Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-04
THE SPEAKER ANGERED
Resents the Insinuations of
/ a Visitor.
LATTER ORDERED OUT
HAD URGED LIvERNASH FOR
HEAD OF LABOR COMMITTEE.
Mr.. Cannon Declared That He Would
Not Be Influenced by Threats
An Amusing Sequel
LATTER ORDERED OUT

Visitors to Speaker Cannon's room in the
busy minutes just prior to the opening Of
the session of the House today, witnessed
two of the most interesting incidents that
have transpired at the Capitol for some
time While the two happenings had no
connection whatsoever, the apt way in
which one followed the other was appre-
ciatod keenly by those who CHANGED to be
present. The second incident also served
to dissipate a somewhat disagreeable at
mosphere left by its predecessor
In Interest of Livernash.
A caller. who announced himself as Her
man ]. Schulteis of this city, and said he
was chairman of the legislative committee
of the knights of Labor, was admitted to
the Speakers room. Mr.. Schulteis had
called. 1t was learned, about two weeks ago
to demand of Mr.. Cannon the appointment
Of Representative Livernash of California
as chairman of the House committee on
labor Mr.. Livernash is accredited to the
union labor party, and represents one of
the San Francisco districts.
Mr.. Cannon Is said to have informed his
caller on the occasion of his previous visit
that under the principles of majority rule,
ii was quite impossible that Mr.. Livernash
should be selected. He explained that the
majority In the House Is responsible to the
voters of the country that the chairman of
the labor committee would naturally be a
IflcIlDeT Oh the majority. Inc speaker said
that even If Mr.. Livernash should remain
in Congress- his seat being contested he
was a minority member and therefore,
could not be considered The caller protest.
ed but retired without much further ado.
This morning he made his second visit to
the Speakers chamber. Those in the room
awaiting their turn to talk to Mr. Cannon
were decidedly startled to hear Mr. Schultz
els blurt out that he had heard that the
committee on labor was packed against
The Speakers Resentment.
Mr.. Cannon replied sharply that such
remark was an insulting insinuation. He
said the committee would be composed of
representative men. honest and fair and
that such charges were not to be coun-
tenanced.
''Oh. didn't expect any consideration for
labor" asserted the caller.
Il want to say to you right now quickly
spoke Mr.. Cannon, becoming thoroughly
aroused, that any reputable representa-
tive of labor Is just as welcome to this room
and will always receive the same earnest
consideration as that extended to J. Pier
pont Morgan or any one else. We are al
ways ready and willing to do anything we
can for labor
Then appoint Mr.. IIvernash, our repre-
sentative"
appointed in this House with the best in
terest of the country at heart and the ma
3orfty Is responsible for the committees as
whole, while the minority places have
been left to the minority leader"
Il demand that Mr.. Lvernash be ap-
pointed repeated Schulteis.
1T Is YOU who would now pack the COM
mittee Is 1t. sir?" demanded Mr.. Cannon,
rising from his chair. Committees are not
to be packed in this House"
You were member of the committee on
rules in the Fifty-first Congress when YOU
rules against labor" said sehulteis, in
what was apparently intended to- be a
menacing tone. II went to your district, .
he continued, and you remember, what
happened!
Visitor Turned Out.
your threats are nothing to me-" the
Speaker told the visitor. Show this man
out of here! You see him?' (this to the
doorkeeper) Well never let him enter my
room again" ~'7
At this juncture came the second incident
that put the Speaker in the splendid humor
so characteristic of him. Mr.. Sidney Bic
Der, the fire marshal of the District, who
had been seated in corner, with small
carefully wrapped bundle under his arm,
came forward and placed on the Speaker
desk miniature in brass and steel of the
modern deck gun of the navy. The model
is complete in every detail. in thorough
working order, having been especially turn
ed and cast for desk ornament for the
new Speaker.
speakers d0OQ dumor restored.
For an instant Mr.. Cannon seemed to be
lost in thought. then smile spread over
his face and his eyes assumed their accus-
toned twinkle. He took up the cannen and
looked at 1t admiringly.
Il thought it might be good for obstreper-
Gus callers" said Mr.. Bieber modestly
Its d beauty" said Mr.. Cannon land L
thank you very, very much.
Boys he continued. turning TO Repre-
seEtatives Payne, DalzeI and Grosvenor
and others who were present, this is my
dear young friend Sidney Bieber of the
fire department, the very best fire marshal
you ever knew. He is a fine fellow and
thinks a great deal of me. l want you all
to know him
Keep her trained on the door," directed
Mr.. Payne. as he inspected the cannon.
It's a valuable asset for a Speaker"
1t was nearly time for the opening of the
House. and the little party soon broke up in
the very best of Spirits.