Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-12-04
WASHINGTON CHLTcHAT
Incidents Tn the Lives of Public
 Men,
SPEAKER CANNON AND HIS HANDS
UneIe Joe Tells Why He Would Like to Use Both In PrestdinG-How Sem ator Newlands' Maidenly Ideas i Were Shocked = Representative Rapport as a Punster.

 Were Shocked = Representative Ruppert as Punster.
 Uncle Joe Cannon confesses to his personal friends that he sometimes chafes under the restrictions of his of flee as speaker of the house of repre- sentatives, says the Washington Post. Way down deep in his honest old heart Uncle Joe feels that he would some times be easier in q rough and tumble debate on the floor than in the speak er's chair struggling to wield the gavel with solemn dignity and in strict ac- cordance with parliamentary law.
 If l could only Hse both hands in presiding over this house, he remark ed in all earnestness, II might handle this speakership job with more satis- faction to myself and in a manner more acceptable to the brethren on the f1oor."
 This honest confession was made few days ago to Representatives Over street of Indiana and Hull of Iowa, who climbed up to the speakers table at the close of very trying day in the house to offer few words of encour- agement.
 Its no use," he exclaimed. T can't do myself justice ill talking when I am compelled by custom to keep my hands still I am i'll at ease when I try to strike dignlhed attitude with one hand resting on the book of rules and the other leaning on the gavel. I give more thought to controlling my hands than do to what I am trying to say.''
 Senator NewIands of Nevada was de Iivering his maiden speech in the sen ate in support of his resolution inviting Cuba to become state of the Union. He had warmed up to his subject even more than in the day when he attempt ed to attach his annexation clause to the Cuban reciprocity bill in the house and was forced to desist by the shower of waste paper and other missiles aim ed at him by his colleagues, says the, Washington correspondent of the New York Tribune. As the senator worked himself up to the peroration, he ex- claimed in passionate tones, This argu- ment furnishes every kind of fuel that eloquence needsv'
 But the senator's tender solicitude for his oration was destined to receive a severe shock. A few hours later he was handed the notes of the official reporter. Coming to the passage quot ed, he read This argument furnishes every kind of food that elephants need" So great was his horror at the garbled report that he appealed to the nearest senator for sympathy. It hap pened to be Senator Hale, who is noted for his sarcasm. Adjusting his glasses, the senator from Maine scanned the page and then remarked dryly, But even elephants. could not digest It."
 Representative F. w. Cushman of Washington, who is also the humorist of the house. arrived at Washington all breathIess the other morning after a wild dash from Tacoma to save his $1,200 mileage, says the New York World. He was sworn and took seat, qbmiling expansively.
 S'Heard any new jokes lately?'' asked Representative Tawney.
 "No," said Cushman, nothing that sounded quite 70 gleeful as that swear ing in just got. I tell you, there is a lot of humor in $1,200."
 s'I bought this coat for the reason that it was guaranteed to be absolutely waterproof" said Representative Fred Landis of Indiana, but it leaks, though under the circumstances doubt if l can get my money back or. have 1t ex- klaauaeas