New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-25
FOUR NOTED MEN.
anecdotes about ShOnts, Cannon,
Washington and WeaUer.

1t has often been said of President Shonts of
the Isthmian Canal Commission that he does
not wait for trouble to come to him, but meets
II outside the door 1t is one of the characters
tics which have brought him to his present emil
nent position 1t is well Illustrated in one or two
stories of his physical proves. One who has
Seen his stalwart figure and firm. aggressive face
can imagine how encounter with him would
result There have been such encounters, and
they have usually resulted as one thinks they
would.
When Mr.. Shonts was general manager of the
Iowa, Illinois and Indiana Railroad. with offices
at Kankal1ee. Ill. there was in the town blus-
tering coal merchant. somewhat larger even than
Mr.. Shonts, who did not like the way the rail-
rcad officials treated him. He would make the
air blue whenever he thought Of the way them
boys who operated the railroad were han
ding him" On one occasion he started for the
presidents office, with the intention of cleaning
up the place" The subordinates each received a
lashng from his tongue before he reached Mr.
Shontss room When he entered the office of
the general manager his immense beard was
bristing with rage. and a food Of profanity
poured forth with vehemence that would not
be stayed. At last Mr. Shonts could stand it no
longer. He seized the beard Of the irate man
tightly in one hand. and with the other doubled
Into a fist he pummelled the beigerent coal deal
er until he could hardly see and cried for
mercy. Then he released and allowed to
depart.
mot a word of this to any one" said MI
Shonts TO the admiring Office force.
The story got out, however for the coal dealer
told everybody he met that his condition was
hue to an encounter with Shonts.
Speaker Cannon also may be a surprise to a
visitor. The person who has not discovered that
he has overstayed his welcome may be treated
10 the explosion of a volcanic vocabulary that
will almost literally blow him out of the pres
ence of the famous Speaker. From his language
one would not think of Uncle Joe" as the son
Of Quaker parents. When Joseph married out
side of the sect there was a mutual renounce-
ment the elders repudiating Joseph and Joseph
repudlatlng the elders. 1t is said that at this
time he began the study of the gentle art of
swearing. 1t was by way of emphasizing his
don't care" position. He was Informed that II
would not be difficult for him TO win his way
back into the fold by atonng for the sin of be-
coming unequally yoked to a wording "Sim
ply say that you are sorry you married Mary"
raid the fatherly elder who went to him with the
proposal to return.
But I'm BANKED if I'm sorry, and I'm BANKED
I'll say it," was young Cannon's reply.
Booker T. Washington would not be considered
humorist He ordinarily is very serious Yet
NC HAe oIher men OF broad horizon, can find
humor IN situation When on his wav from
Tuskegee to New-Haven once to attend y Yale
celebration, he spent several days in New-York
Some one asked him what his object was in
gong to New-Haven. In answer he said: 81
was a guest at the Lotos Club last season when
that body gave a dinner to a distinguished cit
lien. had no idea that 1 would be called unon
TO speak, but some one did ask me to say some
thing' and told the president by way of intro
n mn
been asked to give color to the occasion" The
man who wanted to know asked no moro o,,ee-
tons
Mayor Weaver of Philadelphia has acquired
a reputation as an after dinner speaker. His
tecretary, Bob Grier. also is ambitious in that
way 1t is said that they have adopted the plan
II the late DR.. Talmage. who kept a book in