The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1909-11-24
De Almond Was
Minority Power
in Lower House

Washington, Nov 24.-In Mr.. ID
Almond. the Democrats lose one OF
their leaders on the floor OF the house
member OF that body for the past
10 years and a man of education
wide experience and fluent speech, he
had become one of the principal re-
sources OF his party in all discussion:
Of national questions. He made a
speciality OF labor subjects, but was
never at a loss in handling almost
any question.
Mr.. De Almond had been on the
bench before coming to congress, and
he naturally gave much attention to
judicial subjects. He was a member
OF the committee on judiciary at the
time of his death and had held that
post for many years. Previous to the
present congress, he also was a mem
Der OF the committee on rules, but
the selection of his colleague. Champ
Clark, as minority leader, rendered II
necessary to place Mr.. Clark on that
committee, which had the effect OF
Idisplacing Mr.. De Almond as two
could not be appointed from the same
state.
While Mr. De Almond will long be
remembered for his brilliant oratory
especially for his power of sarcasm
and capacity for inyective. he also
will long be known on account of his
qualities as a party fighter. Inclined
to be pgnacious he often pleaded sub
jects as an aggressor rather than as a
defendant. This quality of mind was
the means OF getting him into a per.
sonal alteration two years ago with
John sharp Williams. who was then
the Democratic leader of the house
rhe difference between them arose
oyr Mr.. Williams designation of @
Missouri colleague of Mr.. De Ar,
mond's for a committee position In
the organization OF the sixtieth con.
gress. They came to blows. but both
being ligttweights, neither was badly
hurt
Mr.. De Almond was an aspirant
for the leadership of the house, but
the recognition of Mr.. Clark effect.
ually cut him out OF that position.
De Almond was first elected to the
house of representatives, from the
sixth congressional district OF Mis-
souri, in 1891, and served continu.
ously. He was one of the best known
nauahare 90 tho Iouar bo,ca ~ xVoa.h
lngton, and had occupied other posi-
lions of prominence IN his state.
lie was a Democrat and in addition
to his political prominence was a vel
known lawyer.
He was born March IS, 1874. in
Blair county. Pa. His early life wa.
spent on his fathers farm, receiving
his education in the common school,
and at Williamsport Dickinson semi
nary
In his young manhood he practiceC
law In Butler. Mo-, and in 1884 wa;
named as presidential elector. II,
held successfully the positions o.
state senator. circuit Judge and Mis-
lsOull supreme tOuIl tOlnHl lSSlOntT
His entry into congress was in 1891
when he was made a representatlv,
in the ilfty-second congress and wa
reelected to each succeeding con
gress, including the sixty-frst.
Taft Sends Coincidence.
Butler. Mo-, Nov. 24.-Word wa
received from Washington last nigh
that congressional committee ha
been appointed to attend the funera
of De Almond and his grandson Fri
day.
Taft sent the following to Mrs. ID
Almond;
"Mrs. Taft and | were shocked 4
hear the dreadful news. We sympa
thlze most deeply with you. Your hu
band and | were very intimate.
valued his friendship most highly
He was an honest and able servan
OF the public. and patriot. NJ
heart goes out to you in your loss"
Police stop Bout.