The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1910-02-10
De ARMoND'S CAREER.
Noted Missouri Congressman Who Re-
Gently Died a Hero's Death.

Noted Missouri Congressman Who Re-
Gently Died a Hero's Death.
Representative David Albaugh De
sArmond of the Sixth Missouri district,
who recently died the death of d hero
In vain effort 10 save the life OF his
little gra ndson in fire caused by cross
cd wires that destroyed his home in
Butler Mo-. was one of the best known
men in congress. not only because of
his long service. but because of his
character and talents. His death takes
from the Democratic side its best sea-
soned veteran in acknowledged leader
ship. Only four men had served long
er continuously than DE Almond, and
all of them are publicans-Cannon,
Bingham. Payne aud Dalzell. On the
Democratic side there were none of
longer service than De Almond and
only two-Livingston of Georgia and
Jones of virginia-who served rs long.
De Armoud was probably the fore
most parlia mentarian on the Demo-
cratic side of The chamber. The fact
that the Democratic floor leadership
never went To him was accounted for
by the fact that. despite his signal abil-
ity and long service. he had an ex-
ceedingly caustic tongue and spared
nobody when be laid about him TO
chastise friend or foe. Democrat or
Republican He had many admirers,
but. because OF his bitterness. not SO
many friends.
4, Mr. DE Almond was the son Of
locomotive engineer. He was born at
Duncansville. near Altoona. Pa. in
1874. was brought up on farm. re-
ceived common school education, at
tended an academy at Hollidaysburg
and early In life went TO Missouri
Before coming TO congress DE Ar
mond had been u state senator and
circuit judge IN Missouri and commits
sioner of the state supreme court.
Perhaps the most spectacular event
In the congressional career of Judge
De Almond was his personal encounter
on the floor OF the house after ad
journment with John Sharp Williams
his rival for the leadership of the
minority.
The two men had been at odds for
years. They kept up an appearance
Of amicable relations in the business
affairs Of the house. as both occupied
places as floor leaders of the minority.
One afternoon in December Williams
took seat beside De Almond and be-
gan to discuss the matter of a COM
mlttee appointment of one of De Ar
mond's colleagues from Missouri. There
was misunderstanding, Williams in
sisting that De Almond had consulted
him about an appointment. De Ar
mond insisted that no such converse
ton as Williams sketched had taken
place. but Williams said that he would
think his own way about 1t.
III you repeat that statement | shall
have TO brand II as lie" said De
Almond In his cold. imperturbabl BILE way.
Il do repeat 1t. hotly returned VIII
tams.
Then you are q liar!" rasped
out DE Almond.
You don't mean that. judge" said
Williams
Eyes, | do" said the determined De
Almond. You are - iiar..'
Both men were now standing. VIII
liams struck our aud landed squarely
on De Almonds nose. The latter re-
piled With blow that cut a cash M
der Villa inns eye. They clinched. and
the crowd of congressman aud at
tacbes that had run up separated the
two men. Both were small and light.
and little damage was done. There
was talk of a challenge. but friends
induced them to let the matter blow
over.
Judge De Armand was student. and
his manner in debate was thar OF
man who cared more for the truth and
logic of his reasoning than for stirring
the enthusiasm of his listeners.