The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-08-15
From the Washington Post.

From the Washington Post.
III NKNOwN enemies of the Hon.
nd Joseph G. Cannon have begun to
NJ operate in Illinois In peculiarly
dangerous and subtle fashion The in
genuity of the attack upon him is con-
ceded, even by those stalwart admirers
who rush to his defense. 1t is covertly
charged by unidentified persons that
Uncle joe habitually wears both belt
and galluses, and that he is to be seen
in Danvlle without coat or waistcoat, his
shoulders supporting a pair of sky-blue
galluses, which are assisted in their I'M
portant function by wide black belt with
a brass buckle. This story sprung on
the eve of the convention that is expected
to declare in favor of Uncle Joe" for
President has had deadly effect in con-
fusing and dividing the Danvllle states
mans friends. All recognize that hid
eous obstacle has risen in the path, but
few know how to grapple with it.
In the first place everybody admits that
something is wrong is Uncle Joe" wears
both galuses and belt. But what is 1t?
Shall he discard the galluses and tighten
his belt, or shall he throw away the belt
and rely upon the sorely tried slSy-blue
braces? Herein lies the malice of the
plot; for "Uncle Joe's" adherents are
rapidly dividing into two camps, and in
testine strife Is imminent The trouble
threatens to spread into other states-a
rumble already comes from New England.
where the Providence Journal declares
ztoe If
undress,' and justifies the suspicion that
unless Uncle joe dlscards them it will
bolt his nomination for the presidency.
Diligent inquiry has failed to establish
the truth of the charge; but, on the other
hand, it has not been disproved. Certain
old-timers assert that when they knew
Joe Cannon before he became an uncle,
away back in North Carolina, he wore
only one gallus, but they are not sure
about the belt. Thus history, as usual.
is unsatisfying on vital points. Contem-
poraries of "Uncle Joe" in the House are
certain that he wears galluses, but they
have seen him only in the winter season.
They cannot deny that possibly when he
sheds his vest he straps on a belt, with
out removing his galluses. Uncle joe
himself was approached on this matter
and his reply was: Il wear what | id
pleased" This Delphic declaration of in
dependence was seized upon by the gall
lusites as proof that he chung to the sup
port of his youth, while the belttes found
in 1t confirmation of their own position
OF course. in a sense, Uncle Joe" is
free to wear what he pleases. His con-
formation may be such that the use of
both balluses and belt is expedient IL not
necessary. But If he should become the
nominee of the republican party, the
question will become acute. Soothsayers
are already abroad declaring that mo
man who wears both galluses and belt
shall ever be President" II is recalled
that President Roosevelt on the day that
Congress adjourned, appeared at the Cap
itol In white duck, without vest. and
wearing a substantial belt. There was
not sign of galluses about him. But,
of course, "Uncle joe is built on diff
ferent lines. and they may require differ
ent treatment.
The doubt should be dissolved without
delay. 1t will not suffice to say ''scat!'