The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1904-04-13
Mr.. Sibley'S Personal Popularity.

Personal popularity plays an important
part in legislation in the halls of Con-
gress, and probably few constituents who
are asking favors of their representatives,
realize to what extent they are dependent
unon the personality of their representa-
tive for success. Strict rules govern the
time in the House for certain legislation,
and every day the work is planned for in
advance. Each member zealously guards
his own rights TO recognition and watch
es for the opportunity to call up those
measures which interest his constituents
with vigilance, lest some one else should
encroach upon his time, or call up bills
out of tuin. As the end of the session
draws nigh, and members see that bills
they have waited tor months 10 call up,
will probably not be reached they be-
come more anxious for recognition, and
more jealous of any lavors shown others.
Ii is then that measure after measure is
objected to, and pleas for just few min
utes to pass bill, are refused, and repre-
sentatives become irritable, and anxious
TO hit head on sight. AT such time
the member must be extremely popular
to obtain recognition to advance a meas
ure, when so many are anxious to object.
If he is one whose personal influence
tends to soften asperities, and promote
feeling of charity aud friendship among
members, he stands some chance of sue
cess; although even then it would be
was not one who would call out, 81 OBJ
ject." The harsh lines Of partisaDship
are drawn close, and ifa member escapes
an objection from his own side he is pret-
ty sure to hear one from the other. 1t is
only by possessing to a high degree, the
personal regard and friendship of all
members, that any one ol them can hope
to gain recognition for measure towards
the close of the session, except in regular
order.
We venture to say that no one is more
fortunate in this respect than Hon. Joseph
G. Sibley, from Pennsylvania. A little in
cident which took place in the House
last week illustrates his TACT and popular
ity. He had a bill introduced for con-
stituent, which would be lost in the clos
ing days of the session, unless something
was done quick.
1t was simple bill, carrying no ex-
penditure of money, and was merely an
act of Justice. 1t had been before other
Congresses, only to be left at the end for
lack OF time. On this morning Mr.. Sib-
ley asked for unanimous consent for
present consideration of the bill. A
member on the other side of the House
said he had no objection to offer to the
bill, but he did haye TO the recognition by
the Speaker of unanimous consent for the
consideration OF bill from the Commit
tee on Claims which vas entirely con-
trary to custom.
There was no objection on the Repub-
lican side, and Democratic leaders like
Williams, Livingston and others called
to their colleague not to object: those
near by whispering to him to sit down,
and one called out: 1T is Joe Sibley's
bill you don't want to Object" The
gentleman withdrew bis opposition, and
the bill passed.
There are indeed few members in the
House who could have accomplished this.
But Mr.. Sibley has a warm feeling tor
all members, and they have tor him and
with winning smile on his face, aud
good horse sense in general, he is able,
not alone to make bay while the sun
shines, but get in an occasional load be-
tween showers.