
republican Of the stalwart type in
regard to the policies relating to our
domestic interests. Sound money and
protection to. American industries and
labor had no more devoted champion
By far the ablest speech in the house
Of representatives In opposition to the
democratic tariff bill of 1894 was made
by Mr.. Reed. 1t will be interesting to
quote the concluding paragraph of this
great speech. the prophecy contained in
which has been realized. He said: "We
know, my friends, that before this tri-
bunal we all Of US plead in vain. Why
we fail let those answer who read the
touching words of Abraham Lincoln's
first inaugural and remember that he
pleaded in vain with these same men and
their predecessors. Where he failed we
cannot hope to succeed. But though
4 we fail here today, like our great leader
Of other days in the larger field before
the mightier tribunal which will finally
and forever decide this question we shall
be more than conquerors; for this great
nation, shaking off as it has once be-
fore the influence of a lower civiliza-
tion, will go on to fulfIl its high des.
tiny until over the south, as we'll ms
over the north. shall be spread the full
measure of that amazing prosperity
which is the wonder of the world" In
an article in a current magazine Mr.
Reed reaffirmed his faith in the prin.
ciple Of protection, urging that 1--WE
ought to let the tariff alone; we ought
to defend it against all comers for the
good of the nation"
If not what is denominated a con
structive statesman, such. for example
, as John Sherman was, Mr.. Reed YET
contributed much to the creation OF
those conditions which have made tbs
United States the foremost industrial
aud commercial nation of the world. He
was not, In the ordinary sense, a politi
clan. Mere expediency never received
from him any consideration He studied
public questions broadly and deeply anC
having decided on his course he pur
sued 1t earnestly, honestly and cour
ageously. He was opposed to the polio,
of territorial expansion and did not hes
itate to let 1t be known, but he mad,
no attempt to obstruct the carrying on
! of that policy. He simply stepped on
of public life.
OF great mental force, the country ha
had few men who were as masterfu
a as Thomas b. Reed and while a mum
+ ber. Of our public men enjoyed a create
a measure Of personal popularity, non
+ had In higher degree the respect of tn
people. His honorable and upright ca
reer, the sincerity of his convictions
= his great ability and his brilliant lead
o ership Of his party in the house, CON
IS mended Mr.. Reed to the profound n
n gard OF his countrymen. They recoe
nized and fully appreciated his honest
and courage and loyalty to principles /
Is public life and felt that whateve
II Thomas b. Reed did or said was worth
r. Of their consideration and confidence, a
y being dictated by high motives. Ther
were peculiarities OF temperament whIc
doubtless operated against Mr.. Reed
q the matter Of personal popularity. II
20 had an irony that was incisiye and
Is wit that could wound and he not mfr
le quently employed both. 1t has bee
said Of him that he compelled admir-