Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1906-10-25
ORATORY @CONGRESS
Senator Bailey the Finest Speaker In Either House


field Republican.-The question Is
often raised of how much actual
effect are the speeches which are
daily delivered in congress, and which
go out to the country through the
newspapers, the Congressional Record
and the million reprints at govern
ment expense which congressman
send to their constituents in franked
envelopes. Probably there are few peo-
pie in this day who entertain the idea
that the senators and representatives
who sit listening to these speeches
viction, according to the arguments
presented, as to which is the better
course upon the question under de-
bate. Yet those VINO are not regular
freQuenters of the two halls of con-
gress are unlikely to fully realize of
how very little effect are even the
best of these speeches.
1t is familiar remark about the
capitol that no speech ever changes
50 much as single vote. This is an
exaggeration. But it is nearer the
truth than the irea that in these
days splendid Grafton can ever win
reluctant chamber. In the first
place there are few questions upon
which the members of Congress have
not made up their minds in advance
of any speaking. In the second place
the great speeches are few. Senator
Hoar's orations on the Philippine
question may live, especially when a
new generation has seen the fuller
justification of his views. But the
senators and representatives in the
present Congress who give any slight
est promise of ever offering a lasting
contribution to American oratory may
be counted on the fingers.
The question might be raised why
speeches should be made at all If
they change no votes. The answer is
that if their direct effect has waned
to almost nothing, their indirect effect
is large and may not probably in
crease as the average intelligence of
the people increases along with their
interest in public questions. Thus, for
example, when Senator Tillman and
Senator Spooner are engaged in a
sharp debate over the San Domingo
treaty, there is no LIKELIHOOD, should
either succeed ever so clearly in dis
proving the others contentious, that
he would so be able to win that others
vote. Yet what they say is of great
Importance. 1t does out to the country
as the highest criticism or justification
OF the administration course and for
the country's judgment thereupoh.
1t is upon moral as distinguished
from a political question that an able
and brilliant speaker has the better
chance of wining votes. When the
case of Judge Swayne was up in the
house last year there were delivered
several exceptionally fine speeches
urging that all politician considera-
tons be cast aside and that regard be
had only for the purity of the Amer-
can judiciary. 1t is unquestionable
that these speeches had a decisive
effect on that occasion, for the house
voted for impeachment by only a
narrow margin made up of republican
votes won despite the partisan ex-
hortations of the republican machine
and added to the solid democracy.
An important phase of the indirect
effect of congressional speeches is
seen in the increased standing gained
by comparatively new member, par
ticularly of the House, who discloses
unusual ability on the floor. Such a
man may not, for the reasons ex-
planned, change SO much as one vote
at the time he is speaking, but he Is
noted by the leaders. They are glad to
find another recruit whom they can
rely upon In debate, who will not be
uDforsed or furnish ammunition for
the enemy. Consequently they bear
him In mind, and eventually he is like.
|, to get better committee assign.
ments than the man who has done
nothing distinguishing and to find him
self more influential as a result. This
is the more true, however, il he does
not talk too much. A reputation for
talking too much is as dangerous as
the blight.
In point of true oratoricaf ability
and force, Senator Joseph w. Bailey
OF Texas stands superior to any other
ran In the senate or house. His de-
livery is measured and deliberate. but
vigorous and strongly emphasized. He
has the advantage of a commanding
physique and a clear, deep voice Of
attractive quality. His deliberate utter
ance and his physical appearance
he Is smooth shaveny black haired and
always wears the conventional black
frock,--are at times strongly suggest
i've OF what is vaguely called the "old
school" tsut while he can marshal a
richly cOlored rhetoric when an extra,
ordinary occasion demands. the chief
characteristic OF his delivery Is It's
luminous clarity and directness Like
many a lawyer Of high ability. he has
fondness for discussing fine legal
points. But, however involved the
reasoning, he is able to set 1t forth so
clearly as to be Ineligible even 10
the visitors in the ga ferries who are
unfamiliar with legal matters. Senator
ia t1nrt r.s.r <...1txA 49,