The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-10-04
Uncle Joe on the Road.

OuE bpTy young ITlcDO the DanVlllo
Galahad has been rushing through
Missouri, Iowa and way stations in a
private car. His passionate fondness
for the heaven born tariff appeals to the
calm observer a good deal less than his
habits apdmanners. These are faithfully
and reverently described by a correspon-
dent Of the st. Louis Globe Democrat
who has the happiness Of accompanying
the good man on his travels. JosEPHUs
is an athlete, a parlor car gymnast. He
INDUCES in these sports:
a series Of calis,henjos In the centre Of the one
large compartment Of the car which Is used as q
reception hall except at meal times, and ct those
times as a dining room. Al those exercises he
dances on his toes with the ~spriyhuy step OF the
trained dancer. 1t doubles him up In a ~squattlng
position on the floor. with his knees at his chin. and
then shoots him to an upright position as straight
as an arrow. Thus he gets the exercise which
strengthens the muscles Of the chest and back. It
prompts him to a movement not unlike the high
kick of the ballet dancer. delivered while the sup.
pcrtinE leg is balanced on the toes and rigid ankle"
The camera man is on the spot. In
/ 1908 pictorial documents will certify to
the Speakers soundness and liveliness.
The correspondent explains that these
exercises ARE usually religiously per-
formed before anybody il up, yet the
Speaker would probably not give them
up even if he were travelling with the
President" Naturally not. Uncle JOE is
~vivscious; he is agile, il not beautiful in
the strict sense. II he wants TO turn
handsprings or double fliplaps before
enraptured audiences, why shouldn't he
do it? Such exhibitions of his perfect
condition would not mar his dignity.
This is the athletic age, and the people
read gladly of the feats Of their favor
| ties. Besides, as the Missouri historian
says, Mr.. CANNON is nothing il not
democratic"
While the bright bronze poll Of TOM
WATSON Eliminates the car and Tom sis
gorging on the elaborate breakfast Of
the special Pullman fare" behold the
anchorite: IA
THE Speaker leans back In his chair. with .
paper raised to a level with the sp,Ctacles which
bridge his nose. while before him is a stcamlng cup
OF hot water. He may take a bit of an omelet. as
much as will oil a tablespoon. and a dry end of
Jbead Hf IA. brittle piece Of toast. He mdr aaka.
a second cup of this hot water. but that Is ALI ,ons.
morning ! saw the chef tempt him with a dish Of
GOLDFISH. OF which he had heard the Speaker Is par
ticulariy fond. He did cat as much as would cover
a half biscuit. not forgetting to praise highly the
thoughtfuiness which had brought TO him bis
fsyorite dish" r
Just Goldfish enough to show respect.
for the Massachusetts, Republican vote;
no more. For luncheon, no soft Cam
panian Gates, no cold meats, no ~ice,'
no fancy cakes" no coffee in dainty
a~fterdinner cups" but the inevitable
bowl of hot water. a bowl Of fresh milk
and perhaps a half dozen crackers broken
off in dainty bits" At night he eats q
plain substantial meal, and after it he
tells those tales with pointed ends" that
have made his chaste and delicate humor
so famous. Early to bed; up at 9 OF z:
he Is in the pink Of form" and always in
training.
A picture Of Mr.. CANNON after the heat
and burden Of the day:
Fl unbuttoncd his yes, a. the bottom. We
pulled toward him . deep seated upholstered chair;
threw his feet up nearly to The centre OF the near by
table; pulled half of his cigar back into his mouth,
and for half an hour. without . word Of Interrupt
ton. a question or suggestion. retold from his own
peculiar. picturesque viewpoint some OF the early
history Of his country and his state"
His feet ON the table, his cigar in his
mouth as he talks: we leave him in this
democratic posture, the healthiest man
in the world.