The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-08
J. G. CANNON PROPOSED
FOR GUARDIANSHIP OF
CHICAGO CONVENTION
Many Persons Anxious to See the
Illinois Man Preside Over a
Big Gathering.
UNLIKE FORMER CARS
Not Polished as a Speaker, but
Popular with Both Democrats
and Republicans.
ORIGINAL AND WITTY
Instances in Which He Has Shown
His Desirable Qualities as
Legislative Leader.
UNLIKE FORMER CZARS
ORIGINAL. AND WITTY
Special 70 the IndianapoIis journal.

Special 70 the indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, May Tt would be an
interesting sight for the 5000 people who
will witness the Republican national con-
vention in Chicago If Speaker Cannon was
made presiding officer of the convention
There is now much talk to that end. AS
permanent chairman of the convention Mr..
Cannon would be in position to give to
the spectators living illustration of his
methods presiding officer which have
made him famous as the most unique and
interesting speaker the House of Represen-
tatives has known in its recent history.
And in that capacity Mr.. Cannon would
have the assistance of Asher Hinds, of
S Maine. the parliamentary clerk at the
speakers table. Thus the machinery of
the great popular branch of the American
Congress would be transferred for time
to the West. and would be witnessed in
all its glory and quaint originality by
thosuands OF people who have never seen
the House of Commons of the American
Republic in full operation.
This is one reason why many people hope
that Joseph g. Cannon, OF Illinois, may be
prevailed on to become permanent chair
man of the Chicago convention. He would
be success in that position, as he has
proved to be a success as speaker of the
House. And thereby hangs a tale regard
ing the course pursued by Mr.. Cannon since
he became sueaker after more than twenty
years of service the floor of the House.
L shall be fair in presiding over the
House as the exigencies of American poll
tics Will permit" said Mr.. Cannon to John
Sharpe Williams. the minority leader
And this well expresses the policy of
Speaker Cannon. The Illinois man is what
1t known in Kentucky as a frank parti-
SAN He makes no secret of IL. He prob
ably has more personal friends on the floor
than any speaker for many years. His
friends are on both sides of the chamber.
MIR. CANNON'S METHODS.
The methods of Speaker Cannon are un-
Ike those of any of his predecessors. Reed
was nearly always serious When he in
dulged in humor it was of the biting kind
which left sore spots. Henderson was like
Dull in china shop. Cannon has no
regard for the conventionalities In the
heat Of party battle he is apt to turn a
word or spring a witticism that restores
good humor. He frequently gives advice
from the chair. Reed ruled with a hand
or iron. Henderson initiated Reed. but
lacking the force and character of the
mighty man from Maine. he was a fat
failure. both as a leader and presiding Off
Ger. Unpolished as a speaker, Cannon
possesses great qualities as a leader. and
herein Is the secret OF his successful ca
Since the death of Nelson Dingley ir
OF Maine, Mr. Cannon has borne the bur-
den or the work as the floor leader of the
Republican majority. Serene z. Payne. of
New York. has sported the badge of that
important position, but never at any time
has ne been able to discharge its functions
He arrfa III
tenance frozen smile that puzzles his
friends and irritates his opponents Payne
has made enough blunders in the House
during the past few years TO kill a dozen
men with any aspirations to prominence
among his fellows. He is the fortunate
victim OF circumstances. As Chairman Of
the committee on ways and means the Gus
tom and tradition of the House place him
In the position he holds to-day PAYNE
has ratified in the shoes of Dingley like a
pea In a barrel. He is getting along as
best he can. and leaving the work for
others TO do Cannon became Reeds lieu
tenant on the floor when Dingley died and
continued in the same capacity when Hem
derson took up the gavel AS a speaker
MT cannon has practically taken the reins
OF leadership out of the hands of the slow
thinking and ponderous statesman from
New York Althougis he is among the vet
Grams himself. Mr. Cannon believes in Civ
ing 're young man a chance. As a result
younger and more aggressive men are ran
idly forging to the front. Among them are
aemenway p OF In LANA. Tawney of Mime
Seated in the chair of the House and snr-
rounded by every evidence of the power
OF his great office. Uncle Joe'' Cannon
does not look like a statesman STRANGER
would take him for a prosperous farmer.
Good gracious: said a visitor to the
just came to town on load of brooms
Uncle joe Is good natured at all times
and beams on the House like father on
turbed by the mention of his name i'm con
nection with the vice presidential nominal
ton. he has organized campaign against
himself He does not hold himself too big
for the vice presidency but thinks he 10
better fitted for service in the House He
has been a member of the lower branch of
Congress for many years and would ,ot
feel at home amid the formalities and die
nifty TO be found in the Senate
TOOK THE BULL BY THE HORNS
The informality of the speakers methods
In presiding over the House was striking
ly illustrated In an incident which occurred
during the closing days of the last ses-
sion. w. Bourke Cochran, the fiery. un-
tanned Tammany orator. had Just con-
ciuded a battle of words with John D,l-
cell. the peppery Republican from Penn
syivania- Cochran had been practically
charged with having accepted money IN
make Republican speeches i'm the car, ~
paign of 1896. He denied il and ofrered a
resolution calling for inquiry into his
record. The temper of the House was az
fever heat vituperative expression and
ugly personalities characterized the Cock
ran-Dalzell debate. Both members orfend
ed the dignity OF the House. AT the beight
OF the excitement the speaker blandlv s1g
gested that IL would be better for ALI .if
We have nights sleep before taking any
action. '
mo sleep" shouted the Democrats.
well, WE'LL said the speaker
When the matter was pressed Canno,
tried To pour oil on the troubled wafers
II was OF no avail, however He took the
bull by the horns and on a question of
privilege refused TO make a ruling declar-
Ing that he wanted time 10 look up the
prscedents. Here an instance where
the stupidity of the leader on the floor
made IL necessary for the speaker to ilImp
into the heat OF debate
Uncle joe gleefully admits that he
lacks skill as a presiding officer II do the
best / can. he said. 'sand depend unon
Hinds for the rest" Asher D. Kinds is
the clerk at the speakers table. He served
Reed and Henderson in that capacity One
day Speaker Cannon found II necessary Ia
reverse himself upon a ruling made with
out consultation with Kinds.
rs that the decision OF the chair" said
John Sharpe Williams. "or does IL come
from the speakers clerk"
1T comes from man who can give US
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2, COL A.