The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-04-13
LONG SERVICE MEANS POWER.


sound judgment and Cody discretion,
their bearing reflects credit upon the mem
bership at home If educational, the test
of scholarship and the efficiency of the
schools and colleges are judged by the
character of the representation. Ii scien-
tific, the achievements and researches of
the men who speak for North Carolina re-
fleet glory upon the Commonwealth, as
the recent discoveries of Prof. Baskerville
in radium have done If political, the
character and statesmanlike qualities of
the delegates are tribute to the same
qualities of their constituents. 1t is there
fore Of the highest Importance that when
the State is represented in any sort OF
gathering outside it's borders that it
should send it's ablest and wisest leaders.
In Mexico, the whole State rejoiced that in
General Ransom in 1866, the Ambassador
fifty typified the best in our civilization.
There was pride in North Carolina that
the American Ambassador'to Brazil In the
person of Ex-Governor Jarvis in 1853
was of the best type of the American
diplomat. At the Charleston Exposition.
at banquet attended by President Roose-
Welt, the Governor of South Carolina and
other distinguished public men every man
in North Carolina felt thrill OF genuine
pride when it was everywhere conceded
that Governor Aycock bore off the palm
as the most eloquent of eloquent speak
ers who graced the notable gathering.
First and last many North Carolinians
visit the national capital on business or
pleasure. 1t is matter of pride now to
North Carolinians to visit Washington be-
cause they find North Carolina ably repre-
scented in both Senate and House. For the
first time in number of years the solld
delegation in Congress from North Caro-
lima is Democratic-ten representatives
and two Senators who are worthy disci-
pies of Jefferson. 1t is fitting that North
Carolina should be thus represented upon
the centennial of Jefferson's second cleo
ton, for this State not only twice voted
for jefferson but refused, upon suggestion
froIa jefferson to Willie Jones, to enter
the Union until protection to the rights
of the State, bill of rights, freedom of
religion and free press had been secured,
and North Carolina urged Jefferson to ac-
cept a third term. Nathaniel Macon was
Speaker of the House-''the last of the
Romans" as jefferson called him. and
North Carolina then, as now, was ably
represented in Congress.
Writing from Washington, member OF
the staff of this paper shows that, under
the new conditions that prevail, length
of service counts for muck in the House.
1t has always been true that in legislative
assemblies experience was most desirable.
That was true when the House was de-
Lucrative body. 1t is an hundred told
more true now that the House has degen-
Grated into a body where free discussion
no longer obtains. Not even Henry Clay
or James c. Blaine could have obtained
recognition under the present rules IN a
short term in what was once called the
popular branch of the national legislature.
1t is seldom that man is even placed on
ar important committee until his third Or
fourth term. When Mr.. Bryan was placed
on the Ways and Means Committee in his
second term it was national surprise, and
the Speaker felt called upon to say the ele-
walton has been made at the earnest re-
quest of Mr.. Springer, who had been
named as chairman of the committee. AS
a matter of fact, the Speaker owed his
election to Mr.. Springer and could not dis
regard his request Mr.. organs celebrat-
ed tariff speech-the ablest speech he has
ever made, except his Indianapolis speech
on Observation-Disclosures the departure
from custom which Mr.. Springer's friend
ship secured. Before the new rules went
into operation a man OF distinguished
ability could at once go to the front in
Washington. Now the House has been
converted into huge machine, recording
the will OF the Speaker and the admins
tration. Debate, free and unrestricted is
unknown, and the important work is real
ly done by the chief committees. 1t would
not be far wrong to call it Government
by Committees as pointed out in Wood
row Wilson's great book on Congressional
Committees. In part, it is necessary that
most of this work should be done in com
imittees. Inasmuch as, in the appoint
| ment of committees, priority of service is
| the thing that counts no State can have
| the best representation except through
| members who have long been members of
| Congress When district sends man
of real ability, high character and learning
to the House, if he proves
by his industry and his zeal worthy
| member, it is the part of wisdom
to keep such a man in the hall of legisla-
| ton. If it has a man not of Congress
siOnal &Ze he cannot no retirad FOO eoan